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Scandal increases: Investigation discovers conflict with Supervisors’ $347 million new court tower

June 5, 2009 By 5 Comments


Taxpayers should be grateful to Channel 15 for investigating the $347 million state of the art Taj Mahal court tower boondoggle the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors insists on building during the recession, as they lay off employees and cut other agencies budgets – including law enforcement – by 15%. This blog has speculated that the contractors who won the bids to build the tower contributed to the Supervisors’ election campaigns, and so that is the reason the Supervisors are refusing to cut even one cent from the cost of the state of the art tower which will feature marble, travertine, porcelain and wood floors. Some excerpts -

It’s the largest construction project in Maricopa County history, but the new-state-of- the-art court tower is shrouded in secrecy.

The $347 million dollar taxpayer-funded project is already under criminal investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is a flagrant abuse of public trust,” said Clint Bolick, a former attorney with the United States Department of Justice who now works for the Goldwater Institute.

Documents obtained exclusively by the ABC15 Investigators reveal attorney Thomas K. Irvine and his firm are representing both the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, who are funding the project, and the Maricopa County Superior Court, that will occupy the building.

“It is a blatant conflict of interest, one of the first kinds of conflicts you learn about in law school,” Bolick said.  “It’s a matter of the fox guarding the hen house.”

Over the last three years, the Maricopa County Superior Court has paid Irvine and his law firm more than $800,000.

For what? The taxpayer would have no idea, because the Superior Court is refusing to say.

Additionally, ABC15 has learned Irvine’s contract with the courts was not put out for public bid.

Meanwhile, the county is still refusing ABC15 and the taxpayers access to thousands of records regarding the court tower project that are being kept behind a locked door on the third floor of the county administration building in downtown Phoenix. ABC15 first requested access to those records five months ago.

Filed Under: County Government, Judicial, Spending, Taxation

Haven’t We Been Through This Already?

June 5, 2009 By 7 Comments

In 2001, a so-called “businessman” from out of state showed up on the political scene claiming he wanted to run for Congress. He was replete the requisite cowboy boots and jeans – apparently out of staters think we are all a bunch of cowboys – and splashed around a lot of money to win a seat in Congress. His ties to the state were minimal at best – he had gone to college here but hadn’t lived in the state for over 20 years. That Congressman was Rick Renzi. Most political followers know the rest of the story.

Now comes news that another “businessman” is looking to do the same thing. Call it Renzi-redux if you will. Jim Ward announced he was running for Congress stating in his press release that he has traveled the district listening to residents to “get a sounding as to the viability of his candidacy” (get a sounding?). That was probably a smart move on Mr. Ward’s part, given the fact that according to property records, he’s only lived in the district and the state for a little over six months. But fair is fair, our Constitution places no resident requirements on running for Congress.

But the topic of this post isn’t really about Mr. Ward. Apparently he thinks that his long time residence in the Bay Area of California is sufficient to understand the needs and concerns of Arizonans. I’m not here to question that.

What I’m wondering is what it is about Arizona that seems to attract these types of candidacies from out of staters? Why do out of staters think they can come to Arizona and despite having very little connection represent our views in Congress?

Do we come off as that small time? A place where someone can show up and splash a little money and be considered a credible candidate to represent our views despite having little to no real ties to the state?

I’m curious what Sonoran Alliance readers think. Feel free to comment.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

PR: CD-5 Republican, Jim Ward, Announces

June 4, 2009 By 5 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2009

Scottsdale Resident Jim Ward Declares Candidacy For Arizona’s 5th Congressional District

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) June 4, 2009 — Arizona businessman Jim Ward becomes a Republican candidate for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District today with the filing of official papers with the Federal Election Commission.  This district includes the cities of Scottsdale and Tempe, sections of Chandler and Mesa and the Ahwatukee portion of Phoenix.  Representing what he calls “the right kind of change,” Ward vowed to work for prosperity and opportunity for all Arizonans. 

“I’m not a professional politician.  I’m a businessman and I know from experience that there’s the right kind of change and the wrong kind of change.  I’m deeply concerned that this country is making the wrong kind of change,” said Jim Ward, in announcing his candidacy.  “I believe my years of experience in the private sector have prepared me especially well to deal with the unique challenges that face our state, particularly the need to diversify our economy.  The right kind of change is to invest in the free market, not government, particularly in those entities that actually create jobs, like small businesses with the proper tax incentives to do so.” 

Before formally announcing his intention to run, Ward traveled throughout the district and engaged residents to get a sounding as to the viability of his candidacy.

“I’ve been across the district and around the state and the message I keep hearing is clear,” Ward said.  “The people of Arizona want a candidate that represents their diverse backgrounds, a candidate that can win and a candidate that has a unique skill set to take to Congress and they’re ready for the right kind of change.”

Ward has had a successful career spanning over 25 years in advertising, high technology, entertainment media and entrepreneurship.  He is currently a Venture Partner with Alsop Louie Partners.  His primary focus: to grow and attract businesses to Arizona.

Prior to his current role, Ward was President of LucasArts and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Distribution and Online at Lucasfilm, Ltd. where he managed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises.  Ward began his career in advertising and was involved in several major global product introductions including Apple’s PowerBook, Microsoft’s Windows ’95 and Nike’s partnership with Tiger Woods. 

Jim Ward currently serves on the Economic Development and Public Policy Advisory Boards of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and is an advisor to Arizona State University’s SkySong Innovation Center.  He is a Legislative District 8 Precinct Captain of the Pinnacle South Precinct for the Republican Party.

Ward has been named one of Advertising Age’s Top 100 Marketers and he has earned two prestigious Gold Effies and a Grand Effie award from the American Marketing Association.  He has served as Chairman of the Entertainment Software Association and was nominated for an Emmy in 2007.  He is particularly proud of being named Thunderbird’s Alumnus of the Year with Distinction in Marketing in 2000, and winning Hanover College’s Alumni Achievement Award in 2003. 

A native of Rockford, Ill., Ward received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College and a Master’s degree in International Management from Thunderbird School of  Global Management.  A classically trained pianist, Jim Ward and his wife Dawne have been married 25 years.  They have two children and reside in Scottsdale, AZ.

For more information: www.votejimward.com

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Public Relations

PR: Senate Passes 2010 Budget

June 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

For Immediate Release: Thursday June 4, 2009

Senate passes 2010 budget

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – The Senate passed an $8.2 billion 2010 budget early Thursday that takes necessary action to reduce the size of government without raising taxes in this historic economic crisis.

“There have been no easy choices in this process. What was clear, however, was that we had to tackle our structural deficit primarily by reducing spending,” Burns said. “Failing to do so would doom Arizona to continuously correct ongoing budget shortfalls caused by increased expenditures and declining state revenues.”

Ten bills balance the budget with a combination of spending reductions and delays, fund transfers, federal stimulus funding and additional non-tax revenue. View the budget bills at www.azsenaterepublicans.com. (All fact sheets may not yet be updated.)

The legislative Majority budget demonstrates measured steps taken toward significant tax reform and improved our state’s potential for recovery by addressing prospectively excessive commercial and agricultural property taxes.

The budget avoids a property tax increase that was intentionally programmed to reappear on taxpayers’ property tax statements this fall.

“Increasing taxes not only does not solve the problem, but it exacerbates the state’s economic woes,” Senate President Bob Burns, R-Peoria, said. “Unless you want to move from a recession into a depression, raising taxes is the worst possible budget solution right now.”

President Burns thanked Senate members who persevered through the challenges of balancing this budget and who rallied together to pass what is best for Arizona in the current economic circumstances.

“It wasn’t fun, but that major effort is behind us and we are prepared to start hearing bills next week,” Burns said.

The Natural Resources and Rural Affairs and Judiciary committees will meet on Monday.

 

Filed Under: Press Release, Spending, State Budget, State Government, Taxation

Grover Norquist asks Pullen to denounce Brewer’s tax hike

June 4, 2009 By 18 Comments

Chairman Randy Pullen

Arizona Republican Party

3501 N. 24th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85016

Dear Chairman Pullen,

I write today to express grave concern regarding plans to politically target lawmakers who are standing strong in defense of Arizona taxpayers. As you know, it has recently been announced that the firm High Ground Inc., a group that advises Governor Jan Brewer, will launch a $225,000 media campaign against legislators who oppose Gov. Brewer’s calls for a multi-billion dollar tax increase in the middle of a recession.

The Governor has made clear that this campaign, which targets fiscally conservative legislators from your own party, has her full-throated support. Several months ago Americans for Tax Reform asked your staff if rumors of a campaign to target Republican legislators were true and if such an effort would be supported by the Arizona State Republican Party. That inquiry, disturbingly, was met with silence by you and your staff.

It is no secret that you have close ties to those behind the aforementioned campaign. This is troubling given your duties as chairman of the state Republican Party and RNC treasurer.

One of the few things economists of all political stripes can agree on is that the last thing you want to do in a recession is raise taxes. Additionally, opposition to higher taxes is a long-held and central tenet of the Republican Party. In fact, your counterparts at the Maine and Washington State Republican Parties have gone so far as to incorporate the Taxpayer Protection Pledge into their party platforms.

According to the Center for Fiscal Accountability, Arizona taxpayers already spend 194 days – more than half the year – working just to pay for the cost of government. Yet Gov. Brewer doesn’t think this is enough.

As we approach an important election year, it is shocking that Gov. Brewer is supporting a campaign that will attack members of her own party because they are standing up for Arizona taxpayers. It would be unconscionable for the state Republican Party to not condemn this effort.

I therefore ask you, as chairman of the state Republican Party, to unequivocally and publicly announce your opposition to and repudiation of this campaign to be waged by Gov. Brewer and High Ground.

Feel free to call on me or ATR’s state affairs manager, Patrick Gleason (pgleason@atr.org) with any questions or concerns.

Onward,

Grover G. Norquist

CC: RNC Chairman Michael Steele, all RNC Committeemen & Women, Arizona Press

Filed Under: Political Parties, Spending, State Budget, Taxation

Guest Opinion: We should look at alternatives to jail

June 4, 2009 By 3 Comments

Thought-provoking column by JP Gerald Williams

We Should Look At Alternatives to Jail
Judge Gerald A. Williams
North Valley Justice of the Peace

Although governments at every level in Arizona are facing a significant budget problem, perhaps there is some solace in the knowledge that at least we are better off than California. One item considered as a cost saving measure almost everywhere is to let nonviolent criminals out of jail early. Perhaps a better solution is to determine the best way to keep people from going to jail in the first place.

Research conducted last year at the Pew Center on the States developed model statutory language for state “Recidivism Reduction Acts.” If enacted, these laws would require funds to be spent on evidenced based practices that actually reduce crime.

By way of example, a significant number of people are in jail or prison because they violated a condition of their probation or parole. The vast majority of arrest warrants that I sign are issued because either someone missed their court date or is not making payments on their criminal fines.

While these offenses are serious, perhaps a series of alternative graduated sanctions that are swift, certain and proportionate would free law enforcement agents to perform other duties. These alternate sanctions could include things like electronic monitoring, drug and alcohol testing and perhaps even seizure of personal property.

The U.S. Department of Justice has done similar research. One of their conclusions, perhaps not surprisingly, was that low-risk offenders are more likely to return to crime if they are included in programs alongside high-risk offenders.

Also according to the Justice Department, the United States now imprisons a higher percentage of its population than any other nation on earth. While I am not in favor of lenient or soft sentencing, I am certainly willing to listen to ways that we can possibly do things better.

Many judges believe that they have an almost unlimited authority to change the meaning of statutes or to “legislate from the bench.” I am not one of those judges. As such, I believe that many of these ideas would require statutory changes before they could be adopted in Arizona. Even so, they are worth considering now.

When the California court system allows celebrities, or anyone, to serve 84 minutes in jail for their second DUI, obviously justice has not been served. However, is also not the best use of admittedly limited resources to put someone in jail for the third time after their third arrest warrant because it has not been a priority for them to pay a fine imposed three years earlier. If such a defendant knew that a constable would seize his television if he was two fine payments behind, do you think that paying that fine would suddenly become important to him? It’s just a thought.


Judge Williams is the presiding justice of the peace for the Northwest Regional Court Center. His column appears monthly in The Foothills Focus

Filed Under: Crime and Punishment, Judicial, Spending, State Budget

Young Cons on the Up

June 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

And now something cultural on the lighter side of politics. This video was put together by a two young gents at Dartmouth College called Young Conservatives. It went viral in the last five days and Sonoran Alliance just helped it further increase its exposure by posting it here.

After hearing lyrics like this I may finally start liking rap.

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Filed Under: Culture

Maricopa County Promotes Diversity!

June 3, 2009 By 6 Comments

Not that there’s anything wrong with this but Maricopa County recently sent out its Semi Annual Diversity Memo to make sure that all elected officials and Department Directors are completing their “Diversity Activity Plan” and checklist.

Putting aside any wild-eyed conservative notions about the definition of “diversity” in a politically correct culture, we have to wonder if this is an appropriate use of taxpayer money when budgets across the state are struggling.

How many man uh, person-hours each department and elected official will devote to creating their 19-point check list.

Will the checklist create an entirely new intra-county bureaucracy that creates all types of new problems for county employees? Here are the 19 points on the memo:

  • Encourage all employees to attend Diversity 1. F.A.I.R. & Diversity 2. M.E.E.T. training
  • Offer other Diversity awareness training
  • Host diversity celebrations
  • Encourage attendance at annual County Diversity Celebration
  • Encourage participating in Workforce Mgmt. & Dev., Leadership, or Supervision 101 Programs
  • Circulate relevant articles to management/supervisors
  • Utilize diverse interview panels for job applicants
  • Appoint a diversity coordinator (Please provide name/contact information)
  • Include diversity agenda items at management team meetingsDistribute/display diversity posters/materials
  • Include a diversity column in your department newsletterInclude a diversity component in your new employee orientation
  • Advertise job openings in non-traditional media sources
  • Send a representative to non-traditional job fairs
  • Establish student internship programs
  • Offer career mentoring program to all interested employees
  • Send a representative to the County’s Diversity Coordinators meetings
  • Coordinate a Diversity Council within your own department (Please provide diversity council chairman name/contact information)
  • Do you have a Diversity Action Plan on file with the Diversity office

 

 

Filed Under: County Government

How deep do budget cuts go?

June 3, 2009 By 2 Comments

Goldwater Institute
Byron Schlomach, Ph.D.
 
With less than a month before the 2010 fiscal year begins, Governor Brewer has announced a specific budget plan that proposes cuts in spending of less than $1 billion. The Governor’s cuts for 2010 are smaller than those already made in 2009, despite the state’s staggering deficit of nearly $3.5 billion.

It can be difficult to compare apples to apples when looking at Arizona’s General Fund spending from one year to the next due to the common use of budget gimmicks. Nevertheless, such comparisons can still be revealing.

Byron chart
The above chart shows General Fund spending since 2001. The fiscal 2009 figure accounts for spending cuts that have been made, but understates actual spending due to gimmicks, like fund sweeps and delaying school district payments. The fiscal 2010 figure is the spending level proposed by Governor Brewer after all real cuts–actual spending reductions–are accounted for. Spending is flat since 2007, with hardly a hiccup since the recession started, and the modest state spending reduction in 2009 is largely restored in 2010.

This illustrates the reluctance on the part of many in state government leadership–including Governor Brewer–to adjust to reality. The state’s unemployment rate is currently 7.7 percent, well above the 6 percent reached in the 2002 recession, but state spending has scarcely taken a hit. Various legislative proposals would cut little more. Arizona families have adjusted their budgets to new realities. It’s time the state did the same.
 
Byron Schlomach, Ph.D, is director of economic policy at the Goldwater Institute.

Filed Under: Economics

Dismissed!

June 3, 2009 By 27 Comments

Credit to EspressoPundit who first posted on this.

Arizona Republican Party Executive Director, Brett Mecum, has had the charges of driving 109 dismissed with prejudice. That means that he cannot be charged again. The judge presiding over the charges is none other than John C. Keegan the former mayor of Peoria, a “moderate” Republican who ran against Trent Franks in the CD-2 primary in 2002 and the husband of former Superintendent of Public Instruction and Deputy County Manager, Lisa Graham Keegan. (It is fair to say that the Keegans are liberal on social issues.) Keegan was elected to the post in November, 2006

Keegan is outspoken on the issue of photo radar. He believes the system is unconstitutional. Many of us agree with Keegan. Although it is the law, Keegan decided to dismiss the case against Mecum based on his objection to the law. According to TheNewspaper.com, Keegan made the following statement on enforcement of photo radar:

The clear meaning of these provisions of the Arizona and United States constitutions is that it is unconstitutional to create one set of laws that applies only to a particular class of defendant and not to other defendants based solely on the mechanism employed by the government,” Keegan ruled. “Given the not uncommon set of circumstances where two drivers are traveling on the same highway, at the same speed in excess of the speed limit, at the same time, in essentially the same location and are cited by the same agency into the same court, [the freeway photo radar statute] ARS 41-1722 creates a distinction whereby one class of defendant is subjected to a significantly different array of penalties than another class of defendant based solely on the use of photo enforcement.

It is the determination of this court that the provisions of ARS 41-1722 are unconstitutional and unenforceable within the jurisdiction of this court.

It’s pretty clear what perception the dismissal of charges against Mecum signal:

  1. Anyone can drive whatever speed they want in Judge Keegan’s jurisdiction and a photo radar ticket will be thrown out. This doesn’t mean a traffic cop ticket will be dismissed.
  2. Photo radar will remain controversial in Arizona and will likely work its way through revisions in the legislature and courts.
  3. If you’re a party official, it “helps” to know someone in elected office to get you off the hook.
  4. Republicans with fast cars can ignore the conventional wisdom that driving at excessive speeds is dangerous.

Democrats are going to have a field day with this.

 

Filed Under: Constitutional Law, Judicial, Public Relations, Public Safety, Transportation

Lexie’s Law Aides Least Restrictive Environment

June 3, 2009 By 12 Comments

by Gayle Plato

Republican legislators initiated and Governor Brewer signed Lexie’s Law - legislation  that highlights how a marriage of private support, and tax credit to the business sector can inject desperately needed funds into education. 

 Yet many state Democrats are claiming that Lexie’s Law, a tax credit plan for businesses funding scholarships for disabled and some foster children, is hurting state education programs for public special education children (“Republicans’ pandering is hurting those in need,” AZREP Opinions, 5/23/09).

 Special education directors would have to explain to these Senators and other Democrats with misinformation, that district special education departments have students in every community who are public school attendees, placed in private settings.  Those special education cases are often of multiple issues, or unique and rare cases; the public schools directly contract with many private organizations in town.  Simply put, there are plenty of qualifying children with Individual Education Pans (IEPs) already going to private programs on the state and federal dimes.

“Under the new initiative, corporations can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for making donations to organizations that provide scholarships so that children with special needs and foster children can attend private schools. The bill also allows insurance companies—which do not pay state income tax—to receive credits based on the insurance premium taxes they pay.”

(http://www.allianceforschoolchoice.org/MediaCenter/PressReleases/index.cfm?ID=3563&TYPE=1157)

 Lexie’s Law also provides for children often labeled nebulously in categories ranging from Other Health Impaired (OHI) special education, to those children who may not qualify for any funded services.  An Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 Educational Plan, often called just a Section 504 plan, or Accommodation Plan, is a set of needs and guidelines set as plan goals.  Accommodations are done much more informally and without clear funding. One of the most common Section 504 plans is for a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who needs extra help with direction, limited tasks, and more frequent checks for understanding.  He may not qualify as a special education student, and will not be allotted any modifications of program.  Modifications are covered by federal and state funding, whereas the accommodations aren’t clearly sponsored.    

 What is specifically valuable of the Lexie’s Law legislation, is that it becomes a complimentary provision of the Arizona School Tax Credit program. It helps corporate businesses get money directly to the children in need of special services.  A tax credit to a corporation helps children attend the school of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), of best determined need, with a direct scholarship. The law also brilliantly mandates that the Arizona Department of Education notify families right away  as to who might have a qualifying child.

 Democrats who laud stimulus spending best learn what a real stimulus can be.  A tax credit is help now from private industry and a benefit offered down the road to the noble organizations that step up and offer to fund good education.

 References: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2009/05/27/20090527wedlets278.html?&wired

http://www.allianceforschoolchoice.org/MediaCenter/PressReleases/index.cfm?ID=3563&TYPE=1157

http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/legtext/49leg/2s/bills/sb1001p.htm

 Information about Section 504 Qualifications- http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

 Gayle Plato M.Ed., served as an ADA Section 504 Plan Coordinator, and IEP team member at a number of elementary and middle schools in Arizona and Washington.

Filed Under: Education, Legislation, State Budget

CD-8 – The Big “What If?”

June 2, 2009 By 6 Comments

The “new and improved” Tucson Citizen blog has a post about our recent mention of Republican Jesse Kelly’s campaign ad on the top of the Drudge Report.

The TC post begins with an observation about Rum, Romanism and Rebellion’s assertion that Kelly is a political newcomer, a political novice, against his gal, Gabby Giffords. The most interesting statement in the TC post is this:

Since Ted brought up the subject, let’s look at what Tim Bee was doing back in June of 2007. He was still President of the Arizona Senate and talking about his ability to work with Democrats. Because he decided to stay in the Senate he was not able to campaign. He did not enter the race until January, 2008 but he spent most of that year tangled up with a budget battle much worse than the one from 2007.

Based on what I’m seeing, the CD-8 race is shaping up to be extremely competitive. There is a world of difference between Tim Bee and Jesse Kelly. The Dems just don’t realize it yet.

 

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections Tagged With: , ,

“One Accord”

June 2, 2009 By 3 Comments

I almost forgot I had this video clip from earlier this year. That’s when Governor-in-Waiting, Jan Brewer, addressed the Maricopa County Republican Party at ASU West.

At the time, I wrote,

Leading up to the elections, several elected officials spoke including, County Attorney Andy Thomas, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce and Governor-in-waiting, Jan Brewer. As Brewer took the podium, Republicans jumped to their feet with excitement and the prospect of returning the State of Arizona to a GOP-controlled agenda. Brewer rallied the crowd when she spoke on the party being “in one accord” and standing against the Democrat’s “gospel of big government.”

Here’s a clip from that speech:

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Tomorrow, the Governor along with a handful of big business supporters, will begin a statewide campaign called “Building A Better Arizona.” According to the memo sent out to members of the campaign the first week’s schedule reads as follows:

Week of June 1
· Press Conference: Beginning June 3rd. Press Conferences with Governor and Business leaders announce support for the budget in regional press conferences across the state.
· Editorial Boards: Beginning June 3rd. Coordinate with meeting with statewide editorial boards to coincide with press conferences.
· Phone Call 1: Tentative Scheduled: June 4th. Autodial phone call to targeted districts encouraging voters to learn more about the budget and contact their legislators.
· Launch Website: Tentative Scheduled: June 5th. Launch website with budget details and the ability to speak out and contact legislators.
· Email Blast 1: Tentative Scheduled: June 5th. Launch campaign with statewide blast encouraging them to visit website and contact legislators.
· Newspaper Ad 1: Encouraging voters to learn more about the budget and contact their legislators.

The irony in all this is that on Thursday, the Governor will speak and “salute” members of the Legislature in a special dinner to be held that night at the Wyndham of Phoenix. The basic cost of the dinner is $300 with table sponsorships going for $3,000 up to $10,000.

Rumors are already abounding that some members of the Republican Party may not attend and why should they if the Governor is going to launch a $225,000 campaign against them the day before?

So much for being in “one accord.”

 

Filed Under: State Budget

Valley Metro Light Rail Ridership Hits the Fan

June 2, 2009 By 2 Comments

As if Valley Metro’s budget was not already in the pooper, today we learn that a homeless man boarded one of the light rail cars with a box of feces. He then proceeded to spread the contents of the box on the floor of the train. Needless to say, passengers made a hurried exit and departure from that car.

No word on whether the man was arrested but if he is, maybe the ACLU will be excited to take on the case? We suggest that he decry discrimination based on hygienic orientation.

Filed Under: Transportation

Valley Pro-Lifers Speak Out Against Violence

June 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Our local Fox News affiliate interviewed a friend of mine this morning regarding the shooting of abortionist George Tiller in Kansas. Here is that interview:

 

Hats off to Lynn Dyer for putting things in perspective.

Filed Under: Sanctity of Life

County lobbyist is a big spender

June 2, 2009 By 7 Comments

Taxpayer funded lobbyists targeting citizens for higher taxes is one of my pet peeves. This was once again on display a couple of days ago in the Arizona Republic’s interview with Diane Sikokis, one of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ many lobbyists.

In the article, Sikokis claims that the county’s and the state’s fiscal problems stem from “conservative Republican legislators” who are balking at Governor Brewer’s plan to raise our taxes through the roof.

This is shameful. According to the article, this woman has made a career of lobbying for big government at Maricopa County, having spent 25 years at the public trough there. And unfortunately, as the Goldwater Institute has documented, she has a small army of lobbyists at her disposal—85 to be exact, all with the taxpaying public in their cross hairs.

And if you examine who their lobbyists are, you quickly find Chuck Coughlin and High Ground at the top of the list. Coughlin’s plan to publicly attack conservative legislators who resist higher taxes during a recession was recently exposed by a number of media sources—this Sikokis attack seems to be another front in this.

According to Arizona Capitol Times, Coughlin plans on making $5 million pushing the Governor’s tax hike in a public vote. This one just reeks.

Here’s an idea—how about just trying sound, competent management? County taxpayers have had to foot the bill for one Board of Supervisors boondoggle after another. Remember the disastrous “Bring Back Blue” and “Running out of Air” ad campaigns to try to reduce pollution? They were laughable failures, except for the politically connected firms who ran the campaign. The current county boondoggle is a $347 million judicial taj mahal, replete with marble and travertine floors and wood paneling (as documented by ABC 15) for these pampered judges, and all during a recession.

Filed Under: County Government, Taxation

Politics on the Rocks wine tasting event next Thursday

June 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Republican Professionals: “Politics on the Rocks” is proud to announce that we are having a wine tasting event in Old Town Scottsdale on Thursday, June 11th at 6:00 PM. Come join us for a fun evening of “Conservatives & Cocktails.” Click here for the evite.

Filed Under: Special Event
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