Gubernatorial candidate Doug Ducey discussed his vision for the state and took questions from NFIB members in an exclusive teleconference set up for them by NFIB/Arizona on Thursday, September 18.
The state treasurer started out with music to members’ ears, proclaiming, “On Day 1, I’m putting a moratorium on any new regulation from state agencies.”
And this was before a poll taken during the teleconference revealed that regulations were the top concern of members listening in (see chart below). Furthermore, he promised to “take care of it immediately” when someone can point out a current regulation that is harmful or duplicative.
For those hearing him for the first time, you couldn’t help but understand why this highly successful entrepreneur was the Primary Election choice of many, giving, as he did, sharp and well-thought-out answers to the questions asked of him by NFIB members.
When asked what his definition of economic development was, Ducey said “It begins with our tax code. It should look like something written with purpose,” instead of slapped together as it has been. Improving the regulatory environment of the state, lowering liability and litigation worries and reforming education so everyone graduating from high school can “read, communicate and analyze” rounded out his top priorities.
NFIB members were treated not only to his campaign agenda, but got a glimpse of the approach he would take as governor. When establishing Cold Stone Creamery, Ducey said he made it a point to learn the lessons other brands had to offer, and this, he said, would hold true as governor. “What can we learn from other states? I want to start by looking at the states that have no income tax. They’re doing better than all the others.” A comment that supported his goal of eventually having no state income tax at all.
NFIB member Yale from Phoenix asked Ducey about the Dept. of Economic Security’s overreach in audits of independent contractors; Loretta from Chandler asked about the minimum wage; Chuck in Yuma asked about raids on funds dedicated for transportation.
The entire 31-minute teleconference can be heard here. Other remarks by Ducey included:
- “My experience is everyone wants to comply with the law as long as it’s consistent and predictable.”
- “There isn’t a good-old-boys’ club,” when asked to list some of the good thinks about Arizona. “Work is rewarded here, it’s welcoming to small business, and it’s wide open.”
