To future legislators — help keep kids in school and out of prison
Arizona is home to more than 40,000 convicted felons. The state’s prison population has grown rapidly over the past 30 years, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
The Grand Canyon watershed should become our next national monument
As a representative of Legislative District 7 and as a member of the Navajo Nation, I am writing in support of protecting Grand Canyon Watershed from harmful and unsustainable uranium mining and irresponsible development by establishing it as a national monument.
The truth about pension reform for Phoenix
Phoenix’s public employee pension system is currently $1.5 billion in debt and on Nov. 4, voters will decide whether to make significant reforms to erase the debt or stick with the status quo. Opponents of the Phoenix Pension Reform Act claim it will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and that similar reforms in other states have been failures. But they’ve got the facts all wrong.
Energy efficiency is working in Arizona
Too often we hear or read about programs and policies that are not working in Arizona. Or we learn about polarized factions lining up on one end or the other of an issue.
GPEC pursuing creative solutions to regional challenges
While a lot of things have changed since I entered public service 20 years ago, the American people still elect representatives for the same reason. Just like the first office I was ever elected to — and every office I’ve held in between — the people of Surprise elected me to help improve their lives.
Here’s how to make your vote count
As we approach election season, here are tips for making your vote count.
TUSK should stop misrepresenting Doug Little’s views
My friend, Barry Goldwater Jr., paid spokesman for TUSK ("Tell Utilities Solar Won't Be Killed"), has spoken on the race for Arizona Corporation Commission, and his words are an incitement to hearty debate. I write in defense of the candidate I have endorsed, Doug Little, whose candidacy has elicited a degree of ferocity that is entirely disproportionate to his views -- which are mainstream -- an[...]
Casino will be a win for West Valley and Arizona
As elected leaders of multiple West Valley communities, we want to cut through the over-heated rhetoric surrounding the Tohono O’odham Nation’s proposed West Valley Resort casino, which will benefit our region and all of Arizona tremendously.
Arts contribute to a healthy Arizona economy
As Arizonans sharpen their focus on the actions that will enable our state to become more competitive, emerging evidence points to the profound economic impact of arts and culture organizations. In fact, the arts not only enrich our community, but they contribute to a healthy economy.
All Arizonans will be affected by the coming shortfall of water
Water issues in Arizona are as varied as the state’s terrain but one thing’s for certain — the price we pay for our most precious natural resource is going to increase in the face of shortages triggered by continued drought and climate change.
Clean Elections enforcement unchanged by new law
Now that SB1344 has taken effect, I write to announce that the Clean Elections Commission will continue its mission without change.
Arizona teacher pay ranks higher than reported
The Arizona Tax Research Association would like to correct an important error in the Arizona Capitol Times (July 11). The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers union in the nation, ranks Arizona 29th for school year 2012-13 in average salaries for K-12 “public school teachers.” The Capitol Times article incorrectly reported Arizona at 42nd.