Ethan Orr
Prior offices
Arizona House of Representatives District 9
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Ethan Orr (Republican Party) was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 9. He assumed office in 2013. He left office in 2015.
Orr ran for election to the Pima Community College District to represent District 1 in Arizona. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Orr completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Ethan Orr was born in Tucson, Arizona. He received his B.S in 1997 and his M.P.A. in 2000, both from the University of Arizona.[1] Orr's professional experience includes working as an assistant vice president for government and community relations and an adjunct professor, teaching at the University of Arizona, Pima Community College, and Northern Arizona University.[1][1]
Committee assignments
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Orr served on the following committees:
Elections
2020
See also: Municipal elections in Pima County, Arizona (2020)
General election
2014
- See also: Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2014
Elections for the Arizona House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 28, 2014. Incumbent Victoria Steele and Randall Friese were unopposed in the Democratic primary. Incumbent Ethan Orr was unopposed in the Republican primary. Steele and Friese defeated Orr in the general election. Orr's candidacy was challenged prior to the Republican primary.[2][3][4][5][6]
Arizona House of Representatives District 9, General Election, 2014
| Party |
Candidate |
Vote % |
Votes |
| |
Democratic |
 Victoria Steele Incumbent |
33.6% |
33,425 |
| |
Democratic |
Randy Friese |
33.3% |
33,059 |
| |
Republican |
Ethan Orr Incumbent |
33.1% |
32,928 |
| Total Votes |
99,412 |
2012
- See also: Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2012
Orr won election in the 2012 election for Arizona House of Representatives District 9. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on August 28, 2012. He won the general election on November 6, 2012.[7][8]
Arizona House of Representatives, District 9, General Election, 2012
| Party |
Candidate |
Vote % |
Votes |
| |
Republican |
Ethan Orr |
35.1% |
44,609 |
| |
Democratic |
Victoria Steele |
33.5% |
42,626 |
| |
Democratic |
Mohur Sarah Sidhwa |
31.5% |
40,034 |
| Total Votes |
127,269 |
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ethan Orr completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Orr's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I grew up in Tucson, attended Pima Community College as a student, and after receiving my Master's Degree in Public Administration in 2000, I taught at Pima as an adjunct faculty member. I have taught for over 20 years at the U of A and Pima College. I have dedicatedly life to making my community a better place. First in economic and community development creating successful home ownership programs, and starting the Empowerment Zone, which generated over $500 million in business tax credits. I ran a statewide organization helping people with disabilities find employment. I served in the State Legislature, bringing over $50 million in additional funding Pima College and the U of A. I currently work for the U of A, helping start the new College of Veterinary Sciences, and creating pathways for community college students to complete a four year degree.
We live in an incredible community, and I have spent over two decades bringing neighborhoods, businesses and people together to make our city a better place. I work with the business community to create jobs for people and also to ensure that students have access to vocational training which can lead to successful employment or a university degree pathway. I will work to make sure that students succeed at Pima College and that they are educated and equiped to be employable once they graduate.
- Successful Employment for Students after Graduation
- Increased State funding and financial aid to ensure that everyone has access to education
- Partner with Economic Development to bring more businesses and jobs to our region
I am passionate about education and employment. Everyone should have an opportunity to find and fulfill their purpose and access to quality education, equipping students with skills and credentials is an essential part of the journey. I have been a successful community leader and state representative because I student the details. I go through the budget line by line to ensure that our funding reflects our aspirational goals. I meet with students, faculty and administrators and learn how we can create a more seamless transfer process into either into the workforce or to a 4 year university.
I envision two tracks of success for students at Pima Community College. The first would focus on career and technology; by partnering with local businesses, Pima can give students the exact skills needed to be employable and successful. This includes industry certifications that can be combined or stacked into an associate's degree. There are over 25,000 open jobs in southern Arizona in the construction, automotive, and health trades; our businesses need skilled workers.
The second track involves creating seamless pathways for students to move to the University of Arizona and complete a bachelor's degree. These dual-enrollment programs offer our students an affordable path to a four-year degree. I work at the University of Arizona and have helped create pathways for transfer students to succeed and thrive at the UA and ultimately in life.
Growing up in Arizona, we have iconic figures who worked across party lines because they cared deeply about our state and our communities. People like, Carl Hayden, Mo Udall, Barry Goldwater or Art Hamilton and Burton Barr. I respect them and the effective working relationships that they built with people despite having political differences. They believed that we. can disagree without being disagreeable and that even if we oppose each other on some issues we can still work together on other issues and that ultimately we are all doing this to serve others, to help others have a better life and build a stronger community. Internationally, I admire the way that Nelson Mandela and F.W de Klerk tried to bring peace, love and forgiveness to the ending of apartheid in South Africa.
Team of Rivals, The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln - Doris Goodwin
I think that transparency and a willingness to listen to people even if you disagree with them are essential parts of holding office. Also, I think that the willingness to put in the time to learn the issues , the budget, and the community is very important
I take the time to listen and learn before I act. I enjoy studying the nuances of policy and creating ways for everyone to win and be heard when making policy.
That of public service, is my community a better place because I was in office. Are people inspired to serve and work together for our community.
I grew up playing sports like soccer and track, and I vividly remember the 1984 Olympics in LA. As a fourth grader at time I remember being in awe at rocket man, the pageantry and the international competition. I have always appreciated the value of events were we can set aside our political and cultural differences and learn to embrace and respect each other.
When I was 16 I had two jobs to help pay for school and to help my family. I worked at a car wash and at a Village Inn restaurant. I worked in restaurants throughout high school and college to pay for school. My first full time job after completing undergraduate was the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of South Tucson. I was a part of the community and City Manager mentored me for the almost four years that I worked for the City of South Tucson. During that time I was able to do everything from help start a police / fire bicycle patrol and a domestic violence court, to creating a comprehensive home ownership program, to running the annual Norteno Festival, attended by over 5,000 people with some of the best music and food in the Southwest. I brought businesses into the city and helped residents find jobs, and found ways to help gang members change, get a GED and even go to college. While I was working full-time for the city, I also went back to school full-time and earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Eller School at the U of A. After working for the City of South Tucson, I went to the City of Tucson, first as a City Council Aide, and then moving back into economic development to be the Director of Commercial Revitalization and create the federal Empowerment Zone. I still have close ties to the City of South Tucson and I will be forever grateful for the way that the community embraced me, trained me and allowed me to be part of the community.
For me personally, Pima College was a gateway of opportunity. In 1992, I was homeless, without a high school diploma with no purpose and no hope. My first class at Pima allowed me to finish my diploma and start classes at the University of Arizona. Eight years later, I had a Master's Degree, owned a home, was the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of South Tucson, and was a teacher at Pima Community College. I saw in my students that same desire for a better life that motivated me to pursue the difficult. Pima College is about getting the credentials and skills to pursue your dreams.
The Board sets policy and articulates a vision for the future. This requires a deep understand of the nuances of the budget, internal policies, the needs of the students, faculty and staff, as well as connections into the community. Additionally the Board advocates for the College, working with other colleges and constituent groups to increase funding from the State Legislature. I have served in the State Legislature, increasing and protecting funding for Pima Community College, and as a community leader worked with the College for years on student and community issues. I have the experience knowledge and relationships to be an effective board member on the first day.
Pima Community College is the heart of training the workforce of the future and ensuring opportunities for Tucson's workers and families. My constituents are the entire community. Starting with the students and the businesses who will hire and employ our graduates. I also view every faculty and staff member at PCC and every interested community member as a constituent. And I will be responsive to listen and learn from. them.
The first part is learning and understanding. Will Rogers used to say "It is not what you don't know, it is what you know that isn't so that is the problem". By purposefully approaching the College and Community with a fresh set of eyes and listening to others in the community I will gain a deeper understanding of their needs. Then I will enact policy and budget priorities to reflect those discussions.
Having worked in economic and community development, non-profit management and academic leadership for over 20 years I have strong ties to the community. I will start working with the Workforce Investment Board, K-12 Schools, the Pima JTED and the Pima County One Stop to recruit students. I will reach out to students, staff and faculty, and other Board Members in Pima Community College to better understand internal dynamics, and finally reach out to the businesses who hire our graduates in order to help our students be more employable.
Yes, I have working at the University of Arizona, I have build strong recruiting ties to a number of minority K-12 school districts. Including Sunnyside, our recruitment from targeting first generation students increased enrollment ad attendance from those schools by 43% at Desert View High School and by %76 at Sunnyside High School.
Having taught in the classroom and online for over 20 years I know what I can personally do to connect with and inspire students. I would work with the U of A College of Education to create forums and education to help equip and inspire our new facially members. I would also support seminars and funding for the to learn and stay relevant in their field of expertise.
The ability to think and problem solve. 40% of the job of the future have not been invented yet. Our graduates should be equipped with the thinking skills to be the leaders and job creator of the future.
While in the State Legislature I was able to protect Pima Community College and ensure that they were funded with$ 8 million in baseline state funding, I also increased funding by $4.5 Million for adult education. When I lost my re-election in 2014, the people who replaced me were not able to protect that funding, and all of the state funding for Pima College was eliminated. As a PCC Board member I will work to restore that funding. I have already met wit the Arizona House and Senate Leadership and Appropriations Committee members and I am optimistic that we will be able to restore that funding.
While in the State Legislature I worked across the aisle to create the Mental Health First Aid Program, additionally I ran a mental health organization and I am completing a Doctorate focusing on ways increase mental health access for students. I would ensure that people have access and funding for mental health services.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2014
Orr's campaign website highlighted the following issues:[9]
Education
- Excerpt: "We need to develop a smart and successful approach to educating to our children. As an educator at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College and as a workforce development practitioner; I know first hand the value of a well-trained individual in the right job. I will work with all of the educational entities to give parents and children the opportunity to learn and succeed."
Jobs
- Excerpt: "Jobs and job creation is the number one issue facing Arizona right now. I have years of experience in successfully creating jobs, helping business expand and in helping people find meaningful work. As the Director of an agency dedicated to helping people with disabilities and Veterans find employment we helped over 700 people find jobs last year. I have spent years in economic development understanding and applying ways to help businesses grow and succeed in Tucson. Everyone should have the opportunity for employment and I will work to make that a reality for you."
Solutions
- Excerpt: "I believe we need to focus on solutions, not politics. Working together we can make Tucson the best city in the world. We have the people, the knowledge and the environment to create a truly wonderful place to live. What we lack is leadership. I will work with everyone regardless of party or political persuasion to make our city a place we can be proud to call home. I will fight for your interests in the legislature and continually bring people together to create community solutions."
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Endorsements
2014
In 2014, Orr's endorsements included the following:[10]
- Arizona Academy of Family Physicians
- Arizona Association of Realtors
- Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors
- Arizona Citizens Defense League
- Arizona Highway Patrol
- Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
- Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association
- Arizona Medical Association
|
- Arizona Nurses Association
- Arizona State Contractors Coalition
- Arizona State Lodge – Fraternal Order of Police
- Arizona Society of Practicing Accountants
- Arizona Technology Council
- Phoenix Metropolitan Chamber
- Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona
- Tucson Metro Chamber
- Tucson Police Officers Association
|
2012
In 2012, Orr's endorsements included the following:[11]
- Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
- Arizona Truckers Association
- Arizona Multihousing Association
- Arizona Association of Practicing Accountants
- Arizona Bankers Association
- Arizona Technology Council
- Arizona Construction Association
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Orr is married with three children.[1]
Scorecards
- See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Arizona
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Arizona scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2014
In 2014, the 51st Arizona State Legislature was in session from January 13 to April 24.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on ASBA's legislative priority bills.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on animal issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on small business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on secular policy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental policy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the 51st Arizona State Legislature was in session from January 14 to June 14.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on conservative fiscal policy.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to small business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes related to policies concerning the size of government.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on animal issues.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on secular policy.
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See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Ethan for House, "About," accessed September 20, 2012 Cite error: Invalid
<ref> tag; name "bio" defined multiple times with different content
- ↑ arizonadailyindependent.com, "Candidate challenges," June 12, 2014
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Official primary election results," accessed August 27, 2014
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "2014 Primary Election," May 27, 2014
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Official general election candidate list," accessed September 11, 2014
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Official general election results," accessed August 3, 2015
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "2012 Primary candidate list," accessed December 20, 2013
- ↑ Arizona Secretary of State, "Official 2012 Primary Results," accessed December 20, 2013
- ↑ Ethan for House, "Priorities," accessed October 16, 2014
- ↑ Ethan for House, "Endorsements," accessed October 16, 2014
- ↑ Ethan Orr for State House, "Endorsements," accessed September 20, 2012
Victoria Steele Incumbent
