Business groups want penny tax for transportation plan
Raising your taxes, a penny at a time. Your thoughts?
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Third Read Calendar for Monday, April 21, 2008
There are about 28 bills on the calendar for third read on Monday. Most of them non-controversial bills to continue government agencies or government programs. As always, if you need more information about a particular bill, do not hesitate to call me or shoot me a quick email at tgroe@azleg.gov
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Budget Update
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a budget!
That is the news...I cannot share with you whether it is good news or bad news as I have yet to have the opportunity to read and review the one budget bill that should address the FY08 shortfall. (Usually the budget is comprised of 10 or so seperate bills.)
It is 6:15 Thursday evening and I am sitting in my office at the Capitol waiting on a chance to read the budget bill that we are suppose to caucus and vote on later on tonight. Hurry up and wait is the name of the game. We were told to be here at 4:30, then at 4:20 we were told 5:30. At 5:30 pm we received an email from the House Chief of Staff that stated amendments to the budget bill were being drafted and instructed us to be available at 7:00pm.
I do not know the content of the amendments but I did hear from a Democrat that the amendments include some of the provisions agreed upon at the insistence of the Governor and apparently overlooked when the budget bill was drafted today. Word is that the Governor gave the dems their marching orders this morning and instructed them to support the budget bill. All I can say is that if the Governor and the Dems like it, it cannot be good.
All in all, I guess we'll probably have less than 30 minutes to read the proposal and ask questions. There will be no opportunity to make changes or offer suggestions...just the chance to vote "YES" or "NO". I despise this process...and this year it is even worse than usual since the Appropriations committee was left out of the equation.
BTW, a legislator down the hall is violently ill and has been vomiting for the last 45 minutes. When thinking about the injustice taking place here, I feel about as ill as he is.
That is the news...I cannot share with you whether it is good news or bad news as I have yet to have the opportunity to read and review the one budget bill that should address the FY08 shortfall. (Usually the budget is comprised of 10 or so seperate bills.)
It is 6:15 Thursday evening and I am sitting in my office at the Capitol waiting on a chance to read the budget bill that we are suppose to caucus and vote on later on tonight. Hurry up and wait is the name of the game. We were told to be here at 4:30, then at 4:20 we were told 5:30. At 5:30 pm we received an email from the House Chief of Staff that stated amendments to the budget bill were being drafted and instructed us to be available at 7:00pm.
I do not know the content of the amendments but I did hear from a Democrat that the amendments include some of the provisions agreed upon at the insistence of the Governor and apparently overlooked when the budget bill was drafted today. Word is that the Governor gave the dems their marching orders this morning and instructed them to support the budget bill. All I can say is that if the Governor and the Dems like it, it cannot be good.
All in all, I guess we'll probably have less than 30 minutes to read the proposal and ask questions. There will be no opportunity to make changes or offer suggestions...just the chance to vote "YES" or "NO". I despise this process...and this year it is even worse than usual since the Appropriations committee was left out of the equation.
BTW, a legislator down the hall is violently ill and has been vomiting for the last 45 minutes. When thinking about the injustice taking place here, I feel about as ill as he is.
Action Alert: HCR 2039~Anti-Sanctuary Measure
Tell Arizona Legislative Leaders to Bring Anti-Sanctuary Measure to a Vote!
This is a special message for NumbersUSA members in the State of Arizona.
Dear Arizona Friends,Arizona State Representative Russell Pearce is asking Arizonans to call Speaker Jim Weiers and Senate President Tim Bee to demand a vote on HCR 2039, a resolution that would:
Rep. Pearce says Speaker Weiers and Senate Bee are holding back a vote on this measure, just as they did last year. If the measure passes the legislature and is vetoed by Gov. Janet Napolitano (a real possibility), it automatically goes to the ballot for voter approval. The four successful immigration reduction initiatives in 2006 were placed on the ballot in this very manner, as opposed to through the gathering of signatures.
Please call and/or email Speaker Weiers and Senate President Bee to ask for an up-or-down vote on HCR 2039, and to remind them that they promised not to hold back another vote on this measure.
It would be helpful to contact the five additional members listed below as well.
Speaker Jim Weiers(602) 926-4173jweiers@azleg.gov
Senate President Tim Bee(602) 926-5683tbee@azleg.gov
Other legislators to call
Senator Tom O'Halloran (602) 926-5584tohalleran@azleg.gov
Rep. Lucy Mason (602) 926-5874lmason@azleg.gov
Rep. Bill Konopnecki (602) 926-5409bkonopnicki@azleg.gov
Rep. Pete Hirschberger (602) 926-5839phershberger@azleg.gov
Rep. John Nelson (602) 926-5872jnelson@azleg.gov
Supporters of HCR 2039 are working on two fronts to enact the measure. In addition to the resolution, signatures are being gathered for the Support Our Law Enforcement (SOLE) initiative, which also would forbid illegal alien sanctuary policies throughout the state.
The Legal Arizona Workers (LAW) initiative, which is being headed up by Don Goldwater, is gathering signatures as well. It would expand on current Arizona law by permanently revoking a business license after the first time a business is caught hiring illegal aliens.Supporters of these initiatives are seeking both signatures and volunteers. Please visit the SOLE and LAW web sites and help get these measures on the ballot this fall.
This is a special message for NumbersUSA members in the State of Arizona.
Dear Arizona Friends,Arizona State Representative Russell Pearce is asking Arizonans to call Speaker Jim Weiers and Senate President Tim Bee to demand a vote on HCR 2039, a resolution that would:
- Bar state or local governments from having any sanctuary policies, official or otherwise, that prohibit police officers from asking about their immigration status;
- Require officers to question anyone arrested about their immigration status;·
- Expand the state crime of trespass to include anyone on public or private property who is in violation of federal immigration laws; and
- Allow police officers to either refer arrested illegal aliens to prosecutors or turn them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Rep. Pearce says Speaker Weiers and Senate Bee are holding back a vote on this measure, just as they did last year. If the measure passes the legislature and is vetoed by Gov. Janet Napolitano (a real possibility), it automatically goes to the ballot for voter approval. The four successful immigration reduction initiatives in 2006 were placed on the ballot in this very manner, as opposed to through the gathering of signatures.
Please call and/or email Speaker Weiers and Senate President Bee to ask for an up-or-down vote on HCR 2039, and to remind them that they promised not to hold back another vote on this measure.
It would be helpful to contact the five additional members listed below as well.
Speaker Jim Weiers(602) 926-4173jweiers@azleg.gov
Senate President Tim Bee(602) 926-5683tbee@azleg.gov
Other legislators to call
Senator Tom O'Halloran (602) 926-5584tohalleran@azleg.gov
Rep. Lucy Mason (602) 926-5874lmason@azleg.gov
Rep. Bill Konopnecki (602) 926-5409bkonopnicki@azleg.gov
Rep. Pete Hirschberger (602) 926-5839phershberger@azleg.gov
Rep. John Nelson (602) 926-5872jnelson@azleg.gov
Supporters of HCR 2039 are working on two fronts to enact the measure. In addition to the resolution, signatures are being gathered for the Support Our Law Enforcement (SOLE) initiative, which also would forbid illegal alien sanctuary policies throughout the state.
The Legal Arizona Workers (LAW) initiative, which is being headed up by Don Goldwater, is gathering signatures as well. It would expand on current Arizona law by permanently revoking a business license after the first time a business is caught hiring illegal aliens.Supporters of these initiatives are seeking both signatures and volunteers. Please visit the SOLE and LAW web sites and help get these measures on the ballot this fall.
Capitol Times Interview/Up Close with Trish Groe
Groe celebrates one year of sobriety, says DUI was a wake-up call
By Jim Small, jim.small@azcapitoltimes.com
The defining moment of Trish Groe’s political career is also the defining moment in her life. A little more than a year ago, the Lake Havasu City Republican was pulled over just outside Parker after police spotted her driving erratically. She failed a roadside sobriety test and was arrested for drunk driving. Less than a week later, she entered a rehabilitation facility to treat an alcoholism problem she said at the time she had struggled with for much of her life. A year has now passed, and Groe — who recently celebrated her first year of sobriety — says the arrest not only provided her with a wake-up call, but it saved her life. She is thankful no one was injured and has a new lease on life.
Groe spoke with Arizona Capitol Times on April 1 about her sobriety, her decision to run for re-election and her status as the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home during the legislative session.
First of all, congratulations on your one-year anniversary of being sober.
Thank you, thank you, I’m very excited about that.
I have to imagine that it’s been a pretty difficult journey just to get to this point. What have been the biggest obstacle and the biggest challenge about that to you?
You know, it’s been terrific. It’s really been awesome. It hasn’t been a struggle with my faith and family and my friends; it has been a wonderful journey. I’m just so thankful for my sobriety and I’m thankful to be here. It’s a shame that it had to happen, but I’m grateful to those law enforcement officers who pulled me over. And I hate that I took such a big risk and I’m glad that nobody was hurt but, you know, I needed that wake-up call. And I didn’t really believe that I had a future and now I think that I do, so to be out from under that beast is just a ray of sunshine.
What’s been the biggest comfort for you during the past year?
Besides my faith, my husband. He has been terrific. And then for as many nasty e-mails that have been rude and crude e-mails, there have been people who have reached out from all over Arizona and sent me e-mails just saying, “We think you’re a good legislator, we really want you to beat this so that you can get back to work.” Or the other day, somebody gave me a book and said, “My sister hasn’t been able to celebrate her one-year anniversary, please pray for her.” So, it’s been nice, I’m speaking at the Teen Challenge event in Mohave County later on in May, so I’m hoping to be able to use my experience to maybe shine a light in other people’s lives and let them know that, as dark as it gets — and it did get very dark for me — there is hope, and you can overcome. There’s victory over this.
You said that you got a lot of e-mails from all over the state, what about your constituents? What’s been the reaction from people in District 3?
My constituents have been awesome, they have really showed mercy and grace and forgiveness. They have sent me cards and letters when I was in rehab here at Calvary Center. I got flowers from a couple of people just after reading some of the stuff that was printed in the paper, so they’ve been great. And I think that they’re definitely interested in character and integrity, but I think hand in hand with that is me being able to admit what I did was wrong and it’s something I do struggle with. And I think people can relate to that. I think we’re all human and we all have our cross to bear. I’m happy to say that I think the bond between myself and my constituents is stronger now, and there’s a lot of communication going on this session.
You’ve said in the past that getting arrested saved your life.
Yes.
How?
Like I said, I didn’t have hope. And I didn’t think that I could have victory over my addiction. It was a very dark place. And being called on the carpet and having to do the press conference and own up to my horrible mistake provided me with impetus to go into rehabilitation and to get help. I knew that I couldn’t do it on my own.
I know that a lot of people called for you to resign after you were arrested and again I think after you pled last year. Why did you choose to serve another term?
I think I do a great job here representing my constituents and so, there never really was any thought of resignation because I think I’ve been very effective here. And I know that I’m here for a reason, sometimes I’m not sure what that reason is, but I think that, for the most part, I speak for my constituents and that was never in question. And I knew that each day that progressed, with my increased sobriety, that I would only be more effective and shine more brightly down here.
Do you expect that this is going to be an issue in your re-election campaign? Maybe not with your constituents, you said that a lot of them have been very understanding and very forgiving. I know that there are a couple other people, at least two other Republicans who have filed for the seat.
I think that perhaps it would be an issue, but that would be so unfortunate. I understand why people want to run for this position and I am frankly shocked that more people don’t, because it’s an extraordinary responsibility, and so, I don’t fault them for running. But I think it would be a mistake on their part if they made this an issue and I hope that they feel called to keep this campaign solely about issues, because that’s what the people deserve to hear about.
Now I think you might be the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home.
(laughing) Down here? Yes. I think Bill Wagner might have when he was in session for a while.
Is this the first year you’ve been doing that?
Yes.
I saw the picture of it online, and it’s gorgeous.
It is very nice. My husband has good taste.
It’s got to be nicer than staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.
Well, we rented an apartment across the street from the Arizona Center last year and it was a nice apartment but it was very small, and it was something to get used to, people living above you and below you and the smoke and stuff like that. So we kind of did a cost analysis and found out that it’s really more cost effective if we park the motor home — not if we drive it these days, with diesel up around $4 a gallon — but if we can live in that motor home. And my district goes all the way to Page and Colorado City and Bouse and all those areas so it’s about nine hours from one end to the other. I’m looking forward to traveling in it during the interim.
Since you’ve been down here, there have been a lot of changes just in the Legislature since 2005, and your caucus specifically seems that it’s borne the brunt of those changes. You guys went from a very solid 38, 39-member caucus…
Those were the days…
…that there was a lot more of an ability to get conservative legislation through. How difficult is it, making that transition, for you — I know that you’re one of the more conservative members of the caucus — to knowing that your ideas and the things that you value were more of a priority for the caucus two years ago?
I think at times I have let that perhaps be a burden, but I have to remember and keep focused that the people that are down here, the diversity that we see in the caucus is the diversity that’s reflected out there in the constituents of Arizona. So I know that my job down here, because I was elected by my constituents, is just to keep voting the way that I vote and not be concerned about how others vote.
Now, saying that, I spend a lot of my time here, because I didn’t run a lot of legislation this year, I spent a lot my time between the House and Senate trying to kill what I think are really bad bills. And I try to tell my constituents, when you’re talking to a legislator, don’t ask what bills they’ve sponsored, ask what bad bills they’ve killed. Because that is much more important than anything that goes on down here. That’s sometimes why I vote on legislation because it’s poorly drafted. The intent of the legislation is good, but it just doesn’t cut it.
I think the off-highway vehicle bill might be an example of ‘poorly drafted.’
It is. I applaud the intent, it’s awesome. But just very dangerous in some of those areas, and it’s difficult. One of the most difficult things I find down here is getting the word to my constituents, not just what’s put in the press where we’re going to create a new license fee and a fund, because that’s all that’s mentioned, but the other aspects of the bill, that are frightening. That’s why I have my blog, that’s why I send out e-mails. I had a new Web site that’s just designed, but that’s really difficult being out-of-county and making sure of those things. And we have a couple small newspapers, they don’t have reporters up here, and we don’t get The Arizona Republic anymore — thank God, in my opinion.
Is that a challenge that you think most of the in-county, the Maricopa County representatives and senators maybe can’t necessarily identify with — having more difficulty communicating with your voters?
I think so. I would love to be able to go home at night and go to an event that’s in my community. That would be neat to be able to visit the schools more or schedule a meeting at seven in the evening, or have coffee with some of my constituents before I come in here, that sounds delightful. And I don’t get that, so when I go in my district I kind of twist arms with people to see if they’ll meet me on a Saturday or Sunday after church before I drive in.
What is the most important bill that you had a hand in either passing or defeating?
I don’t know, there are just so many out there. Just some really crazy ideas, and I used to make a list of all the bills that I called the “Bad Bill Blues.”
What do you think is the most important issue in the state right now?
I think we need to address the situation with illegal immigration because that affects every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it is in the school system or in health care, it influences everything that we do down here. I think that we have got to shut the border; that should be our number one priority. Then we can address some of the other areas.
What else is left for the state to do in that regard?
I think we are on our way. I think we are doing a good job. If we can get this legislation out and we can get it enforced, then I think we are doing a good job with that.
The other thing is just addressing the budget. I was actually excited to come here this session, and I thought ‘OK, we are not in a good situation, but this is a good opportunity to look at some of the redundant programs that we have in government, or some of the programs that are not working so well, or, hey, wait a minute, let’s just look at what our priorities should be and cut funding on that. So, I was really up for the task. Appropriations is my favorite committee. I just spend so much time going over the intricacies of the budget, going in and out of departments and following the money, or at least trying to follow the money. Unfortunately, we are not getting the opportunity to do that, and that saddens me.
You are referring to the negotiations happening behind closed doors?
Not so much the process. I mean the process is what it is, and it is definitely not the best. It is highly unusual for them to take everything out of the Appropriations Committee. In my opinion, the Appropriations Committee has been castrated. I just think we really missed our opportunity to be effective in addressing the budget problem. Right now, because of the time, and because of the way negotiations are going, we are robbing from designated funds and, to me, it makes no sense. It is just scratching at funds.
If you had your druthers how would you address that problem?
If I had my druthers, we would have had a special session. I think we all saw this coming. I used to tell my constituents ‘wow, we are just going to have such a problem when we go in January. I mean, you can see how it affects me. It is just unfathomable that we are in the situation we are in. I think we need to take a look at our social welfare programs. I am not sure that we should be using hard-earned taxpayer money to pay for babysitting. I think our social welfare programs are robbing Peter to pay Paul. I know that there is some redundancy in government, and I certainly know there is some waste in state agencies. I think this is a missed opportunity and for that I am sad. I have spoken to my colleagues, and say ‘how do you explain this to your constituents and say send me back?’
Sounds like you are not going to be one of the green lights on the board when the budget plan comes through.
I would love to be a green. At this point I don’t know what they could do, but I would love to support leadership. That would be nice.
How has this session been different than last session? Last year was rocky, at times, between the leadership and the rest of the caucus. Do you see any difference this year?
I can’t speak for others, but I know for myself that I wouldn’t want their job. I try to give them the respect their position deserves.
Do you have any predictions in the upcoming election? Who is going to win the presidency? How will Arizona fare at the national and state level?
I believe that our Senator McCain is going to win the presidency, and I can say that I am definitely looking forward to being here next year.
By Jim Small, jim.small@azcapitoltimes.com
The defining moment of Trish Groe’s political career is also the defining moment in her life. A little more than a year ago, the Lake Havasu City Republican was pulled over just outside Parker after police spotted her driving erratically. She failed a roadside sobriety test and was arrested for drunk driving. Less than a week later, she entered a rehabilitation facility to treat an alcoholism problem she said at the time she had struggled with for much of her life. A year has now passed, and Groe — who recently celebrated her first year of sobriety — says the arrest not only provided her with a wake-up call, but it saved her life. She is thankful no one was injured and has a new lease on life.
Groe spoke with Arizona Capitol Times on April 1 about her sobriety, her decision to run for re-election and her status as the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home during the legislative session.
First of all, congratulations on your one-year anniversary of being sober.
Thank you, thank you, I’m very excited about that.
I have to imagine that it’s been a pretty difficult journey just to get to this point. What have been the biggest obstacle and the biggest challenge about that to you?
You know, it’s been terrific. It’s really been awesome. It hasn’t been a struggle with my faith and family and my friends; it has been a wonderful journey. I’m just so thankful for my sobriety and I’m thankful to be here. It’s a shame that it had to happen, but I’m grateful to those law enforcement officers who pulled me over. And I hate that I took such a big risk and I’m glad that nobody was hurt but, you know, I needed that wake-up call. And I didn’t really believe that I had a future and now I think that I do, so to be out from under that beast is just a ray of sunshine.
What’s been the biggest comfort for you during the past year?
Besides my faith, my husband. He has been terrific. And then for as many nasty e-mails that have been rude and crude e-mails, there have been people who have reached out from all over Arizona and sent me e-mails just saying, “We think you’re a good legislator, we really want you to beat this so that you can get back to work.” Or the other day, somebody gave me a book and said, “My sister hasn’t been able to celebrate her one-year anniversary, please pray for her.” So, it’s been nice, I’m speaking at the Teen Challenge event in Mohave County later on in May, so I’m hoping to be able to use my experience to maybe shine a light in other people’s lives and let them know that, as dark as it gets — and it did get very dark for me — there is hope, and you can overcome. There’s victory over this.
You said that you got a lot of e-mails from all over the state, what about your constituents? What’s been the reaction from people in District 3?
My constituents have been awesome, they have really showed mercy and grace and forgiveness. They have sent me cards and letters when I was in rehab here at Calvary Center. I got flowers from a couple of people just after reading some of the stuff that was printed in the paper, so they’ve been great. And I think that they’re definitely interested in character and integrity, but I think hand in hand with that is me being able to admit what I did was wrong and it’s something I do struggle with. And I think people can relate to that. I think we’re all human and we all have our cross to bear. I’m happy to say that I think the bond between myself and my constituents is stronger now, and there’s a lot of communication going on this session.
You’ve said in the past that getting arrested saved your life.
Yes.
How?
Like I said, I didn’t have hope. And I didn’t think that I could have victory over my addiction. It was a very dark place. And being called on the carpet and having to do the press conference and own up to my horrible mistake provided me with impetus to go into rehabilitation and to get help. I knew that I couldn’t do it on my own.
I know that a lot of people called for you to resign after you were arrested and again I think after you pled last year. Why did you choose to serve another term?
I think I do a great job here representing my constituents and so, there never really was any thought of resignation because I think I’ve been very effective here. And I know that I’m here for a reason, sometimes I’m not sure what that reason is, but I think that, for the most part, I speak for my constituents and that was never in question. And I knew that each day that progressed, with my increased sobriety, that I would only be more effective and shine more brightly down here.
Do you expect that this is going to be an issue in your re-election campaign? Maybe not with your constituents, you said that a lot of them have been very understanding and very forgiving. I know that there are a couple other people, at least two other Republicans who have filed for the seat.
I think that perhaps it would be an issue, but that would be so unfortunate. I understand why people want to run for this position and I am frankly shocked that more people don’t, because it’s an extraordinary responsibility, and so, I don’t fault them for running. But I think it would be a mistake on their part if they made this an issue and I hope that they feel called to keep this campaign solely about issues, because that’s what the people deserve to hear about.
Now I think you might be the only lawmaker who lives in a motor home.
(laughing) Down here? Yes. I think Bill Wagner might have when he was in session for a while.
Is this the first year you’ve been doing that?
Yes.
I saw the picture of it online, and it’s gorgeous.
It is very nice. My husband has good taste.
It’s got to be nicer than staying in a hotel or renting an apartment.
Well, we rented an apartment across the street from the Arizona Center last year and it was a nice apartment but it was very small, and it was something to get used to, people living above you and below you and the smoke and stuff like that. So we kind of did a cost analysis and found out that it’s really more cost effective if we park the motor home — not if we drive it these days, with diesel up around $4 a gallon — but if we can live in that motor home. And my district goes all the way to Page and Colorado City and Bouse and all those areas so it’s about nine hours from one end to the other. I’m looking forward to traveling in it during the interim.
Since you’ve been down here, there have been a lot of changes just in the Legislature since 2005, and your caucus specifically seems that it’s borne the brunt of those changes. You guys went from a very solid 38, 39-member caucus…
Those were the days…
…that there was a lot more of an ability to get conservative legislation through. How difficult is it, making that transition, for you — I know that you’re one of the more conservative members of the caucus — to knowing that your ideas and the things that you value were more of a priority for the caucus two years ago?
I think at times I have let that perhaps be a burden, but I have to remember and keep focused that the people that are down here, the diversity that we see in the caucus is the diversity that’s reflected out there in the constituents of Arizona. So I know that my job down here, because I was elected by my constituents, is just to keep voting the way that I vote and not be concerned about how others vote.
Now, saying that, I spend a lot of my time here, because I didn’t run a lot of legislation this year, I spent a lot my time between the House and Senate trying to kill what I think are really bad bills. And I try to tell my constituents, when you’re talking to a legislator, don’t ask what bills they’ve sponsored, ask what bad bills they’ve killed. Because that is much more important than anything that goes on down here. That’s sometimes why I vote on legislation because it’s poorly drafted. The intent of the legislation is good, but it just doesn’t cut it.
I think the off-highway vehicle bill might be an example of ‘poorly drafted.’
It is. I applaud the intent, it’s awesome. But just very dangerous in some of those areas, and it’s difficult. One of the most difficult things I find down here is getting the word to my constituents, not just what’s put in the press where we’re going to create a new license fee and a fund, because that’s all that’s mentioned, but the other aspects of the bill, that are frightening. That’s why I have my blog, that’s why I send out e-mails. I had a new Web site that’s just designed, but that’s really difficult being out-of-county and making sure of those things. And we have a couple small newspapers, they don’t have reporters up here, and we don’t get The Arizona Republic anymore — thank God, in my opinion.
Is that a challenge that you think most of the in-county, the Maricopa County representatives and senators maybe can’t necessarily identify with — having more difficulty communicating with your voters?
I think so. I would love to be able to go home at night and go to an event that’s in my community. That would be neat to be able to visit the schools more or schedule a meeting at seven in the evening, or have coffee with some of my constituents before I come in here, that sounds delightful. And I don’t get that, so when I go in my district I kind of twist arms with people to see if they’ll meet me on a Saturday or Sunday after church before I drive in.
What is the most important bill that you had a hand in either passing or defeating?
I don’t know, there are just so many out there. Just some really crazy ideas, and I used to make a list of all the bills that I called the “Bad Bill Blues.”
What do you think is the most important issue in the state right now?
I think we need to address the situation with illegal immigration because that affects every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it is in the school system or in health care, it influences everything that we do down here. I think that we have got to shut the border; that should be our number one priority. Then we can address some of the other areas.
What else is left for the state to do in that regard?
I think we are on our way. I think we are doing a good job. If we can get this legislation out and we can get it enforced, then I think we are doing a good job with that.
The other thing is just addressing the budget. I was actually excited to come here this session, and I thought ‘OK, we are not in a good situation, but this is a good opportunity to look at some of the redundant programs that we have in government, or some of the programs that are not working so well, or, hey, wait a minute, let’s just look at what our priorities should be and cut funding on that. So, I was really up for the task. Appropriations is my favorite committee. I just spend so much time going over the intricacies of the budget, going in and out of departments and following the money, or at least trying to follow the money. Unfortunately, we are not getting the opportunity to do that, and that saddens me.
You are referring to the negotiations happening behind closed doors?
Not so much the process. I mean the process is what it is, and it is definitely not the best. It is highly unusual for them to take everything out of the Appropriations Committee. In my opinion, the Appropriations Committee has been castrated. I just think we really missed our opportunity to be effective in addressing the budget problem. Right now, because of the time, and because of the way negotiations are going, we are robbing from designated funds and, to me, it makes no sense. It is just scratching at funds.
If you had your druthers how would you address that problem?
If I had my druthers, we would have had a special session. I think we all saw this coming. I used to tell my constituents ‘wow, we are just going to have such a problem when we go in January. I mean, you can see how it affects me. It is just unfathomable that we are in the situation we are in. I think we need to take a look at our social welfare programs. I am not sure that we should be using hard-earned taxpayer money to pay for babysitting. I think our social welfare programs are robbing Peter to pay Paul. I know that there is some redundancy in government, and I certainly know there is some waste in state agencies. I think this is a missed opportunity and for that I am sad. I have spoken to my colleagues, and say ‘how do you explain this to your constituents and say send me back?’
Sounds like you are not going to be one of the green lights on the board when the budget plan comes through.
I would love to be a green. At this point I don’t know what they could do, but I would love to support leadership. That would be nice.
How has this session been different than last session? Last year was rocky, at times, between the leadership and the rest of the caucus. Do you see any difference this year?
I can’t speak for others, but I know for myself that I wouldn’t want their job. I try to give them the respect their position deserves.
Do you have any predictions in the upcoming election? Who is going to win the presidency? How will Arizona fare at the national and state level?
I believe that our Senator McCain is going to win the presidency, and I can say that I am definitely looking forward to being here next year.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Letter from Americans for Prosperity Director Tom Jenny
April 16, 2008
Dear Legislative District 3 Taxpayer:
The bad news is that Gov. Janet Napolitano’s veto today of House Bill 2220 will likely result in the return of a $250 million property tax, for an average property tax increase of $100 per year for the Arizona homeowner. Combined with likely increases by city, county, and local special taxing districts, the Governor’s tax increase may contribute to significant increases in the overall property tax bills of home and business owners.
The silver lining in the cloud created by Napolitano is that there is still a small chance of repealing the $250 million state-imposed education equalization property tax, as a part of budget negotiations later in the legislative session.
And the really good news is that all of your LD 3 Legislators—Sen. Ron Gould, Rep. Trish Groe, and Rep. Nancy McLain—are part of the slim majority in the Arizona Senate that wants to help Arizona property taxpayers by repealing the tax.
In the House in March, 32 Arizona Representatives (31 Republicans and 1 Democrat) voted for the HB 2220 property tax relief bill. We have listed the names and districts of the House Good Guys here:
http://www.americansforprosperity.org/includes/filemanager/files/az/goodguyshb2220.pdf
At the same time, 28 Representatives (26 Democrats and 2 Republicans) voted against HB 2220. We have listed the names and districts of the House Bad Guys here: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/includes/filemanager/files/az/badguyshb2220.pdf
Last week, 16 Arizona Representatives (15 Republicans and 1 Democrat) voted for HB 2220. 14 Arizona Representatives (12 Democrats and 2 Republicans) failed to vote to protect property taxpayers. Here is the list of Good Guys and Bad Guys for the Senate:
http://includes/filemanager/files/az/hb2220senategoodbad.pdf
Stay tuned—we will keep you posted on property tax reforms and other taxpayer-related action as the legislative session goes on.
Tom Jenney
Arizona Director
Americans for Prosperity
http://www.aztaxpayers.org/
tjenney@afphq.org
Dear Legislative District 3 Taxpayer:
The bad news is that Gov. Janet Napolitano’s veto today of House Bill 2220 will likely result in the return of a $250 million property tax, for an average property tax increase of $100 per year for the Arizona homeowner. Combined with likely increases by city, county, and local special taxing districts, the Governor’s tax increase may contribute to significant increases in the overall property tax bills of home and business owners.
The silver lining in the cloud created by Napolitano is that there is still a small chance of repealing the $250 million state-imposed education equalization property tax, as a part of budget negotiations later in the legislative session.
And the really good news is that all of your LD 3 Legislators—Sen. Ron Gould, Rep. Trish Groe, and Rep. Nancy McLain—are part of the slim majority in the Arizona Senate that wants to help Arizona property taxpayers by repealing the tax.
In the House in March, 32 Arizona Representatives (31 Republicans and 1 Democrat) voted for the HB 2220 property tax relief bill. We have listed the names and districts of the House Good Guys here:
http://www.americansforprosperity.org/includes/filemanager/files/az/goodguyshb2220.pdf
At the same time, 28 Representatives (26 Democrats and 2 Republicans) voted against HB 2220. We have listed the names and districts of the House Bad Guys here: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/includes/filemanager/files/az/badguyshb2220.pdf
Last week, 16 Arizona Representatives (15 Republicans and 1 Democrat) voted for HB 2220. 14 Arizona Representatives (12 Democrats and 2 Republicans) failed to vote to protect property taxpayers. Here is the list of Good Guys and Bad Guys for the Senate:
http://includes/filemanager/files/az/hb2220senategoodbad.pdf
Stay tuned—we will keep you posted on property tax reforms and other taxpayer-related action as the legislative session goes on.
Tom Jenney
Arizona Director
Americans for Prosperity
http://www.aztaxpayers.org/
tjenney@afphq.org
NRA Dinner in Kingman this Saturday
The Mohave County Friends of NRA plans to hold a banquet at the Kingman Elks Lodge, 900 Gates Ave, Kingman, AZ on April 19th at 6:00pm.
Tickets will be $25 per person and may be purchased at On Target Enterprise, 2747 Ashfork Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401 or contact Pierre at (928) 753-4314. This dinner sells out early, so purchase your dinner tickets in advance.
Friends of NRA is a key grassroots event that supports thousands of community service related to firearm education, hunter safety, wildlife conservation, range improvements, youth marksmanship and law enforcement, among others. Working with NRA field representatives, the members and volunteers organize banquets in their communities, complete with auctions, special drawings, and fellowship. Much of the merchandise at the banquets is donated or provided at reduced cost by hundreds of participating vendors.
The upcoming banquet will feature stuffed chicken breast or pork roast, a live and silent auction and lots of games and raffles.
The Friends of NRA is the face of the NRA, run at the grassroots level by people from all walks of life. At a Friends of NRA banquet, you'll meet fire chiefs, engineers, shopkeepers, police officers and teachers--all mainstream citizens working together to support an important cause in preserving our rights and heritage.
Half of the profits raised by each Friends of NRA banquet will be spent in the state in which it was held. The other half supports qualifying national-level programs like the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, Women On Target® and other educational and safety services. State Fund Committees made up of volunteers review grant applications from local organizations and make recommendations to The NRA Foundation on how the money might best be used in their areas. For more information about Friends of NRA, visit http://www.friendsofnra.org/.
Tickets will be $25 per person and may be purchased at On Target Enterprise, 2747 Ashfork Ave, Kingman, AZ 86401 or contact Pierre at (928) 753-4314. This dinner sells out early, so purchase your dinner tickets in advance.
Friends of NRA is a key grassroots event that supports thousands of community service related to firearm education, hunter safety, wildlife conservation, range improvements, youth marksmanship and law enforcement, among others. Working with NRA field representatives, the members and volunteers organize banquets in their communities, complete with auctions, special drawings, and fellowship. Much of the merchandise at the banquets is donated or provided at reduced cost by hundreds of participating vendors.
The upcoming banquet will feature stuffed chicken breast or pork roast, a live and silent auction and lots of games and raffles.
The Friends of NRA is the face of the NRA, run at the grassroots level by people from all walks of life. At a Friends of NRA banquet, you'll meet fire chiefs, engineers, shopkeepers, police officers and teachers--all mainstream citizens working together to support an important cause in preserving our rights and heritage.
Half of the profits raised by each Friends of NRA banquet will be spent in the state in which it was held. The other half supports qualifying national-level programs like the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, Women On Target® and other educational and safety services. State Fund Committees made up of volunteers review grant applications from local organizations and make recommendations to The NRA Foundation on how the money might best be used in their areas. For more information about Friends of NRA, visit http://www.friendsofnra.org/.
An Education Report Card
Many of the most respected free-market organizations publish education "report cards." For instance, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has just released its annual Report Card on American Education, which I hope you have the chance to review. The Milton & Rose D. Friedman Foundation also just released its 2007-2008 ABCs of School Choice, a valuable reference tool, analyzing laws in place in each state.
By clicking the following link, you will find The Heartland Institute's contribution to the fight for our children's future. What makes Heartland's 2008 Choice & Education Across the States unique is its "survey" approach to school choice. Using sources like those mentioned above, the report synthesizes a ranking of states' school choice programs, taking into account charter schools, public school choice, tax credits, tax-funded scholarships, and voucher programs in order to give the broadest ranking of school choice programs available.
Inside you will learn:
I encourage you to discuss education policy with your colleagues, family and friends. If you are a parent, talk with your children about the experience they have at school.
No doubt this peer-reviewed report will raise some controversy. Mr. Martin welcomes your comments, suggestions, and requests for additional research, commentary, or testimony -- feel free to call him at 312/377-4000 or send him email, tmartin@heartland.org.
By clicking the following link, you will find The Heartland Institute's contribution to the fight for our children's future. What makes Heartland's 2008 Choice & Education Across the States unique is its "survey" approach to school choice. Using sources like those mentioned above, the report synthesizes a ranking of states' school choice programs, taking into account charter schools, public school choice, tax credits, tax-funded scholarships, and voucher programs in order to give the broadest ranking of school choice programs available.
Inside you will learn:
The most promising alternative to top-down efforts to create accountability in education is school choice, and there is ample evidence school choice works;
School choice is politically viable: in poll after poll, respondents agree by wide margins; and
Florida ranks second-best, Washington state ranks second-worst;flip to pages 8-9 to find out the winners and losers, and where Arizona ranks.
I encourage you to discuss education policy with your colleagues, family and friends. If you are a parent, talk with your children about the experience they have at school.
No doubt this peer-reviewed report will raise some controversy. Mr. Martin welcomes your comments, suggestions, and requests for additional research, commentary, or testimony -- feel free to call him at 312/377-4000 or send him email, tmartin@heartland.org.
Mohave County Sheriff's Office Press Release
April 16, 2008
Mohave County Sheriff’s Office needs the public’s assistance in locating Jimmie Dean Futch, 49, of Dolan Springs. Futch was reported missing on July 10, 2007. He was last seen in the Dolan Springs area on Saturday, July 7, 2007.
A $1,500 reward is being offered in locating Futch. Futch may be a victim of a crime. The family of Jimmie Futch is offering $1,000 while Silent Witness is offering $500 for information in locating Futch.
If the investigation determines that Futch is a victim of a homicide, his family will also offer an additional reward of $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Futch.
Futch is a white male, 6’01 at approximately 180 lbs with hazel eyes and grey hair. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Futch is asked to contact Detective Steve Parker, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, at (928) 753-0753 or Silent Witness at (888) 227-8780.
HCM2013~AZ Temporary Worker Program: Memorial
HCM 2013 urges federal authorization for the Arizona Temporary Worker Program (ATWP). The bill requests that Congress does not increase current visa allocation numbers in order to implement ATWP. I am voting "NO" on this bill as I believe that we first need to secure our borders before implementing this program and I also believe that we need to increase the number of certain visas. (There are 23 different classifications.)
We are currently on the floor of the House voting on this piece of legislation and there are 39 ayes and 19 nays so far. Looks like this is not a party line vote since 4 Democrats are voting against this bill.
The bill passed 39-19.
We are currently on the floor of the House voting on this piece of legislation and there are 39 ayes and 19 nays so far. Looks like this is not a party line vote since 4 Democrats are voting against this bill.
The bill passed 39-19.
HCR 2039~Illegal aliens; Enforcement; Trespassing
HCR2039 removes all Sanctuary Policies in the state and allows officers to inquire about legal status and to act on that info, and withholds money from cities or counties that have a policy that restricts law enforcement from enforcing the law only until they change their illegal policy and then restores the money. It also has a Trespass provision that makes it a state crime of trespassing if one enters or remains in Arizona in violation of federal law and allows law enforcement to turn over to ICE or arrest on the trespass provision and that provision was on the request of a couple of Sheriffs.
HCR2039 is endorsed by:
-Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (2500 officers)
-NAILEM: a neighborhood group of over 4000 citizens working for safer neighborhoods
-Sheriff Joe
-County Attorney Andy Thomas
-State Republican Party (endorsed in '07 and '08 unanimously at our state mandatory meeting)
-By over 75% of legal Arizona citizens
"This country has lost control of its borders. And no country can sustain that kind of position." - President Ronald Reagan
We are a nation of laws. We must have the courage – the fortitude – to enforce, with compassion but without apology, those laws that protect the integrity of our borders and the rights of our lawful citizens.
HCR2039 is endorsed by:
-Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (2500 officers)
-NAILEM: a neighborhood group of over 4000 citizens working for safer neighborhoods
-Sheriff Joe
-County Attorney Andy Thomas
-State Republican Party (endorsed in '07 and '08 unanimously at our state mandatory meeting)
-By over 75% of legal Arizona citizens
"This country has lost control of its borders. And no country can sustain that kind of position." - President Ronald Reagan
We are a nation of laws. We must have the courage – the fortitude – to enforce, with compassion but without apology, those laws that protect the integrity of our borders and the rights of our lawful citizens.
Up Close with Trish Groe
I was featured in the April 4th addition of the Capitol Times to mark my one year anniversary of sobriety.
Arizona Capitol Times - Serving Arizona's Business, Government and Political Community since 1946
Arizona Capitol Times - Serving Arizona's Business, Government and Political Community since 1946
Mohave County Teen Challenge Spring Banquet
Friday - May 2, 2008
6:30 p.m.
$25 per person/ $200 per table
Nautical Inn Resort & Conference Center
1000 McCullough Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Contact: Mohave County Office-928.680.3329 or Phoenix Men's Induction Center Public Relations Office-602.271.4084 ext. 303
FEATURING: Henry Lozano
Henry Lozano is a member of the Board of Directors for the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS) and a Commissioner for President George W. Bush's Advisory Commission on Drug Free Communities in the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He is a graduate of Teen Challenge, a faith-based, global ministry program for substance abuse treatment, and served as the director of Teen Challenge in California from 1974 to 1985. He is also the CEO of Californians for Drug Free Youth, Inc.
Lozano is a Board member of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and has served three Presidents in substance abuse rehabilitation advisory positions. He is currently promoting President George W. Bush's Access to Recovery Initiative, a competitive grant program providing federal funds to states and tribal governments for voucher programs that expand access to a range of effective substance abuse clinical treatment and recovery support services, including those provided by faith- and community-based programs.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Supervisor Johnson Town Hall Meeting
Supervisor Buster Johnson will host a Town Hall Meeting with Arizona Corporation Commissioner Jeff Hatch-Miller on Wednesday the 16th of April. The Town Hall Meeting will be held at the Mohave County Library in the K-Mart Shopping Center, 1770 N. McCulloch Blvd., starting at 4:00 p.m.
The Corporation Commission has a direct effect on all of us. They set the rates for our electricity, gas and phones. They have jurisdiction over water companies. Railroad and pipeline safety is also an important part of their duties. Alternative power is a major concern for the Corporation Commission. If you want to learn more about how we are going to break our dependence on fossil fuels, stop by.
I encourage anyone with a question regarding their utilities and those who want to take advantage of the opportunity to meet Commission Hatch-Miller to attend this informative meeting.
The Corporation Commission has a direct effect on all of us. They set the rates for our electricity, gas and phones. They have jurisdiction over water companies. Railroad and pipeline safety is also an important part of their duties. Alternative power is a major concern for the Corporation Commission. If you want to learn more about how we are going to break our dependence on fossil fuels, stop by.
I encourage anyone with a question regarding their utilities and those who want to take advantage of the opportunity to meet Commission Hatch-Miller to attend this informative meeting.
Saturday at the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at The Phoenix International Raceway
That's me in front of the UPS #44 Toyota Camry. Michael Waltrip, a winner of both the Nationwide and Sprint series, is the team owner with two drivers: David Reutimann and Dale Jarrett. F.Y.I...Dale's driving suit is predominately brown while David's is primarily white.
General Mills and the Cheerios Brand have once again teamed up with Bobby Labonte and crew for 2008. Bobby Labonte is racing this Car Of Tomorrow #43 Cheerios Dodge Avenger racecar for the 2008 Nascar season.
Lowe's driver Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus were back on victory lane Saturday after using excellent fuel strategy to win the race.
Michael McDowell, the 23 year old driver of the 00 Aarons Car stopped by the PIR Corporate Tent to speak with us and answer any racing questions we might have. McDowell, Rookie of the Year 2007, is an Arizona native.
Representative Warde Nichols, his wife and United States Senator Jon Kyl. Senator Kyl is a serious race fan and told us he tries to attend every NASCAR race at the Phoenix International Raceway. Frank and I sat behind him in the stands and I can tell you he watched intently almost every minute of the race, only taking the briefest moments to chat when the racers were under a caution flag.April 15th Caucus Calendar
NOTE: These bills, after caucus, will go to COW (committee of the whole) for a debate in front of the entire body of the House of Representatives. There they can be amended, pass or fail. If they pass, they will be third read. Click on the bill number to see the bill summary.
Bill Number Short Title
SB 1006 professional license extensions; military members
SB 1169 military family relief; fund; committee
SB 1180 state land department; sunset continuation
SB 1238 adjudication monitoring committee; repeal
(Now: adjudication monitoring committee; funding information)
(CMMA S/E: outdoor fires; counties)
SB 1288 local stormwater quality programs
(Now: local stormwater pollution prevention)
SB 1125 occupational safety; employee death; penalties
SB 1176 security guards; technical correction
SB 1258 timeshares; trustee's sales; foreclosures
SB 1417 contractor regulation
SB 1031 school facilities board; project management
SB 1032 school facilities board; omnibus
SB 1266 schools; postemployment benefits
(Now: post employment benefits; schools)
SB 1269 JTEDs; report; programs.
SB 1334 compact; educational opportunity; military children.
SB 1336 sexual conduct; minor; school teacher
SB 1488 schools; teacher performance pay programs
SB 1086 insurance producers; examinations; applicability
SB 1285 cease and desist orders; disclosure.
SB 1097 GITA; state treasurer's office exemption
SB 1137 Arizona pioneers' home; continuation
SB 1279 review committee; Arizona national rankings
SB 1123 homeopathic medical examiners board; continuation
SB 1287 dental board; omnibus
SB 1419 cosmetic procedures; lasers; injections; regulation
SB 1100 integrated family court; court orders
(Now: CPS services; court order)
SB 1219 extended school year; technical correction
(Now: developmental disability providers)
SB 1121 emergency response commission; continuation.
SB 1015 presidential preference election; early voting
(JUD S/E: elections; procedures; ballots)
SB 1022 jury fees; technical correction
SB 1211 primary election date; conforming changes
(JUD S/E: conforming changes; primary election date)
SB 1332 DNA testing; arrest
SB 1354 accomplice liability
SB 1405 election laws; county provisions
(JUD S/E: equine tripping; violation)
SB 1486 notary public; name change.
SB 1029 AMA water districts; conflicting versions
(NRPS S/E)
SB 1048 DUI abatement council; chairperson
(Now: chairperson; DUI abatement council)
(NRPS S/E: definition; partial-birth abortion)
SB 1264 mineral inventory; technical correction
(Now: public rights-of-way; claims)
SB 1338 state forester; wildfire suppression funding
SB 1438 mine inspector; surplus property
(Now: mine inspector; abandoned mines; donations)
SB 1030 economic development; conflicting laws; repeal
(PIR S/E: PSPRS; medical personnel; service definition)
SB 1037 disabled persons; organizations; license plates
(TRANS S/E: delinquent juveniles; restitution; parent assistance)
SB 1291 towing companies; release of vehicles
SB 1431 nursing programs; jurisdiction
(Now: exemption; nursing assistant programs)
SB 1464 venture trucks; regulation
SB 1466 rest area privatization; state highways
SB 1468 ADOT continuation; five years
SB 1289 flood protection districts; financing
SB 1297 state telecommunications program; exemption
SB 1380 drought emergency groundwater transfers
SB 1189 private historic cemeteries; historic preservation
Bill Number Short Title
SB 1006 professional license extensions; military members
SB 1169 military family relief; fund; committee
SB 1180 state land department; sunset continuation
SB 1238 adjudication monitoring committee; repeal
(Now: adjudication monitoring committee; funding information)
(CMMA S/E: outdoor fires; counties)
SB 1288 local stormwater quality programs
(Now: local stormwater pollution prevention)
SB 1125 occupational safety; employee death; penalties
SB 1176 security guards; technical correction
SB 1258 timeshares; trustee's sales; foreclosures
SB 1417 contractor regulation
SB 1031 school facilities board; project management
SB 1032 school facilities board; omnibus
SB 1266 schools; postemployment benefits
(Now: post employment benefits; schools)
SB 1269 JTEDs; report; programs.
SB 1334 compact; educational opportunity; military children.
SB 1336 sexual conduct; minor; school teacher
SB 1488 schools; teacher performance pay programs
SB 1086 insurance producers; examinations; applicability
SB 1285 cease and desist orders; disclosure.
SB 1097 GITA; state treasurer's office exemption
SB 1137 Arizona pioneers' home; continuation
SB 1279 review committee; Arizona national rankings
SB 1123 homeopathic medical examiners board; continuation
SB 1287 dental board; omnibus
SB 1419 cosmetic procedures; lasers; injections; regulation
SB 1100 integrated family court; court orders
(Now: CPS services; court order)
SB 1219 extended school year; technical correction
(Now: developmental disability providers)
SB 1121 emergency response commission; continuation.
SB 1015 presidential preference election; early voting
(JUD S/E: elections; procedures; ballots)
SB 1022 jury fees; technical correction
SB 1211 primary election date; conforming changes
(JUD S/E: conforming changes; primary election date)
SB 1332 DNA testing; arrest
SB 1354 accomplice liability
SB 1405 election laws; county provisions
(JUD S/E: equine tripping; violation)
SB 1486 notary public; name change.
SB 1029 AMA water districts; conflicting versions
(NRPS S/E)
SB 1048 DUI abatement council; chairperson
(Now: chairperson; DUI abatement council)
(NRPS S/E: definition; partial-birth abortion)
SB 1264 mineral inventory; technical correction
(Now: public rights-of-way; claims)
SB 1338 state forester; wildfire suppression funding
SB 1438 mine inspector; surplus property
(Now: mine inspector; abandoned mines; donations)
SB 1030 economic development; conflicting laws; repeal
(PIR S/E: PSPRS; medical personnel; service definition)
SB 1037 disabled persons; organizations; license plates
(TRANS S/E: delinquent juveniles; restitution; parent assistance)
SB 1291 towing companies; release of vehicles
SB 1431 nursing programs; jurisdiction
(Now: exemption; nursing assistant programs)
SB 1464 venture trucks; regulation
SB 1466 rest area privatization; state highways
SB 1468 ADOT continuation; five years
SB 1289 flood protection districts; financing
SB 1297 state telecommunications program; exemption
SB 1380 drought emergency groundwater transfers
SB 1189 private historic cemeteries; historic preservation
Monday, April 14, 2008
Studying the Principles of Freedom
Frank and I are getting ready to take a class called "Principles of Freedom". It is about the fundamental beliefs of the Founding Fathers which they said must be understood and perpetuated by every people who desired peace, prosperity, and freedom.
According to State Representative Russell Pearce, Bill Norton, the class instructor, is amazing. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Gilbert Constitution Week . He is also the Chair of the Arizona State Constitutional Commemoration Committee. He was Chair of the District 22 Republican Party for 3 years and a Member of the Executive Guidance Committee of the Maricopa County Republican Party for 3 years.
According to State Representative Russell Pearce, Bill Norton, the class instructor, is amazing. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Gilbert Constitution Week . He is also the Chair of the Arizona State Constitutional Commemoration Committee. He was Chair of the District 22 Republican Party for 3 years and a Member of the Executive Guidance Committee of the Maricopa County Republican Party for 3 years.
LHC Governmental Conservation Ordinance/Draft Version
This document is to be discussed in an upcoming City Council Work Session on April 17th at 5:00pm. Please take the time to read this important 6 page document that proposes many drastic changes to the way/amount/rate homeowners can use water.
Well Said, Mr. Sowell
From Thomas Sowell's editorial in Investor's Business Daily:
"Senator John McCain could never persuade me to vote for him. Only Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama can cause me to vote for McCain."
To read more of his editorial, please click the title of this post.
"Senator John McCain could never persuade me to vote for him. Only Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama can cause me to vote for McCain."
To read more of his editorial, please click the title of this post.
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