FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dear Arizona
Business Leaders,
As a
fourth-generation Arizonan, I know this state is the land of opportunity. Our
state, under the leadership of Governor Brewer, is on the cusp of a remarkable
economic turnaround. Arizona's economy is poised to become
one of the fastest growing in the nation.
We have attracted significant new
investments, such as Apple in Mesa. For the first time since the start of the
Great Recession, Arizona's outlook is bright.
Unfortunately,
the intense national debate over SB1062 threatens to derail the economic
momentum we have worked so hard to create. This unnecessary legislation could
have unintended consequences that will further divide this state and harm our
still-fragile economic recovery.
When I first
read SB1062,
I instinctively knew it would be bad for Arizona. As President of
the US Conference of Mayors, I had the honor of hosting 45 large city mayors
from around the country last weekend for a leadership meeting.
Many of these mayors came from cities
that had enacted travel bans against Arizona after SB1070 was
enacted. I worked with
them for years dispelling bad perceptions about our state, and they all decided
to come to Arizona. They
gave us a chance to shine. Then came SB1062. I learned first hand and in real time
how leaders from outside Arizona – many of them fellow Republicans – view
Arizona and how damaging this bill is to our reputation. They were brutally
honest and straightforward.
On Friday, I
became the first Republican candidate for Governor to speak out in opposition to
this bill. SB1062 is wrong for Arizona and it is wrong for our
business community. I
commit to you that as Governor I will lead, not simply talk. I will focus on and fight for real
issues that have real consequences to Arizonans. Jobs. Education Excellence. Creating
opportunity. Building a Better Arizona. I’ve done it as a mayor, and I will
do it as your Governor.
Sincerely,
