The quest to succeed outgoing Arizona House Congressional District (CD) Three Representative Ruben Gallego has drawn several impressive candidates to the race.
Educator and Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor is one of them.
A fifth-generation Arizonan whose father was the late Representative Ed Pastor, the three-term Phoenix Councilwoman started her public service career as an elementary school teacher in the Roosevelt and Isaac Districts, working primarily with underserved students. She was an advocate for communication with parents, children, and teachers, focused on building a holistic system of support for families.
As Councilwoman, she has also served twice as Phoenix Vice Mayor (until 2022.) During her tenure, she has helped:
● Institute a cancer screening program for first responders.
● Push for greater light rail routes.
● Support Electric Vehicle buses for Valley Metro.
● Create affordable housing opportunities for seniors, veterans, and the poor.
● Preside, partially as the Chairperson of the Economic Development and Equity
● Served on the Transportation Infrastructure Committee
● Subcommittee, over $20 billion in capital investments that have helped generate 75,000 jobs.
In declaring her run for Congress, Councilwoman Pastor has vowed to put the community first, saying in her campaign kickoff statement:
“My dad taught me that any politician can talk, but it’s the results you deliver that matter. So I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Congress. I am running to put my experience to work on behalf of Arizonans – to take care of our veterans, to have someone looking out for the family budgets, and to protect all of our access to health care including reproductive care.”
Her campaign also released a video showcasing testimonials from constituents that Councilwoman Pastor has helped through her time in office and statements from the candidate on how she will work tirelessly for the people in her district, stating:
“I’ll never stop fighting to move us forward. I’ll never stop fighting for a better Arizona and I’ll do it with everything I have…”
Councilwoman Pastor graciously took the time to respond to questions about her candidacy for the House seat in Arizona CD-Three.
The questions and her responses are below.
1) Please tell the voters, at least three reasons they should vote for you over any Democrat or Republican for the CD Three Arizona House Seat.
“I am running to continue the service that I have done for the City of Phoenix. As a community organizer, as an educator, and as a councilwoman, I have a proven track record throughout my career of solving issues and representing my community. When I see a problem, I solve that problem and make sure a solution happens and is always at hand. Finally, I am from the district – I know the district, grew up in the district, and am raising my family in the district. Arizona 03 is where I call home. Additionally, CD 03 is one of the most diverse districts in the country in all demographics. One must be willing to serve and work with all people of all backgrounds, including politics. That is how progress and substantial change are made when elected officials of all parties can come together and find a solution, and I have a proven record on the Phoenix Council of doing so, and I am prepared to continue doing so in the halls of the US House of Representatives.”
2) Please advise what are at least three main issues, currently, in this House race. Please explain.
“Phoenix is the fastest growing city in the nation. While that is exciting, we have opportunities to address major issues impacting our community from climate change to education. Our city is currently being defined by the impacts of climate change, especially when it comes to water security for our city and neighboring communities. We can begin with finding energy-sustainable solutions from transportation to economic development that specifically address climate change. Secondly, what has defined the previous council and is also currently defining the current Phoenix city council is the housing crisis. The cost of living is rising and affordable housing is becoming far to reach for many Americans — this is something that all local officials must work in unison with the state & federal government to make a meaningful impact that provides a roof over people’s heads and provides the services that they may need ranging from mental health care, food access, and more. Furthermore, we have an opportunity to further provide pathways for education for all students regardless of background and to continue supporting our first responders with resources they may need.
3) Please describe your campaign strategy to reach voters, including Independents and disaffected Republicans.
“My best way of reaching voters is the relationships I have developed, working, and demonstrating that all the projects I have worked on have been supported across the board by Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. It does not matter what party you are from. It is issues that affect them every day.”
“The best way of reaching voters of all identities is communicating this simple message: people over politics. My entire career is defined by that meaningful philosophy. I have developed working relationships with all people on various community projects, and yes, I am proud to say that I have worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. It does not matter what party anyone is from, as long as we can agree to put people over politics. These are issues that affect all of us, and as a member of Congress, I will operate that way.”
4) Is there anything not covered in the first three questions that you would like the readers to know about you and your candidacy for the House of Representatives?
“I am a solid candidate. I am committed to you. As a candidate and perhaps maybe a future member of Congress with your support and vote, let us work together to address the issues that impact us each.”
Please click on the below social media sites to find out more about Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor and her candidacy for the House seat in Arizona CD Three.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057821660951
https://twitter.com/laurapastoraz
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