Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer reflects on her 6 years in office, stands by signing SB 1070
Dec 2, 2014, 12:45 PM | Updated: 12:45 pm
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is in the homestretch of her six years in office and she’s leaving with no regrets, she said.
Brewer’s last day is Jan. 5.
“I came in during times when nobody dreamt they would be as bad as they were — $3 billion in debt. When I look back and see what we were able to accomplish, getting the budget balanced and all the while trying to protect children and education, all of that was was successful,” she said.
“We had to make tough decisions and today I can look back at the worst budget deficit per capita in the country and we’re on our way to recovery and I’m pleased to say that was on our watch.”
The most controversial measure during her time leading the state was Senate Bill 1070, targeting illegal immigration.
“I would absolutely not do anything different in regard to 1070. I believe in the rule of law and that’s all we were enforcing by state and federal law.”
SB 1070 was just one piece of an incredible amount on her plate over the past six years.
“Tax reform, education reform, changing Child Protective Services to Department of Child Safety. Those are red-letter events,” she said.
Brewer is excited for what is ahead after a political career that included Maricopa County supervisor, state representative and senato and Secretary of State.
“It has been a wonderful ride for me, 24-0 in my races. Not a lot of people around me that can say they won 24 elections and I served the people of Arizona.
“I did it because I love the state of Arizona. I love the people of Arizona and I always tried to do what I believed was right. Doing the right thing almost always means doing the hard thing,” Brewer said.
The future could include a couple of typical ventures for a former politician.
“I have had the opportunity to serve on a couple of national boards and have been approached about writing another book which I’m not interested in right now, maybe if things slow down a little bit.
“I’m not going away, I still want to be a voice out there.”
