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Joseph Villasenor, “Concerned Citizens for Phoenix” Busted on Campaign Mailer!

October 14, 2011 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2011
CONTACT: Eric Frederick Campaign

Team Frederick Responds to Outrageous Attack Mailer put out by former Mayor Gordon Aide

Phoenix, AZ – October 14, 2011 – Yesterday, an attack advertisement against Eric Frederick hit mailboxes throughout the valley. Like other pieces of literature my opponent and her supporters have mailed in this political campaign, this mailer contained outright lies, half-truths and twisted facts. This particular piece was paid for by a group named “Concerned Citizens for Phoenix” which is a political committee formed just 4 days ago that spent $14,000 sending these mailers out. The registered person and primary contributor to this campaign is Joseph Villasenor, a former top aide of Mayor Phil Gordon. As usual, this is a concerted effort by those in the political “in” crowd to try and purchase an election through any means necessary including slandering the opponent.

Incorrect Eric Frederick
On the hit piece, it claims that in January of 2010 I had a judgement filed against me through Maricopa Courts. Upon review of available court documents, the plaintiff on the judgement in question is AHCCCS and lists a defendant of Eric Frederick living in Mesa, AZ. Given that I have never been on AHCCCS to begin with, nor have ever lived in Mesa, AZ, this obviously is a different Eric Frederick. This clearly shows that my opposition is grasping at straws and operating in desperation.

The second claim is of a Failure to Appear in Court on January 18, 2010. This was a result of a minor traffic stop. The fine was paid and therefore, there was no need to Appear in Court. Claiming that I “failed to appear in court” is an extremely exaggerated distortion of the facts.

The third claim is that I took creditors to court to avoid paying debt. In 2006, a company I worked for called Mortgage Lenders Network went out of business suddenly and without warning. At the time they went under, they did not pay commissions or salaries to any of their employees. Instead of nearly $60,000 in commissions I had earned and expected, I received only pennies on the dollar while simultaneously being forced out of work. In the years that followed, my family and I slashed expenses at our household, worked multiple jobs at times, and made a valiant effort to stay afloat until the mortgage market improved.

In 2009, I opened my own business by taking over an existing office. When that occurred, I inherited all of the contracts, leases and obligations from the previous owner. Due to unexpected costs associated with the office and unanticipated personal medical expenses, in 2010, my wife and I filed for bankruptcy in order to protect my licensing ability for FINRA registration. However, as is allowed under Bankruptcy code, we are repaying every debt we incurred until they are paid off consistent with our ethics and responsibilities. Filing for bankruptcy is not illegal nor “above the law”–it is a way for people to manage the risks associated with opening a business.

It should be noted that my opponent, Thelda Williams, also filed for bankruptcy in 1991 while she was a sitting member of the Phoenix City Council.

Joseph Villasenor

Concerned Citizens for Phoenix
The group behind this attack ad is “Concerned Citizens for Phoenix”. This organization is funded by Joseph Villasenor. Mr. Villasenor previously served as a senior advisor for Mayor Phil Gordon and was relieved from those duties due to a domestic violence charge against him. He now considers himself an “advisor” to the City and continues to perform the dirty work required to maintain the status quo at the City of Phoenix.

The group has already declared spending of $14,000 to send out mailers. It also appears they have violated numerous campaign finance laws. Today, I will be filing a formal complaint with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office regarding these illegal expenditures. I will provide more details on that filing at a press conference today at 4:00 at the AZ State Capitol.

Real Issues
The City of Phoenix faces real issues. I have identified core elements of very needed reform. Many of these reform items including changing the City structure that has proved detrimental to the taxpayers of Phoenix while protecting the politically connected. Issues such as having the City Auditors reporting directly to the City Council and Mayor as opposed to the current structure of reporting to the City Manager threatens to destroy the cozy relationships that exist at City Hall. We also have persistent unemployment, record budgets, Emergency Food Taxes still in place, water rates that continue to climb unchecked, vacant homes in virtually every neighborhood and many more. My opponent and her supporters do not want to discuss these issues. It should be no surprise, then, that my opponent and her supporters will go to whatever extremes necessary to assure victory including lies and deception. Unfortunately, the court systems for pursuing slander charges do not move as quickly as an election.

Tomorrow’s Walk
Tomorrow, we will be having our weekly walk beginning at 9:30 am at the Bagel Gourmet. It is located on Bell Rd just west of the I-17 in the Frys complex. We will have walking lists as well as an opportunity to sign up for phone banking. As has always been the case, the volunteer efforts are the only way we will be able to combat the unlimited funds that my opponent clearly has access to. Please join us tomorrow as we work to bring New Leadership and Fresh Ideas to Phoenix!

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery Endorses Wes Gullett for Mayor

October 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

“Wes Gullett understands the issues facing law enforcement.”

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery is endorsing Wes Gullett for Mayor, joining a growing coalition committed to reforming Phoenix city government.

“Wes Gullett understands the issues facing law enforcement. He’ll help us rigorously enforce the law and be a partner in keeping Phoenix safe from gangs and drug cartels,” Montgomery said. “Please join me in supporting Wes Gullett for Mayor.”

“I’m thrilled to have the support of Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. He’s been a leader in prosecuting criminals and keeping our community safe. I look forward to partnering with him to keep Phoenix residents safe,” Gullett said.

Gullett has spoken at length about the need to keep Phoenix safe and support law enforcement. In particular, he has pledged to finally begin the process of hiring a police chief.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wes Gullett: City forced to explain $200 million in unaccounted funds

October 13, 2011 By 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Republic also debunks claims in attack ad, erroneous Stanton press releases

PHOENIX – Phoenix city bureaucrats have been forced to explain where more than $200 million in unaccounted taxpayer dollars are being spent in response to questions raised by Mayoral candidate Wes Gullett.

A report in this morning’s Arizona Republic includes an alarming discovery that the city has budgeted a 10 percent increase in spending – $230 million – despite claims that the budget would only increase by 1 percent. The city was forced to explain how this slush fund will be spent, only after Gullett raised the issue.

Amazingly, Stanton defends this practice and the status quo, calling Phoenix “not perfect – but well run” in a press release today.

“We can’t continue to play this shell game with taxpayer money,” Gullett said. “This is the game Greg Stanton played for nine years on the City Council and would continue to play as Mayor. It’s actually frightening that someone who wants to be Mayor would just believe everything city bureaucrats put in front of him and refuse to ask any tough questions.”

The story also outlines in detail Wes Gullett’s plan to immediately repeal the food tax and pay for it. Gullett outlines specific savings for finding more than the $50 million needed to repeal that tax. Stanton continues to find excuses to keep the tax on the books for at least another two years, removing money from the economy and hurting families who are struggling to get by.

“I’ve put forward specific plans to get rid of the food tax and pay for it,” Gullett said. “Greg Stanton refuses to because he needs this tax to pay for his big government agenda.”

DEBUNKING AD
The Republic also debunks an attack ad against Gullett that is airing on television based on erroneous press releases by the Stanton campaign.

The story knocks down an oft-repeated claim by Stanton that Gullett is lobbying for a $100 million tax for the arts. “Gullett isn’t lobbying for the tax,” the story states.

Additionally, the story highlights that Gullett never worked for the Phoenix Association of Realtors, despite claims by the Stanton campaign that he did.

In fact, the only candidate in this race who has voted to benefit a client he was being paid by was Greg Stanton, as reported by the Republic in a separate 2007 investigation. According to the story, Stanton actually voted eight times to benefit his client, and even used his office and taxpayer resources to profit – a violation of state law.

“Stanton also used city email, newsletters and meetings to talk up partnerships among Phoenix, the Maricopa colleges and Arizona universities,” the Republic reported. While getting paid by his client, Stanton made sure to put himself in positions where he could have influence over pet college causes. He chaired the council’s education committee and sat on the panel advising GateWay Community College.

It’s not clear whether Stanton ever stopped these practices before quitting his job on the Council. Once caught, Stanton actually defended the unethical practices, despite an outside expert telling the Republic, he was “not acting impartially.”

At a recent debate, Stanton admitted the violations.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Government Reform, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wes Gullett does some Myth-Busting!

October 13, 2011 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Reformer premieres first television ad in the runoff for Phoenix mayor

PHOENIX – Wes Gullett has premiered his first television ad in the runoff for Phoenix mayor, running on local network stations and cable.

Titled “MythBuster,” Gullett pokes fun of his uncanny resemblance to Adam Savage, host of “MythBusters” on the Discovery Channel.

And just like the ginger-haired host, Gullett does his own myth-busting of the naysayers at City Hall who are advocating for the status quo.

“The status quo isn’t working,” Gullett says in the ad. “They raised your water rates. They created a food tax. And they continue to waste your money. While too many families in Phoenix are struggling to make ends meet.”

“Greg Stanton spent nine years at City Hall, and I’m here to clean up his mess,” Gullett says. “It’s time for a businessman, not another career-politician. Let’s get Phoenix working again!”

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Mythbusters® is a registered trademark of Discovery Communications Inc. Does not imply endorsement by Mythbusters®, Discovery Communications Inc., or Adam Savage.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Media, Press Release Tagged With: , , ,

Ahwatukee Foothills News endorses Wes Gullett for Mayor

October 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Newspaper calls Wes Gullett the “new blood” City Hall needs

AHWATUKEE – In the newspaper’s first endorsement ever, the Ahwatukee Foothills News gave its nod this morning to Wes Gullett for Mayor of Phoenix, the latest sign of momentum for Wes’s campaign to reform City Hall.

“Gullett is a businessman who understands what it takes to make business thrive our community,” the newspaper wrote. “He has a plan to cut red tape for small business owners, which is the life blood of Ahwatukee.”

The newspaper’s editorial board wrote that “City Hall needs new blood” and said: “Gullett will work well with those already on the council to make the changes necessary to rein in government spending by trimming the city budget and putting forth a sensible plan for pension reform that has worked for corporations across the nation.”

The endorsement is particularly significant given that Gullett’s opponent, Greg Stanton, represented Ahwatukee for nine years on the City Council, eventually quitting to take a job as Terry Goddard’s lobbyist.

The newspaper called Gullett’s Seven Point Jobs Plan “no-nonsense” and “easy-to-understand.”

The editorial also praised Gullett’s pension reform package, calling it “realistic.” In particular, the Ahwatukee Foothills News found that Gullett’s plan to transition employees to a 401K is “necessary to pay the price that has been kicked down the road by previous governments in the interest of not passing a larger expense to future generations.”

“This is just further evidence that Wes Gullett is the best Mayor for Ahwatukee and the entire City,” said City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, who has also endorsed Gullett. “We need someone who is going to challenge the status quo and fight for the needs of all of Phoenix – not a few select special interests at City Hall.”

“I’m honored to have to support of the Ahwatukee Foothills News and Councilman DiCiccio,” Gullett said. “Ahwatukee is a vital and important part of our city, and it’s wonderful to have so much growing support in this great community. My reform package will support small businesses and bring vibrancy back to all parts of our city, including Ahwatukee. Let’s get Phoenix working again!”

To read the entire endorsement editorial, go here.

 

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Endorsements, Media Tagged With: , , , ,

Taxpayer dollars for electioneering?

October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Are taxpayers subsidizing campaign work for Greg Stanton? 

PHOENIX – Do you need a clearer sign of wasted and misused taxpayer money?

With a proliferation of street signs paid for by public-employee unions popping-up all over Phoenix and $3.7 million of Phoenix taxpayer dollars going to pay city employees to work exclusively for labor unions, the question remains: How much of Phoenix taxpayers dollars are subsidizing Greg Stanton’s campaign for Mayor?

A recent report by the Goldwater Institute found that Phoenix taxpayers are paying an average of $3.7 million for public employees to do union work. These contracts were supported by Stanton during his nine years on the Phoenix City Council. Union members are being released for more than 73,000 hours of time to conduct union business on the taxpayers’ dime – and those same unions are apparently using taxpayer supplemented funds to support and campaign for Greg Stanton.

In recent days, union signs supporting Stanton have gone up all over town. Additionally, there are reports that union members are walking door-to-door campaigning for Stanton.

1) Are they being paid by taxpayers to knock on doors for Greg Stanton?

2) Are union members getting paid by taxpayers to put up signs for Greg Stanton?

3) Are taxpayer dollars subsidizing union functions to free up money for Stanton’s signs?

No wonder the union supported candidates have been elected Mayor time and again.

No one has asked these tough questions. But it’s time for some answers.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Taxation Tagged With: , , , ,

Stanton: Punish Private Property Owners

October 7, 2011 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

More tax-and-spend proposals from the status quo candidate

PHOENIX – Career-politician Greg Stanton wants to institute a penalty on Phoenix private property owners who cannot afford to develop their land in a down economy – land they are already paying taxes on.

“Having those empty lots really hurts the quality of life. Those property owners should pay a penalty for that … It shouldn’t be free,” Stanton said at Wednesday’s night debate.

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Actually, it’s not free. Property owners are already paying a 16 percent assessment ratio on vacant land. And that’s not including various other property taxes that are levied by other jurisdictions the land resides in.

Additionally, Phoenix is struggling through one of the deepest economic recessions in the country. We’ve lost more than 250,000 jobs and the housing and commercial real estate markets have collapsed, making it difficult – if not impossible – for property owners and private developers to move forward with plans they had prior to the downturn.

Office vacancy in Phoenix has reached a high of nearly 30 percent.

Stanton’s fine would make matters worse.

“Maybe Greg missed a few things after he quit his job on the City Council, but in 2008, the real estate market collapsed and has yet to recover,” said Gullett spokesman Daniel Scarpinato. “This is just one more example of how Greg Stanton wants to grow government and increase its control over business, even at the expense of private property rights. There’s a clear distinction between Greg’s growing government approach and Wes Gullett’s plan to cut taxes and reform City Hall.”

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Sheriff Babeu endorses Wes Gullett for Mayor

October 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

“Wes Gullett understands that the most sacred responsibility of city government is public safety.” 

PHOENIX – Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, the national “Sheriff of the Year,” has endorsed Wes Gullett for Mayor, saying he’s the only candidate who will fight illegal immigration and enforce the rule of law.

“Wes Gullett understands that the most sacred responsibility of city government is public safety. He’ll work with us, not against us, to enforce the rule of law and fight illegal immigration, especially the organized crime that is fostered by human smuggling and the drug cartels,” Sheriff Babeu said.

“I’m honored to have the support of Sheriff Babeu. Pinal County is the leading pass-through for drug gangs and human smugglers into Phoenix. I look forward to partnering with him and other law enforcement officials to enforce our laws and keep Phoenix safe,” Gullett said.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Stanton on his unethical behavior: “A few slips”

October 6, 2011 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

If elected Mayor, will Greg Stanton continue his practice of profiting from clients with business before the city? 

PHOENIX – How does Greg Stanton explain the fact that he used his position on the Phoenix City Council to benefit a client that was subsidizing his personal income?

“A few slips,” he said as a flippant excuse at last night’s mayoral debate.

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Really? A few slips?

Not according to the Arizona Republic:

  • The newspaper reported that Stanton was paid $80,000 by Maricopa Community Colleges from 2003 until at least 2007, while at the same time “supporting college interests on the council.” [Arizona Republic, "Pair Deny Impropriety in City, College Jobs," June 7, 2007]
  • “Stanton also used city email, newsletters and meetings to talk up partnerships among Phoenix, the Maricopa colleges and Arizona universities,” the Republic reported.
  • While getting paid by his client, Stanton made sure to put himself in positions where he could have influence over pet college causes. He chaired the council’s education committee and sat on the panel advising GateWay Community College.
  • Stanton wasn’t shy about the association, even if it ran afoul with state ethics laws. Incredibly, Stanton actually used his “City Hall office to conduct or solicit college work.” “State law prohibits elected officials from promoting the interests of outside employers and using their position to seek private gain,” according to the Republic.
  • A representative of the colleges admitted “there are advantages in having a policymaker” as their paid consultant.
  • It’s not clear whether Stanton ever stopped these practices before quitting his job on the Council. Once caught, Stanton actually defended the unethical practices, despite an outside expert telling the Republic, he was “not acting impartially.”

“Greg Stanton admits he let his ethics ‘slip’ through the cracks for at least four years. What else will he let slip through the cracks and into his pockets if he’s elected mayor?” said Gullett spokesman Daniel Scarpinato.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Media, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

The Reformer vs. The Status Quo

October 5, 2011 By 11 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Gullett offers a reform agenda; Stanton offers more big government

PHOENIX – Wes Gullett continued to demonstrate at tonight’s debate – hosted by Valley Leadership, the Arizona Republic, Channel 12, Cox Communications and SCF Arizona – that he’s the only candidate for Mayor committed to reforming city government and protecting taxpayers.

Career-politician Greg Stanton, on the other hand, once again confirmed his commitment to big government, protecting the status quo and dodging the tough questions.

“Wes Gullett will fundamentally change the way Phoenix does business. He’ll have a laser focus on jobs. He’ll cut red tape,” said Gullett spokesman Daniel Scarpinato. “Greg Stanton? He made clear he wants to continue to advance the big government, big spending, business-as-usual agenda that defined his nine years on the City Council.”

The differences between the candidates are stark:

  • Wes Gullett has a Seven Point Jobs Plan that will create jobs and grow the economy; Greg Stanton is offering a job-killing agenda of more government and higher taxes.
  • Wes Gullett will immediately repeal the food tax and pay for it; Greg Stanton wants the $50 million tax to stay in place and continued to make excuses for taxing Phoenix families who are struggling.
  • Wes Gullett will cut the union contracts that are giving $3.7 million of taxpayer money to fund political and lobbying work; Greg Stanton supported those contracts while on the City Council and after a blockbuster report from the Goldwater Institute, Stanton took weeks to even acknowledge that problem exists – only commenting after Gullett called on him to do so.
  • Wes Gullett will stop the automatic water rate increases; Greg Stanton voted for water rate increases before quitting his job on the city council and has promised to continue raising them.
  • Wes Gullett has released a comprehensive pension reform package that would transition city employees to a 401K resulting in substantial long-term savings; Greg Stanton has trashed the idea and wants to bury his head in the sand while government employees continue receiving better benefits than the taxpayers who fund those benefits receive.
  • Wes Gullett has released a comprehensive Government Reform Plan that would cut taxes, fees and red tape; Greg Stanton has proposed dozens of ways to grow the size of government and has offered no way to pay for them.

“Wes Gullett wants a government we can afford; Greg Stanton wants a government we can never afford, unless we smother Phoenix families under soaring taxes and fees,” said Scarpinato. “Phoenix voters have a clear choice between the reformer and the status quo.”

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Government Reform, Press Release, Spending, Taxation Tagged With: , , , ,

Phoenix Mayoral Candidate, Greg Stanton: The conflict of interest expert

October 5, 2011 By 4 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Stanton used his elected office and taxpayer resources to benefit client 

PHOENIX – Career-politician Greg Stanton likes to talk about conflicts of interest.

It’s no wonder. He’s an expert at them.

As a city councilman, Stanton voted and used the resources and power of his elected office to benefit a client he was getting paid by – and for nearly half of the time he was on the City Council.

For at least four years, Stanton was paid $80,000 by Maricopa Community Colleges for a no-bid contract while supporting issues that benefited his employer, according to a 2007 story in the Arizona Republic.

“Stanton also used city email, newsletters and meetings to talk up partnerships among Phoenix, the Maricopa colleges and Arizona universities,” the Republic reported. In addition, Stanton used his City Hall office to conduct or solicit college work. “State law prohibits elected officials from promoting the interests of outside employers and using their position to seek private gain,” the Republic reported.

And Stanton actually defended the questionable practices, despite an outside expert telling the Republic, he was “not acting impartially.”

“Greg Stanton has a record of using his position on the City Council to benefit his client and line his own pockets,” said Gullett spokesman Daniel Scarpinato. “How do Phoenix voters know that Greg Stanton won’t abuse his power again if he’s elected Mayor?”

Stanton has a record of being a certified hypocrite. He resigned his job on the City Council to take a top-paying job as a taxpayer-funded lobbyist. He’s taken more than $100,000 in campaign contributions from lobbyists. And in his last year of office alone, he voted to appoint at least 10 lobbyists to city boards and commissions, despite now saying he’s against the practice.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Wes Gullett: Map hurts Phoenix

October 3, 2011 By 26 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

PHOENIX – Mayoral candidate Wes Gullett released the following statement today in regards to the proposed map up for consideration by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission:

“When Arizona voters created the Independent Redistricting Commission they charged that the Commission consider ‘communities of interest’ as one of the top priorities in drawing new Congressional and Legislative lines. If Phoenix, the largest city in the state and the sixth largest city in the country, is not a community of interest, I don’t know what is. The draft map released by the Commission takes Phoenix and slices and dices its residents into a cadre of proposed congressional districts. This map uses Phoenix residents as filler for other communities in an attempt to gerrymander the statewide map for political benefit. Phoenix residents deserve representation in Congress and a voice in elections as much as any other community in the state. The proposed approach robs them of that opportunity and would greatly weaken the involvement of Phoenix voters. I urge you to reject this proposal and adopt one that takes into account the City of Phoenix as an important ‘community of interest.’”

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Political Parties, Political Science, Press Release, State Government Tagged With: , , , ,

Arizona Project Invites You to Phoenix Rising!

October 2, 2011 By

 

Filed Under: Advertising, Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Political Parties, Special Event Tagged With: , , , ,

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie endorses Wes Gullett for Phoenix Mayor

September 28, 2011 By 7 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 28, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Nation’s leading government reformer says “Reform does not come easy” 

PHOENIX – In his quest to reform city government and fundamentally change the way business is done at City Hall, Wes Gullett has won the endorsement of the nation’s leading reformer – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

“I have been working to reform New Jersey. I know that Wes Gullett has a reform plan for Phoenix that will bring important changes to city government to jump start economic growth,” Governor Christie said. “Reform does not come easy. Entrenched interests will fight hard against reform. I hope that you will stand tall for Wes. Cast your vote for him and tell your friends and neighbors that now is the time to make a difference.”

“I am truly honored to have the endorsement of a true reformer like Governor Christie,” Gullett said. “Governor Christie’s straight-talk and unwavering quest to change the status quo in his state is a model for how I would approach governing here in Phoenix. We can’t afford to keep doing things the way we’ve been doing them.”

Watch the endorsement video:

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Gullett and Christie met in Phoenix late last year at a Goldwater Institute event where Christie spoke about his reform agenda in New Jersey. Gullett shared with Christie his reform ideas for Phoenix.

Since that time, Gullett has released comprehensive plans to reform Phoenix city government and save money, including cutting red tape, reforming public pensions and a Seven Point Jobs Plan.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,

Gullett to Stanton: Stop supporting union abuse

September 27, 2011 By 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

PHOENIX – Mayoral candidate Wes Gullett is calling on career-politician Greg Stanton to stand up to the entrenched interests at City Hall and join him in pledging to end the abusive union contracts that are wasting $3.7 million a year by letting city employees do union, lobbying and political work instead of their jobs – contracts Stanton has supported.

A blockbuster report released last week by the Goldwater Institute found that Phoenix taxpayers are shelling out roughly $3.7 million a year for city employees to conduct union business instead of doing their jobs. In total, city employees are being released for more than 73,000 hours to conduct union and political business – not the peoples’ business. The same public-employee unions benefitting from those contracts have endorsed Stanton.

“Phoenix’s next mayor should be accountable to the taxpayers – not to public-employee unions,” Gullett said. “As a councilman, Greg Stanton voted to raise water rates, raise parking meter rates and raise fees, all while wasting millions of dollars on contracts for union organizing, lobbying and political activities. Instead, I urge Greg to pledge to stop wasting millions a year by letting unions abuse the public’s trust. Greg should do the right thing and stand up for Phoenix taxpayers, not the entrenched interests at City Hall who are supporting his campaign.”

According to the Goldwater report, “collective bargaining agreements with seven labor organizations require the city to pay union officers and provide members with thousands of additional hours to conduct union business instead of doing their government jobs.” The report finds that “public-employee unions still wield outsized influence on elected officials – and they are using that power to feather their own nests.”

To read the statement Gullett released the day the report was released, click here.

Stanton has been silent and was silent during his nine years on the City Council.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Jobs/Labor, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hypocrisy Alert! Stanton was for lobbyists before he was against them

September 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

PHOENIX – Career-politician Greg Stanton has made banning lobbyists from city boards and commissions the central issue of his campaign for Mayor of Phoenix.

But Stanton – himself a former taxpayer-funded lobbyist – didn’t seem to mind the practice during his nine years on the City Council, when he regularly voted to appoint lobbyists to boards and commissions.

On his Web site, Stanton says: “City boards and commissions should be made up of concerned citizens whose only interest is the wellbeing of our city, rather than private gains and profit.” [Source: greg2011.com]

Interesting, because for nearly a decade, Stanton voted to do exactly what he is now condemning – and then quit his job on the council to take a job as a lobbyist.

In Stanton’s last year of office alone, at least 10 registered lobbyists were unanimously appointed by the council to boards and commissions [Source: Formal city council meeting minutes, 2008]. Stanton never raised the issue once.

What’s more, as of the prior reporting period, Stanton has taken more than $100,000 in campaign contributions from registered lobbyists and has several serving as top figures in his campaign.

“Not only was Greg Stanton himself a registered lobbyist, but he’s also clearly a certified hypocrite,” said Gullett spokesman Daniel Scarpinato. “Because of his shaky record and weak positions, Greg Stanton is in desperate need of a sound bite. But his faux outrage on this issue is just the latest example of Greg Stanton’s record not matching his rhetoric.”

Stanton has made this issue the center point of his campaign. Just how a big of a “problem” is this? Currently, there are less than 30 registered city lobbyists on boards and commissions, representing 3 percent of the nearly 800 people volunteering for such positions.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Elected Officials Tagged With: , , , ,

Jon Kyl endorses Wes Gullett for Mayor

September 23, 2011 By 2 Comments

Says Gullett is committed to job creation 

PHOENIX – Wes Gullett is proud to announce the endorsement of Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, the latest addition to a broad, bipartisan coalition aimed at cleaning-up Phoenix City Hall.

“Cities can do a lot to provide a climate in which businesses can create jobs and put people back to work,” Kyl said. “Wes Gullett is committed to that goal and that’s why I support him for Mayor.”

“Jon Kyl is a statesman who has committed his career to making Arizona a better place and America a safer and more prosperous place,” Gullett said. “I’m truly honored to have his support in our effort to create jobs and clean-up City Hall.”

Gullett has won the support of a leaders including: U.S. Senator John McCain; Arizona Governor Jan Brewer; former Republican Congressman John Shadegg; Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio; Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot; Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman; businessman and former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Eddie Basha; businessman, former Phoenix mayor and former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Paul Johnson; former Republican Governor Fife Symington; Republican Corporation Commissioner Bob Stump; attorney and former Mayoral candidate Jennifer Wright; and many others.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , , , ,
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