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Dear friends and supporters,

Today, I write you to inform you of my decision to suspend my campaign for the Arizona House of Representatives. It is one of the most difficult things I have had to face.
I, like thousands of Arizonans, have been affected by the economic change that has plagued our nation. As some of you may know, late last year I lost half of my income. Not having personal disposable income and needing to invest time to look for a new job has led me to end my race.
I entered this race because I love my state and I care about my district, but I no longer have the means to continue to be competitive.
Over the past 12 months, I have had the privilege to earn your support. The time so many of you put into this campaign to help us win has touched me deeply.
Hopefully, after the rain has cleared I can return to be the community advocate and activist I have been all my life and continue to fight for the issues that are important to us.  I ask all of my supporters to continue to watch the District 15 race closely in order to make an educated decision on choosing our next representative. 
I am close to placing my support behind a candidate in that race who I truelly believe represents my district’s values. A person who will stand for us.  A true leader and a person who can effectively work with individuals in our community by opening dialogue and building bridges to create a better Arizona. 

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Luis Garcia

[Phoenix , May 5, 2009] -- Although the next legislative election is not until 2010, a District 15 candidate has already received a major endorsement. Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot has endorsed newcomer Luis Garcia for the Arizona House of Representatives.

“Luis represents the next generation of leaders in Arizona. I am proud to endorse his candidacy for the legislature,” said Simplot, who represents District 4.

Garcia is not new to politics having worked on several legislative campaigns, but this is the first time the Democrat will seek office.

“It is an honor to receive the support of a respected community leader like the vice mayor,” Garcia said. “Phoenix Council District 4 is in the heart of legislative district 15 and Vice Mayor Simplot understands that I will work diligently to sponsor bills that will help my community grow and protect the people who live in the district. District 15 might be the most diverse district in the state and I will be committed to recognizing those differences — whether it is ethnicity, sexual identity or socioeconomic status."

Garcia’s interests include a strong emphasis on education, energy/environment and equal rights/civil liberties.

Garcia, a military veteran, serves on the Encanto Village Planning Committee and the Phoenix 2010 Census Complete Count Committee. He is also a member of the Crystal Meth Task Force and American Legion.

Help Fight Graffiti

District 15 House of Representatives candidate Luis Garcia and the Human & Equal Rights Organizers  (H.E.R.O.) has teamed up with the City of Phoenix to help keep Graffiti Busters operational by providing manpower to remove graffiti between McDowell and Camelback roads and between 7th Avenue and 7th Street.  To get involved contact Jimmy Gruender at pridejimmy@gmail.com.

Marlon Frederick is an amazing young man from Antigua. He came to the U.S. in hopes of receiving refugee status from Antigua, where he was assualted twice for his sexual orientation. Threats have been made by the local community with claims that if he returns his life and his family's life will be in danger. Marlon is an awesome muscian, a participant at 1n10 and YEP!, and received an honor from SoulPurpose this year.

On March 27, Luis Gracia stepped in to help raise money to pay for the lawyer retainer fee before Marlon's court, when he faced deportation.

"I am so thankful to so many of you that helped this fabulous young man in need," said 1n10 coordinator Micheal Weakley.  "Special thanks to Patrick Kelly, Don Hammill, the volunteers from 1n10, Gina and Tracey with 'N Touch Magazine, Dann Dykas, parents of some 1n10ers, those who spread the word via facebook, email and myspace and some wonderful people from outside of the state who sent money via paypal, check etc to ensure this young mans life was safe here with us where he belongs!

"And my biggest thank you of all goes to Luis Garcia who came in at the last moment like the trooper he is and donated his tips as well as helped create a raffle raising over $600 for Marlon in one evening at the Rock, awesome!"

PHOENIX — The Riverside School District has launched its much anticipated Community Partnership Project bringing together local educators, community members, elected officials, and business professionals.

According to new RESD superintendent Dr. Jaime Rivera, the project is aimed at increasing student achievement through local community business involvement.

“We will provide the best possible education with up to date state of the art facilities with the help of political and business partnerships in our community,” Rivera said. “We will compete with private schools, and provide better education. Riverside will be the leader in education to our community.”

Phoenix City Councilman for District 7 Michael Nowakowski praised the new RESD administration and told the gathering he was amazed at the new learning technology offered at Riverside.

“Riverside has a new board and new superintendent with fresh ideas,” Nowakowski said. “People are going to want to live in this area just to come to our schools. We have a stereotype here in South Phoenix and in the West Valley and we are going to end that. We will focus on educating the hearts and the minds of the community. That is why I am here to try and figure out a way for the city of Phoenix and the schools to come together and open doors to our community.”

For Arizona House of Representatives candidate the new RESD vision represents the one of the reason he is running for office..

“I am honored to be a part of this amazing project that brings together the community around RESD," Garcia said. “Everyone in the community should have an interest in educating our students and providing them with the equipment they need to learn.”

Representative Cloves Campbell (D-16) told those in attendance that he understands the importance to have a relationship with the business community and promised he would do everything he can at the state level to stop more cuts on the budget for education.

RESD also plans to showcase business partners though media like the school newspaper and a school television broadcast. Both projects will be created and managed by the students, but inspired and coached by local professionals in the industry.

RESD #2 is one of the oldest school districts in Phoenix. The primary school, Riverside Traditional School, serves grades kindergarten through fourth grade. The junior high, Kings Ridge Preparatory, serves grades five through eight.

Luis Garcia was present at the 1-Voice LGBT Community Center Grand Opening Friday night September 4.  He was also one of the officials chosen to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday morning September 11.  Luis was honored to play a role in such an important community center opening in District 15, as he is well aware of how much work and effort has gone into this project.