Arizona
Dr. Heather Carter, Candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 7
By Dr. Heather Carter
Jun 30, 2010, 15:53

Dr. Heather Carter

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself, Heather Carter, as your candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 7. Legislative District 7 includes Cave Creek, Carefree, north Scottsdale and north Phoenix. I want to take this unique opportunity to meet the readers of the Bridle and Bit because on the campaign trail, I don’t necessarily get a chance to talk about my personal passion – raising and showing registered Quarter Horses and Paints. I have been involved with the industry since the day I was born, and in Arizona since 1988. Many of you may know me from the horse shows, but you may not know that I am running for the Arizona State Legislature.

While my district is in northeast Maricopa County, I believe that electing a person who fundamentally understands the equine industry benefits the entire state of Arizona. The Arizona Thoroughbred Association donated to my campaign because they are confident in my ability to represent the interest of the equine industry at the State Capital. This is extremely important. The Arizona Association of Realtors, a group that understands our property interests as landowners, also endorses me. I am actively seeking other endorsements throughout the campaign as well.

Arizona is facing some of the most challenging times; our state is in a dire financial situation. We are spending more than we earn in state revenues. State agencies are feeling some of the greatest budget hits. Breeder award accounts and county fair accounts have been drastically reduced. Breeding numbers are down. Horse show numbers are declining. People’s farms and ranches are going under. This is a tragedy. We need to elect officials who understand the important contribution our industry makes to this state to help improve the situation.

For example, our state is heavily dependent on sales tax. This is just one of many key areas where horse enthusiasts contribute to the general fund in Arizona. Horse owners spend a great deal of money taking care of our horses. Our purchases keep other industries profitable including retail stores, hotels, gas stations, feed stores, farms, ranches, and the list continues. When our industry is profitable, our state benefits. When our industry is in decline, the state is loosing money. It’s really that simple.

We need to elect people to office who fundamentally understand that the horse industry is an important contributor to the economic recovery of Arizona. We need people who understand that it is not just about horse shows, county fairs, and watching a horse race as social events. It’s about the economy. The horse industry is more than just recreational pursuits; it’s about bringing dollars to Arizona and spending dollars in Arizona.

How can you help? I need your vote in Legislative District 7. If you don’t live in this district, I need you to contact your friends who DO live in the district. The primary election is August 24th. Mail-in ballots will be mailed July 29th. But many people don’t vote in the primary and this greatly concerns me. We need people to take an active stance in the primary, voting for candidates who understand our industry. Otherwise, we will not have a choice to elect someone who supports the equine industry in the general election. I know we are all extremely busy, but I am asking you to take the time and make your voice heard in the primary election. I am the ONLY candidate in my race that owns horses and is deeply committed to our interests.

Please go to my website, http://voteheathercarter.com and use the links provided to check your voter registration. If you are not registered, please register by July 26th. You can vote for me in the primary if you are a Republican or independent. As an independent, call the County Recorder’s office and ask them to mail you a Republican ballot. You can call 602-506-1511 and push zero to talk to someone. You can also go to the polls and ask to vote the Republican ticket. If you use Facebook, sign up to follow my page by going to http://facebook.com/voteheathercarterld7 and click on the button ‘like.’

Finally, I need help getting the word out and this takes money and support. I am funding my campaign traditionally. I am NOT taking taxpayer dollars to run my campaign via Clean Elections. I am running a grassroots campaign and spending every dollar carefully. I would appreciate a campaign donation of any amount up to $410. Also, if you are inspired by my message, and would like to post a yard sign, I would be happy to bring one by and put it in your yard. Each yard sign brings in neighborhood votes.

I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 602-697-9777. Thank you! And don’t forget to VOTE in the PRIMARY!



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