Cochise County Elections 2010 examiner, Jesse Mathewson was able to get the following interview with Ian Gilyeat, a write in candidate for United States senate in Arizona, he is running against David Nolan, Rodney Glassman and current incumbent John McCain. Ian Gilyeat was a pleasure to interview and quite up front with his answers. This is something that has been sorely lacking from other figures who ran or are running, i.e. John McCain. For more information about Ian Gilyeat or to contribute to his campaign feel free to go to his campaign website.

Ian Gilyeat's personal biography allows us to see the man inside the candidate, to understand whom we may be supporting in 2010. In his words,

Management consultant:  I bring thirteen years of executive experience from industries as diverse as outsourcing, publishing, software, foreign currency exchange, mail order retail and technology. 

I currently head a management consulting firm and advise companies on growth strategies, customer performance initiatives, marketing automation and business process improvement.  I am a seasoned business executive with experience managing operations in the United States, Canada, England and Japan.

Next the interview moved to the important things that weigh on people’s minds over the past few years,

Jesse - Where do you stand on Terrorism?

Ian Gilyeat- We must deal with terrorism as if it is a real threat instead something that happens only in distant countries on foreign soil.  This means securing the border and all ports of entry.  If we can’t secure our own borders what makes us think we can secure the lands of other nations like Iraq or Afghanistan.

Jesse - Where do you stand on the border issue?

Ian Gilyeat- Open borders are a national security risk.  In our efforts to minimize terrorist attacks, protect ourselves against drug cartels and prevent human smuggling the only answer is to secure the border with military force.

Jesse - Where do you stand on the war both declared and undeclared? He answered this in two parts.

Ian Gilyeat-  If we are going to be at war, then Congress needs to declare war on the nations where we are fighting – and if we are at war, then lets act like it and go into win so our soldiers can come home. War is a nasty, deadly business. 

Ian Gilyeat- As a civilian I have limited access to information and am not going to second guess our military leaders.  Having said that – refer back to point “A”.  We need to get out of the way of our military leaders and let them do their job.

Jesse - Where do you stand on taxation?

Ian Gilyeat- I am in favor of a flat tax, with no protected classes.  Citizenship comes with privileges and all can pay towards the common good of the secure and free nation in which we live.  The person that makes $400 dollars per year can pay a flat tax % just like the person who makes $40 million per year.

 Jesse - Where do you stand on the Second Amendment?

Ian Gilyeat- I support the second amendment.  We have a right to bear arms and I see no reason to curtail those rights.

Jesse - Where do you stand on the idea of term limits?

Ian Gilyeat- We need to elect men and women who are willing put self-imposed limits on how long they stay in office.  Two terms is plenty.  Also the American people need to impose term limits on their elected officials and vote them out if they stay in office longer than two terms.

Jesse - Where do you stand on the education issue, understanding of course the current problems faced by many Arizona schools?

Ian Gilyeat- The Federal Department of Education should be eliminated.  Education decisions should be pushed to the lowest levels possible.

Jesse - Where do you stand on States rights, or the Tenth Amendment?

Ian Gilyeat- States powers need to be strengthened and restored.  This includes eliminating the 17th Amendment.  The Federal government is wrong in suing Arizona over SB1070.  The Federal government is also wrong to use the United Nations to apply pressure to Arizona on SB1070.  States have a right to protect their citizens, including their property, lives and individual freedoms.  This includes the raising of a state guard in order to protect its borders from invasion.  If the Federal government won’t protect our citizens, then states retain the right to do so.

Jesse - Where do you stand on the First Amendment, each of the included segments?

Ian Gilyeat-  I support all rights expressed in Amendment I, including the recognition that this is intended to place limits on Congress respecting the establishment of religion.  This amendment is not intended to prevent citizens from open worship in public buildings such as schools, court houses and other government buildings.

Lastly I asked the question regarding how and why he felt the desire to take on this intensely difficult and yet ultimately rewarding experience, running for United States senator. This was his response.

I am acting out of a basic duty to God and Country.  Our Federal government is out of control and is over-indulgent and has encroached way too far into our business and personal lives.

Inspiration comes from many places including my wife and children, scriptures, religious leaders, the Constitution, the lives of our Founding Fathers and the writings of Frederic Bastiat, Adam Smith and many others.

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