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HB2646 is risky business for taxpayers
Transparency and accountability are of critical importance for promoting economic development. Anytime our elected officials consider any proposal that provides taxpayer money to incentivize the private sector, strong safeguards must be in place.
Arizona education system in desperate need of overhaul
Living in Arizona for over 30 years I have come to love many aspects of our great state. One area that greatly concerns me, however, is the performance of our education system. Rather than just complain about it, I’ve devoted more than 20 years to reforming K-12 education.
Let’s stop funding reckless GOP officials
As a precinct committeewoman from Legislative District 28 in North Central Phoenix, I was once again dismayed and insulted by my own party’s actions. The party faithful toils so hard while party officials squander their labor on undisciplined, mean-spirited name-calling that serves no other purpose than to bolster big egos and small ideas.
4 financial planning tips to prepare for the debt ceiling outcome
With the “fiscal cliff” behind us, Americans now have a new concern on the horizon — the debt ceiling. The fiscal cliff resulted in an average tax increase of $1,600 per year for most taxpayers, and the impact debt ceiling negotiations will have is still uncertain. In light of the uncertainty, consumers are becoming even more diligent when it comes to their spending and saving habits.
Paychecks are already protected in Arizona
As a Phoenix firefighter for 26 years and the president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona (PFFA), an organization that represents more than 6,700 firefighters statewide, I know quite a bit about “protection.” In fact, protecting others has been the basis of my career.
‘O-Brewer-Care:’ Surrendering Arizona to Obama
The governor who once championed the plight of ranchers on Arizona’s southern border has created a chasm equal to the landmark in the northern part of the state.
Arpaio recall campaign faces huge hurdles just to get on the ballot
Following on the success of the 2011 ouster of state Senate President Russell Pearce, immigrants’ rights groups and others are now aiming at a more prominent official — Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Opposition to medical marijuana law not a good political prescription
As the father of two young boys, I have great respect for the good work of Keep Arizona Drug Free, even as I may disagree with their political punditry, as expressed in the Feb. 22 commentary “Marijuana legalization is far from inevitable.”
Election reform must be bipartisan and transparent
In the days after the 2012 general election, Arizona made national headlines for all the wrong reasons. A large number of provisional and early ballots remained uncounted from election night, and the multi- week process of counting these ballots provided the national media fodder to continue the theme of dysfunction in Arizona government.
Time to come to agreement on TPT reform
One of the most controversial bills in this year’s legislative session is HB2657, TPT reform. The TPT (Transaction Privilege Tax) is Arizona’s sales tax program, and it has been more than 80 years in the making. Last year, Gov. Jan Brewer appointed a task force to examine ways to make the system simpler for businesses to comply with.
Grand Canyon State’s namesake threatened
Our beautiful state has many points of pride, but none compare to our namesake, the Grand Canyon State. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon attracts nearly 5 million tourists a year.
Improved election data would mean a better informed electorate
For the past two months, the Arizona Capitol Times and the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting have sifted through the more than 2.3 million votes cast in the 2012 election, with the goal of offering readers a deeper understanding of how Arizona voted.
