Warren Bio as of 6-25-2012

Warren Petersen is a third generation Gilbert resident.  After earning academic scholarships to all three major state universities, he served a two year mission for his church.  Shortly after returning,  he married his wife Michelle.  They have been married 14 years and have 5 children.   With 14 years of experience in the housing industry, he now works as VP of Sales for VIP Homes, as well as the owner and designated broker for a real estate firm.

Warren has volunteered about 10 hours a week to non-profit/charity organizations for the last 15 years.  He is very active in his church and the boy scouts of America.   He’s volunteered for food banks, done conservation projects and served as a camp director for 500 youth and adults.  Currently Warren serves on the government affairs committee for the southeast valley regional association of realtors and as a precinct captain for legislative district 12.

As a businessman, a father, and a community member, Warren understands how important it is for citizens to get involved with government. Warren was raised in a family built on hard work, faith, and service in their community. These traits have molded him into the person that he is today.  It is because of this upbringing, coupled with his strong business background and fiscal discipline that he, with the support of his wife Michelle, decided to run for a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives.

“It took innovation, thrift, hard work and discipline to successfully navigate the housing crisis.  I will use those same skills to meet the challenges facing Arizona today. ”

Thank you so much for including me in your candidate selection process.  Here are my answers to the questions you provided:

1.  I will focus on reducing the tax base and burdensome regulations.
2. I believe that excess revenues should be used to eliminate debt or reduce the tax burden.  I will not support using excess funds for new agencies or programs.
3. Small businesses account for 60-80% of new jobs.  I believe that government should get out of the way of small business so they can create the jobs we need.  Big business already has its representation.  I will represent individuals and small business.
4. Provide more opportunities for small business to compete where only the government or big business have had the opportunity in the past.
5. Permits, licenses and a litany of inflexible laws.  I think the regulations that impede voluntary exchange to occur are the most harmful especially when the government does not provide a compelling argument that denying said exchange protects the health and safety or rights of the people.
6. We need to live within our means.  We do not need the tax.   The state has already started spending on new programs as a result of a recent surplus.  Unfortunately that means we now have new agencies and programs that must be supported by the taxpayers and small businesses.   As the recovery continues there will be more revenue.  We need to make sure that no new agencies or programs are created.

Videos

Question 1: What is your experience with small business?

Question 2: Talk about 2 or 3 of your most passionate tax issues.

Question 3: Health care is a concern for many in small business.  How can state government help?

Question 4: What is your primary responsibility as a State Representatrive and how does this impact small business?

Question 5: The State pension plan is a defined benefit program, the private sector is predominately defined contribution such as a 401K.  How do you think the state retirement should be structured and why?

Question 6: In your opinion, what is the #1 concern of small business today?