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Recent Articles from Don Harris
A Perfect Fit: How one large manufacturer decided to move its plant from China to Arizona
When Conair Corporation purchased a large vacant warehouse in Glendale 16 months ago, it was making an economic statement that in a small way cut into the loss of Arizona jobs to foreign countries.
Energy efficiency = Big savings Program makes green-modification financial equation work, even for cash-strapped governments
With government entities at all levels scrambling to balance budgets, it’s not surprising that there is a reluctance to undertake costly, new projects.
Rose and Polly Stateswomen racked up nearly 100 years of service
It doesn’t quite add up to 100, but the combined service to the state of Arizona by two gals from Globe totals an amazing 96 years.
Building, buying & selling: Contractors, sellers, regulators and unions vie (hope) for positives in 2011
From homebuilders to Realtors, representatives of the recession-ravaged construction and real estate industries are doggedly pursuing dual legislative goals.
They’re determined to block legislation that they say would further sink their struggling businesses while supporting measures that might give them a financial boost. Several bills are under consideration that would make it easie[...]
Ryle fund offers $50,000 graduate scholarship
A nonprofit fund established to honor the memory and legacy of the late Monsignor Edward J. Ryle, considered by many the “conscience of the Legislature,” is offering a graduate level scholarship valued at more than $50,000.
George W. P. Hunt: Arizona’s political heavy-weight through its first three decades
When George Wylie Paul Hunt plunked his 300 pounds into the Arizona governor’s chair, he was a hard man to remove, even when it looked as if the voters had tossed him out.
Politicians, lobbyists agree power has shifted into unelected hands
Political activists and observers say term limits should be termed out, but average voters seem to like the law just the way it is.
Director: high hopes for streamlined Commerce Authority
A state agency that in the minds of some elected and private sector officials was a comfortable place for political appointees to perform is on the way out.
Colanegelo: State can compete ‘with a little ammunition’
Jerry Colangelo, vice chairman of the newly formed Arizona Commerce Authority, sees his role as “rallying the troops and putting together a board that will provide leadership” in a concerted effort to improve the state’s economic and business status.
AZ Chamber pushes for overhaul of state-retirement system
Despite a fairly positive report on the stability of the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) earlier this year, a major business group with no direct involvement in the fund is expressing serious concern.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, none of whose member firms has employees enrolled in a public pension plan, is calling for a major overhaul of ASRS to radically change h[...]
Max Hawkins, Mecham ally, dies at 78
Max Hawkins, whose write-in candidacy for governor in 1990 forced an unprecedented runoff, has died in Henderson, Nev. He was 78.
Book Review: Meet the real Joe Black, an Arizona icon
A superstar with the old Brooklyn Dodgers, Joe Black pitched his way into the hearts of fans, kids he taught in school back East, and friends, colleagues and average folks he met in Arizona.
