19 lawmakers absent on first day of special session
Seventy lawmakers registered votes on all four of the budget bills that were passed by the Legislature July 6. One senator, Russell Pearce of Mesa, voted on a couple of the bills but skipped out on the two education-related measures.
The other 19 lawmakers were absent for one reason or another.
Some lawmakers were on vacation, after spending 170 days in regular session. A few stayed away from the Capitol for an extended Fourth of July holiday. Others were told they wouldn’t miss much if they skipped the first day of the special session.
Here is a list of lawmakers who weren’t at the Capitol to register their votes on July 6:
Senate:
Ron Gould, a Republican from Lake Havasu City
Pamela Gorman, a Republican from Anthem
Richard Miranda, a Democrat from Tolleson
Meg Burton-Cahill, a Democrat from Tempe
Ken Cheavront, a Democrat from Phoenix
Jim Waring, a Republican from Phoenix
House:
Doug Quelland, a Republican from Phoenix
Daniel Patterson, a Democrat from Tucson
Vic Williams, a Republican from Tucson
Ed Ableser, a Democrat from Tempe
Steve Montenegro, a Republican from Litchfield Park
Chris Deschene, a Democrat from Window Rock
Eric Meyer, a Democrat from Paradise Valley
Debbie Lesko, a Republican from Glendale
Phil Lopes, a Democrat from Tucson
Rich Crandall, a Republican from Mesa
Russ Jones, a Republican from Yuma
Olivia Cajero-Bedford, a Democrat from Tucson
Andy Biggs, a Republican from Gilbert
I was with family and excused by the Speaker. I did keep in touch to influence and follow what was happening.
I am speachless – dumbfounded. Our State is in dire straights. Shame on all of you. Everyone hang on to these names and make every effort to make sure they do no get voted back in. Obviously they do not take their job/position seriously, at all. Let’s get people in there that will do their job they are paid to do.
Not good enough. If you can’t be bothered to be present and vote, I am sure we can find someone else that will do the job. Since I can’t vote in your stead, do your job. You accepted the responsibility, now follow through. Make us proud of our government, not embarrassed by them.