Kurland: Electing a state representative who values Scottsdale constituents

I am proud of my principles and I want everyone to know that I will fight to strengthen our state’s economy so everyone can find rewarding jobs and grow their businesses. I will invest in our future by supporting our public schools.”

Eric Kurland, Scottsdale resident and House of Representatives candidate

The politicians representing our little corner of Arizona have repeatedly made national and statewide news for all of the wrong reasons, from efforts to suppress voters, to self-identifying as bigots, and failing to understand the importance of feminine hygiene in women’s prisons.

It’s time we had better representation in our state legislature. It’s time we had representation that reflects who we are as a community.

That’s why I, Eric Kurland, decided to run for office, specifically for a seat in the Arizona State House of Representatives.

I’ve spent my adult life as a public servant teaching in the Title I schools of Scottsdale, working with parents and their kids to see generation after generation grow into wonderful adults.

I’ve come to know the people of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, and Fort McDowell. We are an inviting community that hosts world-famous events from spring training to the Waste Management golf tournament. People here work hard and look out for their neighbors. And when we have problems, we come together to find solutions.

One of my campaign tenets has been to bring civility back into our public discourse. I believe strongly that we need to put issues over ideology; place people above politics. I stand ready to work with any person, from any party, who will move Arizona forward.

As a candidate, it’s important for the public to know what I am about, and over the course of the last year I’ve held over 65 different video public forums with local candidates from all parties, business leaders, medical professionals, faith leaders and other members of our community.

I am proud of my principles and I want everyone to know that I will fight to strengthen our state’s economy so everyone can find rewarding jobs and grow their businesses. I will invest in our future by supporting our public schools.

And I will work to keep our community safe by making sure our first responders have the resources they need.

Unfortunately, I’m running against an opponent who is almost hiding from the public and absolutely hiding from any discourse.

Joseph Chaplik is hiding because he knows his views don’t represent our community. I have offered countless opportunities for civil debate and yet my opponent has always refused to show for any type of organized discussion.

He refused the Clean Elections debate. He refused an education forum hosted by Save Our Schools. He turned down an online forum with the Valley Interfaith Project with more than a dozen religious leadership groups. I’m also on record agreeing to meet him at the time and place of his choosing to discuss our policies in front of the voters and he has refused.

Chaplik simply isn’t fit to be elected to public office.

I have been honored with the endorsements of the fire fighters, the nurses, and the teachers just to name a few and I would be honored to have your vote. But, no matter what, the good folks of LD 23 deserve representation with integrity and dignity. Someone who will show up, listen, and not be an embarrassment to our families.

If not me, John Kavanaugh and write-in Republican candidate, Joe Romack, are two acceptable choices. We cannot afford Mr. Chaplik; he is quite simply not fit for office.

Editor’s Note: Eric Kurland is seeking election to Arizona’s House of Representatives for Legislative District 23.