Meet the candidate: State Senate District 4
Name: Lisa Otondo Age: 57 Office running for: State Senate LD 4 Family: Daughter of Robert and Mary A. Otondo, siblings: Bob, Bill, Karen and Marcie. I am not married and I have no children. Employment: Currently, Arizona State Senator for LD 4. Former public school teacher, realtor and business woman
Political Experience: Arizona House (2 terms: 2013-2016), State Senate (1 term: 2017-2018)
What is your background? What in your past experiences helps qualify you for this seat? I hold a master’s degree in international public administration, a bachelor’s degree in policy studies and completed the yearlong ASU/AgriBusiness Water Management Certificate Program at ASU. I have served in the Legislature for six years and have worked in the past as a businesswoman, business owner, public school teacher and realtor.
What do you feel is the most important duty of this office? The most important duty of this office is to represent, vote for and protect the interests of my constituents in LD 4. This is reflected in my voting record, my hands on approach in aiding my constituents to traverse bureaucratic obstacles, my ongoing education in water law and water issues, and my active participation in water committees outside of the Legislature.
If elected, what is the one issue on which you would focus to improve Yuma’s quality of life? How? Education and economic development go hand-in-hand. I will continue to fight for public education and vocational job training programs. This will better prepare our students for a successful professional and financial future. An educated workforce brings jobs to the community.
What is one thing you want voters to know about you? I am dedicated to helping my constituents traverse bureaucratic obstacles, continued my education in water law and water issues, fought to protect Yuma’s agricultural and water interests, and have been accessible and accountable to the constituents that I serve. Also, I am a board member of the Drought Contingency Plan Steering Committee, PSA and the ADLCC and am an active participant in the Governor’s Water Augmentation Committee meetings.