“There to Serve” A Message From Kevin Volk

We are about three weeks into the second regular session of the 57th Arizona State Legislature.  The beginning of session is a whirlwind – sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills, starting committees, meeting with everyone, going to events.  It can be stressful, fun, boring, inspiring, and of course, very frustrating.  I got gaveled down recently, for the first time, for speaking about how we were wasting our time on a completely unserious political statement.

People ask me if I enjoy being a legislator.  When we are working on something that can improve the lives of Arizonans, I love it.  When we aren’t, I don’t enjoy it.

I am there to serve.  I believe wholeheartedly in our unique American system of self-government  I’m proud that we’re about to celebrate 250 years since we decided to form our own representative democracy.  To be here, to make important decisions and be in a position of potential positive impact, is an honor and a privilege.

In my mind, there are politicians, and there are public servants.  Politicians do things for the purpose of looking good and trying to get re-elected.  Public servants do things because they serve the greater good.  I am imperfect, but I always aspire to be a public servant.  I believe we would be in a much better place in America if all elected officials, Democratic, independent, or Republican, fit this description.

Here in Legislative District 17, we have the opportunity to help elect two people who not only embody the service ethic that our country so desperately needs right now, but are deeply connected to the lives and challenges of everyday Arizonans. 

Edgar Soto, running for State Senate, is a Marine, a teacher, a coach, and an education administrator.  He has spent his life serving his country, his students, and his community.  From enlisted Marines, to middle schoolers, to young parents bettering themselves at community college, Edgar has gotten to know, and worked with, and helped people from all walks of life.

Holly Lyon, running alongside me for State House, is a 26-year veteran of the Air Force, where she retired as Colonel.  After her decades of service protecting this country, she jumped in as a private citizen to do her part to make it better, by advocating and organizing people to make their voices heard.  Her passion and ideas are borne out of the countless conversations she’s had with her neighbors and people across the state across every political persuasion.

I am proud to run alongside these two patriots who are committed to serving Arizonans.  They’re not running to pursue extreme or partisan ideology, but to tackle the problems people are facing.  They’re not running for fame or future advancement, but for the betterment of our state and our country.

They’re ready to serve.  With your help, we’ll get them elected so that they can.  Let’s go.

Sincerely,

Kevin