Governor cites 3 E’s to move state forward


Volume 42, Issue 9. Today is .

February 1, 2005

Attention to the quality of the state’s education, economy and environment need to keep improving in order to move the state forward.
Gov. Janet Napolitano

Governor cites 3 E’s to move state forward

Luisa Pawlak and
Rebecca Straughmatt
Mesa Legend

MCC welcomed Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano Jan. 15, for the annual East Valley Breakfast with the Governor.
Welcomed and introduced by MCC President Larry Christiansen and Karen Cupps, chairwoman of the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, Napolitano launched into comments about advancing the state in three specific areas: education, economy and environment
The governor stressed that the primary focus of all Arizonan’s should be “moving Arizona forward,” in all aspects.
“I don’t think I have to tell you that the East Valley is experiencing explosive growth,” Napolitano said.
In terms of quality education, Napolitano cited it as the most important step in moving the state onward. Napolitano defined a quality education as being one that not only prepares students for exams, but for life in the real world.
Napolitano also took a moment to express her approval of all-day kindergarten, noting that children in such programs learn to read much quicker and have a significant advantage over children who have to wait until first grade to read on their own.
“The early ability to read and write in English, is something we need to focus in on as being the foundation for education,” Napolitano stated, explaining how something so seemingly small could effect the grand scheme of things.
“It sounds so simple, but what we can see from our test scores, is that we haven’t been doing a particularly good job,” she noted.
Napolitano also mentioned that “we need to keep overseeing our community colleges, which are world class,” pointing out that other states are envious of the colleges in Arizona.
“Right now, we have approximately 100,000 students in the Arizona University system. We need a highly educated populace if we are going to be a competitive state,” Napolitano said.
In terms of the economy, Napolitano addressed taxes; proposing that legislative action be taken to eliminate the small property tax in Arizona.
“I also propose that we reduce the tax assessment evaluation on equipment used to manufacture goods that we export out of Arizona,” Napolitano added, pointing out that “when we export goods, we bring in new money.”
Napolitano also took a moment to discuss Arizona’s environment, jokingly inferring that “you know you’re living in a drought when rain makes the news.” On a more serious note, Napolitano spoke about the importance of water conservation techniques, such as water planning. Napolitano urged Arizonan's to create an ideal model of how to sustain an excellent quality of life in a drought.
Napolitano also touched on the topic of Arizona’s whopping 9.2 million acres of land, which is preserved by the Arizona Land Trust Fund.
Napolitano explained that the land was attained immediately after Arizona was brought into the Union. She deemed the land so important that it should be put on top of the agenda, possibly utilizing the people’s vote and federal legislation to enforce it as a priority.
“These are exciting times we’re living in,” Napolitano said, emphasizing that Arizona’s “can do” attitude is what sets it apart from other states.