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Oh, He’s definitely in.

April 26, 2009 By 5 Comments

Daniel Scarpinato at the Arizona Daily Star confirmed another indicator on who to expect to get in to the 2010 gubernatorial race. For months, Sonoran Alliance and other conservative bloggers have been watching attorney/former board of regent/former State GOP chairman, John Munger. As Scarpinato writes, Munger won’t deny it but if his actions are any indication, he’s definitely in the race. Munger, along with Lisa Graham Keegan have been working up an organization called Imagine Arizona for months. Imagine Arizona is a public policy advocacy organization with an eye on developing Arizona into a free market regional powerhouse. (In fact, they’ve been pushing an idea I’ve had for years – development of a deep water port – minus Arizona annexation.)

Munger is someone to be taken seriously.

With the current Republican Governor suggesting that Arizonans tax themselves, Jan Brewer will become extremely vulnerable in a Primary race, especially against someone like John Munger.

Here’s what Scarpinato said about Munger today in the Arizona Daily Star:

Munger “just having fun”

Tucson Attorney John Munger isn’t running for governor – yet.

The former state GOP chairman’s “Imagine Arizona” road show has had many in the political community rumbling about John’s interest in the ninth floor of the governor’s tower.

But for now, Munger says he’s just talking issues.

However, he’s not ruling out a bid, even if that means taking on incumbent Jan Brewer in a Republican primary.

“I’m going to look at that maybe later in the fall or next year,” Munger said. “I’m just having fun talking about the issues.”

And Munger certainly is talking up the issues. Last Friday, he attended a Legislative Townhall Forum in Tucson sponsored by Americans for Prosperity and Pima Association of Taxpayers. He was quick, passionate and knows the issue of education just as well as anyone currently serving in office. After all, he is a former board of regent.

I don’t think it’s a matter of “If” but rather “when” that Munger gets into the race. And when he does, expect him to run circles around Jan Brewer.

P.S. ~ One other thing I forgot to mention. As a rule of political thumb, anyone who runs for statewide office needs to win or break even in Tucson/Pima County. Munger is from Tucson.

 

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections

Education Propaganda Coming to an Inbox Near You

April 26, 2009 By 7 Comments

By Gayle Plato

 Nothing makes conservatives seem more like big green meanies than strong stands against spending, or better yet, proposing CUTS in educational spending.  About two weeks ago, I received a nice e-mail sent to the class parents’ group, from the homeroom parent, pleading with us all to attend the school board meeting regarding teacher cuts and budget information.  The message was an open push for parents to take a political stand.  I knew it was written by the PTO, and I felt their pain. 

 Parents are truly worried about changes coming to the schools. Class size and aide time are such big deals for most moms on the waiting wall at pick up time.  Yet, I know as a teacher, a great educator can manage and teach 30 kids during a wild moment, while a crummy teacher can’t handle 12 kids when all are angels.   I know that class spending is one of the biggest misnomers in the history of taxation. 

 I received great information via Facebook (Thanks friends of Thayer :-) , and I am including it here.  The Arizona Department of Education recently released this information. Here are some interesting facts taken from AZ Dept. of Education report: 

  • ADM went from 859,023 in 2004 to 951,117 in 2008 a 10.7% increase. 
  • Number of Administrators went from 2,804 in 2004 to 3,305 in 2008 a 17.9% increase. 
  • Number of Classified Managers went from 2,374 in 2004 to 3,030 in 2008 a 27.6% increase. 
  • Number of Teachers went from 47,396 in 2004 to 53,883 in 2008 a 13.7% increase.  
  • Average Teacher salary went from $42,324 in 2004 to $49,331 in 2008 a 16.5% increase. 
  • Superintendents salaries went from $12,837,427 in 2004 to $19,188,361 in 2008 a 49.5% increase.  
  • Total state aid went from $3,179,994,562 in 2004 to $4,453,747,156 in 2008 a 40% increase. 

(UPDATE: References-1- http://azed.gov/AnnualReport/AnnualReport2008/
Go to volume two. Go to state report on page 268. Will say State Report at the top of page.
2-http://azed.gov/AnnualReport/AnnualReport2004/
Go to detailed district totals. Go to last page. Will say State Report at the top of page.)

 The erroneous representation is always that dollars go right to the classes.  Keep a heads up for politically driven calls for protest sent to you as parents.  I encourage all to use some of this data supplied and feel free to model a response.  You should not face propaganda from the school volunteers nor officials regarding cuts via e-mails given to the school for parent contact.  I also know that there are many really good educators making little money.  I’m one of them, but we cannot lie to each other about what has happened with over-spending and now a reality check of cuts in lean times. I submit to you a portion of my response to the e-mail for the inappropriate call to action by parents:

 

Mrs. __ and Parents,

 I appreciate your sentiments and the fiscal strife we all are facing.  It is a reality of the recession.  All schools, local, state, and federal budgets are being forced to cut.  We are all dealing with it every day, and I have been writing about this for months.

As a teacher and educator myself, facing no prospects next year for my planned re-entry into education, I personally feel this. Yet, I cannot attend a meeting that ends up being a protest against the cuts.  I feel they are necessary.  We spend too much time blaming each other for the reality but the fact is that no one is getting out of this unscathed.  No public nor private business can ignore this fiscal reality.

 Since this e-mail is pointedly a political call to action, I felt comfortable in returning the favor.  Tomorrow is tax day, and I will be speaking at the Tea Party being held at 5:30 pm on the Senate Lawn.  I am vehemently against the taxation but also the unrealistic views.  No one wants to step up and face this crisis. I encourage all to attend the Tea Party.

 I applaud your desire to organize and rally behind good people.  I truly do. 

But this request goes against my values and my principles.  Mrs. ___ is a personal friend; we worked together at ____. She knows I value this school and staff immensely.  But this economic downturn is not going to disappear just because we want it to go.

 Thank you for your request, and please take mine in the same vein.  We are all activating our values.  If we open school e-mail contacts to political promotion, then we also realize there is a balance to that viewpoint.

 

Filed Under: Education, Family, Spending, State Budget, Taxation

Secure the Border NOW!

April 26, 2009 By 7 Comments

If ever there was a time to secure the border, THIS would be that time.

While the Obama Administration is scrambling to come up with a response, Governor Brewer has the obligation to protect the citizens of Arizona from what is quickly becoming a pandemic situation with the Mexican-borne swine flu.

We would call on the governor to increase border security, and make preparations for travel restrictions into the State of Arizona.

 According to the latest statement issued by the World Health Organization, “It is “quite possible” that the swine flu virus that has killed dozens in Mexico will mutate into a “more dangerous” strain, a senior World Health Organization official said Sunday.”

The Center for Disease Control website has also dedicated information regarding the epidemic. Within the last 48 hours, the flu has spread from eight people to 20 and being identified in two states to now five.

To date, there has been no statements issued by Governor Brewer.  However, the Arizona Department of Health Services has issed the following press release but even their information is not up to date.

ADHS News Release:

Release: No Swine Flu in Arizona
Release Date: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 24, 2009

Contact: Contact: Laura Oxley, ADHS Public Information: (602) 542-1094
Contact: Janey Pearl, ADHS Public Information: (602) 364-1201

A swine flu that has never been seen in humans before has been diagnosed in the U.S. and Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 8 cases in California and Texas; the same virus has also been detected in central Mexico. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has not seen the virus, but is monitoring the situation. The state laboratory is prepared for testing influenza samples from across the state.

“Influenza is a constantly evolving virus. We’ve been watching for something like this for years,” said Dr. Karen Lewis, Medical Director for the state’s Immunization Program. “The important part of the equation is identifying a new virus. Then we can diagnose and treat those who have it.” ADHS is in contact with doctors, medical facilities and our local health partners to make sure they are aware of the symptoms, as well as when to do additional testing.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular influenza: high fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches – some cases have nausea and diarrhea. Treatment of the swine flu is the same as influenza: stay in bed, rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your primary care doctor.

Every person can protect themselves from swine flu and other illnesses by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and try to limit contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home.

ADHS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed on our website at www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/epi/flu and at 800-314-9243. Or you can visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/index.htm.

Filed Under: Border, National Security, States Rights