Bob Karp

Bob Karp was born in Los Angeles, California. He earned a bachelor's degree from UCLA in 1971.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Cochise County since 2005, Sierra Vista, AZ since 2011; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, UCLA, 1971; Owner, Protair Corporation, Los Angeles CA, aerospace machine shop, 16 years 1971-1986 Developer/owner, WinResources Computing, Carlsbad CA, software development company; 50+ employees; $2.5 million annual payroll 1987-2001; Owner, Karp Properties LLC real estate brokerage, Sierra Vista, AZ 2011-Current; Member Board of Directors , Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS 2013-2015 2015 President, Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS and Southeast Arizona Multiple Listing Service, Sierra Vista AZ Member, City of Sierra Vista Planning & Zoning Commission 2018 - 2019

In 2018 in ran for the AZ State House in old LD14. In 2024 in ran for the AZ State Senate in old LD14.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Arizona public schools must be fully funded. To do that the ESA Voucher program must be scrapped and redesigned to its original purpose - helping special needs students who cannot get all the services they need from their public school district.The Arizona legislature must codify unrestricted access to abortion, IVF and contraception services.In order to balance the state budget the legislature needs to stop giving tax breaks to special interests, the wealthy and large corporations.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tax policy, water conservation, infrastructure, voting rights and election processes.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Yes, this is the obvious answer, but it is the truth.

Even though my father has been dead for 20+ years I still respect him and try to follow his example. He was incredibly honest in all aspects of his life. Most significantly as a business owner he always made decisions based on what was best for his employees first and then the business second. My entire professional life has been modeled on that simple rule.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"The Corruption of American Politics: What Went Wrong and Why" by Elizabeth Drew

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and integrity; intellect; civility; ability to be open to ideas not your own; a work ethic; respectfulness

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Intelligence, ability to listen, doing the work to understand the issues by getting the most information available, staying on subject when asked a question, answering honestly regardless of the consequences.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Work hard every day. Look at the big picture, not just your own self-interest. Ask tough questions. Do not accept the conventional wisdom. Listen to your constituents respectfully. Work with everybody, even those members of the other party. Listen more than speak. To represent all interests within my district. To lead rather than follow. To believe in a set of values and publicly stand for them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I don't believe in legacies - it is presumptuous to elevate oneself to that level.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was 15.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked wiring electrical harnesses for coin-operated shoe shine machines in my father's machine shop. I worked there in the summer of my senior year in high school. This was way too long!

What is your favorite book? Why?

Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout which introduced me to the wonderous world of Nero Wolfe

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Fear of living as an open gay man.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor runs the executive branch and should be given the latitude to make executive decisions without the interference of the legislature.

However, the legislature has an obligation for oversight of the administration and its functions. The governor needs to reach out and solicit advice and cooperation from both the majority and minority parties in the state legislature, particularly as it relates to the budget. A good working relationship between the two branches of government creates results that can be supported by more people from the state. I

do not believe the legislature should interfere with the administrative branch of government by refusing to confirm appointments or threatening lawsuits of duly elected statewide office holders.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Getting the budget under control by reigning in the ESA Voucher program that is decimating public school funding and the state budget. Funding public schools at a level that makes Arizona competitive with other states nationally.

Passing legislation that protects groundwater resources from over pumping by large-scale industrial agriculture interests in rural areas. Making sure that our students have the best possible curriculum and resources rather than arguing about allowing more religion in the classroom.

Reforming the budget process and stopping more tax cuts that benefit the wealthy and special interests which creates a climate of disinvestment in infrastructure that allows our state to fall further behind.

Codifying through legislation women’s healthcare freedom to protect access to abortion, IVF and contraception services.

Stopping "culture war" performative politics that only divides us.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily. It is important to have leaders that bring new ideas and are willing to work with all elected officials.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It helps to be able to understand your colleagues are just like you, citizen legislators. I would hope you could build common ground not just with those that agree with you on most issues, but those that have legitimate disagreements.

However, there is a line that is too far for me. I will not work with election deniers. President Joe Biden won the 2020 election fairly. Katie Hobbs won the 2022 election for governor. If you don't believe that I can't have a serious conversation with you about policy.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I think I'm my own person. However, I want to mention Pat Fleming who was elected in 2010 and served honorably for on session. She represented Cochise county as well as other parts of the state.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

This is to my recollection. Some of the details might be slightly different:

I was at an event in the Willcox area and heard from a constituent in the northern part of Cochise county right on the border of Graham county. She told me about ground subsidence on her property that has made her property unsellable. She cannot afford to move and is about to have her well go dry. This is not someone down in the Sunsites/Pearce area of the Willcox basin, next to the huge dairies. But the water crisis is affecting small property owners who suffer without getting any notice or help from local elect officeholders.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Emergencies require a decisive voice. Involve a state legislature in this and you immediately politicize it. We elected a governor to run the administration of the state. Let the governor do her job. However, that doesn’t mean that the legislature shouldn’t weigh in with hearings. But the governor should have the authority to make decisions in the event of a declared emergency.

I had the same answer when Governor Ducey was in charge back during the 2020 pandemic. This has nothing to do with the party of the governor.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

To codify access to abortion, IVF and contraception services. Right after that, the repeal of the ESA Vouchers with a framework for returning the program to its original intent to help special needs students not getting resources from the local public school.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I don't seek endorsements

What committees interest you?

Judiciary, Commerce, Finance, Transportation & Public Safety, Water & Agriculture

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I'm assuming the former relates to the later. The budget process needs to be reformed so that everyone knows how budget decisions are made. The state administration departments need robust oversight through public hearings that results in accountability. I want to extend that to the way the legislature operates. The entire Maricopa ballot 2020 election "audit" funding was a disgrace because we never knew exactly what the state legislature authorized or spent on it.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Every change has made it more difficult to get an initiative on the ballot. I will not support the idea that you have to get a minimum number of signatures from multiple counties. I also am skeptical of how ballot initiative are challenged after they qualify for the ballot. Too many times they are thrown off the ballot of disqualified even after the voters have voted.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Cochise County since 2005, Sierra Vista, AZ since 2011;

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, UCLA, 1971;

Owner, Protair Corporation, Los Angeles CA, aerospace machine shop, 16 years 1971-1986 Developer/owner, WinResources Computing, Carlsbad CA, software development company; 50+ employees; $2.5 million annual payroll 1987-2001; Owner, Karp Properties LLC real estate brokerage, Sierra Vista, AZ 2011-Current;

Member Board of Directors , Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS 2013-2015 2015 President, Southeast Arizona Association of REALTORS and Southeast Arizona Multiple Listing Service, Sierra Vista AZ Member, City of Sierra Vista Planning & Zoning Commission 2018 - 2019

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am running for Arizona State Representative because I believe that democracy is best served by a vigorous discussion of the issues facing our state government. For too long opposing viewpoints are routinely ignored by our state elected officials. A strong multi-party system helps ensure that those in power are held accountable by the voters.As a business owner with a background in manufacturing, technology, and now real estate, I bring a real-world perspective to the decisions needed to create sustained economic growth with good paying jobs in rural southeastern Arizona. The Republicans have controlled the Arizona legislature for 50 plus years. The results are under investment in education, infrastructure and healthcare.. It is time for new leadership.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Changing tax policy

Reform of the budget process

Creating economic growth in rural Arizona

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Even though my father has been dead for 20 years I still respect him and try to follow his example. He was incredibly honest in all aspects of his life. Most significantly as a business owner he always made decisions based on what was best for his employees first and then the business second. My entire professional life has been modeled on that simple rule.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"The Corruption of American Politics: What Went Wrong and Why" by Elizabeth Drew

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and integrity; intellect; civility; ability to be open to ideas not your own; a work ethic; respectfulness

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Intelligence, ability to listen, doing the work to understand the issues by getting the most information available, staying on subject when asked a question, answering honestly regardless of the consequences.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Work hard every day. Look at the big picture, not just your own self-interest. Ask tough questions. Do not accept the conventional wisdom. Listen to your constituents respectfully. Work with everybody, even those members of the other party. Listen more than speak. To represent all interests within my district. To lead rather than follow. To believe in a set of values and publicly stand for them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I don't believe in legacies - it is presumptuous to elevate oneself to that level.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was 15.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked wiring electrical harnesses for coin-operated shoe shine machines in my father's machine shop. I worked there in the summer of my senior year in high school.[

What is your favorite book? Why?

Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout which introduced me to the wonderous world of Nero Wolfe

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Patrick James from the Mentalist. Funny, clever, smart with a bit of snark. He gets to solve crimes without ever having to get physical.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Smile by Charlie Chaplan

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Fear of living as an open gay man.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

There is no significant difference between the Arizona state Senate and House other than numbers. Arizona state legislators represent 30 districts, one senator for each and 2 representatives. More importantly all serve for just two years. So Structurally and politically there is little difference between the two.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily. More importantly is to have leaders that bring new ideas and are willing to work with all elected officials.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

This is how I answered the question in 2018:

Creating an education master plan for Arizona that focuses on higher education

Reform of the budget process

Creating economic growth in rural Arizona

Because of the pandemic the most important issue is the financial stability of the state and meeting the challenge of reduced state revenues. We must shore up the state healthcare system, unemployment insurance funding, while minimizing disruption to state and local government services by insuring a high level of employment.

Prior to the last few months, I believed that the biggest three issues were water rights, under investment in public education and under investment in infrastructure particularly as it relates to the rural areas of the state.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The governor runs the executive branch and should be given the latitude to make executive decisions without the interference of the legislature. However, the legislature has an obligation for oversight of the administration and its functions. The governor needs to reach out and solicit advice and cooperation from both the majority and minority parties in the state legislature, particularly as it relates to the budget.

A good working relationship between the two branches of government creates results that can be supported by more of people of the state.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, there should be respectful working relationships with other legislators. This is even more critical in Arizona as you have the possibility of elected officials of different parties representing the same district. It is acceptable to disagree about policy, but we should strive to be respectful, and even get to know each other on a personal level.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Commerce, Finance, Transportation & Public Safety, Water & Agriculture

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I don't think I want to "model" myself after any particular state legislator, I want to find my own way. However, State Senator Andrea Dalessandro is someone I respect for her work ethic, passionate support of issues in which she believes, and service to her constituents.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I remember two moments that gave me a perspective that I did not have. A state CPS employee came up to me and asked me to please advocate for fairer pay schedules for people in state government. She has been working in the department for 10 plus years and said she has never gotten a raise more than the cost of living and is barely making over what will be the $15 and hour minimum wage in 2021. She doesn't understand how someone working at a fast food restaurant could make more than she does after her years of service to the state.

The other is a teacher who showed me a U.S. government textbook that was in terrible condition and was at least 10 years old. He said this is what his students share in class because there are not enough copies for each student to take home. That clearly puts public education funding issues right into the classroom.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Creating a dedicated, stable and long-term source of funding for education

Investing in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas of the state

Stopping tax breaks for special interests[4][5]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Creating an education master plan for Arizona that focuses on higher education

Reform of the budget process

Creating economic growth in rural ArizonaCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[5]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Bob Karp answered the following:

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, civility, integrity and intellect[5]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To listen to everyone. To represent all interests within my district. To lead rather than follow. To believe in a set of values and publicly stand for them.[5]

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked wiring electrical harnesses for coin-operated shoe shine machines in my father's machine shop. I worked there in the summer of my senior year in high school.[5]

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, but not necessary. More importantly is new leaders that bring new ideas and are willing to work with all elected officials.[5]

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Water rights and lack of water, public school education, lack of common goals by political parties[5]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Arizona has a non-partisan redistricting commission which I support.[5]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations Subcommittee Public Safety, Infrastructure, Resources

Commerce

Ways & Means[5]