Drake, Lori

Meet the Candidate

Running For:

Board of Supervisors

District:

Political Affiliation:

Republican

Phone:

(928) 592-2749

Age:

Occupation:

Substitute Teacher / Office Coordinator

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Business Operations

Family:

Steve and I have been married for over 30 years with 2 amazing daughters.

Religion:

Christian

Biographical Info:

I am a 4th generation Verde valley resident, born and raised in Cottonwood. My parents John & Susanne Verretto raised myself and my two sisters while they built two small businesses, one of which is still open today. It is from my family that I learned how important it is to have a work ethic and support your community. I want to ensure the quality of life in rural Arizona.

My parents encouraged from a young age many interests within 4-H from a young age as well as summer sports. I grew up going to the same cottonwood elementary school and Mingus Union High School the same as both of my parents. After a year at Yavapai College, I then attended University of DeVry to become an accountant. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Operations in 1992.

In a small town your path crosses with many people over the years. My path first crossed with my husband showing steers at the Verde Valley Fair when I was in high school. We have been married for over 30 years and have raised 2 amazing girls together.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the elementary school when our girls were students. As they grew older my focus turned to attending Mingus board meetings in order that I might gain a better understanding of how to navigate our childrens education. I decided to serve my community on the Mingus Union High School Governing Board Since January of 2016. During this time I have been committed to learning as much as possible about public education and its funding for advocating for all my constituency. I am dedicated to all members of Yavapai County, everyone should be valued especially our children.

Statement:

I want to continue serving my community in a larger capacity, I know the priorities of the citizens are the same as mine.
*Effective Government and Customer Service
*Investment in critical Infrastructure
*Protection of rural lifestyle and quality of life
*Stewardship of our natural resources
*Support for our local schools and businesses
*Election integrity
*Thoughtful growth and economic development

I believe it is the utmost importance to preserve rural values of self reliance within our community. I will continue to work on the Yavapai County comprehensive plan and advocate for resources on this side of the mountain while balancing best practice for all of Yavapai County.

I have proven myself to be thoughtful of our community members in an elected position. I have immersed myself into learning about every facet of the issues at hand. I have researched many issues and advocated for our parents and children. I have met with community members regularly and try to provide as much transparency as possible.

Survey

Response Legend

SSupports
OOpposes
*Comment
−Declined to respond
†Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question	Response	Comments/Notes
1. Providing benefits and services such as free housing to undocumented migrants at taxpayer expense.	O*	We struggle with providing affordable housing for our citizens.
2. Allowing all parents to use tax credits and taxpayer funded empowerment scholarship accounts to enable their children to attend any private school, homeschool, or online academy of their choice.	S*	I support the parent's right to enroll their child at the school of choice that helps their child excel in learning.
3. Interpreting the 2nd Amendment as protecting an individual’s right to keep and bear arms.	S
4. Using taxpayer funds to support any organization that performs, promotes, or provides referrals for abortion.	O*	According to Arizona Revised Statute the following are the only exceptions that taxpayer monies will pay for an abortion. ARS 35.196.02 Public monies or tax monies of this state or any political subdivision of this state shall not be expended directly or indirectly to pay the costs, premiums or charges associated with a health insurance policy, contract or plan that provides coverage, benefits or services related to the performance of any abortion unless an abortion is necessary to either: 1. Save the life of the woman having the abortion. 2. Avert substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the woman having the abortion. C. Notwithstanding any other law, public monies or tax monies of this state or any political subdivision of this state or any federal funds passing through the state treasury or the treasury of any political subdivision of this state or monies paid by students as part of tuition or fees to a state university or a community college shall not be expended or allocated for training to perform abortions.
5. Amending the Arizona State Constitution to grant a fundamental right to every individual to an abortion.	O*	Abortion does not need to become a fundamental right to be safe, legal and rare in the State of Arizona.
6. Providing tax breaks to certain industries over others.	S*	We should be thoughtful at providing support for local small businesses as well as attracting companies that can provide high paying jobs for our citizens.
7. Adding "sexual orientation," "gender identity," or "gender expression" to the protected classes of race, religion, age, sex, and ancestry in nondiscrimination ordinances.	O
8. Allowing parents to seek professional counseling for their minor child with same-sex attraction or gender identity issues.	S*	Parents should continue to maintain their parental rights to provide medical care for their child. ARS 1-602 All parental rights are exclusively reserved to a parent of a minor child without obstruction or interference from this state, any political subdivision of this state, any other governmental entity or any other institution.
9. Enhancing penalties for leading and participation in organized retail theft rings.	S
10. Permitting individuals and businesses to not provide services or promote ideas that violate their moral or religious beliefs.	S