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Recent Articles from Guest Opinion
Federal land fund in jeopardy without congressional action
The Grand Canyon and Saguaro National Parks, Lost Dutchman and Patagonia Lake State Parks – if you’ve been to any of these popular outdoor places and many others in Arizona, you’ve enjoyed the benefits of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Bribery case part of cancerous trend in political prosecutions
There is a rot spreading through the nation’s criminal justice system, and federal investigators and prosecutors in Arizona are showing symptoms of the disease. Prosecutors nationwide are bringing extraordinarily aggressive cases against Americans engaged in the political process, and federal prosecutors in Phoenix have recently concluded — and lost, due to a hung jury followed by a dismissal [...]
Transparency the reason for success of Arizona’s opioid action plan
Since June 2017, 1,233 Arizona residents have died from opioid overdose – the highest reported number of opioid deaths in our state in 11 years. The opioid scourge in Arizona is very real. Data reveal that in one Arizona county, four physicians wrote more than 6 million prescriptions for opioids in a one-year period. That county has a population of 200,000.
Older Arizonans front and center as decision day looms
Candidates would be wise to listen to Heidi and the other older voters who will turn out, because history has shown they are “The Deciders.”
Signature fraud stories sound like ‘really dumb crooks’
The investigation to reveal all this looks very different than what is being described in terms of scrutiny of these signatures. It should start with a simple phone call to a sample of the voters to see if they signed the petition and, where were they when they signed, cross referenced against others on the same sheet. They should sample the bottom five signatures on each page separately from the [...]
A flat-tax raises more revenue than tax on the rich
Arizona needs higher taxes to properly fund education for its current and growing population by adopting a sustainable and reliable taxation policy that is fair and balanced. Many voters favor taxing themselves more to increase funding for education and do not want to receive handouts from the wealthy. It would be a shame if voters reluctantly support #InvestInEd because they weren’t given a cho[...]
Nearly half of eligible voters in Arizona don’t cast ballots
The issue of voting is complex, challenging and confounding. But with the report identifying certain gaps in the electorate, it is hoped that opportunities will surface as ways to collectively address Arizona’s voting crisis in a concerted effort to enhance a democracy of the people, by the people and for the people.
Non-discrimination policies not about wedding invitations or sandwiches
Real religious freedom does not force others to adopt one belief or constrict behaviors according to one dogma. Real freedom of speech has to be balanced with other fundamental rights such as equality and fairness and even safety – you can’t yell fire in a crowded theater. Don’t be fooled by false prophets seeking profits.
Tax cuts fuel economic recovery, puts more money on Main Street
When you see the stubborn labor force participation rate finally increase, you'd have to have blinders on not to understand these economic benefits. Voters shouldn't take them for granted.
Kavanaugh nomination threatens to upend American health care
As Americans process the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, one thing is clear: he has the potential to drastically alter American health care for decades to come. Such a drastic change will certainly be destabilizing on two key issues that have been largely unchanged for four decades.
Now is the time to prepare for the dry times ahead
Here in Arizona, we don’t need the federal government to remind us that the Southwest is in an extreme drought.
APS is polluting Arizona’s politics and governance
Arizona Public Service, the largest utility in Arizona, is a regulated monopoly with 1.2 million customers. By state law, the energy giant is shielded from competition and guaranteed a profit. In return, government regulators — in theory — protect consumers and our state from price gouging, environmental devastation, and other misbehavior. Sadly for all of us, last week offered another reminde[...]
