President Barack Obama took a small, but important, first step in eliminating the painful separation of American families because of twisted immigration laws.

With Congress’ approval ratings in single digits, many are asking why I want to return to Washington. It is, after all, one of the most unpopular jobs in America. The fact is, Congress has rightfully earned its unpopular reputation. But instead of ignoring it, I am running to do something about it.

Take public notices away from newspapers and accountability goes out the window. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is a case in point.

The Super Bowl is fast approaching and, on a whim, you buy a brand new 60-inch plasma TV, maxing out your credit card. Upon bringing the TV home, you conclude that you must upgrade your cable package to high definition so as to make the most of your extravagant purchase.

Call former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour’s pardons of more than 200 convicted felons what you want — egregious, nonsensical or, if you’re so inclined — justified. More worrisome, though, may be the volume of instances where pardons were issued but public notice requirements about them were not fulfilled.

Many people have asked me whether I believe there is a real chance for bipartisanship, political civility and statesmanship to prevail in our current political climate. They are surprised when I say, “yes!”

Imagine if your child’s assigned elementary school had puddles of urine in the bathroom, mouse droppings in the cafeteria and clogged water fountains. Now imagine if the principal rejected your complaints.

One of the finest voices of the past 100 years — and arguably the greatest living baritone — is set to take the stage in Phoenix next week.

Child Protective Services (CPS) is one of the most sacred trusts and duties of adult generations to the most vulnerable members of the next generation of children. The Governor’s Task Force on Child Safety has made their recommendations and to almost no one’s surprise, more funding and resources are needed. Now, the governor and the Legislature must fulfill their profound responsibility for our collective obligation to our most vulnerable children.

Gov. Jan Brewer has wisely chosen not to challenge the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that restored Colleen Mathis as the chair of the Independent Redistricting Commission. Nonetheless, the governor maintains the court erred, and that the IRC drew the draft congressional boundaries in a manner that ignored its constitutional mandate. Our bipartisan think tank’s board members come from diverse backgrounds and political persuasions, including four former Republican legislators and one former Democratic legislator.