Howard Shanker for Arizona Congressional District 1

Background:

My father was a decorated World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge (and others) and helped liberate the concentration camps in Europe. I was born in the Bronx in 1960, where we lived in a two bedroom apartment. My father finished his Ph.D on the GI Bill and later became a professor at Pace University. We eventually moved from the Bronx to the suburbs. I went to Pace University, on a faculty scholarship, where I received a BA in History. I graduated magna cum laude; was captain of the soccer team (all conference for 2 years); received the "Buchsbaum" award for outstanding graduate in the field of History; as well as an award from the NCAA for being an outstanding scholar athlete. I went on to obtain my Masters Degree in Public Administration, with Distinction.

In the mid-1980s, I attended law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Before beginning law school, I got a job working for the General Services Administration, transferred from day to evening, and deferred for one year. After my first year of law school, I left the General Services Administration and took a job with the U.S. Department of Justice where I worked on environmental and natural resource issues. I worked full time throughout law school and finished school in 3.5, as opposed to, 3 years. After graduating from Georgetown, I accepted an offer from the Washington, D.C. office of Dewey Ballantine. My wife, and current law partner, also attended law school at Georgetown. Our two teenage daughters were born in Washington D.C. Our six year old son was born in Arizona. We have lived in Arizona for about 15 years.

Goals:

I can understand the law and the implications of unintended consequences of poorly crafted legislation. I can understand all sides of an issue and can be an extremely ardent and effective advocate - I have the record to prove it. I value the input of every person/constituent and am willing to listen and learn from the people I will be charged to represent.

Issues:

ACCOUNTABILITY

* We must end the culture of corruption in Washington D.C. It is time to elect responsible lawmakers who will be accountable to the people.

* The wholesale privatization of essential governmental functions must stop.

SUSTAINABILITY

* Development and growth must be sustainable, economically viable, environmentally responsible,
and good for all Arizonans.

* We must move our nation toward energy independence. Arizona should be a net exporter of solar and wind based energy.

* Production of energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind will:
(1) create sustainable jobs in Arizona CD 1
(2) decrease dependence on foreign oil
(3) reduce green house gas emissions
(4) create a net gain for Arizona

RESPONSIBILITY

* We need responsible policy development and decision making.

* It is time to get our combat troops out of Iraq.

* It is essential that our Veterans are treated with dignity and respect, and provided with comprehensive healthcare and social services.

* Foreign nations already hold enough U. S. debt to influence policy. The practice of borrowing money from other countries to fund our debt must stop.

Grassroots Support:

I'm running my campaign on a shoestring budget thanks to the huge support of volunteers. I rely on the grassroots to transform a candidacy of merit to a truly viable campaign.

DFA Values:

I have a proven track record of fighting for the rights of Arizonans:

- Protected The San Francisco Peaks
- Taken on powerful corporate and political entities in court and WON
- A powerful advocate who won’t back down
- Empowering communities to protect their quality of life
- Saved The Grand Canyon from development
- Stopped a shooting range next to a family subdivision
- Addressing uranium contamination at Tuba City
- Blocked an unnecessary landfill in Mobile
- Acted to defend the San Pedro River, the Verde River, Oak Creek and the Desert Bald Eagle.