New Lawmaker Profile: Rep. Cecil P. Ash, R-Mesa

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: Cecil P. Ash
_ Chamber: House of Representatives
_ Party: Republican
_ Profession: CEO of a charitable foundation
_ Hometown: Mesa
_ Legislative District: No. 18, covering west and central Mesa.
_ Committee Assignments: Judiciary (vice-chairman); Banking and Insurance; Public Employees, Retirement and Entitlement Reform.
_ Previous or Current Elected Offices: Precinct committeeman.
_ Highlights of Community Involvement: Representative to the United Nations for United Families International; Rotary Club member.
_ Why He Ran: “My primary concern was the budget. I felt that they had used accounting gimmicks.”
_ His focus: Besides working on the budget, he said he will focus on gaining experience turning issues into legislation.
_ Legislation: HB 2531 would tighten supervision and custody of dangerous defendants who are mentally incompetent to stand trial.

^___=

Reporting by Michelle Price, Cronkite News Service

^___=

PHOTOS: Click thumbnails to see full-resolution images and download; caption information is in the file under File>File Info.

Rep. Cecil P. Ash, R-Mesa