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Recent Articles from Ben Giles
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.
Goldwater Institute leader stepping down after 16 years
The Goldwater Institute is losing its top staffer. CEO Darcy Olsen spent 16 years leading the conservative think tank, but is leaving the organization effective today, according to spokeswoman Starlee Coleman.
Theresa Ulmer turns one term as a lawmaker into a career as a lobbyist
Theresa Ulmer has been a Capitol regular since 2010, when she was elected to her first and only term in the House of Representatives. And what a difference nearly a decade has made.
Public schools opt for teacher bonuses instead of pay increases
School officials say they won’t count on ongoing funding to boost teacher pay until they see it. So instead of increasing teachers’ base salaries, some schools are preparing to make a lump sum payment to teachers in the amount of 1 percent of their salaries.
‘Trump bump’ gives ACLU big gains in money and members
The American Civil Liberties Union is riding a wave of new support and contributions in the wake of President Trump’s election, and the organization’s Arizona chapter is no exception.
Regents, lawmakers, look to mend fences after chairman’s resignation
Regents and lawmakers alike expect the June 18 resignation of the Arizona Board of Regents’ chairman can heal any lingering wounds between them, though Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, who is at the center of the controversy, said the resignation changes nothing.
ABOR chairman Patterson resigns after mocking lawmaker
The chairman of the Arizona Board of Regents has resigned from the board three days after a report chronicled a secretly-recorded meeting in which he mocked a state lawmaker.
Will Gaona: ACLU lobbyist walking the walk in GOP-controlled Capitol
Will Gaona, a five-session veteran at the Capitol, is in his third year with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, often fighting uphill battles at the Capitol for progressive causes not often embraced by a predominantly Republican Legislature.
Lobbyist: Goldwater Institute wants to ‘second guess’ Legislature with regulatory law
SB1437 puts limits on what Goldwater officials describe as burdensome and unnecessary occupational regulations by limiting them to only those needed for one of three narrow purposes – public health, safety or welfare.
