Vote No on Prop. 480; It’s expensive and unwise
In a recent Arizona Capitol Times commentary, advocates peddled support for Proposition 480, the county hospital bond proposal. It was revealing that the advocates left out the most important piece of information about the proposal; the price tag. This wasn’t an oversight but rather a clear recognition that the overwhelming cost of the proposal is impossible to justify.
Pearce, progressivism and my party’s future
The recent comments regarding forced birth control made by Russell Pearce, while certainly unacceptable and wholly inappropriate, uncover a fascinating insight into the nature, philosophical underpinnings and outlook of modern day conservatism and the Republican Party’s future.
Arizona Fallen Firefighter Memorial to feature bell tower, life size statues
In May 2013, Gov. Jan Brewer signed House Bill 2136, sponsored by Rep. Bob Robson, authorizing the construction of a statewide memorial on Wesley Bolin Plaza to commemorate the loss of 104 firefighters and paramedics in Arizona since 1902. A polished black granite wall will surround most of the site with firefighter names, dates and departments engraved in its slanted top.
Innovation key to improving Arizona’s education system
Forbes recently released its 2014 list of the world’s most innovative companies, and once again, the lineup is impressive. Whether or not you agree with the selections, the impact these companies are having — sometimes on entire industries — is undeniable.
Vote yes on Prop. 480 to modernize our county health system
Many people have come to know our “county hospital” through the iconic 1970s-era tower on East Roosevelt Street, known as Maricopa Medical Center.
Because water is both priceless and free, defining its value is a paradox
Increased awareness of water scarcity at a global scale has driven efforts to establish a common definition of water’s value. Calls to price water based on its “real value” encounter the problem that there exists no generally accepted formula to determine such a value.
Why is Maricopa County prosecuting, mistreating my mentally ill sister?
Moving to Maricopa County in May 2013 turned out to be tragic for my 51-year-old sister, Jewel Ewing.
Bartle: Disappointed, excited, thankful after loss
Running for office is an experience wrought with many emotions. The morning after losing in my bid to represent you in the Arizona Senate, here are mine.
EPA guidelines are a calamity in the making
For months, we heard the resounding warnings about how new Environmental Protection Agency regulations aimed at power generation could affect Arizona consumers and businesses. Now that the agency’s proposal has officially been released, it is clear that these warnings were not in vain, for the guidelines EPA put forth will leave our state and our country on the brink of economic calamity.
State and local anti-immigration efforts are unmitigated failures
This year marks nearly a decade of my involvement in pushing for sensible immigration policies and reform in Arizona and across the U.S. I’ve seen and learned a lot.
When students drop out, we all miss out
The business community is united in its support for higher academic standards in Arizona’s education system so our graduates are prepared for a career or a higher educational opportunity. A strong education system is the foundation of a strong work force, which contributes to a strong economy.
VA legislation is a significant step forward
This spring, as tragic reports surfaced of veterans dying while waiting for care at the Phoenix VA, I hosted a town hall forum at Burton Barr Central Library where the families of four veterans who passed away stood before a packed room to tell their stories.