Arizona Republic interview of Terry Goddard

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Without a primary opponent, Attorney General Terry Goddard has received little attention from the political media who are fixated on the McCain-Hayworth mudslinging fest and the Accidental Governor's attempt to demonize immigrants as her election strategy to make voters forget about what a god-awful failure she has been at managing this state and its budget (first governor in Arizona history not to balance a state budget – twice!)

Today the Arizona Republic attempts to rectify overlooking the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in this report Terry Goddard says GOP goals neglect state's needs:

[I]n a recent interview with The Arizona Republic, Goddard peppered many of his answers about his campaign with remarks about how Brewer has done a poor job in office.

For example, Goddard, who said job creation would be his No. 1 priority if elected, is quick to say that "one of the tragedies and glaring deficiencies of (the current administration) is that they haven't done anything in that area."

If he were in the office, he said, he would be honest with voters about the state's budget deficit, set up a deal-closing fund to bring new business to the state and work toward an overhaul of the state's tax system, which he believes is riddled with loopholes.

Among other things, Goddard laments tax exemptions for certain luxury retail services, such as spa treatments or country-club memberships.

"I think the whole thing stinks," Goddard said of the state's tax system. "I think we should blow it up and start all over."

He also is quick to criticize Brewer and the Republican-dominated Legislature for "killing our tourism industry through a whole series of deliberate actions," including closing many of the state's rest areas and some of its parks.

Goddard also calls some of Brewer's recent statements regarding the violence associated with illegal immigration "irresponsible" and detrimental to the state's economic recovery.

"We should never have to go back and organize a PR campaign to undo the damage that statements by the governor have caused to our tourism and recreation (industries)," he said.

Ask Goddard about the important issues facing the next governor, and he eagerly talks about the need for education reform. He said it's one that hits close to home, as his son is about to enter sixth grade and has been enrolled in public schools grappling with growing class sizes and increasingly limited resources.

He also welcomes questions about his strategy for combating Arizona's illegal-immigration problems. He said he would demand that the federal government pass immigration reform that includes tougher sentences for illegal crossers and push a requirement that those who have entered the country illegally but want to become citizens pay back taxes and fines, learn English and pass a criminal-background check.

On Thursday, Goddard – who opposes SB 1070 – sent a strongly worded letter to President Barack Obama, questioning the federal government's decision to sue over the immigration law without first addressing the "broken border."

"Your administration's decision to challenge Arizona's law before it even takes effect, without any effort to address Arizona's costs or to effectively deal with the cartel threat, has created substantial and justifiable anger here," Goddard wrote.

Goddard said that, if elected, he would continue to fight and prosecute the drug cartels and smugglers by aggressively going after their financial operations and networks.

"I take second place to nobody in this nation for being focused on illegal immigration and doing something about it," he said.

On the issues

Q: As governor, would you support state legislation that denies citizenship to children of illegal immigrants?

A: While immigration is a growing crisis in our state and our country, no crisis warrants dismantling or ignoring the very fundamentals that make America the greatest country in the world. This potential legislation violates the very principles that define our country. We need to seek a tough, comprehensive solution to illegal immigration, and I believe that we can do so while honoring and protecting our country's history and constitution.

Q: What do you see as the top priorities of the next governor of Arizona?

A: (First), restoring lost jobs, attracting new jobs and building our economy must be the highest priority. I will work with the business community to identify and eliminate roadblocks to growing Arizona companies and building our economy. (Second), the state budget deficit. We must work together to eliminate the structural deficit, pay off the education-funding gimmicks, and support the priorities of Arizonans – education, public safety, health care, clean air, clean water and open spaces. (Third), schools. Quality public schools are the foundation for economic success. I will never be satisfied with schools ranked at the bottom nationally and will work tirelessly to bring Arizona schools into the top 10 in educational achievement.

Q: What, if anything, would you change about Arizona's current tax structure?

A: Arizona's tax system needs to be modernized. Our current system is uneven, unfair and bad for business. Government has created a maze of tax credits and exceptions that make it difficult for businesses to operate. We should eliminate tax credits that do not have a direct impact on increasing economic opportunity and job creation while reducing sales taxes that are crippling Arizona's local retail merchants. We need a tax system that funds critical services without damaging the ability of our businesses to compete.