And Evans said in her role in the Greater Arizona Mayor Association, she has heard similar sentiments from other mayors and residents of other cities and towns across northern Arizona.

Evens said she believes a lot of this disconnect is because many state representatives do not have experience in local government before they go to the Capitol and thus don’t understand the issues on the ground.

As such, Evans said one of her priorities is bringing the local perspective back to the Capitol and provide clarity to the legislature as to what the role of the state is versus the role of the local government.

Evans said other priorities are funding for education, water conservation, encouraging small businesses and better distributing transportation money to every part of the state.

Looking at where most transportation dollars go, Evans said most of the money goes to Maricopa and Pima counties, and that is a problem.

On education, Evans said it is not acceptable that the state ranks near the bottom of school spending.

“I believe the majority of people in this district feel like I do,” Evans said.