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Recent Articles from Ben Giles
Law to force AG investigation of cities ‘rung’ again, complaint withdrawn quickly
A Yuma lawmaker on Friday started the short-lived process of initiating an attorney general investigation into whether the City of Somerton violated state law by charging a local church a fee for a building permit.
C.T. Wright: Politically active clemency chairman prays for unity
If you’ve sat through a day at Arizona Senate in the past three years, there’s a chance you’ve heard a booming prayer delivered by C. T. Wright. His prayers have also been heard in the Arizona House of Representatives, at state GOP meetings, and even at a campaign rally for President Trump in 2016.
State attorneys: Judge’s order on pension unclear, violates separation of powers
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office claims state officials don’t know how to respond to a judge’s order to adjust contribution rates to a retirement fund for the judiciary and elected officials.
Lawmaker to introduce bill for spikes to stop wrong-way drivers
Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, said she’ll introduce legislation in 2018 requiring state officials to install spike strips on “high risk” exit ramps where there have been a high number of wrong-way drivers.
NAACP, Black Lives Matter rip Ducey over stance on Confederate monuments
Those monuments, such as a memorial to Arizona Confederate troops erected in 1961, are symbols of terrorism and hate, said Roy Tatem, president of the East Valley chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Civil rights attorney: Using seized funds for prisoner study a legal gray area
Profits from seized property are paying for the latest update to a study of Arizona’s prison population that prosecutors use to argue Arizona’s sentencing laws are working appropriately.
Controversial researcher hired to update prison population study
The latest update to the Prisoners in Arizona report, produced by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council, or APAAC, is scheduled to be finished this fall, and it promises to be more controversial than ever thanks to the man hired to update it, John Lott.
Lobbyists take leap of faith to open progressive firm in red state
No one is required to work for anyone, and lobbyists are no exception. But no firm in Arizona is as blunt about the process of vetting clients as Creosote Partners, launched this week by lobbyists Marilyn Rodriguez and Sam Richard.
Ex-DES director threatens to sue state over ammunition report
Tim Jeffries, who was forced to resign as head of DES in November, filed a notice of claim claiming the report produced by the Department of Public Safety contained libel and false statements against Jeffries.
Mark Flatten: Digging deep for decades to let in the sunshine
At the Goldwater Institute, Mark Flatten still works to dig up stories, but has the backing of a libertarian think tank that will take his work and advocate to right the wrongs he reports on.
Judge rules pension cap unconstitutional, leaves fix with Legislature
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled July 20 that a state law capping employer contributions rates to retirement funds for judges and elected officials is unconstitutional, and that it’s up to Arizona lawmakers to find a solution.
Due process missing in municipal courts, Goldwater report concludes
Arguing that city courts are susceptible to political influence and aren’t giving Arizonans a fair shake, the Goldwater Institute wants to consolidate the state’s court system and judges to stand for election.
