Cook off the hook, ethics probe dropped – for now
The House Ethics Committee will not pursue any action against Rep. David Cook at least at this time, special chair Rep. John Allen announced in a letter July 8, essentially ending the months-long investigation into the embattled lawmaker without punishment.
Cook lawyer accuses ethics committee of issuing hit piece
A report released Friday by the House Ethics Committee accuses Rep. David Cook of having had an undisclosed relationship with a lobbyist, one that the investigators said is romantic.
Love letters from lawmaker to lobbyist raise ethical questions
Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, denies having a romantic relationship with a lobbyist whose employer put her on suspension pending an investigation of professional misconduct.
Bas Aja: Handing the herd to the next generation
Lobbyist Bas Aja’s name is synonymous with the cattle industry in Arizona. And now, he’s a part of the next chapter in Arizona agriculture history.
Arizona challenge: Which drought is it?
Recently we were asked to address the national gathering of agricultural media/journalists to answer the question: How is drought impacting Arizona’s cattle production?
Commerce Committee hears one side of federal regulation problem
The chairman of the House Commerce Committee said during an informational session Wednesday that the U.S. Environmental Agency is pandering to the far left wing of the Democratic Party as it burdens Arizona with unnecessary regulations.
Hearing on Tobin’s comprehensive water plan delayed to address myriad concerns
As Arizona’s population has expanded, the state’s water supply has been quickly dwindling and without action, the state will face shortfalls that could cripple its ability to grow or even endure.
A Desert Mirage: 1 year later, no progress on state border fence
A year after Arizona began a nationally publicized effort to build its own border fence through private contributions, not a single fencepost has gone up. And there are several barriers standing in the way of the project.
Legendary cattleman Aja trains future industry leader
The lion's share of the inside information gained from Bas Aja's 22 sessions lobbying at the Arizona Legislature is contained inside a large file cabinet at the Arizona Cattlemen's Association office. About five years ago, the longtime cattle industry lobbyist knew the time was coming to share the keys to this treasure trove with a younger, future industry leader.
Cowboy lawmaker Brown rides off after 36 years
The state is losing an icon and one of the last remaining cowboy legislators. Although Jack Brown's legacy in Arizona history has been cemented by his 36 years as a legislator, his departure will be bittersweet, as his effort to keep all state parks open fell by the wayside this year.
Will Jan get to be Jan?
Feisty. Straight. Tough. Over the last 24 hours state pollsters and Gov. Jan Brewer supporters have underlined the governor's advantages as a no-nonsense fighter ready to jump into a campaign and defend her positions.
Farmers, ranchers fear budget cuts to Agriculture Dept.
As Arizona continues to grapple with declining government revenue, the state's farming and ranching communities are warning that the Arizona Department of Agriculture has stretched its dollars to the limit. And the situation could grow worse, as Gov. Jan Brewer in September ordered state agencies to draft plans that predict the immediate effects on departments if their budgets are cut another 1[...]