Of the 593 people who participated in an online survey to help set Southern Arizona’s economic development agenda for next year’s legislative session, about 200 respondents took advantage of an open-ended question.

Here is a sampling of some of those verbatim responses:

“Work harder on bringing some of the business generated by the Arizona Film Tax Credit down to southern Arizona.”

Print this story Email this story Post a Comment ADVERTISEMENT

“Now is no time to slash the state budget via tax cuts. Rather, we need to increase our investment in education and transportation. Arizona can’t afford to fall any further behind our competition, both near (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah) and far (countries ranging from Canada to Singapore).”

“The key is a revolution in education, not money.”

“Need to make significant moneys available to grow the solar economy in Arizona. Especially towards manufacturing of photovoltaic modules.”

“Education is so important to the future of the state and our future economy.  Let’s not shortchange that area now for a quick fix for the current budget crisis.”

“How can one combine funding and prioritization decisions for kindergarten and elementary schools with graduate schools? Get real! Ask questions that make sense if you really want answers to guide decisions.”

“Continue state support of Science Foundation Arizona”

“Accountability from educators and education administrators to ensure our children are well educated.”

“Arizona is currently #48 in the U.S. for money allocated per child for public education.  This hurts Arizona when children need a greater investment to succeed and compete.  Large companies may decide to pick another state to expand in when they look at our stats.  Please do not cut educational funding, but give our schools what they need to be competitive with other states and the global economy.”

“Encourage and invest in economic development activities that diversify and minimize dependence on construction industry and builds upon other local strengths, such as solar and biotechnology.”

“Put more money into programs that educate adults who could go into the workforce in a shorter amount of time.  For example, adults studying (English as a second language) or getting their GED. They are ready now; they have kids and families; it serves the community in the short term and long term to provide opportunities for these adults.”

“The lack of legislative support for higher education in Arizona is appalling. We will continue to have difficulty attracting and keeping high-paying jobs in our state without a well-qualified workforce.”

“If we as a state truly want to be a player in the ‘knowledge-based economy,’ we need to stop acting like a tourist destination. Please, please, please emphasize that the long-term fix for our economy is to amend Arizona’s tax structure.”

“The State of Arizona needs to revisit its tax and business structure for small businesses. It is onerous to do business in the State of Arizona and small businesses face significant hurdles. Simplify, streamline and make it easier for small businesses to simply run their businesses.”

“Transportation definitely needs to be improved. However, given the current budget challenges, I believe there are more important needs right now.”

“We want the Legislative session to include talks of investment into locally incubated companies rather than targeting outside companies to transfer to Tucson Region.”

“Get money to develop downtown. If Tucson is to have any sort of future, attention needs to be paid to its core, otherwise, how can you expect to draw anyone to the area? Also, develop a better plan for a downtown stadium/arena.”

“Applying more money to education is NOT the solution. The solution is to get innovativate, creative thinking TEACHERS.”

“Arizona is using 20th Century tax and fiscal policies. Bonding for schools would address most of the fiscal problems. A revised sales and income tax law would realign Arizona’s needs and revenues.”

“Get serious about R&D on solar power.”

“Support Jonathon Payton’s call for non-partisan elections to Tucson City Council. Economic development in Tucson is virtually dead with a totally business ignorant, no-growth, city council. The most important thing is to change the image of Tucson as a unfriendly business atmosphere. TREO has become part of the problem rather than the solution with its cooperation with the city in particular and not standing up to the anti-business issues and not voicing its opposition to impact fees, environmental issues, and just plain stupid ideas that have a negative effect on business. Re: Certificate of occupancy.”

“I rank transportation funding highly due to the need for pollutant control and low income accessibility around town and through the state. It only looks like it is ranked low in my survey because I value education above all and because sometimes transportation funding had over emphasized the single occupancy car.”