Ron Drake
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ron Drake (born 1957, Chicago, Illinois) is an Arizona businessman and politician.
Contents |
[edit] Education and Background
Drake holds a BS from Northern Illinois University and is a member of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and the West Valley Arts Council. He is also a member of the Maricopa County Association of Governments and its Transportation Policy Committee. He is employed as a manager with Qwest Communications.
[edit] Mayor of Avondale
Drake served as Mayor of Avondale, Arizona from 2001 to 2006. Drake focused on economic development, transforming the city into a "a go-go hub of business" according to the Arizona Republic.[1] Money Magazine calculated that job growth in Avondale from 2000-2005 was 54.3 percent, the third highest of any city in the country over that time period.[2]
[edit] Campaign for Congress
Drake was the Republican nominee for U.S. Congress in Arizona's 7th congressional district. He unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Democrat Raul Grijalva in the 2006 mid-term election. On Election Day he garnered approximately 36% of the vote, which was in line with previous Republican showings in this overwhelmingly Democratic district. [3]
[edit] Immigration
Drake's biggest issue is the control of illegal immigration and the strengthening of border security, through providing adequate resources to the border patrol and local law enforcement and allowing them to do their jobs. Drake favors the use of Arizona National guard along the border, which Grijalva opposes. Drake supports a guest worker program, but believes it should not commence until after the broder has been secured.
[edit] Jobs
He also promises to bring the same successful economic development policies from Avondale to the congressional district, partnering with companies to bring well-paying jobs to the district. He also supports congressional action to prevent the scheduled tax hikes that will occur automatically in 2011. Grijalva supports those tax hikes, which would raise taxes for all taxpayers.
[edit] Other Issues
Drake calls for tougher sentences for criminals and increased local control to improve education. Drake believes that the US should drill for oil in the Alaskan National Wildlife Reserve and an expansion in domestic refining capacity to lower gas prices. He is also campaigning on a pledge to hold regular town hall meetings and be more reactive to constituent needs than Grijalva.
