Knecht: Vote for character, ideas, not party affiliation

If you want to think of me as an underdog because I’m pursuing a state senate seat as an Independent, I’m OK with that.  History is filled with inspirational stories of unexpected champions who used work and wit; courage and character; energy and enthusiasm to accomplish amazing and important things.  Think David from the Bible, Gandhi, Rosa Parks, The Chicago Cubs and Save Our Schools Arizona.

I don’t think of myself as an underdog. I’ve won three non-partisan elections. I’ve led a prominent West Valley leadership development company. I’ve been the president of a statewide education association. I have broad, bipartisan support and endorsements from highly-respected West Valley leaders who are Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

Being independent is my strength, not my weakness. I don’t characterize half of my community as the enemy. I view all our community as neighbors. I refuse to take partisan sides on the issues that affect all our lives. It’s not helpful.

Legislative District 21 is rich with reasonable, kind, civic-minded people who share a desire to do better for our neighborhoods and our state. We love America and Arizona. Many of us have kids or grandkids here. We care about the legacy we are leaving the next generation.

We all get angry when tax dollars are not used effectively and efficiently. We’re rightfully frustrated when public tax dollars are used for privatization and profiteering. We are exasperated that corporations are getting larger and larger tax cuts while the tax burden is increasingly shifted onto local property owners and consumers. And, we’re savvy. We understand that a return on investment actually requires investment.

Kathy Knecht

We all want to be proud of our state. We want smart, healthy kids; safe neighborhoods; high-paying jobs; vibrant communities; clean, comfortable air and fair public policies. We want to feel good and live long. And, when it comes to teacher pay (or anything else), who likes to be last? We want electeds whose loyalty is to local citizens, not out-of-state lobbyists with deep pockets and extreme agendas. We want leaders who will focus on the important issues that affect our lives and our livelihood instead of pursuing outrageous legislation that ends up making us the punchline on comedy shows, and costing taxpayers millions in lawsuits and boycotts.

I believe that we’re all tired of petty, political partisanship getting in the way of solving problems. I know we’re worried about corruption and the toxic influence of unchecked power and gross amounts of money.

I am counting on people understanding that it’s important to vote for the person whose character, ideas, and record you find worthy, even if they are not a member of your party. I am hopeful that you will help me spread that message.

Editor’ note: Ms. Knecht is a Peoria Unified School District Governing Board member and is running for Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 21, which includes parts of Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown, Glendale and Sun City.