New Lawmaker Profile: Jones

NOTE: This is one of a series of biographical sketches Cronkite News Service is producing about new members of the Arizona State Legislature. Each follows this format and includes a mugshot.

_ Name: Russell L. Jones
_ Chamber: House of Representatives
_ Party: Republican
_ Profession: Customs Broker, Insurance Broker, Entrepreneur
_ Hometown: Yuma
_ Legislative District: No. 24, which encompasses much of southwestern Arizona.
_ Committee Assignments: Appropriations; Environment; Natural Resources and Rural Affairs, Vice-Chairman.
_ Previous or Current Elected Offices: State representative, 2005-2007.
_ Highlights of Community Involvement: Arizona Community Foundation Board, Yuma Community Foundation, Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation, San Luis Chamber of Commerce, Caballeros de Yuma.
_ Why He Ran: “I realized there were a lot of things that I could do to help my community that were more than what I have been able to do at the local level.”
_ His Focus, Besides the Budget: “Shrinking government, reducing regulatory requirements.”
_ A Bill: HB 2252 would require the Arizona Department of Transportation to provide the Arizona International Development Authority with staff support, relieving the Arizona Department of Commerce.

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Reporting by Sean Manget, Cronkite News Service

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Rep. Russell L. Jones, R-Yuma