H2153, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, seeks to retain control of public streets under legitimately recognized local governments, the towns and cities.

Dear Editor, Hello, my name is Vanessa Espinoza. I am a fifth grader at Napa Valley Language Academy in Napa, California. The reason I am writing to you is that my class is doing state reports and I have chosen your magnificent state, Arizona.

Political consultant Chuck Coughlin was recently recognized in an issue for having some "juice." But what accompanied the kudos was a snide, anonymous comment that his achievement was "accidental." The quote offered other gratuitous criticism too.

Experience has taught me there is little to gain with simple, direct personal appeals to most of my representatives, past governors and state agencies. Thank God there are a few exceptions - but very few.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is collecting signatures to run for attorney general and Bill Montgomery is collecting signatures to run for Maricopa County attorney.

Recently, the Arizona Capitol Times ran an article stating that I was absent for a number of votes during the past legislative session.

Gov. Brewer is on the right track in looking for ways to save money by establishing her Privatization Commission (announced Dec. 21). I hope that the targets for this commission will not be limited, since there is virtually no function of state government that cannot be privatized. We may choose to keep the courts and police as government employees, but even they could be private, albeit as a government granted monopoly.

I wish to apologize to the staff of the Maricopa Medical Center for implying that it was a poorly performing hospital. It is not.

The proposal to end the tribal casino monopoly and allow other businesses to own and operate casinos across Arizona should be thoughtfully considered.

During the past 34 years, nearly 10,000 infants, children and teens have received care necessary to sustain their lives. Hacienda HealthCare touches the lives of more than 1,200 developmentally disabled Arizona residents and their families. A very high percentage of our patients are medically fragile and require constant care by doctors, nurses, therapists and aides.