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August 23, 2002/Elul 15 5762, Vol. 54, No. 49
Laying out the issues
RICHARD MAHONEY
Jewish News asked the congressional and gubernatorial candidates to express their views on issues affecting the Jewish community in "Political Voices."
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Church-state issues
I advocate categoric separation of church and state, consistent with our First Amendment. The faith-based initiative is dangerous and invites the politicization of churches.
Death penalty
As governor, I would stop all executions until we are satisfied that the death penalty is being administered fairly. We should develop a DNA bank that would prove, exonerate and solve multiple crimes. I support the death penalty for certain horrible crimes.
Relations with Mexico
The federal government has performed miserably. Our southern border is effectively open and, at a time when we must anticipate terrorist acts, this is threatening. We need to jointly document guest workers with the Mexican government - to know who's in the country and why - and require that the Mexican government (which is about to tax the $7.8 billion remitted to Mexico) cover its nationals with health and auto insurance. Our hospitals and doctors face insolvency because of uninsured patient care.
Public education
I support public education. I am opposed to vouchers. I am also opposed to the AIMS scam, foisted on our schools by our two inept parties. Teachers' salaries must be increased by 15 percent, school districts consolidated, and class sizes legally mandated at a maximum of 19.
Israel and boycotts
I support foreign aid, particularly to Israel, which has used it productively. Boycotts are a poor excuse for foreign policy. Pressure through embargoes never "trickles up" to the dictatorship (Cuba, Iraq and North Korea) they're supposed to punish. Arab countries boycotting Israel should themselves be removed from all trade advantages in the U.S. market.
Trade with Israel
I am a longtime supporter of Israel, having visited there twice and lectured at Hebrew University (in defense policy). As governor, I would spearhead commercial trade from Arizona, particularly the licensing of solar and desert technologies.
Mahoney is an independent candidate for Arizona governor. For more information, visit www.mahoneyforgovernor.com.
Other candidates for the seat are Republicans Betsey Bayless, Diana Kennedy, Matt Salmon and Carol Springer; Democrats Alfredo Gutierrez, Janet Napolitano, Mike Newcomb and Mark Osterloh; and Libertarians Gary Fallon and Barry Hess.
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