KINGMAN, Ariz. – Teri Ann Hourihan, an Arizona native whose business was closed down by the government, feels called by God to run for Governor of Arizona. Running on the No Label/Independent ticket, Ms. Hourihan visited Kingman Saturday saying her platform is based on common sense, fixing government corruption and putting people before politics.
“I will remain committed to refusing PAC, AIPAC, and large corporate contributions that can undermine public trust and create the perception that special interests have greater influence than the people,” Hourihan said.
“As Governor, I will immediately begin implementing a comprehensive water-security strategy, including stronger statewide water-use standards; reviewing desalination proposals and their feasibility; closely evaluating ongoing Colorado River negotiations and litigation; bringing together experts to determine how Arizona’s brackish water resources can be responsibly utilized now and as part of a long-term strategy; and examining water-reuse requirements and infrastructure.”
“I will take immediate action to strengthen Arizona’s water security, including using executive authority, where legally appropriate, to implement and enforce stronger statewide water-conservation standards. Arizona already has important conservation requirements and programs in place, but we need greater accountability, consistent enforcement, and corrective action when established requirements are not followed. Arizona needs a diversified strategy that addresses conservation, reuse, infrastructure, groundwater, brackish-water opportunities, desalination, and Colorado River security.”
“I will protect school choice while simultaneously strengthening Arizona’s public schools so parents have meaningful reasons to choose them—not because government forces them to, but because our public schools earn their confidence.”
Hourihan vows to remain accessible to the people, if elected.
“Most importantly, one of the defining differences of my administration will be accessibility. I will remain directly connected to Arizonans through monthly public statewide meetings, ongoing community engagement, and frequent opportunities for public input. “
When asked why she’s running on a No Label/Independent ticket, she replied, “Party affiliation does not define or change my platform. In fact, if I could simply run as myself without any party affiliation, that is the path I would choose. I am not a career politician shaped by the ideology or expectations of the political system. I am an Arizonan standing up because I believe our state deserves better, and I would rather step forward, try, and risk failing than stand on the sidelines and never try at all.”
What are your primary concerns for State 48?
“Some of my highest priorities for Arizona are water security, healthcare and Medicaid reform, education, state-agency accountability, and restoring government to its fundamental purpose: serving the people.”
“We must address fraud, waste, and abuse within the Medicaid system while protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable residents and the legitimate healthcare providers who serve them—many of whom are struggling financially or being driven out of business.”
She was driven out of business by the government and knows first-hand what that’s like. As owner and operator of several behavioral health clinics in the Southern Arizona area, Teri’s Health Services, she was forced to close because of alleged Medicaid fraud. She said she fought it for almost three years and said she was finally released from those fraud charges.
While campaigning at the Farmer’s Market at Lewis Kingman Park Saturday, she told those asking her questions, “I’m not against government, just bad government.”
Education, she said, is one of the necessary changes that need to be made in Arizona.
“Our education system also needs meaningful reform, including higher teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, additional classroom support, and stronger public schools that parents want to choose rather than being forced into,” Hourihan said.
“Above all, I believe one of Arizona’s greatest problems is that too many people feel disregarded, unheard, and forgotten by their government. Government exists to serve the public – not the other way around.”
“As Governor, I will remain accessible, listen directly to Arizonans, and ensure their experiences and concerns are at the forefront of the decisions and reforms my administration pursues.”
“It’s all about we, the people.”
