Candidate Profile: John Kavanagh For State House District 23

The 2020 election is heating up in Arizona with plenty of candidates vying for office. While there is a huge emphasis on the presidential election, voters will also decide the outcome of local elections and determine who will fill state representative and senate seats.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

John Kavanagh, a Fountain Hills resident is running for State House District 23.

Age: 70
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family: Wife Linda and children Jonathan and Nick
Occupation: 25 year college professor, retired police detective sergeant, nine years serving on two town councils and 13 years as a legislator
Previous elected experience: Fountain Hills Town Council and Lafayette, NJ Town Council
Family members in government: No
Campaign website: electkavanagh.com

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The economy.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience and legislative accomplishments.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Tax cuts, tort reform, Increased education funding and two-time Humane Society "Legislator of the Year."

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

Low interest loans and suspend or eliminate costly regulations.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

Better police training, more oversight and accountability. More of a focus on rehabilitation of prisoners and diversion of first-time minor offenders.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

I will oppose efforts to defund the police, continue to place controls on disruptive short-term rentals, strengthen laws against animal cruelty, increase education funding and oppose tax increases.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I possess the experience, knowledge and demeanor to effectively represent their interests in the legislature.