In Arizona, Gov. Ducey demonstrated something I believe – policy changes lives. It’s a model I hope many of the new governors from across the nation emulate and appreciate, and it starts with a belief in people. As governor you don’t govern over people; you are elected serve them.

With this belief in mind, Gov. Ducey sought bold solutions, worked to rise above partisan bickering, and prioritize his constituents over politics.

In response to a drought that’s impacted the Southwestern United States for an estimated 22 years, Gov. Ducey reached across the aisle and signed a bipartisan package that invests $1 billion toward solving this crisis, including long-term investments that will take place after Ducey is gone. He could have kicked the can down the road, prioritized other issues, sought short-term solutions, but he put this generation and future generations first.

To help build a better economy for all Arizonians, Gov. Ducey’s office identified and removed thousands of unnecessary and burdensome regulations that cause unnecessary harm to small business owners and entrepreneurs. And he’s championed occupational licensing reform to help eliminate barriers of entry for new job creators and help low-income entrepreneurs who often lack the resources to maneuver onerous and unnecessary licensing boards and pay hefty licensing fees. Some of these solutions were simple and common sense – such as Arizona recognizing out-of-state licenses. It’s saved businesses millions of dollars and help create new jobs, ranging from small family start-ups in cosmetology to attracting Uber to move its driverless car research from California to Arizona.

[Hmmmm …. Ducey passed on a chance to run for the US Senate against Mark Kelly, a race he could have easily won. Now former Florida governor Jeb Bush offers this valediction immediately after the midterms. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. — Ed]