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Recent Articles from Christian Palmer
Former Phoenix police employee takes helm of medical marijuana initiative
The push for legalized medical marijuana use in Arizona has gone from corporate to personal, now that the Arizona Medical Marijuana Policy Project has designated a Tucson woman suffering from multiple sclerosis to head its 2010 ballot initiative committee.
Clean Elections bans ‘slate strategy’
The future of Clean Elections matching funds is up in the air, but on Nov. 17 the Citizens Clean Elections Commission voted to ban a campaign strategy involving the funds.
Repeal of mortgage bill signed into law
The Arizona Bankers Association's goal of clamping down on speculative investors who fueled the state's foreclosure crisis will have to wait, now that state lawmakers and Gov. Jan Brewer repealed contested foreclosure legislation passed earlier this year.
Teacher’s union seeks court intervention in policy changes
Arizona’s largest teachers’ union has asked the state Supreme Court to overturn laws that affect the pay and retention of public school teachers. In a 32-page petition for special action,... […]
UpClose with David Cavazos
Perched in a corner office on the 12th floor of Phoenix's downtown headquarters, David Cavazos has a bird's eye view of the city's growing amenities, including Arizona State University's downtown campus, Chase Field, the US Airways Center and the Sheraton Hotel - all of which have emerged since he moved to Phoenix in 1987.
Former veterans agency chief indicted for fraud, conflict, misuse of funds
The Arizona Attorney General's Office announced on Nov. 19 that a former director of the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services has been indicted on eight felony charges, including counts of conflict of interest, fraud and misuse of public money.
Foreclosure law on track for repeal – again
It's back to square one for the Arizona Bankers Association. A tenuous deal to alter Arizona laws that govern home foreclosures was struck down by lawmakers on Nov. 18 after objections were raised by the homebuilding industry. The agreement had been struck by the Bankers Association and the Arizona Association of Realtors.
Gay rights group files lawsuit against Brewer
Ten state employees have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Jan Brewer in an effort to reverse a state policy that bans state benefits to the domestic partners of state employees.
Lobbyist, lawmaker to resume Clean Elections clash
The Citizens Clean Elections Commission has renewed a $6,500-per-month contract with lobbyist Mike Williams, setting up another battle over the fate of the public campaign-funding system. Todd Lang, director of the Clean Elections Commission, said hiring a lobbyist was necessary to protect a system he credits with increasing political participation of the public and encouraging people to run fo[...]
UPDATE: Judge upholds Clean Elections’ decision to unseat Quelland
An administrative law judge has rejected Rep. Doug Quelland’s appeal of a decision by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to force the lawmaker from office.
Ruling on Quelland case expected Nov. 10
An administrative law judge is expected to issue a ruling by Nov. 10 on a May decision by the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to order the ouster of District 10 Rep. Doug Quelland.
GOP-passed election laws targeted by Democrats
Two electoral changes implemented by Republicans this year have attracted opposition and litigation from Democrats who argued the laws violate the state Constitution to advance partisan agendas. In July, Gov. Jan Brewer signed S1123 into law. The legislation, proposed by Tucson Sen. Jonathan Paton, banned local governments from including partisan affiliations for candidates on the ballot.
