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Partisan? No, Rep. Robson is practical, effective
From outside the Arizona political process, it can be tempting to bemoan the strident partisanship that creates so much dysfunction around our state’s key issues, from creating jobs to bettering our schools to keeping our communities safe from crime.
Symbolic attempts to nullify EPA actions in Arizona don’t make sense
Arizona reached some unsettling milestones recently. The state just passed into 16 years of drought. Last year we witnessed the deadliest wildfire in Arizona history, and also produced the hottest summer on record for the city of Phoenix.
Create a level playing field for ride shares, taxis
The for-hire vehicle industry, which has operated here in Arizona for decades under simple but highly effective standards designed to keep riders safe, proposes that UberX, Lyft and other “ride sharers” meet the same modest set of safety standards.
Your ‘Right to Try’ belongs on Arizona ballot
There’s an old saying that most citizens find scary, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help!” Even worse is what is happening now when the federal bureaucracy says,... […]
Proceed with caution when chasing empty promises
In the aftermath of the Glendale City Council’s March 18th workshop, touted by the Tohono O’Odham Nation as a victory for their proposed neighborhood casino, media headlines spoke of the beginning of “negotiations” between the Nation and the city. As a veteran of this five-year-long political and legal battle and the governor of the Gila River Indian Community, I write to offer a strong no[...]
American Friends Service Committee is incorrect on corrections
A sponsored analysis of Arizona’s sentencing policies by American Friends Service Committee (appearing in the March 14 edition Arizona Capitol Times in the “Courts and Corrections” Focus section) lacks relevant data about the state’s prison population and ignores smart, effective policies that are already in effect.
University of Arizona seeks to decrease disparities in health care
As our state and nation confront a rapidly changing U.S. health care system, the University of Arizona is responding to critical challenges in new and impactful ways, including addressing health disparities, improving the health of populations and achieving favorable health outcomes.
School superintendents: An open letter to Arizona
We, the school district leaders in Arizona, are troubled that some of our current elected and appointed state leadership seem unwilling to provide a quality education for all of Arizona’s children.
Senate Bill 1413 would diversify Arizona’s economy, make state more competitive
Arizona has an opportunity to keep building on the Arizona Comeback. We can continue to diversify our economy through strategic choices that help our state retain, expand and attract investment from industries with high wage jobs for Arizonans.
Ridesharing technology provides a crucial opportunity for Arizona
Now that app-based ridesharing technology in the hands of companies like uberX and Lyft is helping change the way people get around, state policymakers should take a measured regulatory approach. Let’s not kill this new industry – and the jobs that go with it – before it even gets established.
New standard, high-quality assessment essential for Arizona students
When the Common Core State Standards were being drafted, many Arizona teachers provided input and feedback that were incorporated into the actual standards that were adopted by 45 states. I know because I was one of them, working alongside other Arizona educators, ultimately helping our state to leave a footprint on the standards themselves.
Tying education funding to statehood
Education funding and statehood. Why do I tie these two topics together? Because Arizona used to have plenty of money for education (as if $9,000 per child and $225,000 per... […]
