…from the Summer 2009 edition:
Name: Janice K. Brewer
Hometown: Glendale, AZ
Occupation: Governor of Arizona
Previous Jobs: Arizona State Representative, Arizona State Senator, Maricopa County Supervisor, Arizona Secretary of State
Individual(s) who inspired me as a child: My mother really inspired me as a young girl. After I lost my father, my mother worked very hard to provide for my brother and me. She owned a small franchise dress shop, where she taught me important life lessons. I was able to help her in her shop throughout my childhood, which not only taught me about basic business principles, but also about life. She taught me about the value of hard work and fi nancial responsibility. She taught me the importance of treating others with honesty and integrity. My mother really helped shape my values that I have maintained throughout my life.
Historical figure(s) I would most like to meet: I have always been very interested in the life and mind of Abraham Lincoln. In such a time of turmoil, he was able to stand up for what he believed was right and stand fi rm in his convictions. Against all odds, he was able to keep our nation together. His ability to lead in such a critical moment in history truly is inspirational. I think we could all learn much from Lincoln, and I know that I benefi t from his ideals, wisdom and humility as I continue to work through diffi cult economic times in Arizona.
Issue facing America that no one is talking about: Although immigration remains an important topic in our national debate, public discussion on the true cost of illegal immigration enforcement needs more emphasis. The financial and personnel burden for Border States is much larger than most people imagine. The costs to educate the children of illegal aliens, the costs to provide health care to illegal aliens and their families, and the costs to incarcerate illegal alien criminals are draining the pocketbooks of all Arizonans. It is an issue we must not ignore and one that our entire nation must address and resolve.
What the GOP must do to win its way back in the polls: Our principles have not changed, and I think, for the most part, they mirror the values of the American – and Arizona – family. We need to continue to focus on those Republican ideals, including limited government, free enterprise, and individual initiative. Of course, there will be disagreements; every family has them. But, in the end, these spats are only background noise, and we need to listen, instead, to the voices of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan and follow the lessons they taught us.