Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey boasts ‘opportunity for all’ in farewell address

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey delivered his farewell address Thursday evening via video, listing his achievements in the state over his eight-year tenure.

Ducey said when he took office the state faced a flat economy, a $1 billion deficit and schools were mired in lawsuits.

The governor stated that his administration had one common goal for Arizona: “Opportunity for all.”

“For me, it’s more than just words. It embodies the American spirit – and even more so – that Arizona/Goldwater spirit,” Ducey said in the speech.

“Opportunity was never meant to be a government program. Opportunity is a new job — and the skills to find a better one. Opportunity is access to a good school, no matter your family’s race, last name or ZIP code.

“Opportunity is letting hardworking people find their purpose and letting them keep the fruits of their labor. Opportunity is the chance to use your gifts, live out your passions, pursue the American Dream and be free. And in Arizona today, opportunity is boundless.”

The governor said he ran in 2014 to help the state overcome many great challenges and wanted to make his family’s home a better place.

Ducey thanked the people of Arizona for their support of an entrepreneur coming in with a vision and working together to deliver that vision.

He also sent a message to young people encouraging them to get involved in our state.

“You are the future of our state and our country,” Ducey said.

Democrat Katie Hobbs assumes office Jan. 2.

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