Scott Mussi’s and Serena Unrein’s guest opinion titled “HB2646 is risky business for taxpayers” published April 16 is factually wrong and improperly suggestive on so many points, it begs a response.

On the chance that the state’s legislative map must be redrawn before the next federal census, let me suggest a workable method that (1) retains the Redistricting Commission’s authority, (2) observes the Arizona Constitution’s redistricting principles, and (3) reduces the influence of political parties.

Recently I spoke out in support of a critical effort underway in Arizona: keeping the state’s rooftop solar industry alive. Like school choice and health care choice, solar choice should be a core part of the Arizona agenda, and my party’s message. Unfortunately, utility monopolies in Arizona are trying to limit solar energy choice because more energy independence for Arizonans means smaller utility profits.

A little more than two weeks ago, Arizona joined the ranks of more than 41 states that have successfully passed urgent measures to combat an epidemic that is shattering families, plaguing law enforcement and killing more of our citizens each day. For Arizonans, the signing of HB2327 serves as a critical tool aimed at attacking the production and use of so-called “designer” drugs commonly referred to as “bath salts” or “Spice.”

The East Valley Partnership recognizes the need to streamline and improve our state’s tax system. That is why we support the major tenets of Gov. Jan Brewer’s plan to reform Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) that is currently burdensome for businesses and puts local merchants at a disadvantage to out-of-state Internet retailers.

The 2013 legislative session began with a unanimous vote in the House and the Senate to appropriate emergency funding for additional Child Protective Services staff. With that vote, lawmakers affirmed child safety as a top priority and recognized that the dramatic growth in the number of reports of child abuse and neglect and the number of children living in foster care demand increased capacity to respond.

Fairness is among the first lessons we teach our children. Wait your turn, share your toys, obey the rules. So why is this value absent when it comes to funding children’s public education? I can’t fully answer that question. Neither can the thousands of parents like me whose children attend Arizona’s virtual public charter schools. Though our children are public school students under Arizona state law, they receive only a portion of standard public school funding.

Transparency and accountability are of critical importance for promoting economic development. Anytime our elected officials consider any proposal that provides taxpayer money to incentivize the private sector, strong safeguards must be in place.

As a conservative Republican, a frequent contributor to Republican political campaigns, and one who is very worried about the future the Republican Party, I would like to comment on Randy Pullen’s letter (posted March 26 on the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry website).

Living in Arizona for over 30 years I have come to love many aspects of our great state. One area that greatly concerns me, however, is the performance of our education system. Rather than just complain about it, I’ve devoted more than 20 years to reforming K-12 education.