For too long, Arizona has lacked strong, principled leadership. On Tuesday, voters will have the chance to elect a governor who will guide the state through trying times, inheriting a $1 billion-plus budget deficit. Independent Dick Mahoney, a self-proclaimed social progressive and fiscal conservative, is the best choice for Arizona and for the university system.

Former Secretary of State Mahoney ditched the Democratic party because of his frustration with the incredible political pull of lobbyists in the platforms of the two major parties. Yet, he is essentially the liberal candidate, advocating the state's restricted role as a means for social improvement.

Highly educated, but in touch with Arizona's roots in agriculture and mining, he recognizes the needs of the entire state ÷ not just those of Phoenix. Mahoney is the only candidate native to Arizona; and while this is not a prerequisite for the job, it speaks to his familiarity with the state's needs and unique Southwestern culture.

Professor emeritus at Thunderbird University in Glendale, Mahoney recognizes the importance of higher education. He has as a strong conviction that a university's purpose is to educate. And although he understands the value of research, he hopes Focused Excellence will not leave the emphasis on quality teaching behind. Mahoney wants to make universities immune to future budget cuts, a goal he says he can accomplish by eliminating more than $400 million in "ill-conceived" tax loopholes.

Mahoney wants to make deep cuts in specific areas of the state budget, privatizing the department of corrections and eliminating the department of commerce ÷ which he sees as self-serving ÷ while protecting education.

Democrat Janet Napolitano has also said she would try to close tax loopholes and limit university budget cuts, and she clearly values higher education. But her plan to centralize economic development would likely discourage creative enterprise in the long run. And it's hard to believe she'll be able to implement certain plans, such as living wages, without raising taxes.

Republican Matt Salmon is clearly passionate about balancing the state budget, but some of his ideas conflict. While he claims to support less government interference in the market, he supports attracting high-tech industry through subsidies or other individualized incentives. His conservative social policies would also be a step in the wrong direction.

Libertarian Barry Hess couldn't have been more right when he said everyone needs to "just mellow out." His ideas about protecting individual rights and privatizing government services are sound, but they seem less realistic than Mahoney's vision to work for change within the system.

Mahoney has been painted as a political villain by the mainstream media over ads he ran criticizing Napolitano and Salmon for ignoring allegations of child abuse by Mormon sects in Colorado City. It's disturbing that rather than answering the allegations, Napolitano and Salmon have only responded to the tone of the ads, labeling his efforts a "smear campaign."

Mahoney called himself a "wild card" when he jumped in the running for governor, but he has proved himself to be an articulate, passionate and capable candidate. At a campus area debate last week, Mahoney illustrated his clear vision, humility and charisma.

Despite his opponents' criticism, Mahoney is the only candidate who has the plan to implement true, positive change in Arizona. His independence is his essential strength, as Mahoney offers innovative ideas ÷ not just political spin.