Richard Mahoney (Independent, Clean Elections Candidate, http://www.mahoneyforgovernor.com/)
(about Richard Mahoney...)

Arizona's present economy suffers from interstate commerce dependence. Of the many high tech and few telecommunications companies that do exist, most retain their headquarters in other parts of the country. There is a need to not only attract these types of companies, but to encourage upper level management to relocate to Arizona as well. I will work with state agencies to invite industry players to Arizona and work to make the local environment conducive to doing business. In addition, Arizona is situated as a major gateway to Mexico which offers economic opportunities itself, including a solid workforce, and major shipping port and a fine strategic partner. I will work towards building cross border relationships, which will serve as a compelling reason to relocate to Arizona.

Janet Napolitano (Democrat, Clean Elections Candidate, http://www.governor.state.az.us/)
(about Janet Napolitano...)

To start, I will work toward developing a venture capital program that nurtures growth among Arizona's high tech businesses, as well as other small and growing firms. Next, I will work with our state's universities to ensure that they are hotbeds of research and have the flexibility needed to develop technology transfers. We must also ensure that our state's tax structure is low, fair, and equitable and is one that enables businesses to flourish. Similarly, our state government must be one recognized for valuing Arizona's high tech businesses. As Governor, I will ensure that we are by naming a high tech liaison who will work with me to communicate with high tech businesses and to work with them to foster the sector's expansion. In this way, we will grow the high tech industry and reward Arizonan's with stable, high paying jobs.

Matt Salmon (Republican, http://www.salmonforgovernor.com/)
(about Matt Salmon...)

As Governor, I will aggressively pursue industries that are the economic engines of the global market. I will implement state policies that support these industries and create a business climate that will compete effectively with other states for these industries. Moreover, I will appoint a cabinet-level officer who will be in charge of economic policy and development for the state. The officer will be responsible for bringing structure, organization and control to the alphabet soup of economic development groups that currently exist in every Arizona county and city. This will ensure that our existing businesses are at the table and represented in economic development plans and activities.

Additionally, I will improve government services by requiring state agencies to offer efficient electronic access to all feasible services for our citizens. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies in state government also offers the potential to enhance domestic security and prevent criminal activity. Technologically enhanced crime prevention, investigation, and response will make law enforcement more effective. More effective crime prevention will make Arizona a more attractive location for business.

As part of my pledge to bring 500,000 high-paying private sector jobs to Arizona, I will personally visit boardrooms around the country and encourage businesses to capitalize on the benefits of relocating to Arizona. I will make myself available to chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations to help attract new businesses. I will utilize my experience and the contacts made as a United States Congressman to help Arizona attract foreign companies.

Without expansion of broadband technologies throughout the state, our success in attracting world-class business to Arizona will be limited. Cutting-edge industries require meaningful e-learning resources for local work-force development, strong ties to higher education, and robust connections to world markets. In order to attract and develop such businesses, Arizona must be committed to leading-edge development of communications infrastructure.