Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Governor Vetos Spending Freeze ~ Veto Letter on HB 2857
Gov. Janet Napolitano has vetoed a spending freeze approved last week by the Legislature that would have prevented state agencies from spending about $580 million already assigned to them.
Less Bruising Than What I Do Now
League seeks roller derby queens
Senta Scarborough
The Arizona RepublicMar. 11, 2008 08:40 AM
Wanted: Women with a high tolerance for pain who are willing to bond with other girls from all walks of life and love to roller skate.And if you are neither shy nor afraid of breaking some bones in a brawl, then the Arizona Derby Dames, an all female roller-derby league, is looking for some "fresh meat" like you.
The league is holding try-outs Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Mesa Skateland, 7 E. Southern Ave. Women must be at least 18 to try out. Bring $5 to enter, as well as water and additional money to rent skates, if needed.
Senta Scarborough
The Arizona RepublicMar. 11, 2008 08:40 AM
Wanted: Women with a high tolerance for pain who are willing to bond with other girls from all walks of life and love to roller skate.And if you are neither shy nor afraid of breaking some bones in a brawl, then the Arizona Derby Dames, an all female roller-derby league, is looking for some "fresh meat" like you.
The league is holding try-outs Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Mesa Skateland, 7 E. Southern Ave. Women must be at least 18 to try out. Bring $5 to enter, as well as water and additional money to rent skates, if needed.
AZ Free Enterprise Club Press Release
Gov. Napolitano Sets Stage for Property Tax Increase
Recent comments conflict with “no tax increase” commitment
Recent comments conflict with “no tax increase” commitment
Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a pro-economic growth advocacy group, today called on lawmakers to pass the permanent repeal of the state equalization rate, which, if not passed, will increase taxes on all Arizona taxpayers next year by about $250 million.
According to The Arizona Republic, Gov. Napolitano told an audience of educators that legislative efforts to prevent this tax increase are misguided because the state faces billions in deficits.
“The governor’s support for this tax increase is a direct departure from what she wrote in her 2009 budget plan, where she pledged not to raise taxes,” said Steve Voeller, president of the Club.
In trying to sell the tax increase, the governor told the group that the tax equates to “two lattes a year.”
“Points should be deducted for unoriginality,” Voeller said. “When politicians justify tax increases by calculating them as lattes or steak dinners, they imply that we can’t figure out what’s really going on.”
“Property tax increases affect everyone, including those who can’t afford to drink lattes in the first place.”
“Property taxes continue to rise as valuations fall, so whether it’s one, two or 200 lattes, tax increases in today’s market will hurt everyone’s bottom line.”
“This is especially perplexing since the governor recently argued that people need help with their rising adjustable rate mortgages. Wouldn’t one way to do that include preventing property taxes from going up?”
Today's Third Read Calendar
There is a lengthy Third Read Calendar scheduled for today and, I believe two COW calendars. With 40 bills to Third Read, I am not going to list them all here but will mention that some of them are a bit controversial such as:
- HB2412 criminal trespass; day laborers
- HB2483 ignition strength of cigarettes; regulation
- HB2588 lottery game; energy efficient schools
- HB2847 autism; covered benefit denial prohibited
- HCM2003 opposing a North American Union
Leading the Pach...
The latest Pachyderm rankings are posted and once again, yours truly places in the highest category as a Reagan Republican with a perfect score of 100!
Interesting Idea...What Say You?
Group to offer nation's 10 worst teachers $10,000 to quite their careers! Why stop with teachers? Lets expand the program...any suggestions? I'm sure you have a few. Don't play shy now.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Passage of HB 2573 is Criminal!!
This post is a copy of a response to a heated email I received from an angry constituent when he learned of my "No" vote on HB 2573.
I stand by my decision to vote against this bill (HB 2573) and will continue to do all that I can to make sure this bill never sees the light of day. It is unfortunate that you did not call me as I requested. I am extremely confident that I would have made myself clear when explaining why Jerry Weiers and all who voted for this bill did the hunters, sportsman, and nature-lovers a grave disservice by supporting this horrid piece of legislation. I do not think that the bill would have had as much support if Jerry Weiers did not mislead other legislators by telling them that the NRA was going to “weight” the bill & use it on their legislative scorecard. I found this to be untrue when I spoke with an NRA rep who was aware of the false information being spread by Mr. Weiers.
While I do have my doubts that licensing fees generated will actually be used for their intended purposes, I can live with this portion of the bill. I have two ATVs and ride regularly around LHC, both on and off road with friends and family and have little qualms about paying these fees and applaud their purpose. If Jerry Weiers bill stopped there, more than likely, I would have voted yes. But, Weiers bill venture far into dangerous territory and it is unconscionable my colleagues voted for its passage.
The text of the bill states that criminal action includes:
Damage to the environment: excessive pollution of air, water, or land.
Abuse of the watershed, cultural or natural resources.
Impairment of plant or animal life.
In another portion of the bill, the text includes:
Damage to:
Wildlife habitat
Riparian Areas
Cultural or Natural Resources
Property or Improvements
Now, this sounds great, right? I agree that it does. We need to preserve our beautiful desert landscape, our natural resources, the flora and fauna. I cannot argue that but...what constitutes damage? What constitutes abuse of a watershed? When, as a lawmaker, I vet bills as great as they sound and as much as I agree with the bill's intent I must ask questions. One of the questions almost always asked is "are the terms defined?" Will a sportsman who is out enjoying a ride be able to ascertain if he/she is breaking the law? Under the provisions of this bill, I do not think so. No one I spoke with could. Even testimony from Game and Fish representatives brought to light that they could not define these terms but that they "would know it when they see it."
The enforcement of this bill would be entirely too subjective for me, especially when times are tight and every agency budget is fighting for cash. I was elected to protect the rights of citizens. This bill undermines those rights by not providing enough information so that law abiding citizens can continue to remain law abiding citizens. I can only imagine when budget times continue to tighten that enforcement agencies will step up efforts to ticket & fine unsuspecting, otherwise upstanding individuals in order to pad their budget. I will not let that happen. You find that disappointing? I am disappointed you think so.
D***n, I hope that you can remember the reality that my name is on almost every pro-2nd Amendment piece of legislation sponsored since I took office in 2004. I am an NRA member with an A ranking as a legislator, a member of Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association, I believe that I am even a member (or have been in the recent past) of the M%# S&*^%n Club. If you let one vote sway you, if other club members let this vote sway them, I regret that but so be it. I did not vote no on this bill arbitrarily but because that, although there is some good there is too much bad. I will regret losing your support but will not regret voting my conscious.
Most sincerely,
RepGroe
I stand by my decision to vote against this bill (HB 2573) and will continue to do all that I can to make sure this bill never sees the light of day. It is unfortunate that you did not call me as I requested. I am extremely confident that I would have made myself clear when explaining why Jerry Weiers and all who voted for this bill did the hunters, sportsman, and nature-lovers a grave disservice by supporting this horrid piece of legislation. I do not think that the bill would have had as much support if Jerry Weiers did not mislead other legislators by telling them that the NRA was going to “weight” the bill & use it on their legislative scorecard. I found this to be untrue when I spoke with an NRA rep who was aware of the false information being spread by Mr. Weiers.
While I do have my doubts that licensing fees generated will actually be used for their intended purposes, I can live with this portion of the bill. I have two ATVs and ride regularly around LHC, both on and off road with friends and family and have little qualms about paying these fees and applaud their purpose. If Jerry Weiers bill stopped there, more than likely, I would have voted yes. But, Weiers bill venture far into dangerous territory and it is unconscionable my colleagues voted for its passage.
The text of the bill states that criminal action includes:
Damage to the environment: excessive pollution of air, water, or land.
Abuse of the watershed, cultural or natural resources.
Impairment of plant or animal life.
In another portion of the bill, the text includes:
Damage to:
Wildlife habitat
Riparian Areas
Cultural or Natural Resources
Property or Improvements
Now, this sounds great, right? I agree that it does. We need to preserve our beautiful desert landscape, our natural resources, the flora and fauna. I cannot argue that but...what constitutes damage? What constitutes abuse of a watershed? When, as a lawmaker, I vet bills as great as they sound and as much as I agree with the bill's intent I must ask questions. One of the questions almost always asked is "are the terms defined?" Will a sportsman who is out enjoying a ride be able to ascertain if he/she is breaking the law? Under the provisions of this bill, I do not think so. No one I spoke with could. Even testimony from Game and Fish representatives brought to light that they could not define these terms but that they "would know it when they see it."
The enforcement of this bill would be entirely too subjective for me, especially when times are tight and every agency budget is fighting for cash. I was elected to protect the rights of citizens. This bill undermines those rights by not providing enough information so that law abiding citizens can continue to remain law abiding citizens. I can only imagine when budget times continue to tighten that enforcement agencies will step up efforts to ticket & fine unsuspecting, otherwise upstanding individuals in order to pad their budget. I will not let that happen. You find that disappointing? I am disappointed you think so.
D***n, I hope that you can remember the reality that my name is on almost every pro-2nd Amendment piece of legislation sponsored since I took office in 2004. I am an NRA member with an A ranking as a legislator, a member of Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Association, I believe that I am even a member (or have been in the recent past) of the M%# S&*^%n Club. If you let one vote sway you, if other club members let this vote sway them, I regret that but so be it. I did not vote no on this bill arbitrarily but because that, although there is some good there is too much bad. I will regret losing your support but will not regret voting my conscious.
Most sincerely,
RepGroe
Universal Health Care Coverage Debate
Note: I had this post saved as a draft but was inspired to post it when I read the latest Arizona Republican Party press release.
I am going to claw my eyes out one of these days!
Every Wednesday morning from 9:00 to at least 11:00 am (today it was even later) I sit through a House Health Committee as one of six republican members. I despise this committee assignment since the majority of bills heard in this committee are stinkers. Even the Republican sponsored bills for the most part, focus expanding current government programs that offer free services or further regulation.
Today, in addition to a slew of unnecessary bills we are hearing but not voting on House Minority Leader Representative Phil Lopes (D) Universal Health Care proposal! Chairman Stump is definetly taking a risk by hearing this bill as once a bill has a hearing, any standing committee can vote on the bill without having another hearing per House rules. With committe membership skewed so that almost any bill passes out of committee, I question this move.
I find Representative Lopes Universal Health Care bill outrageous on several levels and offer these comments:
I am going to claw my eyes out one of these days!
Every Wednesday morning from 9:00 to at least 11:00 am (today it was even later) I sit through a House Health Committee as one of six republican members. I despise this committee assignment since the majority of bills heard in this committee are stinkers. Even the Republican sponsored bills for the most part, focus expanding current government programs that offer free services or further regulation.
Today, in addition to a slew of unnecessary bills we are hearing but not voting on House Minority Leader Representative Phil Lopes (D) Universal Health Care proposal! Chairman Stump is definetly taking a risk by hearing this bill as once a bill has a hearing, any standing committee can vote on the bill without having another hearing per House rules. With committe membership skewed so that almost any bill passes out of committee, I question this move.
I find Representative Lopes Universal Health Care bill outrageous on several levels and offer these comments:
- We are in the middle of a tremendous budget crisis with an ever-increasing shortfall. State Treasurer Dean Martin has said on several occasions that the state's money runs out in May. What is not clear about this picture Representative Lopes?
- This would be an Arizona-specific program. Can you imagine the huge numbers of people who would flock to Arizona if this bill passed? You think we have grid-lock on our roads now, over-crowded classrooms, etc...just wait.
- As P.J. O'Rourke famously said, "If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free." I have yet to learn about a government program that has remained uncontaminated, uncorrupted and I cannot fathom that people think government intervention is a viable solution.
- Rep Lopes bill mandates health care coverage for all Arizona residents. This is his answer? More mandates? Oy vey!
Constituent Mail
When I communicate electronically I attempt to couch the vital parts of my message with words and/or phrases that hint to my tone. Maybe this helps, maybe and more than likely, I am fooling myself. The writer of this email employs no such aid and although, I do not need well-written, formal, or flowery emails, it does help me know where you are coming from if you provide a few clues.
Since our property value has decreased, shouldn't our taxes decrease? Did you understand the Notice of Value you received from the county assessor? Did you know you cannot do anything about your 2008 taxes due in Oct of 2008. You had to appeal 2008 taxes in JANUARY OF 2007. If you ask the assessor office about it they will tell you we only follow the rules given to us by the lawmakers who spend your tax dollars. Now is the time you can appeal your 2009 taxes due in Oct 2009. Senator Gould promised us a property tax relief bill which would lower our property taxes. Where is it?
BTW, the tax relief bill Senator Gould & I sponsored was held by Senate Finance Chair, Senator Jim Warring. You can read about it by clicking the title of this post.
Since our property value has decreased, shouldn't our taxes decrease? Did you understand the Notice of Value you received from the county assessor? Did you know you cannot do anything about your 2008 taxes due in Oct of 2008. You had to appeal 2008 taxes in JANUARY OF 2007. If you ask the assessor office about it they will tell you we only follow the rules given to us by the lawmakers who spend your tax dollars. Now is the time you can appeal your 2009 taxes due in Oct 2009. Senator Gould promised us a property tax relief bill which would lower our property taxes. Where is it?
BTW, the tax relief bill Senator Gould & I sponsored was held by Senate Finance Chair, Senator Jim Warring. You can read about it by clicking the title of this post.
Keep Your Fingers Crossed...
but don't hold your breath.
What does it mean to fiscal conservatives like myself when both the Republican-led House and Senate, who can't pass a budget out of either House, invite the Governor to join in the negotiations? I hope I don't have the answer to that question.
What does it mean to fiscal conservatives like myself when both the Republican-led House and Senate, who can't pass a budget out of either House, invite the Governor to join in the negotiations? I hope I don't have the answer to that question.
Polluters Beware!
The Vatican adds 7 new deadly sins including being obscenely rich (no worries there) and causing social injustice (no comments from the peanut gallery).
SLIF~What in the world is SLIF?
Arizona’s State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) program was established in 1960 by the Arizona State Legislature to assist state and local units of government to fund projects on waters where boats are permitted.
SLIF revenues are generated from a percentage of the state motor vehicle fuel taxes attributed to watercraft and motorized watercraft license taxes paid at the time of boat registration, and interest income on the fund. Funded projects include water-based recreation amenities such as boat launch ramps, restrooms, and campgrounds, as well as lake construction or improvement, and law enforcement watercraft.
The SLIF program is administered through a competitive grant process by the Arizona State Parks Board. Applications are evaluated against a rating criterion, which is based on a statewide survey of lake recreational needs and documentation of local needs and priorities. Applications are accepted annually in December, followed by awards by the Parks Board in September. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Capital Review* (JCCR)reviews the awarded projects before State Parks can enter into the participant agreements obligating the funds.
* I am a member of this committee.
SLIF revenues are generated from a percentage of the state motor vehicle fuel taxes attributed to watercraft and motorized watercraft license taxes paid at the time of boat registration, and interest income on the fund. Funded projects include water-based recreation amenities such as boat launch ramps, restrooms, and campgrounds, as well as lake construction or improvement, and law enforcement watercraft.
The SLIF program is administered through a competitive grant process by the Arizona State Parks Board. Applications are evaluated against a rating criterion, which is based on a statewide survey of lake recreational needs and documentation of local needs and priorities. Applications are accepted annually in December, followed by awards by the Parks Board in September. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Capital Review* (JCCR)reviews the awarded projects before State Parks can enter into the participant agreements obligating the funds.
* I am a member of this committee.
Monday Morning
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. My Mother-in-law had a heart attack early Friday morning so F & I drove into California unexpectedly. RG is now, this moment undergoing a heart cath at Loma Linda Medical with FG waiting at her bedside. Prayers please.
I drove in from CA late last night and am preparing for a long day at work. There are many bills on the Third Read Calendar for today but I do not know what the day holds. Last week we did not vote on any of bills scheduled for third read so we will see what happens when we go to Floor at 1:00 this afternoon.
I will attempt to post later on today if I have time after working on the content changes to my website, www.trishgroe.com.
Later!
I drove in from CA late last night and am preparing for a long day at work. There are many bills on the Third Read Calendar for today but I do not know what the day holds. Last week we did not vote on any of bills scheduled for third read so we will see what happens when we go to Floor at 1:00 this afternoon.
I will attempt to post later on today if I have time after working on the content changes to my website, www.trishgroe.com.
Later!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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