JIM FERRIS
Are you content with your life? Yes.
What are your hobbies, interests, what do you do for fun? my hobbies include Hiking, golf, and sports in general. Political junkie.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in life? my greatest accomplishments in life is raising two successful and God-fearing children.
What businesses, boards, committees, sub-committees, charters, commissions, non-profits, foundations, political or not political appointments or groups have you been/or are now a part of? First Tee Recognized Coach, New Beginnings Board of Directors, Northern Gila Country Community Drug Task Force Board of Directors/Treasurer, Payson Tee Party Director, Republican Precinct Committeeman, AZ GOP State Representative, Arizona Republican Association member, Genoa,Il Planning and Zoning Commission, Genoa Chamber of Commerce Board, President of Genoa-Kingston United Way, Central Arizona Government Board.
Tell us the story about what made you decide to run for Town Council/Mayor? I want to be sure the citizens of Payson have someone that will do their due diligence in researching the issues with goal of representing the citizens’ desires and interests.
Have you previously run for, or held this, or another public office? Yes, this office.
What is it you would like voters to know about you that makes you the best candidate? I have no allegiances or personal interests in any group or entity. I will research issues on the Council’s agenda. I will listen to feedback and advise I receive from citizens.
What is it that you want to accomplish most with your time in office? See the Council populated with like-minded people. What I mean by that is a Council where all members strive to get the greatest benefits for all citizens for the tax dollars extended.
Do you want Payson to grow? If so, how and where do you think growth would most benefit Payson? Yes. Moderate and consistent growth would be ideal. We are nestled in natural beauty that is one hour from five million people. I believe we can and should encourage tourism to our Town by investing in amenities that will cause Payson to become a desirable destination.
If you could see into the future, what would you want Payson to be like in 5 years? in 5 years I’d like to see a vibrant Town with improving streets, parks, businesses, and employment opportunities. I would also like to see reasonable workforce housing available to young people and families.
What do you think about the status of our rights and freedoms in America? Poor and getting worse. There is an attack on our freedom of speech, right to bear arms, due process, and an attack on free and fair elections. We lost the understanding that our rights come from God.
What part of the US Constitution is the most important to you? The 2nd Amendment without which we would not be able to assure ourselves of all other rights. It is important that the Federal Government be limited to what is stated in Article II Section 8; And the Tenth Amendment should be strictly construed as to who rightly holds all other power and authority.
What is your position on the 1st and 2nd Amendments? Fight to keep the 2nd and you will not lose the 1st.
Would you support more regulation or more enforcement from governments? Absolutely not, except when it comes to aiding and abetting our enemies – i.e., China, illegal immigrants.
Would you support partnerships with state and federal agencies or local town and county collaborations? Local towns and counties.
Would you support more small businesses or more chain franchises? Neither, government should not pick winners and losers.
Would you support the idea of restructuring education by funding for the individual student vs. the school? Yes.
Why do you think gas prices are rising and we are dealing with inflation, the border? It’s all because we have an incompetent and dysfunctional federal government hell bent on destroying our republic.
What do you think about our elections in Gila County and are you 100% confident in the voting process? No. I will not be confident until we have one day, one vote, one voter.
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