The Arizona Governor on What It Takes

Chicago, IL: I hear a lot about how you're working to shift Arizona's economy away from the "5 C's" and into the high-tech world. Could you talk about some of the things you've done and what kinds of things you think the federal government should do to help the US better compete globally?
Janet Napolitano: We need to move Arizona into a 21st century economy. That's why my emphasis on education is so important. We've always passed tax credits for angel investors, reformed our state strategy for attracting foreign direct investment, and worked closely like Intel and Google to bring them to Arizona. In this way, we will develop a job base that will, over time, increase the income levels of Arizonans and enable our state to weather downturns in things like housing in a much better way. I can't emphasize enough, though, that an educated workforce is key.

Portland, OR: Do you find that you and your female staff members arrive at working consensus before the male staff members?
Janet Napolitano: While I don't like to stereotype based on gender (or anything else), I can't help noticing that women tend to be excellent time-managers. Perhaps this is because of other demands on their lives.

El Cajon, CA: In your opinion, what are the qualities in a person that make him or her a leader such that others want to follow him or her?
Janet Napolitano: Here's what I've always looked for in a leader: intelligence, thoughtfulness, the ability to articulate a position in a persuasive manner, integrity, and the willingness to take hard positions and stick with them. You find leaders in many walks of life, not just politics. You know a good leader when you see one.

Maryville, MO: You've mentioned education a number of times. I'm interested in what you think the best path to improving education is. More standardized testing? Alternative approaches? What is the best way to serve our students?
Janet Napolitano: At a minimum, we need to invest in early education, increase the rigor and relevance of what is taught in middle school and high school, use technology more effectively in our classrooms, and provide better resources (including pay!) for our teachers. I am working on all of these things in Arizona. On testing: scores should reflect an increase in overall student achievement that derives naturally from the improvements I've mentioned. Right now, though, testing is seen as an end in itself. That's unfortunate, because it doesn't fully reflect what kind of education our students have received. That's why we still need to work on improving NCLB.

Phoenix, AZ: As you continue to travel around the world working to address the major issues facing Arizona, have you faced any major challenges due to the fact that you are an effective, high-powered female leader?
Janet Napolitano: I think I face the same challenges as any governor: Making sure my state is safe, strong and prosperous.

Buffalo, NY: Can you see a future where gender is irrelevant to politics? Why or why not?
Janet Napolitano: As more and more women move into political office, both in the U.S. and abroad, gender as a barrier becomes less and less relevant. I am judged by the results I reach as /governor/, and I don't get a pass on any issue because I'm a woman. Nor should I.