By way of introduction, before I was elected to public office as Arizona State Representative for District 24 (2004-2006), I served as President of R.L. Jones Customhouse Brokers, Inc., which was founded in 1938 by E.D. Roberts, my grand-father. When Mr. Roberts was appointed by President Kennedy and again by President Johnson, to serve as District Director of Customs for the 25th District, the company was transferred to the control of his son-in-law, Richard L. Jones, my father.
After fulfilling my military service, I joined my father in the brokerage business and, in turn, became its President. Now, almost 70 years after its formation, the company has grown to provide brokerage, insurance, transportation, logistics and warehousing services, with offices in Arizona, California and affiliated offices in Mexico.
The accomplishments of my wife, Janet, should not be overlooked. She has been the driving force behind the Yuma Orchestra Association, the String Ambassadors and the Civic Orchestra, bringing the joy and culture of classical music to the young people of Yuma and the surrounding areas and was recently given the distinction of being named as the recipient of the prestigious 2007 Tribute of the Muses Award at the Yuma Art Center.
It was both a pleasure and a distinct honor, in 2005 and 2006, to have served the voters of District 24 in our State Legislature.
During that time, as Vice Chairman of the House Committee for Natural Resources and Agriculture, I was successful in passing a number of bills supporting our agricultural community. I was able to pass bills that directed funds to Border Trade Infrastructure. I co‑sponsored bills to make military dependents eligible for In State Tuition and bills to secure our bases from encroachment.
For my district I was able to help La Paz County employees participate in the State Retirement System, school districts reduce unnecessary and costly paperwork, and Yuma by securing several millions of dollars in appropriations for its Arizona Welcome Center project.
Working with my Senate counterpart, I was proud of the bill I ran along with Senator (Dr.) Bob Cannell, to prevent minors from going to Mexico without permission and am honored that Bob has come on board as my Campaign Chairman.
As a graduate of the Council of State Governments Academy for State Legislatures, and a recipient of the State Chambers Legislator of the Year award, I will continue to oppose urban legislators’ one size fits all attempts to micromanage rural cities and counties. |