Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

I am writing to voice my opposition to Proposition 205 and the legalization of recreational marijuana in Arizona. The marijuana industry in Arizona has failed to follow basic state law regarding the listing and reporting of their business personal property in Arizona.

Competitive markets are at the heart of American economic prosperity and stability. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been true of the monopoly-led, scandal-prone Arizona electricity industry.

At Protecting Arizona’s Family Coalition (PAFCO) we spend every day working for a more just and thriving state where all Arizonans have the chance to realize their potential. We believe raising the state’s minimum wage and giving all workers the chance to earn time off brings us closer to fulfilling that vision.

The choices that will decide the direction of our country, state and economy are being made right now. The most important thing we, as residents of Arizona and citizens of the United States, can do is cast our voice into the process.

While much of the attention to Proposition 206 has been directed toward restaurant and other service workers, there is a larger and more vulnerable population that will be significantly impacted by raising the minimum wage in Arizona –seniors and those who care for them.

The Arizona Corporation Commission is holding a proceeding to determine the value of rooftop solar, the value that utilities should pay customers who deliver electricity back to the grid. It is clear that rooftop solar benefits all Arizonans.

If you listen to those who want to legalize marijuana in Arizona, you’ll hear promises of how it will lower crime rates and end the black market. As a law enforcement officer in Colorado, I can tell you that these are empty promises and not what’s happening in Colorado. The problems have been much bigger than the benefits.

Arizona needs to face the fact that it its hundred year history as a state, it has done little to tangibly support or celebrate the dozen or so distinctive farming traditions of Native American communities found within its borders, nor of the other indigenous farmers (like the Yaqui) who have immigrated here to escape violence and oppression in their ancient homelands.

All educators should be concerned about this campaign, and quite frankly, offended by its tactics.

As state legislators, public safety is one of our highest priorities. An initiative legalizing marijuana for recreational use is on the November ballot – Proposition 205. If approved by voters, this would be a dangerous and costly disaster for our state and we are making this public statement to let you know why.