Obama’s waiver rule change will keep families together
President Barack Obama took a small, but important, first step in eliminating the painful separation of American families because of twisted immigration laws.
Stop the congressional insider trading, now!
With Congress’ approval ratings in single digits, many are asking why I want to return to Washington. It is, after all, one of the most unpopular jobs in America. The fact is, Congress has rightfully earned its unpopular reputation. But instead of ignoring it, I am running to do something about it.
Keep the public noticed
Take public notices away from newspapers and accountability goes out the window. The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is a case in point.
Making tough choices the Arizona way
The Super Bowl is fast approaching and, on a whim, you buy a brand new 60-inch plasma TV, maxing out your credit card. Upon bringing the TV home, you conclude that you must upgrade your cable package to high definition so as to make the most of your extravagant purchase.
Pardon scandal illustrates need for public notice adherence
Call former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour’s pardons of more than 200 convicted felons what you want — egregious, nonsensical or, if you’re so inclined — justified. More worrisome, though, may be the volume of instances where pardons were issued but public notice requirements about them were not fulfilled.
Bipartisanship, political civility are possible
Many people have asked me whether I believe there is a real chance for bipartisanship, political civility and statesmanship to prevail in our current political climate. They are surprised when I say, “yes!”
What real ‘parent empowerment’ looks like
Imagine if your child’s assigned elementary school had puddles of urine in the bathroom, mouse droppings in the cafeteria and clogged water fountains. Now imagine if the principal rejected your complaints.
Opera in the Valley of the Sun: A telenovela gone wild?
One of the finest voices of the past 100 years — and arguably the greatest living baritone — is set to take the stage in Phoenix next week.
Child Protective Services is a sacred trust
Child Protective Services (CPS) is one of the most sacred trusts and duties of adult generations to the most vulnerable members of the next generation of children. The Governor’s Task Force on Child Safety has made their recommendations and to almost no one’s surprise, more funding and resources are needed. Now, the governor and the Legislature must fulfill their profound responsibility for ou[...]
IRC properly considered factors mandated by voters
Gov. Jan Brewer has wisely chosen not to challenge the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that restored Colleen Mathis as the chair of the Independent Redistricting Commission. Nonetheless, the governor maintains the court erred, and that the IRC drew the draft congressional boundaries in a manner that ignored its constitutional mandate. Our bipartisan think tank’s board members come from diverse back[...]
State fund sweeps force moratorium on road maintenance
During the Dec. 5, meeting of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors, we adopted a temporary moratorium on acceptance of new public roads and streets into the Mohave County Road Maintenance System, other than those completed in accordance with subdivision plat approval.
Bill to block casino could increase water rates
If U.S. Congressman Trent Franks’ H.R. 2938 (Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act) passes, Arizonans’ water bills may increase again. But his bill isn’t actually about water at all. The bill was submitted to prevent construction of a casino on a strip of land between Peoria and Glendale. The 25-year-old government treaty with the Tohono O’odham Nation allows the[...]