NPR 89.1

District 17

2022 Arizona House of Representatives candidates respond to an AZPM survey, weighing in on issues facing the state and how to solve them.Responses have not been edited.
Responding Candidates
Rachel Jones
Arizona House of Representatives Candidate

Rachel Jones

RepublicanCandidate Website
Brian Radford
Arizona House of Representatives Candidate

Brian Radford

DemocratCandidate Website
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Arizona House of Representatives Candidate

Sherrylyn Young, MD

RepublicanCandidate Website
Questions

Have you always been a member of your party? If not, when did you join your current party?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) Yes.
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) Yes, I'm a lifelong Democrat.
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) My family was Democrat, and I was a Democrat as a young woman. I became a Republican about 20 years ago.

Where were you born? If you were not born in Arizona, how long have you lived here?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) Denver, CO. 18 years (in Arizona).
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) California. 20+ years (in Arizona).
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) California. 43 years (in Arizona).

What city/community do you live in currently?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) Tucson
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) Tucson (Catalina) on NW side.
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) Tanque Verde area of Tucson

Why are you running for office?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) [Did not answer]
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) I'm running to ensure a better future for our community and our children and grandchildren. We need better progress for AZ and we need to work together to make it happen.
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) Like many other people, I see our country moving in the wrong direction. Government has become bloated, expensive, and dictatorial. We are facing uncontrolled inflation, uncontrolled borders, and uncontrolled crime. The federal government seems to be out of control, and the states must take back their authority to protect their citizens. I am running for State House to help the state legislature become more responsible for their own policies, push back on the over-reach of the federal government, and be more accessible to their citizens.

What are you top 3 priorities if elected?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) [Did not answer]
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) Public schools. We need better teacher pay and per pupil spending that reflects our surrounding states and closer to the national average. We cannot remain ranked last. Voting rights. We need to secure safe and fair elections free from partisan interference. Early voting has been used successfully over decades without issues. Water scarcity and climate. With a decline of available Colorado River water, we need better management for all water sources, including ground water management in rural areas. Water resiliency is vital to future growth and development.
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) 1) Election Integrity-Making voting easily accessible while cleaning up voter rolls, requiring voter ID, and insuring chain of custody for ballots. Voters in all parties deserve to have confidence in the trustworthiness of their elections.

2) Better Education-Working to improve public schools by revamping curriculum to be focused on core studies, critical thinking, and job skills. Schools must provide better protection for our children, and I support armed marshals in the schools. For parents who wish alternative education for their children, the education funds should follow the child (recent legislation has allowed for this).

3)Medical Freedom-The recent Covid pandemic has taught us that we can lose our freedoms by virtue of executive orders and bureaucratic mandates. Doctor were threatened with losing their licenses if they departed from the ""official line."" Citizens lost their jobs and livelihood by refusing to take an unproven vaccine. Legislation must ensure that this will never happen again.

What sets you apart from other candidates in your party's primary?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) [Did not answer]
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) I have many years of experience working in State and Local government. From working as an Officer, to working in public schools, to being a foster parent, I have first-hand knowledge and skills in understanding government rules and laws that drive government agency policies and procedures.
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) I am a retired Ob-Gyn physician who practiced for more than two decades, ran my own small business medical practice, and held leadership positions in medical associations. Between college and medical school, I obtained a teaching credential, and later served as president of Tanque Verde School Board when my children were in school there. I have extensive experience in health care, business, and education, and can bring that expertise to the job of State Representative.

What is the biggest problem with the way the office you are seeking is working and how do you solve it?

Rachel Jones
Rachel Jones (R) [Did not answer]
Brian Radford
Brian Radford (D) Our current electeds are distracted by lies and conspiracies of an election from 2 years ago. Basic facts and needs of the community are not being met. We need leaders who will listen to voters and get things done. We need progress!
Sherrylyn Young, MD
Sherrylyn Young, MD (R) The biggest problem is that the two parties have become so polarized that there is almost no middle ground. I believe that most Americans want sensible policies that result in limited government and personal freedom. I have the ability to understand and analyze complex issues, and express them effectively to other people. With good understanding of the issues, people will be more likely to come together on solutions.
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