Candidate Profile: Ray Michaels For State Senate In 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 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.

Ray Michaels, a Scottsdale, AZ resident is running for State Senate District 24.

<b>Age:</b> 59
<b>Party affiliation:</b> Republican Party
<b>Family:</b> My Family has been in the Valley of the Sun since the 1940's.
<b>Occupation:</b> Hospitality/Entertainment/Business Owner/Self Employed — 45 years
<b>Previous elected experience:</b> None
<b>Family members in government:</b> No
<b>Campaign website:</b> RayMichaels4AZ.com

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

Public safety. Without public safety, Arizonans will face a citizenry focused on fear and not on vital issues such as education and the economy.

<b>What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I desire to be a public servant and not a lifetime politician. My opponent was originally elected to public office in 1976 - over 44 years, -despite Arizona having term limits since 1992. My opponent is an educator and on a public school board, yet LD24 is rated well below the state average for (a) living in poverty, (b) participation in state benefits and (c) AzMerit reading tests.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

Award winning participant and co-host of Arizona state convention for student government. Restaurant manager at age 18. Owned and operated several small businesses with 45 years in hospitality/entertainment/travel industries. Owned, operated and managed a historic, boutique hotel, gourmet restaurant and British style pub. Managed and directed for numerous international companies employing international teams from over 30 countries worldwide. Worked with a diverse and wide variety of people, traveling to almost 100 countries. Directed, produced and headlined convention events around the U.S. Informational/Educational/Motivational presenter for a number of high profile, international companies.

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

First, greatly reduce or remove any barrier, mandate or regulation which prohibits free commerce or trade. Second, incentivize local and small businesses to participate in whatever safety measures that are reasonable and fair to build their clientele, and thirdly, encourage the American spirit and engage citizens to get back to their normal way of life.

<b>How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?</b>

We must first start by separating emotions from facts and work with statistics and data compiled from the most up to date information from leading governmental sources. We must hold accountable injustice wherever it is taking place without effecting individual rights, liberty or due process.

<b>List other issues that define your campaign platform:</b>

Public Safety - Any citizen of the United States should feel confident that their lives, liberty and property are protected by their local, state and federal government without fear of threat anywhere they are.

Education - The United States was founded on having a educated populous necessary for self governess. Children must be educated in our founding history, citizenship and what it means to live in and be a party of the greatest experiment in human history. Most importantly, we must protect our children from exposure to the wiles of social experimentation and to teach them how to be to be good people and citizens.

Economy - We must allow the creativity and ingenuity of the individual flourish without excessive governmental regulations and barriers. A free market system will allow all citizens to truly live out the American Dream.

<b>What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I am proud to say that my family has been in the Valley of the Sun since the 1940’s and I am a dedicated neighbor, Precinct Committeeman and State Delegate for the Arizona Republican Party 2020.

As a Christian conservative, Constitutional Republican and business owner, I will serve my constituents as a statesman and not politician.

Foundational pillars include; limited government, states rights, balanced budgets, community involvement, family and faith based values, individual rights, self sustainability, quality health care, personal responsibility and accountability, small business minded, environmental stewardship, life, liberty, freedom, and child safety and welfare.

I would be honored to be your voice as I serve as senator and will work tirelessly to achieve the goals of my constituents’. Please consider helping with your vote and contribution at www.RayMichaels4AZ.com