Monday, March 3, 2008

Upcoming Mohave Republican Forum

March 11, 2008 Meeting

Assessor and Treasurer Candidates to Speak at Forum

Mohave Republican Forum
5:30 PM Tuesday, March 13, 2008
Kingman Elk's Lodge

Hear incumbent Mohave County Assessor, Ron Nicholson who is running for re-election and his challenger, David Smallwood as well as incumbent Mohave County Treasurer, Lee Fabrizio and his challenger, Melissa Havatone

This gathering is open to the public, with the admission charge of $10 per person including dinner.

For information, please call Shirley at 753-5183, or Richard at 692-4771, or Laurie at 753-5581.

Caucus

Tomorrow's caucus calendar is posted on the Arizona State Legislature website.

The bills on the caucus calendar are bills that have made it through their committee assignments. The Republican Caucus meets regularly on Tuesday mornings to caucus the bills that have successfully made it out of committee the previous week. This is an opportunity to ask questions of the bill's sponsor or listen to others voice their concerns regarding the proposed piece of legislation. Sometimes caucus is the first time members read a particular bill, especially if the bill did not come through any of the committees on which they sit. With all of the bad bills floating around the legislature, I attempt to familiarize myself with bills before they get to caucus so that I have a chance to lobby against them, perhaps "killing" them before they see the light of day. After a bill is caucused, the bills are COW'd ( brought before the entire body of the House or Senate in Committee of the Whole), then voted on in Third Read.

The caucus calendar is a good calendar to follow as it is basically a great "heads-up" on what we are getting ready to vote on in with-in the next day or so. If you keep an eye on the caucus calendar, you will have time to shoot-off an email or make a phone call in support or opposition on an upcoming piece of legislation.

Kingman Republican Women's Meeting

A reminder that Tuesday, March 4th is the regular Republican Women's Club meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Kingman.

This organization is made up of some fantastic women who never cease to amaze me with their generosity and spirit! They are active in their community and leaders in the Arizona republican party. They are the movers and the shakers, getting a lot done and having a darn good time doing it! If you have not attended one of their meetings, get to it and let them know that I sent you. You will have a great time, make new friends, learn something new and be actively supporting the Republican party and the Republican Party Platform by doing so.

The Grades are In

B-

Average.

The Pew Center recently completed it's 2008 50 States Report and Arizona takes home a B-. The report examines and measures four key areas in state government - money, people, infrastructure and information. No surprising revelations in this report. Easy read if you are interested.

HB 2678 ~Drug Testing;Welfare Recipients

This measure, which I co-sponsored, would require all welfare applicants to be drug tested before receiving benefits. Critics of the bill argue that the program would be too costly to implement but my the majority of colleagues and I predict a net savings will be realized due to the number of people disqualified.

HB2678 will be heard in the House Appropriations committee this Wednesday.

HB 2692 ~ Taxpayer Information Ruling

UPDATE: This bill passed out of the House today and heads to the Senate to begin the process there.

ATRA SUPPORTS HB2692 which maintains a taxpayer’s right to seek tax guidance from the Department of Revenue anonymously. (ATRA stands for Arizona Tax Research Association. Their website is http://www.arizonatax.org)

Basis for ATRA’s Support:

HB2692 continues the practice of allowing taxpayers to request tax guidance anonymously by means of a taxpayer information ruling (TIR) through the taxpayer’s representative. If a TIR is requested, the taxpayer representative is required to provide the same level of information that is required under a PTR. A taxpayer that discloses its identity prior to the publication date of the TIR is provided the same level of protection as a PTR, which is waiver of tax, penalty, and interest for periods prior to revocation or modification of the ruling if DOR changes its position. If the taxpayer chooses to remain anonymous, the ruling is not binding on DOR for abatement of tax, penalty, and interest.

If the taxpayer believes that its identity can be determined by publication of either a PTR or TIR despite redaction, the taxpayer may request that the ruling not be published at the time of its request for a PTR or TIR. If DOR determines that the ruling should be published, the taxpayer may withdraw its ruling request at that time and DOR is not to proceed with a ruling.

Wonderful (Windy) Weekend

What a wonderful weekend in Lake Havasu City! Started Saturday off right, with a well-attended meeting of the Lake Havasu Republican Forum. BHC Attorney Rick Williams, candidate for Mohave County Superior Court Judge spoke about his work experience and qualifications as a candidate. Dana Hlavac, candidate for the same position spoke at the previous meeting.

Saturday afternoon, Frank & I unexpectedly attended a going away party for members of our church that are moving out-0f-state to be nearer to grandkids (understandable) and in the process we met some new neighbors. What a delight to know that just a few streets over are some great folks who just happen to attend the same church we do and share our love for community and fellowship! While we say goodbye to our friends Randy and Jessica we say hello to our new friends and neighbors Joyce and Cody!

Later on that same evening we attended a smashing dinner hosted by the H***l's~tireless Republicans who opened up their beautiful home to Lake Havasu Precinct Committee people so that we could have the opportunity to see and say hello to one another in a relaxed atmosphere. The weather was perfect (near 80's) as we dined under the stars, enjoying the delicious dinner (loved the Thai Vegetable Salad) and decadent desserts so tempting and abundant. DH energized the crowd as he spoke, urging us to continue to fight for our precious republican platform and rally behind the republican nominee. Senator Gould echoed these sentiments.

Sunday morning the winds kicked up and the "Community Celebration" church service, tail gate party and BBQ that was to be held in a large tent at the Sweetwater property had to be moved at the last minute back to the church. As the tent sides flapped and folding chairs toppled, the local firefighters declared the tent unsafe. What a scramble! Phone calls and text messages flew and as the news spread the Calvary Baptist church and parking lot filled to capacity. We did celebrate as we listened and learned how the various outreach programs have impacted the community by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and reaching countless individuals through CBC's participation in various Main Street events. After the jam-packed service the crowd lined up for a bountiful buffet of pizza, sandwiches, nachos, an assortment of homemade chilis, hotdogs and hamburgers. What a smorgasbord! As the day progressed, my great friend Bonnie (Hi Bonnie!) collected signatures for my re-election campaign, continuing to stun me with her grace and determination!

F&I are back now in Phoenix, refreshed and renewed because of our wonderful community and all who make Lake Havasu City a great place to call home!