Metro Phoenix’s continued growth has pushed into traditionally rural areas. Legislative District 16 reflects the area’s changing dynamic: Part rapidly expanding exurbia, part agricultural fields.Voters in this district, which straddles Interstate 10 from south of Chandler to western Tucson, split their tickets for the Legislature, sending a Republican and a Democrat to fill the district’s two House seats. Both incumbents — Rep. Teresa Martinez, R-Maricopa and Rep. Keith Seaman, D-Casa Grande — are seeking another term.But newcomer Chris Lopez, a Casa Grande Republican, is hoping to put the district under full Republican control. The owner of a concession business as well as a trucking firm, Lopez is the only candidate who replied to The Arizona Republic’s candidate questionnaire.The district’s Senate seat is held by longtime Republican lawmaker T.J. Shope. He is being challenged by Democrat Stacey Seaman, daughter of Keith. Neither of the two Senate hopefuls filled out a questionnaire.The Republic’s survey touched on key issues that have been front-burner topics at the Capitol. Here’s what Lopez had to say. Answers may have been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.What could be done to better improve the economy for Arizonans?Lopez: As a small business owner, I know first-hand the challenges facing Arizona job creators. We need to work closely with our K-12, community colleges, technical schools, and universities to ensure education is affordable and providing training for the jobs employers need. We need to help lower the cost of healthcare by securing the border and stopping the influx of illegal immigration and fentanyl. I applaud our Legislators who voted to repeal taxes on rent and prevent food taxes so we can combat inflation and bring prices down. I’m proud of the work Senator T.J. Shope and Rep. Teresa Martinez have done to support our community, law enforcement, and job creators.The reason I’m running is because progressive Rep. Keith Seaman hasn’t been working for Arizonans, and instead championed legislation to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants — while Arizonans are struggling to cover our own healthcare costs. I believe we can strengthen our economy by investing in education, create safe neighborhoods by securing the border, and eliminate taxes that impact hardworking Arizonans and seniors on a fixed income who can least afford it.Do you believe the state should slow its pumping and use of groundwater and what, if anything, should Arizona do to augment the state’s supply of water?Lopez: The famous saying in Arizona is that whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting, and our rural district understands that better than anyone. Growing up in Casa Grande and raising my family here, I’ve watched the incredible growth of our community. Of course, water is the lifeblood of our state and district. We need to work with all stakeholders, regardless of party, to find a commonsense solution that allows for continued economic growth without compromising our rural values and agricultural uses. I’ve spent my life working with our farmers and ranchers and listening to their concerns about the future availability of our water supply. Ultimately I believe Arizona can benefit by bringing all in-state interests together so we can focus on working with neighboring states to increase our water allocation, rather than simply arguing over the water supply that is given to us by California and neighboring states.If you could address only one environmental factor as a lawmaker, what would it be?Lopez: Water, without question. We need to ensure we have a sustainable water supply, but also high water quality. I applaud lawmakers at the Capitol who took steps to prioritize Arizona water interests over the Saudi superfarm that was draining the water table. In the future, we need to help our farmers and ranchers use water saving technology and devices, while thinking creatively about ways to reuse wastewater and ensure our existing water is clean and available. The solution to our water challenges isn’t a Republican or Democratic problem, which is why I’m committed to working with both parties to find solutions that benefit Arizonans and our district.What is your view on local control of zoning and permitting policies when it comes to addressing housing affordability? What other ideas do you support to make housing affordable?Lopez: It is undeniable that prices and inflation are through the roof. Repealing the tax on rent was acritical step in providing housing affordability throughout Arizona. Unfortunately, in the face of record-high home prices, progressive Rep. Seaman opposed reducing housing costs, which is why we need to change who we send to the Legislature. I am excited to work with members of both parties to tackle the housing affordability issue.Local control is important, but when unreasonable regulations and outdated zoning laws prevent housing affordability, it is the role of the Legislature to make a change. It’s also hard for homebuilders to jungle the various zoning requirements in each jurisdiction. By streamlining permitting and making the zoning process easier, it will ultimately bring down the cost of homes long-term. The federal government needs to reduce interest rates and take a page from our playbook in repealing rental taxes. However, we also need to address the current supply issue that has been partially created by allowing hedge funds and foreign entities to buy properties for short-term rentals.Does Arizona’s universal voucher program need any limitations, and if so, why? Outline what, if anything, you would advocate for the program.Lopez: Arizona families rely on school choice to provide the best educational opportunities for their kids. Each child is different and has unique needs. I support universal school choice in Arizona and think it ultimately benefits all students by providing flexibility for parents to make the right choice for their kids. Unfortunately, the ESA program and school choice have become a partisan issue at the Capitol. But, in our community, families don’t view it through a political lens, but rather an opportunity to create great educational outcomes. The current system has already been proven to work, as certain voucher requests have been reviewed and denied when they don’t fit existing criteria. School voucher spending accounts for less than 5% of total public education spending in the state, so rather than introduce burdensome changes to a program that already seems to have the proper oversight and accountability, we should ensure school funding is benefiting teacher salaries and local schools.Who are you backing for president?Lopez: Donald TrumpReach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on Threads as well as on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @maryjpitzl.Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
See the full article on Arizona zoning regulations, or, read more Arizona real estate investing news. It’s up to you!