Q&A for LD14 candidates

Candidates in the Arizona House of Representatives races are vying for a maximum of two seats per party in July 30 primaries. In the Nov. 5 general election, the top two vote-getters in Arizona’s 30 House districts win seats, regardless of party, while only one senator is chosen per district.

In Legislative District 14, five Republicans are running in the July 30 primary, but no Democrats are in their primary, making this likely the decisive election, though there is a Green Party candidate.

With Republican Rep. Travis Grantham not running for re-election, there will be at least one new representative LD14, which covers most of Gilbert. Laurin Hendrix is running to retain his seat against four challengers.

Some candidates hadn’t responded to the questionnaire as of this writing. The responses to each question, posed by the Gilbert Independent , below are listed alphabetically by the last name of each candidate. They were asked to limit their responses to 150 words.

Why are you running for this Arizona Legislature seat in 2024?

Joel Coen: I am running for the Arizona Legislature seat in 2024 because I believe Arizona is at a critical juncture. Our state is growing rapidly, and we must plan carefully for the future. Unfortunately, our current government is not adequately preparing, and we need strong leadership to ensure we navigate this growth responsibly. Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing failures at our border and within our education system. These issues are too important to ignore, and I am committed to working tirelessly to bring about the necessary improvements. Finally, my son's dedication to serving our country by attending West Point has profoundly inspired me. Our family has always had a deep love for this country, and I feel a compelling duty to serve Arizona at the same high level of commitment. It's time to take action, and I am ready to lead.

Lalani Hunsaker: Our country, our state and our district are at a critical tipping point. As a mom of four, I am watching with great concern as crime encroaches into our community, our open border brings drugs and lawlessness, our economy is floundering, parental rights are at constant risk, and our families aren’t put first. Nate and I made our home here in Gilbert more than 18 years ago. Three of my babies were born here. I believe change comes when citizens step up for their community — average moms and dads, not just polished politicians in suits. My community won’t need to worry about what’s going on in Phoenix because I’ll be there fighting for our families, our safety, our economy and values.

Khyl Powell: I am running to: 1. Secure our southern border and stop illegal immigration; 2. Secure election integrity, 3. Reduce government regulations and taxes, 4. Protect our families, 5. Protect law enforcement, 6. Promote school choice, 7. Promote life and defend our constitutional God-given rights.

What skills have you demonstrated that are most useful in being a state lawmaker?

Coen: I bring a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set that will be invaluable as a state lawmaker:

• Leadership and Strategic Planning: Working as an advisor with executives and boards has prepared me to guide Arizona through its rapid growth.
• Analytical and Data-Driven Decision Making: This analytical approach is crucial for addressing complex issues like our border situation and education system.
• Non-Profit Leadership: Serving as president of a major non-profit in town has honed my leadership and organizational skills.
• Board Experience: Sitting on the board of trustees at the Phoenix Art Museum has provided me with valuable insights into governance and the importance of cultural and community institutions.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Managing various roles has required me to be adaptable and solve complex problems efficiently.
• Commitment to Service: This passion for service will drive my efforts to make a positive impact as a state lawmaker.

Hunsaker: I have perspective on critical aspects of life faced by my community. I’ve been a minority owner in a small business during COVID-19. I know the challenges business owners faced and continue to face — even in a pro-business state like Arizona. I understand education from all sides — as a parent, as a public charter school board member and as a former charter school principal. I also have expertise in water. I was proud to be appointed under Gov. Doug Ducey to one of the state’s subsidiary water boards. I’ve also developed water policy under elected officials and candidates for public office. But my most important qualification is as a mom. I have skin in the game. Like many moms and dads can attest, we want to pass a free and prosperous state to the next generation. Today, that’s at risk.

Powell: I have owned and managed two successful businesses for more than 45 years. Consulted with Fortune 500 companies.  Served on the board of the Small Business Alliance advocating for small business.  Served on the Planning and Zoning Board for the town of Gilbert. Led a coalition of industrial owners in negotiating new land development ordinances with the town of Gilbert focusing on protecting property rights.

Briefly, what should be the legislature’s most important guiding principle in determining how much to fund K-12 public schools?

Coen: The legislature’s most important guiding principle in determining K-12 public school funding should be ensuring maximum efficiency and impact of every dollar spent. This means prioritizing funding that directly enhances student learning and outcomes, particularly in critical areas like STEM education and technology integration, given Arizona's rapid technological growth.

By efficiently allocating resources and holding schools accountable for their performance, we can improve our education system's quality and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education. It's essential to focus on strategic investments that support teachers, modernize classrooms and provide equitable opportunities for all students, ultimately preparing them for the future.

Hunsaker: I am focused on three guiding principles in funding education in Arizona: 1) Transparency and accountability in spending, 2) getting more money to our teachers and directly into classrooms, with less money getting stuck in bureaucracy, and 3) protecting Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship program so every student can access the education that fits their needs.

Powell: Funding for public schools comes from property taxes and bonds. Any consideration for funding should be strictly based on the capacity of families to absorb the cost.  Our present battle with inflation has placed enormous financial burdens on families.  Our first consideration should be to reduce inflation and encourage a free and prosperous economy.

Water supplies will likely be a much-discussed 2025 topic. Do you have a new idea in this arena that hasn’t been implemented, and how much should the state stick to all the provisions and metrics called for in the 1980 Groundwater Management Act?

Coen: It's clear that we need to adapt and innovate to meet today’s challenges.

One innovative approach that hasn’t been fully implemented in Arizona is Integrated Water Resource Management, a holistic approach that coordinates the management of water, land and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising ecosystems’ sustainability.

• Key components of IWRM for Arizona could include:
• Enhanced water recycling and reuse;
• Smart water infrastructure;
• Water banking and trading;
• Public-private partnerships;
• Education and community involvement.

While innovation is crucial, we must also adhere to the foundational principles of the Groundwater Management Act, which has protective provisions and metrics that remain vital. However, we should:

• Regularly review and update metrics;
• Strengthen enforcement;
• Incorporate flexibility through adaptive management.

By combining the innovative elements of IWRM with the robust framework of the Groundwater Management Act, we can develop a sustainable and resilient water management strategy to meet current and future needs.

Hunsaker: First I think that we need to stop playing politics with water. Historically, Arizona has been the gold standard in western state water management. In 1980 a significantly larger part of our water resources were being allocated to agriculture than today. Agriculture also historically uses more water than residential usage. With this in mind; I think that we need to evaluate the new allocations and projections for usage to make sure that we are allocating water in the appropriate buckets and we understand what the growth trends look like for the most populated parts of Arizona. Once we understand that, then we can look at how best to manage our water, specifically our groundwater. We need to proceed cautiously because, again, Arizona has done a good job managing a precious resource. We don't want to inhibit growth, but we also don't want to be cavalier in our approach.

Powell: We all know that water is one of our most precious resources. Responding to this question requires a thorough study of the state’s water resources.

What steps should the state take to ensure more affordable housing is available to longtime Arizona residents that it hasn't sent to the governor as part of bill within the past two years?

Coen: To ensure more affordable housing for longtime Arizona residents without significant state costs, the state should focus on easing zoning restrictions to encourage the construction of accessory dwelling units and repurpose unused state-owned land for affordable housing. Implementing inclusionary zoning, which requires new developments to include affordable units, and enhancing tenant protections to prevent displacement are also effective measures. These steps can significantly increase affordable housing availability with minimal financial impact on the state.

Hunsaker: The cost of living and purchasing a home is just too high for most in the upcoming generation. But there are levers we can pull to bring down costs in our community. I would like to roll back all unnecessary red tape that is blocking housing development from moving quickly to supply the demand. I would also like to look at creative, free-market options for disincentivizing large investors from buying up homes from under potential Arizona homeowners and inflating prices.

Powell: I do not believe that it is the position of the state or the governor to be involved in private industry. In fact, excessive regulation is one of the foremost reasons why we have an affordable housing issue.  I encourage local, county and state government to do all they can to eliminate all burdensome regulations that impact the housing and construction industry. Through the reduction of oversight, fees and regulation the cost of housing would drop.

Candidates Laurin Hendrix and Andrew Jackson did not respond to Gilbert Independent queries.