2nd Amendment

Q: You did not resopond to the NRA's questionnaire.  What is your position on the 2nd Amendment?  Jim in Tucson

A: The 2nd Amendment is clear, "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Therefore, on your personal property or on public right-of-ways you have the right to keep and bear any firearm you choose. I disagree with the assertion that word "people" in the 2nd amendment refers to the collective; implying the amendment only protects the right of the State governments to maintain a militia.  We do not use that interpretation for the 4th Amendment and why would the 10th amendment draw a distinction; "...reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."  As a legislator I will not vote for any measure that is in conflict with the 2nd Amendment.

 

There was a reason I choose not to complete the NRA questionnaire. Returning control to local governments is central concept in my campaign.  This requires that citizens be engaged locally. Therefore I chose not to respond to or seek the endorsement of any national organizations, regardless of whether I agreed or disagreed with their objectives.

Rosemont Copper Project

Q: Have you taken a position on regarding the Rosemont Mine project?  Howard in Green Valley

A: If I am honored to represent LD2, my role as a state legislator will not be to advocate for or against any single economic interest.  Rather, to ensure that all parties have access to a fair and transparent process.  Additionally, it is the state's role to make sure there are sufficient provisions to hold parties accountable for the commitments they make.  As to the Rosemont Copper Project, I am not yet satisfied this is the case.  Although little if any of the process will be conducted with a vote in legislature,  I will not advocate for the Rosemont Copper Project until the people in the communities directly effected are satisfied the water and transportation issues have been resolved.