Lawyers spar over suit challenging congressional map
Attorneys representing Arizona’s redistricting commission squared off in court today with attorneys representing Commissioner Richard Stertz over whether he should remain a party to a Republican-led lawsuit aimed at redrawing the state’s congressional map.
Brewer, 3 others cited by school superintendents for public education support
Gov. Jan Brewer, two state lawmakers and a long-time education advocate were honored Aug. 6 by the Arizona Association of County School Superintendents for their efforts on behalf of K-12 public education.
Q & A: Mark Schiavoni APS vice president for operations
In this Aug. 2 interview, Mark Schiavoni, APS vice president for operations, argued that Arizona’s regulated model has worked for more than a century and there is no reason to plunge into the unfamiliar waters of competition. APS spokesman Jim McDonald also sat in for the chat with Arizona Capitol Times reporter Luige del Puerto.
Roads for the rich?
Toll lanes unlikely to happen anytime soon in Arizona
Arizona likely won’t be ready to unveil pay-to-drive lanes on Valley freeways until long after the fate of a proposed ballot measure aimed at putting the brakes on toll roads is decided.
Third-party signatures
Libertarians, Greens will look to courts if election referendum fails
Even if the referendum drive against the omnibus elections measure HB2305 falls short, Greens and Libertarians may still be able to strike down a requirement in the legislation that dramatically increases the number of signatures they need to get on the ballot.
Picking up ballots
Mysterious visits to south Phoenix home became catalyst for new elections law
Rey Valenzuela was at his home in south Phoenix during election season last year when a young man, clipboard in hand, knocked on his door and asked for his wife.
Goldwater Institute blasts senator’s stand-your-ground letter
The Arizona-based Goldwater Institute responded harshly Friday to the Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin's Aug. 6 letter inquiring into its position on stand-your-ground laws and connections to the American Legislative Exchange Council.
In basement with tornado warning, Crandall starts new job in Wyoming
The Mesa Republican announced this week he’ll resign from office on Aug. 16, but he’s already got one foot out the door. Crandall began working as the director of the Wyoming Department of Education on Aug. 5.
Auditor general’s report finds flaws in handling of construction complaints
A performance audit by the state Auditor General’s Office highlighted several problems in the Registrar of Contractors system designed to ensure quality work from licensed contractors to consumers.
Powering down
EPA to take its time in review of new plan for Navajo Generating Station
The waiting game has started again for the operators of the Navajo Generating Station.
Obama’s impact
Arizonans find lots to criticize amidst a few glimmers of praise
A huge rise in deportations. Regulatory overreach. Borderlands decimated by off-road vehicles. Operation Fast and Furious. More than four years after Barack Obama became president, liberals and conservatives alike have lots to criticize about what has happened in Arizona during his presidency.
An unlawful lawmaker?
Gilbert or Ganado — New senator faces challenge over residency
Mere hours after he was sworn into the Arizona Senate, Democrat Carlyle Begay faced a challenge to his seat on the grounds that he doesn’t live in the district he was appointed to represent.