What Matters.

As the adventure for public office continues, so much is learned on a near daily basis. People come up to me all the time to share their story. I met a teacher that works four jobs. She said her passion for teaching is why she keeps doing it but is not sure how much more passion can drive her. Let that sink in for a moment, four jobs.

A few weeks ago, the campaign team and I hosted a community engagement event then went to downtown Phoenix to feed the homeless (just blocks away from the State Capital where elected officials convene and bicker for weeks about things such as the official state drink).

You know what we saw? We witnessed just how little our elected officials care about the people they are supposed to be serving. We handed out hot dogs and bottled water to well over 150 different people (about 200 hot dogs), and it was not even enough in the end...

Such an emotional experience made all of us realize just how frustrating our current system of government really is. Most of the people we spoke with just wanted us to promise one thing, that someone will fight for them. So yes, I will fight for them. I will fight for them because our current elected officials are more concerned with ribbon cutting ceremonies than the epidemic of homelessness or lack of access to mental health services or our Veterans that struggle because of unfounded assumptions that the federal government takes good care of them. In fact, I met a LOT of Veterans, so the notion that the City of Phoenix eradicated Veteran homelessness is false.

Elected officials dedicate billions of dollars to bringing profitable companies into a place where thousands live in poverty. They complain about having no funds for education while allowing numerous industries to pay 0% tax rates. Arizona residents need help. More than what our current elected officials are willing to offer.

This is why it is time for change. I hope you will join in and help me with this fight.

Each day, 22 Veterans take their own lives. Let that sink in, each and every day. The news does not focus on the epidemic of Veterans suicide, but are sure quick to talk about a convicted child molester doing so.

Our priorities as a State and nation must change quickly to address the pressing issues of today. Arguments are frequently made about the costs of helping people when they are down.

I argue back: How can you justify thousands of people living on the streets? Working four jobs? Veterans who take their own lives? Lining the pockets of highly profitable businesses just for a good photo opportunity?

The private sector needs to step it up, and this must happen with elected officials making sure they do so. I am not a proponent of "bigger government," but what I am a proponent of is increased funding to organizations focused on helping our struggling, suffering and stigmatized residents. People often just need a modest support structure to recover from a low point in life. Not a permanent one, but rather, a sustainability program to help put them back on the right track. This is where community organizations come in and why it is so important to fund them in an effort to help our fellow citizens.

It all starts with education, continues with mental health and prospers with economic opportunities. As someone who once struggled with mental health issues, I will say this is likely the most important element to living a good, healthy life.

Ryan A. Starzyk, State Senate Candidate