New Corporation Commissioner Tobin will take to the road
If you’re not sure what the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is or does, don’t feel bad; you’re in good company. I’ve traveled all across this state as a former speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives and as the director of the departments of Weights and Measures, Insurance, and Financial Institutions.
Adult Protective Services cuts backlog by 75 percent
In response to the Feb. 15 article “From X-rays to highways, backlogs affect several state agencies,” I would like to provide additional information regarding Adult Protective Services (APS).
Closing Guantanamo just makes sense
The Guantanamo detention facility costs $450,000,000 a year to operate. If we close Guantanamo and bring those few detainees stateside to a maximum security facility, we can probably save around $85 million a year.
New solar bill, SB1417, will harm small business
To introduce a new, somewhat redundant bill with less than 2 months to judge the effectiveness of the current law, seems both premature and a blatant attack on small, local solar installers.
University funding ensures economic vitality, educated
Higher education provides substantial benefits to individuals and to society. Not only does higher education bring greater earning potential for students, but higher-educated workers typically pay more taxes which benefits the U.S. economy.
Arizonans face key Feb. 22 deadline for presidential primary
Arizona voters have an opportunity to vote in our state’s Presidential Preference Election on March 22. As an Arizona voter, this is your official chance to influence the presidential selection process before the November general election.
Proposition 123 It isn’t a mirage, it’s a big improvement
Is Proposition 123 a “mirage? To some it may seem that way, but looking at the facts and figures, I welcome what it will do as a first step to improving the finances of our public schools in Arizona. Here is why.
Legislators should act on bill to improve Arizona’s GDL law
On Tuesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard a proposed bill that would improve the safety of roadways by strengthening Arizona’s Graduated Driver License Law (GDL).
It’s time for Arizona to update its alcohol laws
The craft beer, farm wine, and small-batch spirit industries are creating some of the most exciting businesses in Arizona. Yet the laws that govern alcohol distribution in this state, many enacted following Prohibition nearly a century ago, often look like arbitrary mishmash.
‘Free the Grapes’ bill will expand Arizona’s wine industry
Developing local economic opportunity was important to me as mayor of Phoenix. It still is. Arizona is fortunate to have a governor like Doug Ducey who is committed to making Arizona succeed in the new global economy. Like ordering a car service from an app on your phone like Uber, allowing adults to order wine online or over the phone to be shipped to their home or office will send a message that[...]
Borrelli’s bluster hides truth about bill: bad education policy
I was disappointed to see Mr. (Sonny) Borrelli misrepresenting information about First Things First as a means of getting support for his latest bill to sweep the early childhood education funds, allegedly to help K-12 schools remediate kids not reading well in first and second grade.
First Things First money should be given to public schools
In 2006, Arizona voters passed a cigarette tax based on the promise of funding early childhood development programs through a newly created organization named “First Things First.” Taxpayers have become the victim of this promise, which was a great idea that has been misshapen and lost its way and original mission.