P.L.A.N. Update - Happy New Year!‏

New Year . . . An Old Problem . . .

As a fresh, hopeful new year is upon us, and so is the start of the First Regular Session of the 50th State Legislature. While economists report that the economy continues a slow, yet steady, upward climb, Arizona’s state budget is still reeling from the recession’s impact. When the legislature convenes on January 10, lawmakers must grapple with an $825 million shortfall in the current fiscal year and a $1.4 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2011. Although specific budget plans have not been released, more details should be forthcoming after the Governor's State of the State event.

Pomp And Circumstance

Inauguration of the Governor and other statewide elected officials will take place on January 3, 2011 at 12:00 noon. One week later – Monday, January 10 – Governor Brewer will deliver her State of the State address before legislative members on the floor of the House of Representatives. Soon after, the hard work begins.

I’m Just A Bill . . .

Although the start of the legislative session is not until January 10, members have been prefiling bills for several weeks. As of Thursday, 37 items of legislation have been placed into the "hopper" (the unofficial name of the basket in which new bills are placed). While most of the legislative proposals appear to be placeholders for potential “strike-everything” amendments, several do recommend policy changes. Click here to see a list of new bills.

Do You Twitter?

P.L.A.N. members can now follow us on Twitter. During session, we will tweet breaking news and updates for our followers. Click here to sign up.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Propositions 301 and 302: Impact on the State Budget‏

On November 2, voters in Arizona turned down both Propositions 301 and 302. If these propositions had passed, the state general fund would have received approximately $400 million to help close the current budget gap of about $900 million.

Proposition 301 – Transfer of Monies from the Land Conservation Fund
Proposition 301 would have transferred the balance of funds in the Land Conservation Fund to the state general fund. Over the past 11 years, this fund had appropriated $20 million for land conservation purposes.

Proposition 302 – Termination of “First Things First” and Transfer of Monies
Proposition 302 would have repealed the Early Childhood Development Health Program and transferred the balance of uncommitted funds into the state general fund. The Program is funded by a $0.80 tax on packs of tobacco products. According to a Budget Committee report, this program collected $170.9 million in revenues in 2008 and $174.5 million (projected) in 2009 leaving a balance $385 million.

When the legislature convenes in January, the current budget deficit will be one of the first topics to be addressed.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - A New Year, A New Legislature‏

A NEW YEAR, A NEW LEGISLATURE

Another election cycle has come and gone, meaning there will be new legislative faces at the state capitol come January. Although the ballots cast on Election Day are unofficial until certified by the Secretary of State on November 29, the following are Phoenix’s legislators for the next two years:

District - Chamber - Name - Party

15 - Senate - Kyrsten Sinema - Democrat
15 - House of Representatives - Lela Alston - Democrat
15 - House of Representatives - Katie Hobbs - Democrat

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STATE LEGISLATURE

Two free workshops on Understanding Your State Legislature will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Goelet A.C. Beuf Senior Center, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, and from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Devonshire Senior Center, 2802 E. Devonshire Ave.

The workshops, presented by the city of Phoenix Office of Government Relations, will offer an overview of the state legislative process and how to become involved in decisions made at the state legislature. Tips also will be presented on effective lobbying techniques and information on how to use technology to track legislation.

The free workshops are offered to help demystify the legislative process and encourage public involvement from neighborhood groups and residents to create public policy. Seating is limited. To register for one of the workshops, call 602-256-4257 or visit http://phoenix.gov/intergov/workshop.

Source: City of Phoenix

Arizona Legislative District 15 Election Results

State Senator Dst 15

100% (48 of 48) precincts reporting

Vote for 1 EV VOTES TOTAL VOTES % VOTES

DEM - SINEMA, KYRSTEN* 7,387 12,699 (61.93 %)

REP - THOMAS, BOB 4,508 7,805 (38.07 %)

State Rep Dst 15 (vote for 2)

100% (48 of 48) precincts reporting

Vote for 2 EV VOTES TOTAL VOTES % VOTES

DEM - ALSTON, LELA* 6,472 10,704 (29.04 %)

DEM - HOBBS, KATIE* 6,754 11,222 (30.44 %)

REP - CONDIT, CAROLINE B. 3,626 6,205 (16.83 %)

REP - YODER, PAUL 3,839 6,577 (17.84 %)

GRN - VALDEZ, LUISA EVONNE 477 938 (2.54 %)

NDP - WHITE, LES 680 1,218 (3.3 %)

Source: Maricopa County

Kyrsten Sinema's voting record‏

Kyrsten Sinema, former State Representative, Legislative District 15, who is running against my client, Bob Thomas, for the Senate, apparently missed a lot of votes in 2009. According to the story, reprinted by the Capitol Times (on a date few of us read the paper), Ms. Sinema failed to vote in the 2009 Session nearly 40% of the time for a total of 140 missed votes.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) gave her a rating of 31% (out of 100) for her voting record towards small business in particular and business in general.

Floor Votes Missed During 2009 Regular Session
By Evan Wyloge, Cronkite News Service
As released by the Capitol Times
Published: December 30, 2009 at 3:03 pm
HOUSE-TOTAL FLOOR VOTES: 382
Name #Missed (%Missed)
Rich Crandall 254 (66.5%)
Olivia Cajero Bedford 154 (40.3%)
Matt Heinz 146 (38.2%)
Kyrsten Sinema 140 (36.6%)

Source: Carole V. Bartholomeaux for Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

LD15 GOP and other District Volunteer Poll Watchers Needed

How to Help:

Volunteer on Election Day (Nov 2nd) to be a poll watcher.

A poll watcher is someone who is appointed by a political party to observe the Election Day procedures in a precinct. The Republican Party is currently asking for PCs and other Republicans in LD15 to volunteer on November 2nd to work as poll watchers. We would prefer for poll watchers to observe all day, but if you can only help for a few hours on Election Day, we still want your help.

To Volunteer to be a Poll Watcher:

1. Email Carolyn Leff at CLeff@AZGOP.org with your name, cell number, physical and email address.

2. Attend one of the training sessions below:

Training Date: 10/12/2010
Time: 7pm
Location: LD11 GOP Meeting Madison School Office
Address: 5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014

Training Date: 10/16/2010
Time: Noon
Location: Pima GOP HQ
Address: 5447 E. 5th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711

Training Date: 10/21/2010
Time: 6:30pm meeting/7:30pm training
Location: LD19 GOP Meeting
Address: 7110 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ 85207

Training Date: 10/23/2010
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Glendale Foothills Library
Address: 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308

Training Date: 10/30/2010
Time: 10am
Location: AZ State GOP HQ
Address: 3501 N. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016

3. Observe at the assigned polling place on election day.

Source: Carolyn Leff, AZGOP HQ

PHOENIX GENERAL PLAN UPDATE - IMPORTANT NEWS‏

IMPORTANT NEWS! NEW TIMELINE AND PROCESS FOR THE PHOENIX GENERAL PLAN UPDATE -

Staff appeared before the City Council Subcommittee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainablity on September 2, 2010 to get direction on the General Plan Update timeline given the fact that last May an amendment to the State Statutes was approved giving cities more time to complete their updates given the current economic conditions. This amendment establishes a new deadline of July 2015 for adopting or readopting our general plans.

Three options were presented to the Subcommittee:

1) complete a very limited edit of the existing plan by November 2010 in order to place it on the ballot in August 2011,

2) conduct a more comprehensive update that would include new 2010 Census data and incorporate two regional MAG transportation planning studies, in addition to other studies, by November 2012 and place it on the ballot in August 2013 (if there is a city-wide election item) or August 2015, or

3) complete a limited edit of the existing plan and put it on the ballot in 2011 and continue to work on a more comprehensive update that would be put on a future ballot.

The Subcommittee approved option 3. Given the limited time available, our plan of action breaks the update into two phases:

Phase I includes sorting the existing goals and policies under the four focus area which were developed last Fall and used to organize all of our public input - community, economy, environment and infrastructure.

These areas are based on the 3 E's of sustainability (equity, environment and economy) with the addition of infrastructure. Once the existing goals and policies have been sorted under these focus areas, we will identify gaps between what exists and what the you told us was important during the Village Visioning Workshops.

Phase II will inlcude a longer term work program for filling in those gaps; incorporating new data and studies currently in progress; and developing performance measures, strategies, and an action plan.

It is anticipated that the public hearing draft will be released no later than November 29, 2010. A notice will be sent to the listserve once the document has been posted to the www.phoenix.gov/planphx website and is available for your review.

Important dates for Phase I of the General Plan Update -

November 29, 2010: Public Hearing draft to be released for 60-day review

January 2011: Village Planning Committees review and recommend

February 9, 2011: Planning Commission reviews and recommends

March 2, 2011: City Council reviews and acts

April 6, 2011: City Council schedules election

August 30, 2011: Public votes

Please email at carol.johnson@phoenix.gov or call me at 602-261-8289 if you have any questions or comments about this revised process and schedule.

Source:

Carol Johnson, AICP
Planning Manager

P.L.A.N. Update - Economy Improving . . . Slowly‏

On Wednesday, September 29, Arizona’s Finance Advisory Committee (FAC), received an economic and budget briefing from several of the state’s top economists. While sales tax revenues are still anemic, their general consensus is that an economic recovery is well underway. Many leading indicators are positive, meaning that a double-dip recession is unlikely to occur. Unfortunately, however, the economists project that the state will still face a budget shortfall for the FY 2012 budget cycle in the range of $800 million to $1.4 billion.

Click on the following link for a PowerPoint of the presentation:
www.azleg.gov/jlbc/revenuebudgetupdate.pdf

Source: P.L.A.N.

ORANGEWOOD CHURCH (7510 N. 27TH AVENUE) HOSTS LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 15 TOWN HALL MEETING, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 6:30 P.M

Pastor Bob Hake, Orangewood Church announced today that the Church will host a Town Hall/Debate Tuesday, October 5th. The event will take place at the Church, 7510 N 27th Ave., at 6:30 P.M. All Legislative District 15 Candidates from all parties have been invited to participate. Bob Thomas, Caroline Condit, Paul Yoder and Luisa Evonne Valdez will be in attendance. Thomas, Condit and Yoder are Republican candidates for the Senate and House. Valdez is a Green Party candidate for the House. For additional information check the candidates websites: http://www.votebobthomas.org/; http://www.condit2010.com/, http://www.voteyoder.com/, http://www.luisavaldez.com/ or visit the Church website: http://www.orangewoodchurch.org/.

“At every level, the mid-term elections this year have implications for our city and our state that will impact citizen’s lives for years to come,” Orangewood Senior Pastor Bob Hake, explained. “For that reason, we feel it is vital to provide a forum for citizens to come and meet with prospective Legislators. All candidates will make themselves available after the formal presentation to answer questions. We urge residents of Legislative District 15 to not miss this grassroots opportunity.”

“As we face so many challenges, it has never been more important for citizens to meet their prospective Legislators. Please join us October 5th at Orangewood Church,” Hake concluded.

For additional media information, please contact, Carole V. Bartholomeaux, Bartholomeaux/PR, 602 404 8018 or Carole@b-pr.com After 5 p.m. the day of the event, contact Bartholomeaux @ 602 628 2666.

Meet LD15 GOP Senate Candidate Bob Thomas at the Coronado Neighborhood event

Location: Phoenix Children's Hospital

1919 E. Thomas, Phoenix, AZ 85016

Day: October 16, 2010
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Contact Bob at rwthomas123@aol.com for more information.

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

Meet LD15 GOP Senate Candidate Bob Thomas at G.A.I.N. Block Party

Location: Osborn Light Rail Station, Phoenix, AZ

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Day: October 15, 2010

Contact Bob at rwthomas123@aol.com for more information.

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

AzRTL PAC Announces Endorsements for 2010 General Election‏

Arizona Right to Life Political Action Committee ("AzRTL PAC") announces its endorsements for the November 2nd General Election.

Legislative District 15

Senate - Bob Thomas
House - Paul Yoder

Source: Walter Opaska, Arizona Right to Life PAC

AZ GOP LD15 Senate Candidate Bob Thomas Thanks NRA For Support

Mr.Davanzo,

Just a note to say thank you for what you are doing locally to help promote awareness of Prop 109.

Just looking through my latest addition of "American Hunter" and am glad to find the NRA awareness promo, with bumper sticker, in support of our right to hunt and fish here in Arizona.

As a Senate candidate, endorsed by the NRA, I wanted to say thank you for your help and the help from National with issues here at home.

I serve on both the WCC and AZSFWLC, representing the NWTF members and appreciate what the NRA membership brings to the table.

Please continue to help elect representatives, both State and Federal, that share our ideals.

This election is paramount, and awareness of candidates, propositions and recruiting volunteers is critical if we want to continue the conservation ideals and heritage for the next generation that will follow us.

Please thank the good folks with the NRA who are making this awareness campaign possible.

If you run into a situation of more volunteers than you need, please send them over to the Legislative District 15, as we could always use more to soundly defeat Kristen Sinema, who stands against all of our shared values.

Keep up the good work and thank you again,

Bob Thomas
Senate Candidate LD15
www.azgopld15.org
www.votebobthomas.org

Arizona Legislative District 15 Candidate Debate

Event:

Senate & House Challenge Debate

Date:

Tuesday, Oct. 5th

Time:

6:30 - 8 PM

Location:

Orangewood Church 7510 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ‎ 85051

Parking free, just North of the main building, off 27th Ave.

Details:

All candidates from all parties have been invited to participate in this debate.

Senate Debate 6:30 - 7 PM, House Debate 7:15 - 8 PM

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

Arizona Legislative District 15 - Citizens Clean Elections Commission Debate 09/13/2010

Arizona Republican Party LD15 September 2010 Monthly Meeting

Featured guest:
Ben Quayle, Arizona US Senate Candidate

Source: Arizona Republican Party, Legislative District 15

Legislative District 15 Candidate Debate

Location: Radisson Phoenix City Center
When: Thu Sep 9 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: 3600 N 2nd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Source: Carol Condit, Candidate, House of Representatives, LD15

Arizona Legislative District 15 Primary Election 2010 Results

Senate:

Thomas (REP) 4,510 votes

Sinema (DEM) 6,043 votes

House of Representatives:

Condit (REP) 3,177 votes
Yoder (REP) 6,427 votes

Alston (DEM) 3,581 votes
Clark (DEM) 3,153 votes
Hobbs (DEM) 3,632 votes

Valdez (GR) 60 votes

Source: AZ Central

Congressman Trent Frank Endorses AZGOP LD15 Senate Candidate Bob Thomas

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

P.L.A.N. Update - 9th Special Session Over and Done‏

On the Third Day

On Wednesday, the 49th Legislature adjourned its Ninth Special Session. Legislators spent three days debating and ultimately approving a ballot measure for November’s General Election that would require secret balloting to establish an employee union. The Legislature had approved a similar ballot referral last year, SCR 1026, that was determined by the Arizona Supreme Court to violate the Arizona Constitution's "single subject" rule. Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR1001 will now appear on November’s ballot as Proposition 113. Ballot Propositions are posted on the Secretary of State's Web site. No other special sessions are anticipated in the near term.

Ballot Tabulation Rooms - Live Streaming Video

Here is a new feature you may find interesting -- the Secretary of State's Office now provides live streaming video for ballot tabulating by county. The live video feed of Maricopa County's Ballot Tabulation Center is only available for federal and state elections. The next opportunity to use this new technology and watch the tabulation is the upcoming August 24, 2010 Primary Election.

SourceL P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Ninth Special Session Starts On Monday‏

Governor Brewer Calls Ninth Special Session

On August 5, Governor Jan Brewer issued a call to the 49th Legislature to convene a Ninth Special Session beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, August 9. Her proclamation directs that the legislature consider A legislative referendum for the November 2, 2010 general election proposing an amendment to the Arizona Constitution guaranteeing the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot where local, state or federal law requires designations or authorizations for employee representation. The focus of the Governor’s call is SCR 1026, a ballot measure that primarily deals with secret ballots in order to unionize. Although the legislature passed the referral last year, the Arizona Supreme Court ordered its removal from November’s General Election ballot, declaring that it violated the single subject rule. The special session is intended to address its legal deficiencies.

What is the Single Subject Rule?

The Single Subject Rule is found in Arizona Constitution Article IV, Part 2, Section 13.

13. Subject and title of bills

Section 13. Every act shall embrace but one subject and matters properly connected therewith, which subject shall be expressed in the title; but if any subject shall be embraced in an act which shall not be expressed in the title, such act shall be void only as to so much thereof as shall not be embraced in the title.

In other words, the initiative may only address a single question. Arizona is one of 14 states with the single-subject rule.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Arizona LD15 Candidate Debate

Location: Radisson Phoenix City Center
3600 N 2nd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Date: 9/9/2010
Time: 6pm

Source: Carol B. Condit, LD15 GOP Candidate, House of Representatives

P.L.A.N. Update - One Percent‏

This week, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) issued a budget update. The latest budget data shows that while fiscal year 2010 revenues declined for a third year in a row (which has never happened in state history), fourth quarter revenues grew by 1 percent over last year. This is the first positive year-over-year gain since the first quarter of FY2008, nearly three years. Click on the underlined link for more information.

Source: P.L.A.N.

ARIZONA EDUCATION NETWORK SURVEY RESULTS

District 15: General Area: Central Phoenix
Senate: Kyrsten Sinema
Did not submit survey
Phone: (602) 570-7217
Email: ksinema@cox.net

Senate: Bob Thomas
Click for Thomas’ Survey, pdf
Phone: (602) 462-1117
Email: rwthomas123@aol.com

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

Caroline Condit LD15 GOP House of Representatives Candidate

Paul Yoder LD15 GOP House of Representatives Senate Candidate

Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

LD15 GOP Candidates: Paul Yoder, Caroline Condit, Bob Thomas

P.L.A.N. Update - New Laws Take Effect Next Week‏

New Laws Take Effect Next Week

When the dust settled on the 49th Legislature Second Regular Session this past April, a total of 338 bills had been signed into law. Most of those will take effect next week on the "general effective date," July 29, which is the 91st day after adjournment of the session. (Others have specified effective dates or an "emergency clause" so the bill took effect immediately upon signature by the Governor). You will find the new laws on the Legislature's website.

City staff compiled a report after the 2010 regular session describing many aspects of the Legislature's work this year. The report does not cover all 338 of this year's new laws, but rather summarizes the bills on which the Phoenix City Council took a position. This final report was completed before voter approval of Proposition 100, the one-cent temporary sales tax. Click HERE to access the entire report.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - We Need You!‏

Time to Get Involved!

As residents of Arizona we have have many opportunities to participate in state and local government. One vital role of citizens in government is to volunteer as a board or commission member for the State or at the local level for the city of Phoenix. People on these panels provide advice and guidance to policy-makers on a wide variety of issues, and get the opportunity to meet people and make professional and other connections.

State Board or Commission

The Governor's Office provides an online application for residents interested in participating on a state board or commission. There are over 300 active state boards and commissions in Arizona with gubernatorial appointees. These boards cover topics from education to the environment. More information about how to become a member of a state board or commission is available at http://azgovernor.gov/bc/BCinfo.asp.

Phoenix Board or Commission

If service at the local level is more appealing, Phoenix currently has more than 60 Boards and Commissions, found at http://phoenix.gov/phxd/bdcomm/index.jsp, whose members are appointed by the Mayor and city council members. Learn how to apply to serve on a board or commission at http://phoenix.gov/CITYGOV/bdcomm.html#HOW. An online application is available at http://phoenix.gov/EMAIL/appbdcom.html.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Hometown Heroes‏

City Champions & Friends

Each year, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, an organization that represents the interests of the state's 91 municipalities before the Legislature, acknowledges those legislators who went above and beyond to advocate for issues of importance to cities. Whether it was protecting revenue sharing or fighting to preserve local control, the following Phoenix legislators were recognized as city "champions" or "friends":

CHAMPIONS

Sen. Barbara Leff (LD 11 - North Central Phoenix/Arcadia)

Sen. John Nelson (LD 12 - West Phoenix)

Sen. Rebecca Rios (LD 23 - Southwest Phoenix)

Sen. Debbie McCune Davis (LD 14 - Central Phoenix)

Rep. Chad Campbell (LD 14 - Central Phoenix)

Rep. Adam Driggs (LD 11 - North Central Phoenix/Arcadia)

FRIENDS

Sen. David Braswell (LD 6 - North Phoenix/Moon Valley)

Sen. Linda Gray (LD 10 - Northwest Phoenix)

Rep. Nancy Barto (LD 7 - Northeast Phoenix)

Rep. Tom Boone (LD 4 - Northwest Phoenix)

Rep. Martha Garcia (LD 13 - West Phoenix/Maryvale)

Rep. David Lujan (LD 15 - Central Phoenix)

Rep. Eric Meyer (LD 11 - North Central Phoenix/Arcadia)

Rep. John McComish (LD 20 - Ahwatukee/South Phoenix)

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (LD 15 - Central Phoenix)

Rep. Anna Tovar (LD 13 - West Phoenix)

Rep. Steve Montenegro (LD 12 - West Phoenix)

These and 30 other legislators from around the state will be recognized at the League's annual conference in August. Please help us thank these hometown heroes for all they do for Phoenix and communities throughout Arizona.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Proud to Serve My Country‏

Proud to Serve My Country

My parents taught me what it means to be of service to others. And they taught me that, other than family, perhaps nothing in life is more important.

I grew up in the sixties. It was a decade defined by political turmoil and Woodstock. I didn’t go to Woodstock. Instead, my best friend and I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps soon after graduating from high school. That was in April of 1968. Just four months later, I was through boot camp and infantry training and was on a military transport to Da Nang, Vietnam. Shortly thereafter, I was made a squad leader.

On the evening of April 6th of 1969, the squad leaders were called together and told that we would be doing a sweeping operation south of Marble Mountain. Da Nang had taken some artillery fire believed to be coming from that area and it needed to be stopped.

We began our mission the next morning, under beautiful blue skies. After nearly completing the mission, several of my fellow Marines went down. We took no gunfire, but there were land mines and booby traps, seemingly everywhere. After evacuating my fellow Marines, we continued our mission. We then hit another area of land mines. We lost a total of six Marines that day. While rushing to provide assistance and to reassign weaponry, a land mine exploded beneath me.

Although my active military service ended that day, I will never forget the young soldiers of my youth, including my best friend who joined the Marine Corps with me and was killed on a forgotten hill in the demilitarized zone in August, 1969. Many are gone now. Sadly, Vietnam veterans are dying at a faster rate than the veterans of previous wars. In so many ways, their sacrifices continue.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July, let's take a moment to pause and remember the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is because of these men and women that our country, founded on the principles of freedom, liberty and justice, will be celebrating its 234th anniversary.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July. God Bless America.

Respectfully,

Rick Romley

Source: Rick Romley for County Attorney

P.L.A.N. Update - Ready to Vote?‏

Voter Registration Deadline

To be eligible to vote in the August 24 Primary Election, voters must register by July 26. Early voting begins July 29.

Direct Democracy 101

This November, Arizona voters will have the opportunity to decide up to ten ballot questions. Our state Constitution provides two different paths for an issue to get on the ballot: the first, a referendum, is an issue passed by the Legislature as a concurrent resolution and submitted to the Secretary of State; the other, an initiative, is an issue proposed by citizens who gather signatures on petitions that are submitted to the Secretary of State. When our constitution was drafted, the citizen initiative and referendum process was an important element that is not included in most other state constitutions. You can find all the guidelines for the initiative and referendum process in the Arizona Legislative Manual.

All changes to the State Constitution must be approved by a vote of the people, but not every ballot measure is a constitutional amendment. One of the key differences between our Constitution and our statutes is that the Legislature can change a statute on its own, except that since passage of the Voter Protection Act in 1998, the Legislature cannot change a voter-approved statute unless the change "furthers the purpose" of the original ballot item and the change is approved by three-fourths votes in both the state Senate and House.

This year the Legislature referred nine items to the ballot. Petitions supporting a single additional ballot initiative, Prop. 203, were filed with the Secretary of State. Secretary Ken Bennett's Office is now busily evaluating petition signatures, a time-consuming process that we expect to wrap up during the first week in August.

What You'll See This Fall

The ballot is typically arranged so that proposed constitutional amendments are numbered consecutively beginning with the number 100; proposed initiative measures amending state statutes are numbered consecutively beginning with the number 200; measures amending state statutes referred by the Legislature are numbered consecutively beginning with the number 300; and county and local issues are numbered consecutively beginning with the number 400. The numbering is based on the order in which the referendum or initiative petitions were filed with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State Web site displays the Ballot Measure List.

At this time, no constitutional amendment initiatives were brought forward by petitions and seven constitutional amendments were referred by the Legislature (One of those measures, Prop. 108 - Right to Vote Secret Ballot, was determined this week to violate the "single subject" rule of the Arizona constitution and therefore it will NOT appear on the ballot this fall):

- Health Care Services (Prop. 106)
- Preferential Treatment or Discrimination Prohibition (Prop. 107)
- Hunting and Fishing (Prop. 109)
- State Trust Lands (Prop. 110)
- Lieutenant Governor (Prop. 111)
- Initiative Petitions (Prop. 112)

There is one proposed initiative measure amending state statutes: Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (Prop. 203);

and two measures changing state statutes referred by the Legislature: The Land Conservation Fund (Prop. 301) and Early Childhood Development and Health Programs (Prop. 302)

We'll all see and hear more about these measures in the weeks to come!

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Recovery News‏

State Recovery News

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) released the June 2010 Monthly Fiscal Highlights yesterday. The summary contains encouraging news that although the year-to-date revenues are below FY2009 receipts, revenues are exceeding initial projections. The last time that happened was in May of FY2006. The report provides user-friendly visuals of the seven major indicators used in tracking arizona's recovery.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds Transportation Projects in Phoenix

You may have noticed some Phoenix streets in various stages of repair and are likely to see even more during this summer. The city of Phoenix received $35.5 million in federal funds through the ARRA for transportation projects. Construction on hundreds of projects throughout Phoenix will take place this summer. This will mean delays and the need for extra caution in construction areas, but result in needed street and bridge maintenance.

ARRA transportation projects include: modifications to reduce congestion at the Seventh Street and McDowell Road intersection; application of rubberized asphalt at various locations to reduce noise and offer a smoother ride; sign upgrades; bridge rehabilitation; and upgrades to meet requirements of the American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA), among others. For more information about ARRA-funded projects in the city, click on the link below.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport awarded $26.6 million for In-Line Explosive Detection System

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recently received $26.6 million through ARRA from the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) for an In-Line Explosive Detection System. The in-line system will provide a more efficient security screening process for checked baggage in new dedicated facilities and systems out of the public areas. The project will allow the manual baggage screening equipment from the passenger ticket lobby in Terminal 3 to be removed and provides a dedicated baggage screening system for oversize baggage in Terminal 4 North. Both systems will enable the public terminal space to return to passenger processing and facilitation functions.

Visit www.phoenix.gov/Recovery to see how federal stimulus or "Recovery" dollars are being spent in Phoenix.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Early Voting Starts Soon‏

This upcoming election is destined to become one of the most important elections in some time. Your vote is more important than ever.

With the Primary election less than two months away, it is important to plan how you will cast your vote.

Let me urge you to consider early balloting. You cast your vote securely by mail and from the comfort of your own home. Early balloting is easy and it doesn't cost you anything.

If you would like to request an early ballot for the August 24 election you can do so by visiting the Maricopa County Recorder's website at:

https://recorder.maricopa.gov/earlyvoteballotnet/evbrequest.aspx

Sign up today!

Respectfully,

Rick Romley

Source: Rick Romley for County Attorney Campaign

Voter Registration Drive with AZ GOP LD15 Senate Candidate Bob Thomas

Location: North Phoenix Baptist Church (Family Life Center) 5757 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012

June 20th.

Start Time 8:15am

End time approximate.

Contact Bob Thomas at RWThomas123@aol.com for details.

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

LD 15 SENATE HOPEFUL, R.W. “Bob” THOMAS IS MOVING FORWARD WITH CAMPAIGN

LD 15 SENATE HOPEFUL, R.W. “Bob” THOMAS IS MOVING FORWARD WITH HIS CAMPAIGN TODAY AFTER SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE ROBERT OBERBILLIG DISMISSED THE CASE WITH PREJUDICE.

The ARIZONA CAPITOL TIMES, reported Friday, June 11th: “Bob Thomas, Republican candidate for LD15 Senate: District resident Krista Pacion alleged that Thomas collected his 330 signatures before filing a campaign committee and that the signatures are therefore invalid.” The Arizona Republic also covered the story. Superior Court Judge Robert Oberbillig ruled today that the campaign and nominating petitions filed earlier this month are in order and dismissed the case with prejudice. For additional information about Bob Thomas, please visit his website, http://www.votebobthomas.org/.

“I am eager for the next step,” Thomas stated. “All was reported properly; there was never an issue. This is just, yet again, another example of the political lack of leadership and child-like mindset toward elections and politics that the other side has. The voters see through it and will remember come election time.”

Thomas received early recognition in this race when he was interviewed on CBS5 and KAET TV’s HORIZONTE regarding Seattle’s boycott of Arizona. Thomas is the owner of a heavy equipment company which does a lot of business through the Port of Seattle, paying millions of dollars annually in Port fees. “If they are going to boycott us, I will find another port that does not boycott Arizona,” Thomas told the reporters. “Somewhere like Houston or New Orleans. Boycotts work both ways.”

Source:

Carole V. Bartholomeaux, President
Bartholomeaux, Public Relations, LLC

Hello.

I would like to take a moment of your time and introduce myself to you. I am Rick Romley and I am currently serving as your County Attorney. I was recently appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on April 16, 2010 to fill the vacancy that was left when the previous county attorney resigned. Previous to my appointment, I was honored to have served you as County Attorney from 1989 through 2004.

However, since I left, a great deal has changed.

This is an important office, and one that has a great deal of inherent power. Let’s face it, the ability to file lawsuits and to send people to prison is a profound responsibility. In this job, you can use that power for the greater good of our community, or you can use it in a less noble way.

I think we have seen, in recent years, too many games. Surely, we shouldn’t be filing lawsuits and using the power of the prosecutor against our political enemies. We should be using that power, and YOUR tax dollars, to go after the bad guys. They are the ones who should be in our sights: Child predators. Drug dealers. Human traffickers. Gang members. Rapists. Murderers.

They are bad people with bad intentions. They threaten our kids and our future.

In the next four years, I expect that we will indict nearly 200,000 of these truly dangerous criminals. And I never forget that for every crime that’s committed in this County, there is at least one victim. Often there are more. And as I have always done, I will continue to make “Victims’ Rights” a cornerstone of this office. That’s the job description I signed up for. That’s why you pay me to come to work every day.

Over the next few weeks, I will be asking you to allow me to continue serving you as County Attorney by re-electing me on August 24, 2010. I want to use this wonderful office for the reasons it was intended -- to make our community, and your family, safer. I want to restore the trust, confidence and integrity to the Office of County Attorney that should never have been lost in the first place.

To find out more about my campaign, visit my website at www.romleyforcountyattorney.com.

Thank you for letting me take a moment of your time.

Respectfully,

Rick Romley

Source: Rick Romley

P.L.A.N. Update - Registered to Vote?‏

Voter Registration

The Primary and General Elections are scheduled for this August and November. Candidates are competing for all 60 seats in the State House and all 30 seats in the State Senate.

The Primary Election is scheduled for August 24, 2010. Voter registration for the primary election closes on July 26 at midnight and early voting begins a few days later on July 29. Remember that if you change your name or address, you must complete a new registration form. To register, you may download the voter registration form at http://www.azsos.gov/election/Forms/voterregistrationform.pdf then complete and mail it to your County Recorder's Office. Alternatively, you may register online using Service Arizona EZ Voter Registration and follow the instructional steps.

For answers to other questions about registering to vote, such as what are the qualifications to register to vote and the types of documents acceptable to prove citizenship when registering for the first time in Arizona, visit http://www.azsos.gov/election/How_to_register.htm.

The General Election follows on November 2, 2010 with registration closing at midnight on October 4 and early voting starting on October 7.

JLBC Budget Status Update

Last Thursday, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) released a state budget status update based upon actual revenues through April as well as economic projections. JLBC estimates a shortfall in FY ’11 of $368 million, which would increase to $835 million if November’s ballot measures authorizing use of First Things First and Growing Smarter Trust Land funds fail. These figures take into account revenues from Proposition 100. If Congress does not extend a promised enhanced federal match for AHCCCS, the state’s Medicaid program, the shortfall could increase to $1.2 billion.

Source: P.L.AN.

P.L.A.N. Update - Add to Your Summer Reading List‏

The Whole Story

This week the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) added a new document to their Web site - FY 2011 Appropriations Report - May 2010 (5/24/10), Version with Individual Agency Links. This document contains a comprehensive report detailing the state's General Fund budget with all the recent legislative actions and passage of Proposition 100 (the temporary one-cent sales tax increase). It even includes an overview of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and its estimated impact to the state.

All the budget details you want to know and more can be found in this document. It looks to be a resource worth exploring.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - More Ballot Measures Ahead‏

Special Election Behind; More Ballot Measures Ahead

On Tuesday, Arizona voters approved Proposition 100, which amends the Arizona Constitution to temporarily increase the state's portion of the sales tax from 5.6% to 6.6%, effective June 1, 2010 through May 31, 2013. Approval of the measure avoids immediate budget reductions that were set to take effect if the measure failed.

In November, Arizona voters will have another opportunity to weigh in on a number of issues, including some important questions impacting the state budget. If you are not already a registered voter, you have until midnight on October 4, 2010 to get that done in order to be eligible to vote this November.

The following measures were approved by the legislature and referred to voters for consideration in November’s General Election on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Other measures may make their way to the ballot via initiative if they receive and submit enough qualified signatures by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2010. Measures seeking changes to state law require 153,365 qualified signatures; 230,047 qualified signatures are needed for state constitutional amendments. Proposition numbers will be assigned by the Secretary of State later this summer.

Second Regular Session Referrals

SCR 1013: Lieutenant Governor; Secretary of State (Sen. Jonathan Paton, R – Tucson) Renames the Secretary of State’s Office to that of Lieutenant Governor. If approved, the change would take place in the 2014 state election cycle. The measure also has the gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial candidates of the same party run on the same ticket after a Primary Election.

SCR 1047: State Lands; Military Installation Preservation (Sen. John Nelson, R – Litchfield Park) authorizes the disposition or exchange of state trust land for the purposes of protecting and preserving military installations.

HCR 2008: Hunting and Fishing, Constitutional Rights (Rep. Jerry Weiers, R – Glendale) affirms that hunting, fishing, and harvesting wildlife is a constitutional right. The measure also prohibits the approval of any laws or rules that would restrict these activities.

HCR 2018: Initiatives; Filing Deadline (Rep. John McComish, R – Phoenix) requires that imitative petitions be filed no less than six months before a General Election. Currently, the time frame is four months.

Seventh Special Session Referrals

HCR 2001: Early Childhood Development; Health; Repeal (Rep. Kirk Adams, R – Mesa) repeals Proposition 203 (2006), a measure that funds early childhood development programs.

HCR 2002: Land Conservation Fund; Reversion (Rep. Kirk Adams, R – Mesa) sweeps the monies in the Land Conservation Fund into the state’s general fund (an estimated $123 million).

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Just in Time for Summer Vacation‏

Final Stats

Governor Brewer has completed action on the bills that were on her desk. 338 bills received approval and 14 were vetoed. Status of bills can be tracked on the legislature's Web site at http://www.azleg.gov/FinalDisposition.asp.

Proposition 100

Next Tuesday, Arizona voters will determine whether to enact a three-year, one-cent sales tax. If approved, an estimated $1 billion in new annual revenue would be directed into the state's general fund to pay for services and programs, such as education, health care and public safety. If the measure fails, additional new cuts will be made to state agencies [click to see the list of specific programs that would be impacted: Summary of Enacted FY2011 Budget and FY2010 Revisions (4/09/10) pages 5 and 6].

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) prepared the following summary of the fiscal impact of ballot measure referred for the May Special Election, which appears in the ballot proposition pamphlet sent to registered voters. The following links will take you to the ballot language and statements for and against the measure:

Ballot Language

Statements For and Against

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Session is Almost in the Record Books‏

Lots of New Laws

Now that the 49th Legislature's 2nd Regular Session has adjourned, Governor Brewer has until May 11 to act on the measures that were sent to her. Bills that are signed or become law without her signature will take effect on July 29, 2010 unless the bill has an emergency clause or specific enactment date.

During this session 1233 bills were introduced, of which 352 were approved and sent to the Governor. As of now, Governor Brewer has signed 249 bills and vetoed five. When the Governor signs a bill, it is sent to the Secretary of State, who assigns each enactment a chapter number. The chapters are then recorded in the Second Regular Session of the 49th Legislature "session laws." The status of bills can be tracked on the legislature's Web site at http://www.azleg.gov/FinalDisposition.asp.

A Few Bills Of Interest

HB 2246: Regulation of Fireworks (Rep. Andy Biggs, R–Gilbert) permits the sale of consumer and display fireworks. This bill is similar to one that was vetoed by Governor Brewer last session. Other than the local preemption from regulating display fireworks, the city is concerned that more people could be physically harmed by these devices and that the state fire marshal, who is tasked to adopt and enforce rules related to the storage of fireworks, is not funded sufficiently to enforce the proposed law. This bill was transmitted to the Governor on April 26 and awaiting action at this writing.

HB 2338: Yellow Lights; Duration; Photo Enforcement (Rep. Frank Antenori, R–Tucson) initially would have impacted the use of "red light running" cameras at our intersections. The bill has now been amended to regulate only the timing of the traffic signals. HB 2338 was signed by the Governor on May 5.

SB 1135: Child Custody; Technical Correction (NOW: Aggravated Assault; Classification; Definition) (Rep. Steve Montenegro, R - Litchfield Park) elevates the crime of assaulting a code enforcement officer and state or city park ranger to the current list of aggravated assaults. This bill was signed by the Governor on May 6.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Legislature Calls it a Day‏

Legislature Declares Sine Die at 11:07 p.m. Thursday, April 29

After a week of expedited floor action and conference committees, the legislature adjourned at 11:07 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. Now that the 49th Legislature's 2nd Regular Session has adjourned, the Governor has ten days (not including Sundays) to act on the remaining bills that were sent over by the Legislature. Bills without an emergency clause or specific enactment date will take effect on July 28, 2010.

During this session, 1233 legislative bills were introduced, of which 352 were approved and sent to the Governor. At this writing, Governor Brewer has signed 209 bills and vetoed five. Once a bill reaches the Governor's desk, she must either sign the bill, send the bill to the Secretary of State to become law without her signature, or veto the bill. The legislature posts the status of bills at http://www.azleg.gov/FinalDisposition.asp.

Disposition of Other Bills Of Interest

SB 1144: Drug Offenses; Definitions (Sen. John Huppenthal, R-Chandler) adds a number of drugs to the "dangerous drugs" list in the criminal code. The Governor signed this bill on April 28.

HB 2246: Regulation of Fireworks (Rep. Andy Biggs, R–Gilbert) permits the sale of consumer and display fireworks. This bill is similar to one that was vetoed by Governor Brewer last session. Other than the local preemption from regulating display fireworks, the city is concerned that more people could be physically harmed by these devices and that the state fire marshal, who is tasked to adopt and enforce rules related to the storage of fireworks, is not funded sufficiently to enforce the proposed law. This bill was transmitted to the Governor on April 26.

HB 2338: Yellow Lights; Duration; Photo Enforcement (Rep. Frank Antenori, R–Tucson) initially would have impacted the use of "red light running" cameras at our intersections. The bill has now been amended to regulate only the timing of the traffic signals. HB 2338 was transmitted to the Governor on April 27.

SB 1070: Immigration; Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods (Sen. Russell Pearce, R – Mesa) enacts numerous changes to laws dealing with immigration. Some of these changes include:

• prohibiting local governments from adopting policies that restrict or limit their law enforcement officers from enforcing federal immigration law;
• establishing a crime for willful failure to carry/complete an alien registration document;
• requiring law enforcement officers to attempt to confirm the immigration status of a person they come in contact with whom they reasonably believe is an alien who is unlawfully in the United States; and
• makes it a class one misdemeanor for a driver to impede traffic while in the act of offering work to a nearby pedestrian, or for the pedestrian to enter the vehicle.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Legislature Still Hard At Work‏

Governor Signs Pro-Neighborhood HB 2479

On Monday, Governor Brewer signed HB 2479: Foreclosure Deeds; Buyer Identification (Rep. Bill Konopnicki, R – Safford) into law. The bill – which was introduced at the request of the City’s Neighborhood Services Department – requires that foreclosure documents contain a name and contact information of the "real person" responsible for the property. This information will help the City in contacting the person who can address problems that are often associated with foreclosed homes (e.g. graffiti, weeds, broken windows).

Awaiting the Governor's Signature

SB 1144: Drug Offenses; Definitions (Sen. John Huppenthal, R- Chandler) adds a number of drugs to the "dangerous drugs" list in the criminal code. This bill passed the House by a vote of 55-0, the Senate concurred and was transmitted to the Governor for her signature on April 23.

Other Bills Of Interest

HB 2246: Regulation of Fireworks (Rep. Andy Biggs, R–Gilbert) permits the sale of consumer and display fireworks. This bill is similar to one that was vetoed by Governor Brewer last session. Other than the local preemption from regulating display fireworks, the city is concerned that more people could be physically harmed by these devices and that the state fire marshal, who is tasked to adopt and enforce rules related to the storage of fireworks, is not funded sufficiently to enforce the proposed law. HB 2246 was approved for concurrence in the House and could soon be on its way to the Governor.

HB 2338: Yellow Lights; Duration; Photo Enforcement (Rep. Frank Antenori, R–Tucson) initially would have impacted the use of "red light running" cameras at our intersections. The bill has now been amended to regulate only the timing of the traffic signals. HB 2338 was transmitted to the House on April 23.

SB 1070: Immigration; Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods (Sen. Russell Pearce, R – Mesa) enacts numerous changes to laws dealing with immigration. Some of these changes include:

• prohibiting local governments from adopting policies that restrict or limit their law enforcement officers from enforcing federal immigration law;
• establishing a crime for willful failure to carry/complete an alien registration document;
• requiring law enforcement officers to attempt to confirm the immigration status of a person they come in contact with whom they reasonably believe is an alien who is unlawfully in the United States; and
• makes it a class one misdemeanor for a driver to impede traffic while in the act of offering work to a nearby pedestrian, or for the pedestrian to enter the vehicle.

On Friday, April 23, the Governor signed this bill, but it does not take effect right away. The State Constitution is very specific about when legislation becomes effective. Generally, a bill becomes law on the 91st day following Sine Die, the day the legislative session ends. That is the case for this enactment as it has neither an emergency clause, making the legislation effective immediately, nor a "Proposition 108" impact, creating additional revenue for the state.

The question of when the Legislature will "Sine Die" is yet to be determined. The 100-day legislative session benchmark has not been met since 1997 when the Legislature adjourned after 99 days.

Source: P.L.A.N.