Candidate Profile: Lela Alston For State Senate District 24

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.

Lela Alston, a Phoenix resident is running for State Senate District 24.

Age: 78
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family: I have two children and six grandchildren.
Occupation: I am a retired teacher of 35 years, and I am currently the State Senator for LD24.
Previous elected experience: I was a representative in the house for eight years, and I was previously in the senate for 18 years.
Family members in government: Nope, just me.
Campaign website: https://www.lelaalstonaz.com/

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

With so many people out of work, we need to expand unemployment benefits and insurance so people can keep their homes and stay healthy during the pandemic.

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

My opponent doesn't support expanding unemployment benefits and insurance, and he doesn't even support wearing a mask during a pandemic. I am not sure how serious he is about the concerns of LD24 constituents.

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

I can handle this job because I have been doing it successfully for 28 years. The majority of that time was spent working across the aisle, in a republican dominated legislature, to make sure the concerns and issues of my constituents were addressed.

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

The state received a significant amount of CARES money that is distributed at the discretion of the governor. The governor should be cautious in distributing those funds to local businesses, and making sure that small business owners are included.

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

Democrats have been calling for a special session, specifically to address police reform. The actions we recommend include body cameras, outside oversight of use of force investigations, state wide officer and discipline database, better training that includes cultural sensitivity, and a limit to qualified immunity.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

One of my big issues is creating a sustainable funding stream for public education. My other issues include expanding civil rights, climate change and the environment, addressing gun violence, addressing affordable housing and homelessness, and making health care accessible to all Arizonans.

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

I'm a native Arizonan, and I was born in this district, and I received all of my education through public schools. That is why I am passionate about serving as a state senator for my community.