I can’t remember the last time I was excited by my voting options.

Political discourse has descended into an us-against-them mentality and the major parties have encouraged it. Our problems in Arizona remain, not because they are unsolvable, but because parties need them as a wedge to rally their base to vote. They punish lawmakers for working in a bipartisan way, even at the expense of their own voters, to prevent the other side from having a "win".

Members of the "other" party aren't enemies to be vanquished. They're men and women that a majority of their constituency elected to be their voice in the political process. Everyone being heard is the very essence of democracy.

As an independent candidate for office, I am committed to running a positive and principled campaign.

I believe that by focusing on the issues that matter most to Arizonans, and by working with lawmakers from all parties to find common ground, we can create a brighter future for our state.

We need leaders who bring people together to solve problems with respect and cooperation, rather than division and hostility. We deserve a government where all Arizonans can have their voices heard and their concerns addressed, regardless of political affiliation.

If elected, I will be accountable only to the people of Arizona, not beholden to a particular party, and I'll work with whoever I need to, regardless of party, to tackle the problems that face us and address the issues relevant to Arizonans.