SAFFORD — The two candidates for Graham County Sheriff summed up their reasons for running in one sentence each, during Wednesday’s Lincoln Day Luncheon.
Challenger Michael Bodine said, “I think change is good,” while incumbent PJ Allred said, “I’d like to think experience counts for something.”
The Lincoln Day Luncheon at Manor 415 gave Graham County residents a chance to talk with the county’s Republican leadership, as well as hear from elected officials, including state Sen. David Gowan, who will face a Democratic challenger in November, and Reps. Gail Griffin and Lupe Diaz, both of whom are running for re-election unopposed in the July 30 Primary and will face one Democratic opponent in the November General Election.
“It’s always good (to be at) not just Republican functions but Chamber of Commerce functions and all other different things. We’re happy to be here,” Griffin said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Diaz talked with constituents about how Legislative actions impact local communities, such as re-authorizing the Arizona Commerce Authority, working with community colleges on four-year degrees as well as workforce development, and funding $2 million for the Water Conservation Program with some of that funding available to counties.
“So this is all part of some of the state activity that’s really helping Graham County, Cochise; it’s all across the state, that’s true, but I like to point out our district,” Diaz said.
Keynote speaker at the luncheon was U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., who is also running for re-election and faces a challenge in the Republican Primary from Kathleen Winn (who did not attend the luncheon).
Ciscomani challenged Republicans to stop attacking one another.
“Listen, we can talk about the things we don’t agree with, but when we’re talking about burning the place down, like some people in Washington are on our own side, it doesn’t work (and) it won’t get us anywhere. We have to be productive and show results when we do,” Ciscomani said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
The Graham County Republican Committee also presented three awards during the luncheon — Volunteer of the Year to Ty Allen, and Patriot Award to Jason Kouts and Gene Seale, both of whom served on the Safford City Council and died this year.
“(Gene) loved serving on the City Council,” said Jenifer Seale, Gene’s wife. “He told me, years ago when he was in high school, one day he would be on the Safford City Council.”
Below is Congressman Ciscomani’s full speech at the Lincoln Day Luncheon
