Attack on public education in Arizona needs to stop
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.
Animal care is more than a job — it’s our responsibility
My husband, children and I own and operate our 4th generation family ranch in northern Arizona. We take great pride in the well-being and quality care of our livestock. We follow best management practices consistent with the veterinarian-endorsed Beef Quality Assurance Program, including training and certification to provide the best care for our cattle. It is just the right thing to do. We have a[...]
New standards and high-quality assessment are essential for Arizona students
When the Common Core State Standards were being drafted, many Arizona teachers provided input and feedback which 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.
From drought to land degradation — UofA focuses on challenges facing an arid environment
Most Arizonans know that our water supply is low. We face this challenge, along with climate extremes, political and policy relationships with other states and the federal government over water, as well as the need to balance our state’s natural wonders with effective resource use.
Retirement system steadily climbing back to financial health
As the chairman of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System’s Board of Trustees — and as a Phoenix firefighter since 1983 — I’ve watched closely for years as politicians and pundits have “debated” the health of PSPRS and the state’s public worker retirement system.
Lawmakers missed crucial chance to raise liability limits
As a personal injury lawyer with offices in Glendale and Phoenix, my staff and I represent thousands of injured people every year, the majority of whom were injured in car accidents.
We must stay the course with Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards
I’ve been implementing Arizona’s College and Career Ready standards for three years in my fifth grade classroom. But I’m going to let you in on a secret: it hasn’t changed my teaching very much. In fact, the standards finally caught up with what many good educators have been trying to do for a long time –move away from rote memorization and isolated skills and return to creativity and in[...]
Colorado River shortages could occur by 2016 or 2017
Central Arizona Project (CAP) is the primary steward of Arizona’s Colorado River water supplies and places paramount importance on the health and sustainability of the river.
Christian principles: A pastor’s view in the aftermath of the SB1062 debate
As an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church, I was very troubled by SB1062, the so-called “religious freedom bill,” and much of the rhetoric surrounding it. While many argued that this bill would have strengthened religious, particularly Christian “freedoms,” I believe it sought to do the exact opposite — it would have used religion as a license to discriminate against anyone of[...]
For many reasons, it’s time to get rid of Common Core
Arizonans must reclaim sovereignty over our children’s education. SB1310, which would prohibit the implementation of the Common Core standards and test in Arizona, is a good start. Governor Brewer willingly handed over control of our state’s education to the Common Core group for 30 pieces of silver offered by the Obama Administration in exchange for changing our state’s education policies [...]
Cancer patients deserve the best medical choices
As a young wife and mother, I endured the devastating effects of watching my beloved mother die of cancer. My mom was diagnosed with stomach cancer when I was expecting my second child. I attended her funeral with my 5-month-old baby in my arms.
Kavanagh bill: An assault on transparency and the people’s right to know
For the eighth year in a row, the Legislature has once again introduced a bill to eliminate public notices in newspapers. This bill is an assault on transparency and your right to be notified of important information, all while promoting the growth of government bureaucracy at the expense of local Arizona jobs and businesses.