Phoenix Central - Politics

P.L.A.N. UPDATE - Hard At Work at the Capitol‏

2012-02-11T12:47:00.001-07:00

Time Flies

Twenty-nine days into the session and more than 1400 pieces of legislation have been introduced, with more to come. The last day for introduction of bills in the Senate was Monday, January 30. Today, Monday, February 6, is the deadline for new bills in the House. Legislative committee agendas are growing long as bills vie for passage. To see the agendas, go to http://www.azleg.gov and click on the "committee agendas" link on the left side column.

Another Graffiti Measure

HB 2201: Graffiti; Unlawful Possession; Minors (Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix) is another bill that targets graffiti crime. The bill prohibits minors from possessing graffiti implements – such as aerosol/pressurized paint containers, etching tools – on public or private property without consent of the property owner. Exceptions are made if a parent or guardian is immediately supervising the youth, if the minor has written permission from his osr her parent or guardian, or if the implements are work-related or being transported between home and school. Violations are deemed a petty offense. HB 2201 awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Redistricting Process for City Council Districts‏

2012-01-23T16:59:00.004-07:00

As required by the Federal and State Constitutions, and consistent with federal law regarding apportionment, the City Code requires the City Council to revise council district boundaries to equalize population distribution at least once every 10 years based on the decennial census. The current council district boundaries became effective in January 2003 following the 2000 decennial census. District population, based on the 2010 census, varies from the smallest at 150,919 (District 4) to the largest at 261,458 (District 7). To equalize district population, the ideal population size for each is 180,704. To achieve this, most districts will need to gain population, with a few losing population, while maintaining minority voting strength.

The City’s public process will begin with public meetings conducted in each Council District between January 31 and February 17, 2012 to provide residents with information about the redistricting process, to distribute redistricting materials, and to obtain input from residents regarding communities of interest. Additionally, the City’s redistricting website will contain all materials provided in the public meetings and an online mapping program to allow residents to draw proposed boundary lines, see statistical data on the proposed boundaries, and submit proposed district maps for review and analysis. The City encourages you to participate in the public meetings and also make use of the redistricting website and online mapping tool located at http://www.phoenix.gov/redistricting.

Based on input received from the public and the mapping consultant team will compile several draft maps for consideration by the Mayor and Council. A second round of public meetings will occur for public feedback on these draft maps. This second round of meetings is planned for late April and early May. Based on the public feedback, the maps will be refined and the Mayor and Council will vote on a final map that will be submitted to the Department of Justice for preclearance.

Please share this information with your friends and neighbors. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the City’s redistricting hotline at (602) 256-4357 or by e-mail at redistricting@phoenix.gov.

Redistricting meeting schedule - first round (locations closest to the Phoenix Central Neighborhood boundaries):

6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. (Technical Workshop)
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, Sunnyslope Community Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave.
1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Burton Barr Central Library Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave.

Source: Cris Meyer, City Clerk

P.L.A.N. Update - Congress and Courts and Cuts‏

2011-08-15T21:35:00.001-07:00

Waiting and Watching Washington

Passage by Congress of the Budget Control Act last week has state and local governments watching carefully. The Act calls for two phases of federal deficit reduction -- the first phase reduces just under $1.0 trillion in spending over the next decade; the second phase creates a special committee of Congress to recommend additional deficit reduction measures of up to $1.5 trillion. Members of the special committee, including Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, must agree before Thanksgiving on a legislative package that meets that goal; then the full House and Senate must vote on the package by December 23.

Phoenix receives significant funding from the federal government for programs that benefit Phoenix residents, so staff is watching closely so that the city is prepared for any changes to those programs. Short term impacts are minimal. We all will know more as the special committee completes its work.

Superior Court Decision Upholds Health Care Cuts

On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Superior Court upheld the State's decision in its fiscal 2012 budget to cut up to $500 million from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) through changes in eligibility criteria. The ruling stemmed from a claim that the legislative act violates Proposition 204, an initiative approved by voters in 2000, that expanded AHCCCS coverage eligibility. Barring a successful appeal, the state budget is estimated to be on track to finish only $32 million in the red by the end of the fiscal year.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Governor Jan Brewer Endorses Peggy Neely for Mayor of Phoenix

2011-08-15T21:33:00.001-07:00

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today announced her enthusiastic endorsement of Peggy Neely as the next Mayor of Phoenix.

“I have admired Peggy Neely’s record of job creation and her devotion to government reform,” stated Governor Brewer. “With the passage of Arizona’s economic competitiveness package and the creation of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona needs experienced leaders who are dedicated to public-private partnerships and job creation.

“Peggy fits that bill and has my full support. I look forward to working with her on Arizona’s comeback.”

Former Phoenix City Councilwoman Neely said, “I am extremely honored by our Governor’s support. Governor Brewer has been a model for making hard decisions and standing by them. I will work hand-in-hand with her administration to make Phoenix and Arizona number one in job creation.”

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Voting Centers For City of Phoenix Elections

2011-08-11T17:19:00.002-07:00

Overview
The City of Phoenix will be implementing Voting Centers for the Mayor and City Council Election in August 2011. The change to Voting Centers was approved by the Mayor and City Council and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The 26 Voting Centers will replace the traditional 128 polling places, making voting more convenient, flexible, and accessible. Voting Centers will ONLY apply to City of Phoenix elections.

The Early Voting process does not change. In City Elections, over 90% of ballots are cast by mail. Under State law, any registered voter may request to be on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) to automatically receive a ballot by mail for all elections.

Key dates related to the early voting process:

May 2 – Notice mailed to voters on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL); voters may also begin to request early ballots

August 4 – Early Ballot mailing begins and Early Voting starts at Phoenix City Hall

August 13 and August 20 – Early Voting sites will be open throughout the city

August 19 – Last day to request an early ballot by mail

August 26 – Last day for on site Early Voting at Phoenix City Hall

How Voting Centers Work

26 Voting Centers will be open for three days – on Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 29 and Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day), replacing 128 polling places in the City.

Any voter may cast a ballot at any location; voters are not limited to one designated polling place.

Voters can replace or drop-off an early ballot at any Early Voting or Voting Center location.

Benefits of Voting Centers

Continue popular Early Voting process and retain an in-person voting option.

Greater convenience for voters to be able to cast a ballot at any of the 26 voting center locations over three days – close to home, work or other activities.

Improved sites, service and support – Most Voting Center locations are accessible by public transportation, near business or shopping cores, and along major streets. Improved service and support at each location from fewer facilities to staff.

Lower cost than traditional polling place elections or an all mail election.

For More Information

For further information on the Voting Centers, the Early Voting process, or for other City election-related questions, please use one or more of the following resources:

Website – http://phoenix.gov/ELECTION/elect.html
Email – elections@phoenix.gov
Phone – 602-261-VOTE (8683)
Fax – 602-495-5080
TTY – 602-534-2737

Source:
Cris A. Meyer
City Clerk

Voting Center for City of Phoenix Elections

2011-08-11T17:15:00.003-07:00

The Voting Centers will be in effect for the August Mayor and Council election and all future city of Phoenix elections. Now, we would appreciate your help to spread the word about Voting Centers and how they work.

The concept is simple. For city of Phoenix elections, 26 Voting Centers will replace the traditional 128 polling places. Voters can go to any Voting Center to cast their vote and will no longer be limited to a specific polling place. The Voting Centers also will be open for three days – on Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 29, and Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day). These significant changes will make voting more convenient, flexible and accessible for the public.

Also, the Early Voting process, including voting by mail and the Permanent Early Voting List, will remain the same with Voting Centers.

Please note that Voting Centers ONLY apply to City of Phoenix elections. It will not yet be used for federal, state and county elections.

Click here to download the map of voting center locations.

Representatives from our Elections Division will be available to make a presentation about Voting Centers, if needed. Please contact me at 602-262-6558, or via email at cris.meyer@phoenix.gov, if you have any questions or comments.

Source:
Cris A. Meyer
City Clerk

We cannot wait – It’s time for real reform‏

2011-07-26T21:26:00.001-07:00

A.W.A.R.E. – 12 Charter Reform Ideas for 2012
Accountability, Wisdom, Accessibility, Representation, & Ethics

The City of Phoenix was established as an incorporated city in 1881. In 1913, Phoenix was established by charter as a council manager form of government with a population less than 20,000 making it one of the first cities in the country with this form of government. Today, Phoenix has a population of approximately 1.5 million making it the largest council manager form of government city in the country. The charter itself is meant to be a living document that would be amended to change with the evolving city. The last major changes to the charter occurred in 1983 and resulted in the creation of districts to elect the city council.

The form of governance only works if it truly reflects the will and needs of the people it serves. The time has come to have a comprehensive review of the city’s charter to help change the culture at City Hall. We need to ensure that city government continues to serve the residents of the City of Phoenix and not the entrenched interests of government unions, influential zoning attorneys, and companies who have made their business around relationships with municipal service areas. In short, we need to focus on making sure that City Hall serves the taxpayers of Phoenix – not itself.

We cannot wait. It is time to act. If elected, I will use the momentum of this election process to carry forth the most wide-ranging reform of our municipal government in nearly 30 years. The goal will be to comprehensively review the charter and modernize it to reflect the realities of today and the prospects and opportunities for tomorrow. These reforms should focus on accountability, wisdom, accessibility, representation and ethics (A.W.A.R.E.) and focusing on opening up City Hall to a greater degree of public scrutiny and fostering a more open and transparent dialogue among elected and appointed leaders. Phoenix residents should have the opportunity to be more aware of what is going on in their community.

One of my first actions as Mayor will be to set a public process made up of citizens of Phoenix who are the taxpayers all of us in public service are here to serve, to take the comprehensive review of the City’s Charter, not lobbyists, special interest, city insiders and/or those who can earn their living doing business with the city.

Charter reforms will be presented to the public in an open and transparent process, debated, and adopted or referred to the ballot in 2012. Everyone should come to the table with suggestions – I am offering twelve ideas I support that should start this reform process. This is not meant as a comprehensive list of reforms, but as a starting point to use during this election cycle to start a community discussion and debate that will lead to action if I am fortunate enough to be elected:

* Mandatory discussion period and public hearing schedule on all tax increases: Any actions to levy taxes should be done with proper notices, not merely to meet the technical requirements of the open meeting law but ensuring that sufficient time is given to all the taxpayers so that thoughtful debate and discussion takes place before any tax levy is made.

* Zero based budgeting and increased budget transparency: We should start fresh every year with a clean budget slate. No more starting from last year’s budget to decide future spending. In addition, we should implement better reporting mechanism to the public on the finances of the city and frequency of such reports in a public setting where the taxpayers and residents can express their views to the elected representatives. The City’s checkbook should be online and easily accessible and easy to explore.

* Strengthen the ethics policy: Develop a stronger and clearer conflict of interest and ethics policy statement that will clearly point out the minimum requirements any elected official and those appointed by the elected body are to abide by. I would also include those who serve on boards and commissions. There should be no loophole, ambiguity or general lack of clarity that all of us who serve the will of the people should be expected to follow. In addition, there should be strong monetary sanctions and the risk of removal from the position imposed on anyone found to be guilty of violating the public trust in their capacity as public servants.

* Increased council control of debt financing and budget tools: The fiscal stewardship of the City rests with the city manager and not the city council. The Mayor and Council approve the budget and purchases over a given dollar amount but the preparation of the budget and fiscal day to day stewardship rest with the city manager. There needs to be increased City Council accountability for any debt financing and budget tools used to balance the budget – it should not be “take it or leave it” as part of the budget adoption process.

* Unified election cycle: Voters should decide if we should vote on the unification of the election cycle so that the Mayor runs concurrent with all council districts and the candidates for municipal offices appear on the same ballot and in the same election cycle as state and county officials. The potential cost savings would be over $1 million per election.

* Additional city council districts: It is time to debate the merits of additional members to the city council, if they can be added with a net zero change to the council budget.

* Increased citizen representation on healthcare and pension boards: The City works for the taxpayers – they are our boss. However, the healthcare and pension boards are set where the employees basically govern themselves. The taxpayers should have an increased say on how their money is being spent on the healthcare and pension of the employees who work for them.

* Planning commission reform: The appointees and how the appointments are made should be explored and adjusted as necessary. City council members should have more direct input on the planning commission and commission members should have more requirements in the disclosure of conflicts.

* Increased campaign finance transparency: Candidates should file their campaign finance reports electronically and the results should post immediately. Citizens should be able to search the reports for donors, expenditures, and other information instead of downloading large documents with hard to find information.

* Lobbyist reform: Lobbyist registrations should be posted online in a searchable database by lobbyist and by client. The database should also include increased financial reporting requirements – for example, gifts and meals for commission members should be reported just as they are for elected officials.

* Required council votes: Make the City Council more accountable by requiring council votes on critical issues instead of deferring hard choices to unelected citizen committees formed to diffuse responsibility.

* Strengthen rainy day fund: We should agree to save more money in good years by increasing the annual rate of contribution to the city’s “rainy day” fund above 3 percent. We also should require that these funds be spent before considering any city tax increase.

We need better checks and balances that ensure stronger financial stewardship that places the taxpayers and their elected representatives in charge and accountable – not bureaucrats. The public can no longer be an afterthought in this process. This is the pledge I make to you, the residents of Phoenix who we are all here ultimately to serve, not the bureaucrats and union bosses who flock to the city and have ingrained themselves in the system. The doors will be made wide open for you to not only peer into but to examine and demand nothing less than the best from your elected and appointed leaders.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

P.L.A.N. Update - Coloring Inside the Lines‏

2011-07-22T21:35:00.000-07:00

Independent Redistricting Commission Works on New Legislative District Boundaries

Arizona's Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) is currently working to adjust the State's federal and state legislative districts in time for the 2012 election cycle.

Following each U.S. Census decennial census, states use the new population data to redraw their legislative lines. Since the last census in 2000, population has shifted as people moved within and between states. "Redistricting" adjusts boundaries to account for those shifts, with the goal of ensuring that each district continues to have as equal a number of residents as possible. In Arizona, voters approved Proposition 106 in the 2000 General Election, giving the responsibility of drawing these lines to the IRC, a five-member board consisting of 2 Democrats, 2 Republicans, and 1 Independent.

To follow the IRC's work, follow this link for meeting and mapping information: http://www.azredistricting.org/default.asp. Your input is needed!

Source: P.L.A.N.

Democratic Party Bosses Running Stanton Campaign‏

2011-07-20T20:22:00.001-07:00

For the first time in Phoenix history political party bosses are actually running a campaign for mayor. The State Democratic Party’s highest priority is Greg Stanton’s candidacy for Mayor of Phoenix.

From office space, to petition signatures, phone banks, staffing and door to door walks the Democratic Party is fully committed to Stanton’s victory.

The Arizona Republic reports, “He (Stanton) is the only Democrat in the race and party activists are galvanized around him.” The Arizona Republic, June 26, 2011

Claude Mattox is a lifelong Republican. As a City Councilman Claude has supported bedrock Republican principles of being tough on crime, fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets, quality city services, lean and efficient government, and a vibrant free enterprise economy that creates jobs.

As a Republican Claude will be talking to Republicans during the campaign. But he will be talking to Independents and Democrats too. And Party bosses will not be calling the shots during the campaign or during his administration when elected mayor.

For more information about Claude’s campaign, visit the campaign website.

Source: Claude Mattox Mayor

Voting Starts in Less Than 2 Weeks – Act Today!

2011-07-20T17:10:00.001-07:00

Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed to voters citywide in less than two weeks and Peggy needs your immediate help. We need to contact these voters to let them know Peggy’s plan to create jobs for Phoenix and reform the way city government is working.

For every $1.00 you donate we can contact two voters who will be receiving their ballots the first of August!

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Repeal the Food tax‏

2011-07-19T21:56:00.001-07:00

Last year, Peggy Neely opposed the food tax and voted against the budget because of the lack of transparency. Today, Neely pledged to repeal the food tax – a move supported by former Arizona Republican Party Chairman and former candidate for Phoenix Mayor, Randy Pullen.

"Peggy Neely is the best candidate to promote fiscal reform," said Pullen, "Employee pay raises have been given in a time of national and local austerity while city services have been cut. It is time for someone to shine a light on the budget process and make sure that City Hall is serving the taxpayers instead of themselves. Peggy is the right person to get the job done."

"The food tax was proposed on a Monday and voted on a Tuesday," said Neely, "Revenue was found to fill the budget hole before other alternatives were even offered. It is time to repeal the food tax and give Phoenix citizens an honest budget that protects the services that are important to our residents and lives within our means."

Peggy Neely has proposed extensive budget reforms in her comprehensive policy plan titled "The Phoenix We Want," which includes zero-based budgeting, finding efficiencies within all departments, regionalization of public services, and other cost savings.

Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor

DiCiccio Endorses Neely for Mayor‏

2011-07-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

Councilmember Sal DiCiccio joined the growing chorus of supporters for Peggy Neely and “The Phoenix We Want.”

“I am so pleased to have my former colleague Councilmember DiCiccio join Councilmember Johnson in support of my bid for mayor,” said Peggy Neely, “I am proud that the people who have worked with me in the trenches to support our quality city and begin the process of reform are giving me their vote of confidence to help preserve what is best about Phoenix. I am looking forward to working with them to build a coalition dedicated to improving our city.”

Councilmember Sal DiCiccio, representing District 6, stated, “Peggy Neely has a strong track record standing up for the taxpayers of Phoenix - not the unions and city hall special interests. I fully endorse Peggy. She is the right person who will make reforms that put taxpayers first and create more transparency; and Peggy will repeal the food tax – the same tax used for pay raises and bonuses to government employees. Phoenix gave huge pay raises and cut services to kids and seniors and we both believe that is wrong. Peggy and I don't see eye to eye on every issue, but we both care about the people of Phoenix and believe we can be much better."

“As Mayor, you must build a solid governing coalition based on working well with your fellow councilmembers,” concluded former Mayor Skip Rimsza, “Peggy Neely is proving she can bring people together to find solutions. She is building a strong coalition for the City of Phoenix dedicated to serving the taxpayers.”

Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor

Video Alert - Union ties to Stanton, Mattox, and Gullett put special interests before taxpayers‏

2011-07-07T16:38:00.003-07:00

Look for the Union Label

Union ties to Stanton, Mattox, and Gullett put special interests before taxpayers.

Tax increases. Pay raises. Boycotts. The taxpayers of Phoenix are under fire from organized labor union bosses. From the food tax increase to the boycott of the Major League Baseball All-star Game, union leaders have been hurting Phoenix while looking out for their own self interests. In this watershed race for Phoenix Mayor, voters have a choice between a candidate who will serve the taxpayers and those who will serve the special interests.

The Neely for Mayor Campaign launched a new video today titled, “Look for the Union Label.”

“We are at a crossroads. Voters can choose between someone who will represent their interests and someone who will serve the system,” said Peggy Neely, “Phoenix has a long track record of hiring skilled staff and offering quality services to the taxpayers. We have come to expect great things from the City of Phoenix and earned a respectable reputation. However, when the taxpayers start seeing actions such as cutting services while granting pay raises, it is clear that the system is serving itself. We need to make sure that union interests are not being put ahead of public services.”

Greg Stanton

Opposes SB1070

Endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union – who helped lead the Arizona boycott

Endorsed by Maricopa Area Labor Federation – Affiliated with AFL-CIO which condemned SB1070

Would have voted for pay increases (Arizona Republic, June 8, 2011)

Claude Mattox

Supported by the largest public employee union in the City of Phoenix

Voted for the food tax increase

Supported this year’s budget and pay increases (Arizona Republic, June 8, 2011)

Lobbyist Wes Gullett

Worked for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to organize medical workers to unionize at Maricopa County Hospital

SEIU helped lead the Arizona Boycott

SEIU lead the effort to move Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Expecting the Best from the City of Phoenix

2011-07-05T21:48:00.001-07:00

The City of Phoenix has long been the envy of the nation. Back when I served as Mayor, we were named the “Best Run City in the World” and regularly received awards for being financially sound, well managed with a talented and dedicated employee base whose sole mission was to serve its “customers,” – the taxpayers of Phoenix.

Because the taxpayers knew that the City would operate in an open, transparent and fiscally prudent manner with the limited resources, the voters were actively engaged. Together, we could accomplish many great things like building the freeway system, expanding Sky Harbor Airport and the list goes on. Phoenicians came to expect great things of this City – and they deserve nothing short of – “The Best!”

We must always strive to be the best; however, it is also something that is difficult to maintain. And lately, the City of Phoenix is beginning to slip.

When we see actions like cutting services while granting pay raises, it is clear that the system is starting to serve itself. When we see a budget process that completes 15 public hearings without a mention of the pay raises – we can see that something is wrong.

Let me be clear, the City of Phoenix has some of the best employees in the country. Most of them work tirelessly to serve their customers and we should be grateful for their dedicated service. However, the Union Bosses, who feed off their union dues have become out of control because they are out to serve their best interest – not the taxpayers of Phoenix! And the current leadership has not stood up to these Union Bosses, so the City has become out of balance.

We are now facing a watershed election, where the voters decide who City Hall will serve. Will we elect a Mayor who represents the citizens of Phoenix or someone who stands for the union bosses and their own interests? Will we have a government serving its own selfish interests or a government that represents the people?

It is my belief that City Hall must be reminded that it serves the taxpayers – not the other way around. Emergency tax hikes without public input is simply wrong.

Who is really serious about managing the budget? Who will serve the taxpayers and who will serve themselves? Several candidates in this race have a track record serving the Union Bosses.

Mr. Mattox is supported by the largest public employee union in the city and stood with them by voting to support the food tax increase and the pay raises.

Mr. Gullett was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which is largest public employee union in the country. Nationally, they pushed for the boycott of Arizona – locally, Mr. Gullett tried to get County government to bargain with his union supporters.

Mr. Stanton was an ardent opponent of SB1070 and is supported by several labor and union groups such as United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union, the AFL-CIO affiliate Maricopa Area Labor Federation who have stood against Arizona and supported boycotting the state.

The voters do have a choice of someone who will stand up for the taxpayers: Peggy Neely. She voted against the food tax increase and last year’s budget. Time and again, she has pushed for transparency, not only in the budget process, but throughout city hall.

The Phoenix I want represents the interest of the Citizens of Phoenix, not the union interests.

What kind of Phoenix do you want? One guided by special interests or one driven by a leader who has a track record attracting jobs, serving the citizens and making the hard choices? Peggy Neely is the only candidate with a track record of asking hard questions, supporting fiscal responsibility and bringing people together, which has always been the culture of Phoenix leadership.

Source: Former Mayor Skip Rimsza

Jobs, Jobs Jobs – Peggy Neely: The Jobs Candidate‏

2011-06-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Peggy Neely is no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix. During her time on the city council, Neely was a strong leader in job creation, attracting regional and national headquarters to Phoenix including companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique. These businesses have created thousands of jobs in Phoenix.

“Peggy Neely is the ‘jobs candidate.’ When it comes to breadth and depth of experience in attracting jobs or boosting economic recovery, Peggy is the best candidate on the ballot,” said Daniel W. “Buzz” Gosnell, President, Woodbine Southwest Corporation. “Her track record proves that she has what it takes to bring businesses to Phoenix, restore local jobs and position our city for economic prosperity.”

During her time on council, Neely reached out to business owners on a regular basis making sure that the city is a help – not a hindrance to doing business. In addition to successes in attracting new businesses, she also helped existing and small businesses expand.

“Peggy is a competitive and caring person. When we were looking to relocate our corporate office and national customer service center, Peggy was front and center in advocating for Phoenix. In the end, she was instrumental in making certain that we landed in Phoenix,” said Tod Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Republic Services, Inc. “She understands the importance of expanding the job base here in Phoenix and importantly, she knows what it takes to create jobs and the role of city government to work with businesses. Equally important, she continues to be an advocate for the business community as we continue to work to add more jobs in the Phoenix market.”

Neely launched a comprehensive jobs plan as part of her vision of the “Phoenix We Want.” She explained, “Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy. It must lead. It must lead in quality economic development focused on high income jobs that are as diverse as our city. The most critical need is a plan to diversify our jobs base. We can’t rely on construction alone to fuel our future. Instead, we must help existing businesses expand and then work with them to leverage new relationships with companies looking to relocate.”

Neely’s Jobs Plan

Build a Business Reputation – We should build a world reputation in one or more business sectors. In addition, we should cluster economic development efforts on growing areas such as biomedical, healthcare, solar, and other industries to diversify our economy.

Attract high-wage employers – Develop policy and tools to attract high-wage employers to invest in Arizona. Efforts such as a uniform sales tax could benefit businesses and reduce bureaucracy that limits their ability to expand.

Develop each area to its full potential – I believe in growth with a purpose, but not growth for growth’s sake. Just as the village concept serves our diverse planning needs, we must create a similar approach for business development that clearly outlines the businesses and opportunities we agree would best fit each area of the city.

Expand our tourism opportunities – While downtown is still an important destination, we must also promote the rest of Phoenix as a tourism attraction rich in recreation amenities like golf, hiking, biking, parks, soccer, world-class resorts, and breathtaking open space.

Protect key revenue generators – We must continue to support our key sources of revenue such as Sky Harbor Airport. In addition, we cannot stand idly by as other states seek to lure our spring training baseball teams from Phoenix. They generate much-needed annual revenue that cannot easily be replaced.

Transform Phoenix into a major industrial and shipping hub – Phoenix should spearhead a regional taskforce to foster a Mexican deep water port alternative to Los Angeles allowing goods to be shipped to Phoenix for distribution across the country. Mexico is Arizona’s number one trading partner – efforts such as this and others should be implemented to strengthen that relationship.

Make Phoenix business friendly – All City of Phoenix departments should be customer oriented to help citizens and businesses alike. A Jobs Task Force could meet quarterly with business and development leaders to hear their concerns and ideas about how to make Phoenix more business friendly.

Emphasize shopping in Phoenix – I will work with business owners and the leaders of the “shop local” efforts to ensure that residents understand the added value of spending their money in the city.

Attract venture capital and foreign investment to Phoenix – I want to develop a plan to encourage business beyond the incubation stage by finding innovative ways to lure more venture capital to our community.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

New Voting Centers for City Elections

2011-06-25T11:01:00.003-07:00

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, Phoenix voters will decide several ballot measures and cast ballots for a new mayor and council members in Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7. There also
will be a Special Vacancy Election for residents in District 2 to elect a councilmember to serve the remaining two years of the term.

For this election and future city of Phoenix elections, traditional polling places are being replaced with Voting Centers located throughout the city. With Voting Centers, voters are
no longer restricted to casting their ballot at one assigned polling place. Voters can vote at any
of the 26 Voting Center locations – making it more convenient to vote closer to your work, school, home or along your daily commute.

Voters also will have three days to cast their vote, making it more flexible and accessible. The Voting Centers will be open from:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27;

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29;

6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 (Election Day).

The voting process itself will be the same. Voters will still need to bring the same forms of identification they would normally bring to a polling place, and they will continue to vote on paper ballots that will be placed inside a locked ballot box. It’s important to note that Voting Centers are only being used for city of Phoenix elections, which include Mayoral and Council elections, Bond
elections and other Phoenix ballot items. Voting centers will not be used in elections for federal, state or county offices or ballot measures.

The last day to register to vote is Aug. 1.

The popular early voting by mail program will not change and voters on the Permanent Early Voting List will begin receiving their ballots around Aug. 4. Early ballots can be mailed or dropped off at any voting center, and the last day to request an early ballot by mail is Aug. 19.

Voters can find a map of voting center locations as well as lists of acceptable identification forms at phoenix.gov/election.

For additional questions on voting centers, their locations or the upcoming election, call 602-261-VOTE (8683) or TTY 602-534-2737 or email elections@phoenix.gov.

Source: City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department

Peggy Neely: Leadership for Phoenix

2011-06-25T10:55:00.002-07:00

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters touts Neely’s leadership and
ability to make hard choices.

During her time on the Phoenix City Council and in her service in the community, Peggy Neely has gained a reputation of being woman of her word – a strong leader who is willing to make the hard decisions. She is dedicated to doing the right thing even when it has meant doing the hard thing.

In this watershed race for Mayor, leadership will make the difference on where Phoenix will go and type of city it will become. Former United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters is supporting Peggy Neely and encourages Phoenix voters to learn more about her strong leadership.

Mary Peters, a fourth generation Arizonan, served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. Prior to her appointment, Peters served as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2005. She also headed the Arizona Department of Transportation from 1998 to 2001, where she started her career as an administrative assistant 16 years earlier. Throughout her career, Peters, has been a champion for more responsive and smaller government focused on delivering maximum value for taxpayers.

“I appreciate the kind words from Secretary Peters,” concluded Neely, “I am inspired by her hard work and dedication to doing the right thing. As I have said before, it is time for leaders to listen – to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future.”

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Honoring our flag and protecting the integrity of our right to vote‏

2011-06-14T21:07:00.002-07:00

As we celebrate Flag Day, we not only honor the flag, but we also honor what the flag stands for. The integrity of our American freedoms, including the right to vote, must be protected.

Last October, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ruled against Prop 200 – Arizona's law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and provide ID at the polls. Their ruling was based on the fact that the National Voter Registration Act doesn’t require proof of citizenship to register to vote!

Just last week, the Federal Government through the Department of Justice has joined in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals case against Arizona. Once again, the State of Arizona is under attack from the Federal Government for taking a stand against illegal immigration and doing the job that the Federal Government refuses to do.

These voter requirements were passed overwhelmingly by the Arizona voters in 2004 – and ensure the integrity of our voting system. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and providing voter ID at the polls are part of protecting our freedoms – just as is the demand that our borders be secure. The Federal inaction is bad enough – their interference in the state’s actions is even worse.

Phoenix should be using its influence as a leader in the southwest to do more to demand border security and enforce our immigration laws. As Mayor, I would work with the Governor, Attorney General, Mayors and others to demand that the Federal government do its job to ensure that our border is secure and protect the integrity of our right to vote.

The August Election marks the first election cycle where Phoenix will be utilizing “Voting Centers” to cast ballots for the Mayor and City Council races. In addition to voting by early ballot, Phoenix has consolidated 128 traditional precincts into 26 voting centers that can be used by any registered voter in Phoenix – voter ID requirements are still in place. Click here to see a map.

Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor

P.L.A.N. Update - Yet Another Special Session . . .‏

2011-06-10T20:44:00.001-07:00

Unemployment Insurance Extension Under Consideration

The Governor has called the legislature into its third special session today to consider a 20-week extension of the state's unemployment benefits. Because Arizona's unemployment rate has fallen below a level that is established in state law, the formula would need adjustment if the state is to provide another 20 weeks of this benefit. A supermajority of support from each legislative chamber is needed to enact an emergency clause in order to secure the funds immediately. Although action is needed by Saturday, June 10 in order to avoid disruption, the U.S. Department of Labor has stated that it could immediately provide retroactive payments when the state takes action. Both chambers convened today but adjourned until Monday without taking action.

State Budget Deficit Continues To Shrink

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, a legislative agency that provides budgetary support to the state legislature, released information earlier this week indicating that state tax revenues continue to grow. In May, year-to-date tax collections were $251.9 million above budgeted forecasts. If this trend continues, the fiscal year could result in an $80 million shortfall instead of the $332 million gap that was previously calculated. June could provide more answers since it is a key month in which corporate and individual income taxes are collected.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Community Budget Informational Sessions

2011-06-01T21:13:00.001-07:00

Community Budget Informational Sessions

The City of Phoenix is in the final stages of budget preparation for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The next step is a series of Community Budget Information Sessions, where departments will provide information on the availability of budgetary and financial records, budget process, city property tax, employee pay and an Innovation and Efficiency update. Here is the information:

Tuesday, June 7, 2011
11:30 a.m.
Burton Barr Auditorium
1221 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Source: Councilman Tom Simplot, Councilman, City of Phoenix District 4

P.L.A.N. Update - City of Phoenix End of State Legislative Session Report Now Online‏

2011-05-27T20:47:00.001-07:00

End of Session Wrap Up

As previously reported, the 100-day state legislative session came to a close at 5:25 a.m. on April 20. Phoenix staff tracked a number of bills and amendments throughout the process. Attached is the end of session report that was provided to the Mayor and Council this week. The report contains descriptions of bills that are relevant to City operations as well as a budget recap, special session summary, and an outlook for 2012. Check it out!

Source: P.L.A.N.

Neely Talks About Her Plan As Mayor!‏

2011-05-10T13:15:00.003-07:00

As part of her announcement, Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely laid out her plan for an administration focused on creating jobs, trimming the City budget and making City Hall business more transparent to residents. Click to watch the video below.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs to lead Phoenix's recovery‏

2011-05-05T21:04:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago, I unveiled my public policy plan. In traveling around the city and listening to our residents, it has become clear to me that a vision that is both broad and bold is needed. As such, I offer this policy plan entitled “The Phoenix We Want,” to address the concerns that have been expressed to me as I have listened to people from throughout the city.

Now, I need your help to bring jobs to Phoenix.

I believe one of the most critical needs is a plan to diversify our jobs base. We can’t rely on construction alone to fuel our future. Instead, we must help existing businesses expand and then work with them to leverage new relationships with companies looking to relocate. I am no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix. During my time on the city council, District 2 has been a strong leader in job creation attracting companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/ Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique developing thousands of jobs and attracting regional and national headquarters to Phoenix.

I am asking for your support.

If we can commit to attracting new jobs and businesses, we will put ourselves on a path toward recovery and sustainability. It’s a path we can and will walk as one of America’s greatest cities and one I hope we decide to walk together.

Please click here now to make a contribution of $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can afford.

I ask that you make this contribution within the next 48 hours so I can begin to put together our campaign plan to create the Phoenix you want.

Source: Peggy Neely for Mayor

I Want to Hear from You!‏

2011-05-02T13:20:00.006-07:00

It is time for leaders to listen -- to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future. Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy.

I pride myself as a problem solver who will get people together to help resolve conflict. Leadership also requires the ability to listen, discern and act in the best interest of the residents of Phoenix.  In traveling around the city and listening to our residents, it has become clear to me that a vision that is both broad and bold is needed. As such, I offer my policy plan entitled “The Phoenix We Want,” to address the concerns that have been expressed to me as I have listened to people from throughout the city.

However, I also want to hear more from you. That is why I asking you “What’s the most important issue facing our city?”

*****

It is time for leaders to LISTEN -- to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future. Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy. I am proud to present this comprehensive public policy document called "The Phoenix We Want" Here are the critical issues:

Attract Jobs and New Businesses

The most critical need is a plan to diversify our jobs base. We can’t rely on construction alone to fuel our future. Instead, we must help existing businesses expand and then work with them to leverage new relationships with companies looking to relocate.

Build a Business Reputation - - We should build a world reputation in one or more business sectors. In addition, we should cluster economic development efforts on growing areas such as biomedical, healthcare, solar, and other industries to diversify our economy.

Attract high-wage employers - - Develop policy and tools to attract high-wage employers to invest in Arizona. Efforts such as a uniform sales tax could benefit businesses and reduce bureaucracy that limits their ability to expand.

Develop each area to its full potential - - I believe in growth with a purpose, but not growth for growth’s sake. Just as the village concept serves our diverse planning needs, we must create a similar approach for business development that clearly outlines the businesses and opportunities we agree would best fit each area of the city.

Expand our tourism opportunities - - While downtown is still an important destination, we must also promote the rest of Phoenix as a tourism attraction rich in recreation amenities like golf, hiking, biking, parks, soccer, world-class resorts, and breathtaking open space.

Protect key revenue generators - - We must continue to support our key sources of revenue such as Sky Harbor Airport. In addition, we cannot stand idly by as other states seek to lure our spring training baseball teams from Phoenix. They generate much-needed annual revenue that cannot easily be replaced.

Transform Phoenix into a major industrial and shipping hub - - Phoenix should spearhead a regional taskforce to foster a Mexican deep water port alternative to Los Angeles allowing goods to be shipped to Phoenix for distribution across the country. Mexico is Arizona’s number one trading partner – efforts such as this and others should be implemented to strengthen that relationship.

Make Phoenix business friendly - - All City of Phoenix departments should be customer oriented to help citizens and businesses alike. A Jobs Task Force could meet quarterly with business and development leaders to hear their concerns and ideas about how to make Phoenix more business friendly.

Emphasize shopping in Phoenix - - I will work with business owners and the leaders of the “shop local” efforts to ensure that residents understand the added value of spending their money in the city.

Attract venture capital and foreign investment to Phoenix - - I want to develop a plan to encourage business beyond the incubation stage by finding innovative ways to lure more venture capital to our community.

Balance City Budget and Reduce the Size of Government

Phoenicians want leaders capable of managing their tax dollars. They expect us to weigh the benefits of programs and initiatives. Precious public funds must be spent wisely. We should agree that future budgets will deliver core city services at a level that our residents can afford. We must do a better job of setting priorities. Once those are funded, then we should look to reduce taxes, and spend remaining funds on other desired services on a pay-as- you-go basis to minimize debt.

Zero based budget - - For the City’s Enterprise Funds – Aviation, Water, Wastewater, Golf, Solid Waste, and in part the Civic Plaza fund - - we should start fresh every year with a clean budget slate. No more starting from last year’s budget to decide future spending.

Implement cost saving measures - - We must comb through each department looking for ways to reduce costs. We should look at best practices from cities nationwide for new ways to reduce spending.

Pension reform - - The mayor and city council should have greater oversight of the pension board and the process. Employees should be compensated fairly, but we must address pension reform and issues such as “double dipping.”

Strengthen rainy day fund - -We should agree to save more money in good years by increasing the annual rate of contribution to the city’s “rainy day” fund above 2.5 percent. We also should require that these funds be spent before considering any city tax increase.

Increase Efficiency - - Mayor, City Council and staff should work to implement recommendations of the Efficiency Task Force. We must also make it a practice of rewarding employees for operational efficiency ideas and customer satisfaction.

Regionalization of public services - - Phoenix is the biggest city in the state and therefore bears significant responsibility when it comes to encouraging regional cooperation. Public services such as transportation should be regionalized to increase efficiency. Even with Phoenix paying its fair share to operate the system, it should reduce costs.

Preserve bond ratings - - Phoenix has a long track record of maintaining a positive bond rating and currently has some of the highest ratings in the country. We must develop financial policies that maintain that record.

Protect Public Safety

Although we face budgetary issues, our top priority should always be public safety, a critical element to maintaining our quality of life and attracting businesses. Those who protect our neighborhoods should not have to worry about budget cuts or job losses because their leaders couldn’t manage a budget. Likewise these departments should be expected to be efficient with funds available. By working together, we can serve the public safety needs of the community, and increase accountability, without reducing public safety.

Transitional response vehicles - - Many Phoenix fire calls are medical emergencies. Sending a full fire truck requires additional manpower and causes wear and tear on expensive vehicles. Partnering with local healthcare providers, we should find ways to send smaller response teams and vehicles on medical emergencies and offer more help in the field to reduce emergency room visits.

Police social response - - Many Phoenix police calls are from people in need of social services or support. We should develop a program for dispatching social workers instead of police officers when appropriate.

Implement recent Police Task Force recommendations - - We should improve police officer accountability by implementing the recommendations of the recent task force. Suggestions such as requiring patrol officers to carry business cards with their badge numbers and supervisors' contact information will help them improve relations in the community and lead to more citizen cooperation in fighting crime.

Enforce immigration laws - - We should expect the City of Phoenix to uphold and enforce all state laws, including SB1070, as efficiently and effectively as possible. While I have concerns about any legislation that may come with unfunded mandates, as a public servant, I am committed to upholding the law.

Demand border security - - Phoenix should be using its influence as a leader in the southwest to do more to demand border security and enforce our immigration laws. I will work with the Governor, Mayors and others to demand that the Federal government do its job to ensure that our border is secure.

Increase Accessibility and Transparency

Transparency and accessibility are critical for citizens to have confidence in their government. They are important now more than ever, especially when we are making tough decisions that lead to reductions in services or the allocation of scarce funds. As elected leaders we must be open and transparent in everything we do. Emergency tax hikes, bureaucratic red tape, and confusing websites shut the citizens out of the process and foster mistrust in the way government is being operated.

Ethics policy - - We must establish an ethics policy that fosters openness, trust and integrity when interacting with citizens, employees, and others.

Lobbyist reform - - We must require lobbyists to file their reports sooner than they do today and make those reports available to the public on the Internet immediately.

Increased financial disclosure - - I believe we should make available online yearly financial disclosure forms from all candidates, council members and the Mayor – in the same way campaign finance reports are available to the public.

Online campaign finance reporting - - We should transform our online campaign finance report system from scanned documents to an electronic filing program improving access for candidates and citizens alike.

Tax discussion period - -We must formalize a process that requires a thorough public discussion any time a tax increase is being considered by the Council. We must never approve another tax hike of any kind without a full public debate.

Improve the City of Phoenix website - - I want to work with citizens, business owners, and news media to improve city website accessibility and usability.

Encourage Quality Education

Education is a cornerstone of our quality of life. As a mother, my first priority was to ensure a quality education for my daughters. That is why I became actively involved in the United Parents Council. We can’t afford to keep a hands-off approach to education and expect things to change. If we are to attract business and investment to Phoenix, we must offer quality K-12 education for their families and university education that produces highly trained and skilled workforce to fill their needs.

Promote academic innovation and competitive education - - We must foster and encourage choices in public education to boost competition and build an abundant, talented workforce to attract business.

Support quality university education - - We must capitalize on our higher education opportunities building on our relationships with local universities and actively attracting other institutions to locate in Phoenix.

Recognize and encourage success - - Recognize quality teachers and successful students on a regular basis and connect educators and administrators with local government and business leaders to understand what is working and what needs improvement.

Encourage student participation - - Foster student participation and engagement in local government in areas such as developing policy, expanding volunteerism, and creating a sustainable city.

Support Strong Neighborhoods

Our neighborhoods are filled with people who work every day, focus on raising their families, take care of loved ones and connect at a very personal level in the areas of the city that they live, work and play. The interactions they have with city government on a daily basis are somewhat limited. They expect that the garbage will be picked up on time, the water they use is safe, the parks are clean, and their neighborhoods are free of crime and police and fire will arrive if called. We must ensure that Phoenix remains neighborhood friendly by meeting and exceeding the expectations of our residents.

Community policing - - I want to work with our police and fire departments to encourage their officers and firefighters to stay engaged in the community as a way to build public confidence in our unsung heroes.

Neighborhood advocate - - I will designate a position on the Mayor’s staff that will be a clearinghouse for neighborhood issues affecting the city. This person would interact with city departments to make sure neighborhood concerns are heard and factored into any decisions that are designed to improve the City.

Neighborhood and business cooperation - - Part of strengthening neighborhoods is understanding what leads to decline. Business and industry being chased away leads to more vacancies in strip shopping centers and malls, reducing jobs and revenue and displacing homeowners who lose their jobs. This does not do anything to strengthen neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods can and should be compatible with strong business and industry.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

P.L.A.N. Update - State Government Takes Over City Hall‏

2011-04-15T16:40:00.006-07:00

Library operations . . . Outsourced.

Planning and zoning . . . Outsourced.

Domestic violence services. . . Outsourced.

Neighborhood code enforcement . . . Outsourced.

* * * * * * * * *

Over the last several weeks, we've been informing P.L.A.N. subscribers about Senate Bill 1322: Managed Competition; City Services, a measure introduced by Tucson Senator Frank Antenori that dictates how City of Phoenix services are procured.

Recent amendments mandate Phoenix to spend taxpayer dollars to undertake an outsourcing, bidding process for municipal services that cost more than $500,000 (sworn Police/Fire personnel, City attorneys/prosecutors, City judges, and the City manager and clerk's offices are exempt).

The City strives to operate every program and service with an eye towards fiscal discipline and accountability. We also recognize that the private sector can and should play a role. This is why Phoenix currently outsources $432 million over 350 service areas. Senate Bill 1322 ignores this fact and instead has the state legislature overriding the Phoenix Council, Manager and voter-approved Charter which governs the City. Your elected Mayor and Council would have no say in the matter.

Programs and services that would be up for bid include:

Domestic violence services
Library operations
Planning and zoning administration
Neighborhood code enforcement
Graffiti busters
Civilian components of the City's Homeland Security Operation
Unsworn personnel in the Police crime lab
Water and wastewater treatment facilities
Certain operations at Sky Harbor International, Goodyear and Deer Valley Airports
Emergency utility assistance
Homeless shelters and prevention programs
Senior center services
Budget management
Small business development program
Equal opportunity functions
Human resources and employee discipline

The bill is so sweeping that the City would even have to bid out the procurement office that would then implement the mandatory procurement functions for the rest of the City's services.

The Phoenix City Council voted to oppose this measure, yet it is now just one step away from the Governor's Office. Please contact the following Phoenix State Senators and the Governor's Office and ask them to please oppose this costly preemption of local control.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The Honorable Jan Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
602-542-4331
E-mail

Senators Representing the Phoenix Central Neighborhood

Kyrsten Sinema
Legislative District 15
Email: ksinema@azleg.gov
(P) 602-926-5058

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - State Budget, City Budget - Maybe This Week a Federal Budget?

2011-04-04T14:07:00.005-07:00

Legislature Agreed on 2011-2012 State Budget

Last week a state budget for FY 2011-2012 (with adjustments to FY 2010-2011) was unveiled, debated, approved, and sent to Governor Brewer for her signature. The House started by deliberating and passing the Senate's budget bills with minor modifications in order to address Arizona's $1.7 billion deficit. Most reductions in the bills focus on K-12 education ($183 million), universities ($198 million), and AHCCCS ($510 million). House members worked through the night and sent the budget package to the Senate on Friday morning, where senators debated and passed the package and transmitted it to the Governor that day.

While this state budget will impact the City, revenue sharing (voter-approved dollars that pay for about 30 percent of Phoenix's general fund) was held harmless. The State will have Phoenicians pay $2 million in new fees to fund its Department of Water Resources. In addition, the budget plan sweeps about $12 million in Highway User Revenue Funds from the City that otherwise would help pay for street construction and maintenance projects.

Phoenix Budget Condition

Also last week, the Phoenix City Council approved a proposed Trial Budget for the City, which will be discussed in 15 community budget hearings this month. Because the city budget is developed with input from the Mayor and City Council, residents, city employees, city management and all city departments, the result is a budget that closely reflects the community's highest priorities.

Residents can provide input on the 2011-2012 City budget, as well as on the draft Phoenix Strategic Plan, by attending any of the community budget hearings beginning April 7.

What can you do?

Attend your community hearing to tell your City Council member and city management what programs and services are most important to you.

Contact your State Senator and State Representatives to thank them for protecting Shared Revenues for cities and towns. Click on "Link to the P.L.A.N." below to go to your "My PLAN" page to find your legislators' contact information.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - We Just Can't Afford It‏

2011-03-27T09:32:00.005-07:00

SB 1322 -- A Very Bad Deal for Phoenix Taxpayers Senate Bill 1322: Cities;Towns; Managed Competition (Sen. Frank Antenori, R-Tucson) would mandate that the cities of Phoenix and Tucson put out most city services for competitive bidding, and award contracts to the lowest bidder who can do the work, even if they're out of state or out of the United States. What would be the cost to the City of Phoenix to comply with the mandated competitive bidding requirements of SB 1322? The city's Finance Department estimates that the average cost for a typical, simple procurement is somewhere between $22,000 and $42,000. A complex procurement, such as Phoenix already conducts for services like solid waste, towing, and banking, costs considerably more -- in the $100,000 to $150,000 range -- because consultants with expertise are needed to help structure the scope of work, monitoring requirements, etc. The most complex procurements, like a water treatment plant or airport, would cost the city millions of dollars because of the very detailed contract provisions requiring input from engineers and other specialists in these highly regulated operations. How many of these procurements would the City would be required to do should SB 1322 be enacted? It is safe to say that it would be in the thousands. Phoenix's total operating budget in fiscal year 2010-2011 including enterprises such as Aviation and Water Services was over $3.5 billion -- $432 million of that is already outsourced to private sector firms. To bid out and manage contracts for the other $3.1 billion in operations would cost Phoenix taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. For the upcoming fiscal year 2011-2012, Phoenix projects an estimated General Fund deficit of about $59 million. Clearly Phoenix does not have the money or other resources needed to comply with the unfunded mandates of SB 1322. Please call or email your legislator today -- why is the State even considering this? Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Who's In Charge Here?‏

2011-03-11T21:03:00.003-07:00

SHOULD THE STATE RUN OUR CITY?

Earlier this week, state senators deliberated on two bills that would have state government dictate how city services are delivered in Phoenix.

Senator Frank Antenori – a Tucson legislator – is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1322: Managed Competition; City Services and Senate Bill 1345: Municipal Employees; Compensation, bills that would force the cities of Phoenix and Tucson to lay off thousands of employees, outsource each service or civilian job that costs more than $75,000 in total wages and benefits, and cap employee salaries.

The City of Phoenix’s voter-approved charter gives authority for hiring and setting wages and benefits to the City Manager, with oversight by the Mayor and Council. These two bills undermine the governing structure approved by Phoenix citizens.

Senator Antenori believes these bills will save taxpayer money and afford more opportunities for businesses to provide local services. The City agrees that competition can be beneficial. That's why Phoenix privatizes more than 350 services that infuse $432 million into the private sector and is currently studying ways to increase those numbers.

The proposed salary cap aims to tie public employee compensation to the average of private sector compensation. However, this mandate doesn't take into account the highly technical nature of many city jobs. For example, engineers, accountants, attorneys, chemists, and other professionals with advanced degrees and training would not receive the same level of compensation as their peers in other cities -- Phoenix would likely experience a "brain drain" as these professionals go to other local cities that aren't subject to this arbitrary cap.

The City strives to provide quality service while controlling costs. Today, Phoenix has fewer employees per capita than it did in 1972. Even in this difficult economic environment, the City budget remains balanced. We don't need the state to start telling us how to run the City. This is why Phoenix’s Mayor and Council have formally voted to oppose these bills.

The state faces countless challenges. Spending time and resources on legislation that targets only two cities with strong-arm state mandates does not seem prudent. Most people agree that the government closest to the people governs best. Please contact your state legislator and let them know that local officials, not a state senator from Tucson, are the ones you want to govern your city.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - New Development Should Pay for Itself‏

2011-02-25T20:35:00.003-07:00

Impact Fees Impact You

Every legislative session it seems like there is another debate about "impact fees," sometimes called development fees. This year is no exception. SB 1525: City; Town; Development Fees was introduced by Sen. Russell Pearce (R-Mesa). Some at the legislature think this perennial debate is just another fight between homebuilders and cities, but it's much bigger than that -- impact fees impact you.

If you have purchased a new home in the last twenty years or so, odds are that the price of the home included the cost of an impact fee. The fee would have paid part of the costs for the subdivision's water and sewer lines, roads, storm drains and other infrastructure that you enjoy today. When a developer wants to build another new subdivision miles away, you probably don't want to pay for those new roads and sewer lines, too. That wouldn't be fair.

Phoenix created its impact fee program in 1988 to pay the costs of new infrastructure development in our rapidly growing city. The philosophy is simple: the costs of new roads, water and wastewater systems and other infrastructure should not be borne by residents of established areas; rather, new growth should “pay for itself.” Phoenix’s impact fee program charges the costs of new infrastructure development directly to builders, with credits and offsets available on a case-by-case basis. Impact fees are not a tax; the money that cities collect in impact fees is dedicated only to building the infrastructure that has been planned for the area they're collected in.

Any legislation that makes it harder for cities to set fees or to use them to build what's needed for a development is a problem for not just the city but all of its residents who don't want keep paying and paying for new infrastructure they'll probably never use. Right now the City of Phoenix opposes SB 1525 for those reasons. A vote on the bill is scheduled for Monday afternoon in the Senate. Please call your senator and tell him or her to vote NO. We don't need more changes to this important program.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Felons with Liquor Licenses?

2011-02-18T20:45:00.003-07:00

A bill that limits citizen and neighborhood input on liquor licenses quietly passed a legislative committee last week. Senate Bill 1460: Liquor Licensees; Records (Sen. Michelle Reagan, R-Scottsdale) was revised with a "strike-everything" amendment that makes numerous changes to the liquor license approval process. Among the changes is a troubling provision that would eliminate input from communities when an existing liquor license is transferred to a new applicant. That would prevent police from investigating people who request a liquor license transfer and make it nearly impossible to uncover hidden ownership of liquor establishments by individuals with a criminal background. The bill also creates new roadblocks for neighborhood associations that want to submit comments to be considered by the city or the State Liquor Board in evaluating liquor license applications. Many other process changes are proposed. Feel free to contact your legislators if you are interested in this issue.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Yes, Really, Cities Asked to Pay for State Buildings‏

2011-02-07T22:05:00.002-07:00

City Revenue Diverted to Pay For State Buildings

One of the items in last weeks' PLAN message was Senate Bill 1221: Urban Revenue Sharing; Distribution Freeze (Sen. Steve Pierce, R-Prescott). This bill would put a cap on the amount of revenue sharing to cities and towns from state income tax at fiscal year 2010 levels for the next 20 years. Future annual tax collections over the 2010 amount would be kept by the State and used to pay some of the State's financial obligations, including the debt service for the state buildings that were sold with a lease buyback agreement last year.

Shared revenues are a voter-approved system in which the state shares a small percentage of its income, sales and vehicle license taxes with Arizona’s 91 cities and towns. In return, cities are prohibited from having their own local income taxes.

Senate Bill 1221 violates the will of the voters and shifts monies that are used to help pay for police, fire, parks and library services from the cities to the state to pay for the state buildings it sold in 2010.

Last week we had hoped that the bill wouldn't get a hearing, but no such luck. The bill is scheduled for this Thursday's Senate Finance Committee at 9 a.m., in Senate Hearing Room 1 at the State Capitol (1700 W. Washington, Phoenix).

Please contact members of the committee and ask that they disapprove SB 1221. The complete list of the Senate Finance Committee and their e-mails are shown below. Thank you for all you do for our community!

Senate Finance Committee

Members Position E-mail Phone
Paula Aboud Member paboud@azleg.gov 602-926-5262
Scott Bundgaard Vice-Chairman sbundgaard@azleg.gov 602-926-3297
Ron Gould Member rgould@azleg.gov 602-926-4138
Jack Jackson Jr. Member jjackson@azleg.gov 602-926-5862
Lori Klein Member lklein@azleg.gov 602-926-5284
John McComish Member jmccomish@azleg.gov 602-926-5898
Steve Yarbrough Chairman syarbrough@azleg.gov 602-926-5863

Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect City revenues that pay for important services such as police, fire, libraries, parks and street maintenance. Thanks for all you do for our community.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Cities to Pay for State Buildings?‏

2011-01-28T22:12:00.002-07:00

Legislature Takes on a Mountain of Bills

The pace is picking up at the State Legislature, with introduction of hundreds of bills this week. Committees are holding hearings and working hard to sort through all of the proposed legislation. Not every measure that is introduced will get a hearing -- legislative leaders and committee chairman must prioritize to make the most of the short time that is allowed for hearing bills. You can take a look at the bills and committee agendas on the Legislature's website, at www.azleg.gov/CommitteeAgendas.asp

City Revenue Diverted to Pay For State Buildings?

Among the bills introduced this week is one we hope doesn't make the list. Senate Bill 1221: Urban Revenue Sharing; Distribution Freeze (Sen. Steve Pierce, R-Prescott), puts a cap on the amount of revenue sharing from state income tax at fiscal year 2010 levels for the next 20 years. Future annual tax collections over the 2010 amount would be kept by the State and used to pay some of the State's financial obligations, including the debt service for the state buildings that were sold with a lease buyback agreement last year.

Shared revenues are a voter-approved system in which the state shares a small percentage of its income, sales and vehicle license taxes with Arizona’s 91 cities and towns. In return, cities are prohibited from having their own local income taxes.

Senate Bill 1221 not only violates the will of the voters, but shifts monies that are used to help pay for police, fire, parks and library services to the state for them to buy back the buildings they sold in 2010.

Feel free to contact your state legislators with your opinion of SB 1221.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Phoenix General Plan Update - We need your comments!‏

2011-01-12T13:11:00.003-07:00

Please take time to review the public hearing draft for the Phoenix General Plan Update- http://phoenix.gov/citygovernment/planres/cityplan/planphx/whatsnew/index.html
To date the following Village Planning Committees (within the Phoenix Central Neighborhood boundaries) have taken action -

Encanto (1/10/11) - continued discussion to 2/7/2011

Additional opportunities to share your comments:

Planning Commission Hearings - 2/9 and 2/23/2011

City Council Hearing - 3/2/2011

Comments may be emailed to planphx@phoenix.gov

or mailed to

Carol Johnson, Planning Manager
City of Phoenix
Planning & Development Services Department
200 W. Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-261-8289

Source: Carol Johnson, Planning Manager

P.L.A.N. Update - Want a Front Row Seat to the Governor's State of the State Address?‏

2011-01-07T19:00:00.002-07:00

At noon on Monday, January 10, 2011, Governor Jan Brewer will deliver her State of the State address in the House of Representatives at the State Capitol in downtown Phoenix. Although access is limited only to the invitees of the Governor and legislative members, you can still watch her speech live on cable television (Cox or Comcast Cable channels 123) or the Internet (www.azleg.gov). So, make sure to tune in for your “front row” seat.

State Board or Commission

The Governor's Office provides an online application for residents to participate on a state board or commission. Currently there are 266 active boards and commissions in Arizona with gubernatorial appointees. These boards cover a wide variety of 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 65 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.

Public Records Request for Emails

2011-01-06T17:05:00.003-07:00

The Arizona Republic has submitted a public records request asking for all e-mails that come into the Mayor and City Council offices through the council district e-mail address and www.phoenix.gov council district website.

Please be aware that currently all e-mails coming into these e-mail boxes now will be forwarded to the Arizona Republic, as well. If you have confidential information you would like to discuss with me and do not want the information to become a public record, please call my office at 602-262-7447.

Thank you for your understanding.

Source: Tom Simplot, Phoenix City Councilman, District 4

P.L.A.N. Update - Happy New Year!‏

2010-12-30T18:45:00.002-07:00

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

2010-11-19T18:10:00.001-07:00

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

2010-11-12T18:47:00.004-07:00

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

2010-11-03T07:08:00.006-07:00

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

2010-10-13T19:27:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-12T18:57:00.003-07:00

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

2010-10-11T19:36:00.003-07:00

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

2010-10-09T08:27:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-04T13:25:00.002-07:00

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

2010-10-02T17:56:00.003-07:00

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

2010-10-02T17:52:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-28T18:30:00.003-07:00

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

2010-09-25T20:00:00.004-07:00

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

2010-09-21T13:20:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-18T08:40:00.003-07:00

Arizona Republican Party LD15 September 2010 Monthly Meeting

2010-09-17T13:44:00.004-07:00

Featured guest:
Ben Quayle, Arizona US Senate Candidate

Source: Arizona Republican Party, Legislative District 15

Legislative District 15 Candidate Debate

2010-09-03T13:35:00.002-07:00

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

2010-08-25T13:20:00.004-07:00

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

2010-08-17T07:18:00.001-07:00

Source: Bob Thomas, LD15 Senate Candidate

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

2010-08-13T18:39:00.002-07:00

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

2010-08-06T18:26:00.003-07:00

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

2010-08-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-30T18:21:00.002-07:00

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

2010-07-27T11:43:00.003-07:00

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

2010-07-26T18:32:00.004-07:00

Paul Yoder LD15 GOP House of Representatives Senate Candidate

2010-07-26T18:30:00.002-07:00

Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

2010-07-26T18:29:00.008-07:00

Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

2010-07-26T18:29:00.007-07:00

Bob Thomas, LD15 GOP Senate Candidate

2010-07-26T18:28:00.002-07:00

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

2010-07-26T18:26:00.002-07:00

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

2010-07-23T19:06:00.002-07:00

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!‏

2010-07-16T20:54:00.002-07:00

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

2010-07-09T18:16:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-02T17:33:00.001-07:00

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?‏

2010-07-02T17:27:00.002-07:00

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

2010-06-25T19:32:00.004-07:00

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

2010-06-25T13:19:00.002-07:00

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

2010-06-19T08:26:00.002-07:00

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

2010-06-19T08:22:00.002-07:00

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

2010-06-15T13:15:00.001-07:00

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?‏

2010-06-11T18:37:00.002-07:00

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

2010-05-28T20:15:00.002-07:00

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

2010-05-21T19:26:00.002-07:00

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

2010-05-14T18:44:00.002-07:00

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

2010-05-07T19:25:00.002-07:00

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

2010-04-30T18:27:00.003-07:00

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

2010-04-23T18:25:00.002-07:00

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.

P.L.A.N. Update - Sine Die on the Horizon‏

2010-04-18T10:10:00.004-07:00

Counting the Days

This week the Senate President extended the deadline for conference committee deliberations to April 29. This is a sign that Sine Die may follow soon after. As defined in the Arizona Legislative Manual, "adjournment sine die, literally adjournment 'without a day,' marks the end of the legislative session and terminates all unfinished business because it does not set a time for reconvening."

So far during the 2nd Regular Session, 1223 legislative bills have been introduced, 115 approved by the legislature and 98 transmitted to the Governor. Of those 98, Governor Brewer has signed 58 bills and vetoed 3. Once a bill reaches the Governor's desk, she must either sign the bill, transmit the bill to the Secretary of State without signing it or veto the bill. During session, the Governor has 5 days to act; following sine die, she has 10 days. Status of bills is posted at http://www.azleg.gov/FinalDisposition.asp.

While the legislature is still in session, it may override the Governor's veto with two-thirds of the members in the House and the Senate voting in favor of the bill. Three-fourths of both chambers must approve the vetoed bill if it contains and emergency clause or if the measures increases revenue to the state.

Transmitted to the Governor

HB 2479: Foreclosure Deeds; Buyer Identification (Rep. Bill Konopnicki, R-Safford) received final Senate approval on Monday and was transmitted to the Governor for her approval. This bill will make it easier to contact owners of foreclosed properties that have fallen into disrepair. Phoenix favors this measure.

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 is ready for Third Read in the Senate.

HB 2338: Yellow Lights; Duration; Photo Enforcement (Rep. Frank Antenori, R–Tucson) calls for the Arizona Department of Transportation to establish a yellow light duration standard that a community must adopt if it is to operate red light photo radar systems. Federal standards already exist that Phoenix has applied to our traffic signals. The city is working with the bill sponsor and others to address concerns about the bill. HB 2338 is ready for Third Read in the Senate.

SB 1070: Immigration; Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods (Sen. Russell Pearce, R – Mesa) proposes 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.

The bill is ready for Third Read in the Senate. The city is studying the bill to determine how it would impact Phoenix Police operations.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Legislature Winding Down‏

2010-04-10T22:22:00.002-07:00

The Final Stretch -- Week of the "Strike Everything" Amendment
Yesterday was the deadline for committees to hear bills, without special permission, so a blizzard of bills appeared on long agendas and many hearings stretched into the evening hours. It was also the last opportunity to introduce "strike everything" amendments, since legislative rules do not allow those amendments on the floor of either the Senate or House. A strike everything amendment substitutes one bill for another bill and can be wholly unrelated to the original bill, but does retain the bill number and sponsor. One example of this is Senate Bill 1010, a bill introduced by Rep. Rick Murphy (R-Glendale) related to "Child Restraint Systems," but when the bill was listed on the House Ways and Means Committee agenda this week it said SB 1010 would be transformed into a bill entitled "County Libraries; Counties;Taxes." A strike everything amendment can bring an old, dead bill back to life or introduce a brand new issue that didn't get introduced before the original deadline. Pretty clever, isn't it.

Speaking of Library Taxes . . . Senator Linda Gray Airs County Library Tax Issue

After numerous attempts, Phoenix and other cities in Maricopa County succeeded this week to publicly express the unfairness of the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) distribution of its secondary property tax revenue. Phoenix property owners pay this tax but see very little benefit from MCLD. For example, last year only ten cents of each dollar paid by a Phoenician came back to the City. Senator Linda Gray (R-Phoenix) very graciously offered to air the issue in her Public Safety and Human Services Committee, since three previous committees had declined to hear SB 1373: County Library Districts; Counties; Taxes (Sen. Al Melvin, R-Oro Valley) and similar bills run as strike-everything amendments. GR staff, as well as the City’s Library Director, presented the issue together with library directors from the cities of Glendale and Scottsdale. Thank you, Senator Gray!

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Help Support City Libraries!‏

2010-04-02T18:50:00.003-07:00

Try, Try Again for Fair Library Funding

This session there have been two bills introduced that would provide a fair distribution of library funds to cities and towns throughout Maricopa County. Unfortunately, neither of the bills did received a hearing. On Monday, SB 1010 is on the agenda in the House Ways and Means Committee.

The City of Phoenix requests your SUPPORT of the SB 1010 "strike-everything" amendment.

In 1986, the Legislature passed a law allowing creation of library districts with the power to levy property taxes to pay for libraries and library service. One year later, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors formed the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD). In the 1980s Maricopa County was mostly unincorporated but has evolved to be very urbanized today. Many cities and towns in Maricopa County provide their own libraries and library services, but state law provides that taxes collected by library districts cannot be passed to cities and towns. The result is that city residents in Maricopa County pay the library tax but city libraries cannot directly use any of those revenues.

The SB 1010 strike everything amendment will allow a city or town to receive at least 60% of the library taxes its residents pay to the MCLD for that city or town to use for library purposes. The library district would keep 40% of the library tax collected in the County to use for district purposes and would continue to fund unincorporated areas of the county and communities with populations of 50,000 and less. These changes would not be effective until fiscal year 2012-2013, giving the district plenty of time to prepare.

In the early 1990s, library directors and librarians throughout Maricopa County worked together to develop a regional master plan that would coordinate county and city library service. In recent years, coordination with MCLD has been stymied by the 1986 legislative limitations. In October 2009, the library stakeholders group proposed that the MCLD “annually return 50% of tax revenue received through assessment of incorporated cities back to the cities through a reciprocal borrower reimbursement program” to be phased in over a period of up to 10 years. MCLD rejected the proposal. The SB 1010 strike everything amendment removes the state law barrier to true coordination of library service and fair taxation of city residents.

FACTS

In 2008, Phoenix residents paid $6.7 million in property taxes into the MCLD. In that same year, Phoenix received about $600,000 (less than 10% of contributions) in services or revenues from the MCLD: $435,189 in reciprocal borrowing revenue and $165,000 in online database support.

Phoenix residents’ contributions are approximately 32% of total revenues collected in Maricopa County through library district taxes. In the past 12 years, Phoenix residents have contributed more than $50 million to the MCLD.

Currently, the Phoenix Public Library services a residential population of more than 1.5 million. The service population of unincorporated Maricopa County is less than 250,000.

Last year, Phoenix cut its library hours by 30%. This year, Phoenix has enacted additional library service cuts including closing every library except Burton Barr Library once a week.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. LEGISLATIVE ALERT - UPDATE on HB 2478 County Libraries Strike Everything Amendment‏

2010-03-31T08:53:00.002-07:00

UPDATE on HB 2478: County Libraries Strike Everything Amendment

An earlier PLAN message requested your SUPPORT of the HB 2478 strike everything amendment.

The City has been notified that this amendment WILL NOT be heard in the Senate Committee on Government Institutions on Thursday, April 1, 2010. There is no need to attend the meeting.

When a new bill and committee are assigned, a PLAN message will be sent out.

Until that happens, please make sure to keep contacting your legislators and let them know that legislation is needed to remove the state law barrier to true coordination of library service and fair taxation of city residents.

For more information on County Libraries legislation click here.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Legislative Alert - SUPPORT HB 2478 County Libraries Strike Everything Amendment‏

2010-03-30T19:47:00.004-07:00

HB 2478: County Libraries Strike Everything Amendment

The City of Phoenix requests your SUPPORT of the HB 2478 strike everything amendment. This amendment will be heard in the Senate Committee on Government Institutions (Senate Hearing Room 1) on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

HB 2478 Update

In 1986, the Legislature passed a law allowing the creation of library districts with the power to levy property taxes to pay for libraries and library service. One year later, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors formed the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD). In the 1980s Maricopa County was mostly unincorporated but has evolved to be very urbanized today. Many cities and towns in Maricopa County provide their own libraries and library services, but state law provides that taxes collected by library districts cannot be passed to cities and towns. The result is that city residents in Maricopa County pay the library tax but city libraries cannot directly use any of those revenues.

The HB 2478 strike everything amendment will allow a city or town to receive at least 60% of the library taxes its residents pay to a library district in Maricopa or Pima County for the city or town to use for library purposes. The library district would keep 40% of the library tax collected in cities and towns to use for district purposes and would continue to fund unincorporated area of the county. Additionally, these changes would not be effective until fiscal year 2012-2013.

In the early 1990s, a group of public and academic library directors and librarians throughout Maricopa County came together to develop a regional master plan that would coordinate county and city library service. In recent years, coordination with MCLD has been stymied by the 1986 legislative limitations. In October 2009, the library stakeholders group proposed that the MCLD “annually return 50% of tax revenue received through assessment of incorporated cities back to the cities through a reciprocal borrower reimbursement program” to be phased in over a period of up to 10 years. MCLD rejected the proposal. The HB 2478 strike everything amendment removes the state law barrier to true coordination of library service and fair taxation of city residents.

FACTS

In 2008, Phoenix residents paid $6.7 million in property taxes into the MCLD. In that same year, Phoenix received about $600,000 (less than 10% of contributions) in services or revenues from the MCLD: $435,189 in reciprocal borrowing revenue and $165,000 in online database support.

Phoenix residents’ contributions are approximately 32% of total revenues collected in Maricopa County through library district taxes. In the past 12 years, Phoenix residents have contributed more than $50 million to the MCLD.

Currently, the Phoenix Public Library and its branches serve a residential population of more than 1.5 million. The service population of unincorporated Maricopa County is less than 250,000.

This year, Phoenix has enacted additional library service cuts including closing every library except Burton Barr Library once a week.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

Please contact the Senate Committee on Government Institutions and ask them to support this bill.

Senate Committee on Government Institutions

The Honorable Manual V. "Manny" Alvarez, malvarez@azleg.gov, 602-926-5895

The Honorable Frank Antenori, fantenori@azleg.gov, 602-926-5683

The Honorable Meg Burton Cahill, mburtoncahill@azleg.gov, 602-926-4124

The Honorable Jorge Luis Garcia, jgarcia@azleg.gov, 602-926-4171

The Honorable Chuck Gray, cgray@azleg.gov, 602-926-5288

The Honorable Linda Gray, lgray@azleg.gov, 602-926-3376

The Honorable Jack W. Harper – Vice-Chairman, jharper@azleg.gov, 602-926-4178

The Honorable Jay Tibshraeny – Chairman, jtibshraeny@azleg.gov, 602-926-4481

In the Subject line of your email, please state "YES on the HB 2478: County Libraries strike everything amendment." In the Body of your email, mention that the Senate Committee on Government Institutions will hear the bill this Thursday, April 1 and your personal reasons for support.
If you attend the Committee hearing, please sign in at the Senate kiosks!
Your District’s Legislators

If you would like to express your views to your own State Senator or State Representative (if they are not listed above), click on Link to the P.L.A.N. or visit

http://www.azleg.gov/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Governor Calls Special Session #8‏

2010-03-28T08:35:00.002-07:00

Governor Calls Eighth Special Session

Today Governor Brewer called her eighth special session to join other states in a lawsuit against the federal government over the recently-approved healthcare legislation. Estimates are that Arizona would need to restore $400 million to the recently approved budget package due to the new healthcare requirements. Special session is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, March 29.

State Legislature Buzzing Through Bills

With the legislative budget battles mostly over, the Legislature has been able to focus on the bills. Today is the 75th day of the 2nd Regular Session with 1233 bills introduced and 3 bills signed into law. The legislature likely will take another two weeks to hear bills, and allow a couple more weeks after that for conference committees and floor action. April 24 will mark the 100th day of session. This could be a delightfully short session compared to recent regular legislative sessions.

Bills In Committee Next Week

HB 2479: Foreclosure Deeds; Buyer Identification (Rep. Rep. Bill Konopnicki, R–Safford) requires that foreclosure documentation contain a name and contact information for the person at the lender organization who is responsible for the property. This information will assist the City in contacting the appropriate person to address problems that may be associated with a foreclosed home (e.g. graffiti, weeds, broken windows). This bill was passed by the House 59-0 and has been assigned for a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, March 30.

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, staff 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 in the House and is scheduled for a hearing in Senate Public Safety and Human Services on Wednesday, 3/31.

HB 2338: Yellow Lights; Duration; Photo Enforcement (Rep. Frank Antenori, R–Tucson) calls for the Arizona Department of Transportation to establish a yellow light duration standard that a community must adopt if it is to operate red light photo radar systems. Federal standards already exist that Phoenix has applied to our traffic signals. Staff is concerned that an unspecified one-size standard will jeopardize the purpose of these photo systems: public safety. HB 2338 was passed in the House by a vote of 36-24 and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Public Safety and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, 3/31.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Paul Yoder LD15 House of Representatives Candidate Bio and Platform

2010-03-26T19:20:00.002-07:00

Paul Yoder Platform and Bio

ISSUES and ANSWERS

Border Security

As an Arizona native, it is obvious to me that the existing Federal plan does not provide maintenance of our Southern Border as it should. Waiting for the Feds to act only leaves our communities vulnerable to drugs, criminal activity, and of course, untenable strains on our services to citizens, including healthcare. Arizona is number one in kidnappings in the country. The majority of those kidnapped are legal U.S. citizens with Hispanic or Latino surnames. They must be protected. Skyrocketing unemployment emphasizes the need to protect legal residents in their search for employment. Having lived abroad for 18 years, I bring a prospective to immigration that is both humane and sensible. Bottom line though: protecting our communities from harmful influences coming in from abroad is going to be up to the state as long as the Federal Government continues to abdicate its responsibility to keep our borders secure.

Jobs

Arizona has enjoyed impressive population growth, but we need employment opportunities to keep pace with that growth. The Legislature should create an environment where capitalism can thrive, resulting in vitally needed jobs. At the same time, business leaders have a duty to the local communities they serve. We should have no patience with corporations that resort to unfair practices in order to undercut their competition. At the same time we want to encourage those businesses that improve the quality of life in our communities, doing everything possible to assure that they remain in Arizona.

Education

In order to attract viable, ethical businesses, we need to be able to offer them a workforce second to none. Arizona students have many excellent educational opportunities and yet our public schools continue to rank at or near the bottom nationally. Usually more math and science classes are proposed to remedy the situation. Teachers are driven to produce students who can pass achievement tests without preparing them for real life situations. In the process educators have become overburdened with red tape that robs them of valuable teaching time. For the last 25 years we have been cutting sports and arts programs from our schools. If we are to improve the quality of education in Arizona, these trends need to be reversed. Certainly it is important for students to become proficient, but the best schools have always been environments where creativity has been allowed to thrive. Only by unleashing their creative spirit can our children grow into the confident, solution driven workforce that will be attractive to employers.

Summary

The burst of the housing bubble, coupled with unacceptable unemployment levels, has emptied our state’s coffers. Until these circumstances change, we are going to have to learn to get by with less. This cloud has a silver lining: our budget shortfalls will force us to craft a leaner, more efficient government, one that will still be responsive to our needs, but not intrusive or cumbersome. Be very careful about looking to government to solve all our problems, there is no substitute for personal responsibility. The right to “pursue happiness” is not a guarantee that it will happen. Future generations of Arizonans are depending on us to avoid the pitfalls that have crippled our national economy and that of states like California and Michigan. I believe I possess the vision to ensure that the American dream remains a reality for those who come after us. It would be a great honor for me if you should choose to support me as a candidate for the Arizona Legislature House of Representatives.

Short biography

Born and raised in Phoenix, I’m a professional musician with a degree in music education from Arizona State University. After teaching for a short while, I went back to college and then moved to Europe to begin what became an 18 year career as a professional opera singer (dirty job, bur somebody’s got to do it). In 1996 my mom had a very serious heart attack, so I returned home and for the last 14 years I’ve continued making music, primarily as a conductor, and in church and concert halls instead of the theater.

Coming from the arts and having lived in abroad, I bring a different perspective to the state political arena. Living and working in other countries gave me firsthand experience with immigration, both its pitfalls and benefits. Many of the proposed solutions to our current economic woes have already been tried in Europe and I’ve had a chance to see how they work and also, how they don’t. These big government socialist answers have generally left European nations hopelessly in debt, stifling enterprise, which has resulted in unemployment levels that leave very little hope for future generations.

My experience as a conductor has shown me that I possess excellent leadership skills, and that I can build consensus. If you think getting Republicans and Democrats to agree is difficult, try getting musicians to agree about practically anything musical. It’s no small feat to get a horn player’s phrasing to match a bassoon’s, to keep a chorus, 70 feet away from you, singing in time with the violins sitting right under your nose. If we are to get past the political stalemates that are stymieing our state government and move forward to re-create the systems that have ceased to work for us, we are going to have to start cooperating with each other again. I’m seeking office because I’m creative and I know I can be a catalyst to move government in the direction that will protect all Arizona citizens, both now and in the future.

Source:
Paul Yoder
Candidate LD15 House of Representatives

Luis Garcia Endorses Ken Clark for Arizona House of Representatives, District 15‏

2010-03-20T20:40:00.002-07:00

On Friday, March 19, 2010, Luis Garcia and the Ken Clark for Arizona campaign announced endorsement news in the Democratic Primary for Legislative District 15. This afternoon, Luis Garcia publicly endorsed Ken Clark for Arizona House of Representatives. Please find the link to the post on Garcia's website here: http://www.garciaforarizona.com/news.php?BID=32

The campaign is excited to have Luis' support for the August 24, 2010 Democratic Primary.

Learn more about Ken at http://www.kenclarkforaz.org/

Source:

Kathren Coleman
Campaign Manager
Ken Clark for Arizona
602-456-0489

P.L.A.N. Update - Legislature Clears Budget Hurdle‏

2010-03-20T08:58:00.005-07:00

Seventh Special Session Sine Die - Governor Signs Budget Package

The seventh special session of the 49th Legislature, which focused on addressing the state’s $3.4 billion deficit for FY 2010 and FY 2011, came to a close at 2:53 p.m. on March 16. The final version of the budget package includes $1.2 billion in state agency and program cuts and identifies $862 million in additional reductions if the May 18 three-year state sales tax increase fails at the ballot box. While revenue sharing went untouched in the end, the Local Transportation Assistance Fund (LTAF) is permanently zeroed out, resulting in a $12 million impact to the City’s transit program this year and $9 million per year after that. Governor Brewer signed the budget package Thursday morning. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee posted the Updated Budget Proposal with Floor Amendments (3/12/10). On page one of the document, select FY2011 Conditional Enactments (pages 5 and 6) to view the summary of additional cuts should the proposed one-cent state sales tax fail.

Payday Lending

Attempts to extend the Payday Lending industry failed once more this week. Senator Russell Pearce (R – Mesa) reintroduced this item via a “strike-everything” amendment on HB2370 in Tuesday’s Senate Appropriations Committee. After much discussion and debate, the bill failed 5-3. No word on whether another attempt at pursuing this legislation will be made this session.

2010 Census Count Important to Phoenix - Census Forms are in the Mail

Watch for your form

Getting everyone in our community counted is important for the city of Phoenix. Each person counted in the 2010 Census brings more than $400 a year to Phoenix to fund critical programs and services. It helps pay for police, fire, parks, libraries, senior centers, roads, public transit, neighborhood revitalization and more.

Census information is safe and confidential. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share your answers with others, including welfare agencies, immigration authorities, the Internal Revenue Service, courts or law enforcement. When you receive your census questionnaire, please take ten to complete and return by mail.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - 7th Special Session‏

2010-03-14T07:44:00.002-07:00

On Monday afternoon, the seventh special session of the 49th legislature kicked off, focused on closing the state’s budget deficit. The proposal as introduced contained a $6 million hit to Phoenix’s sales tax revenue sharing, as well as an $8 million impact to the City’s portion of the local transportation assistance fund (LTAF). While the budget bills moved through their respective committees on Tuesday, the process came to a halt the following day.

A major sticking point for many legislative members was the transfer of the state’s juvenile corrections function to the counties. By Thursday, the juvenile corrections item was removed from the budget package and work proceeded to pass a majority of the budget bills. The remaining budget items, which cut $1.1 billion from the state's general fund, are expected to be completed on Monday then sent to the Governor for her signature.

The good news is that the reduction in cities' shared revenue was amended out of the package, so there is no direct impact to Phoenix's general fund. The bad news is the sweep and permanent repeal of LTAF was left in the package, which reduces revenue for our Public Transit Department by $8 million. Many thanks goes out to those PLAN members who contacted their legislators, asking that shared revenues be held harmless. You made a difference!

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Budget Balancing Acts‏

2010-03-05T21:43:00.001-07:00

State Budget Hits Hard

Budget documents began circulating mid-week, detailing the current majority plan to close the State’s $2.7 billion deficit. The proposal would cut or eliminate functions of state government to the tune of $1.1 billion. The remaining gap would be filled with $1 billion in new revenue from the temporary sales tax increase (assuming it is adopted), and defer $450 million in K – 12 and university spending.

In addition, the draft plan requires cities to "contribute" $20 million in sales tax revenue sharing to counties. This measure is meant to partially offset the costs associated with shifting the state’s juvenile corrections responsibility to counties. Phoenix and other cities do not operate juvenile courts, so we're asking why cities should pay.

We expect the Governor to call a seventh special session this coming Monday to adopt this budget plan. If the apparent agreement holds through the weekend, the bills should be released on Monday, with a vote to follow on Tuesday. Our estimate is that Phoenix's share of such a "contribution" would be $6 million. Local Transportation Assistance lottery funds are also being swept in the budget plan. If the full amount is diverted, Phoenix's share of these transit dollars would be another $8 million. This State budget plan will most certainly would result in the Council having to revisit potential cuts to Police, Fire and other vital City services including transit. Please remind your state legislators of the importance of revenue sharing and ask them to vote against this bad idea.

Phoenix City Council Adopts Final Budget Proposal

The city of Phoenix Trial budget was initially presented to the City Council on February 2. Since then, 18 community meetings took place where residents shared their thoughts and ideas on the proposed balanced budget. After a full day of consideration at the Council Policy Session, the Phoenix City Council adopted the final budget package on March 2. If the Legislature is successful in diverting shared revenue and transit funds, the budget will have to be rebalanced.

Source: City of Phoenix

P.L.A.N. Update - Shared Revenue and Libraries‏

2010-02-20T22:48:00.003-07:00

Fair Allocation of Library Taxes?

Did you know that Phoenix property owners pay taxes to the county library district, but the vast majority of those dollars support libraries in other communities? In 1986, the Legislature passed a law allowing creation of library districts with the power to levy property taxes to pay for libraries and library service. One year later, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors formed the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD). In the 1980s Maricopa County was mostly unincorporated but has evolved to be very urbanized. Many cities and towns in Maricopa County provide their own libraries and library services, but state law provides that taxes collected by library districts cannot be passed to cities and towns. The result is that city residents in Maricopa County pay the library tax but city libraries cannot directly use any of those revenues.

In 2008, Phoenix residents paid $6.7 million in property taxes into the MCLD. That same year, Phoenix received about $600,000 (less than 10% of contributions) in services or revenues from the MCLD: $435,189 in reciprocal borrowing revenue and $165,000 in online database support.

Currently, the Phoenix Public Library and its branches serve a residential population of more than 1.5 million. The service population of unincorporated Maricopa County is less than 250,000.

Last year, Phoenix cut its library hours by 30%. This year, Phoenix is proposing to close up to six libraries in addition to other library service cuts.

SB 1373 county library districts; cities; taxes will allow a city or town to receive at least 75% of the library taxes its residents pay to a library district in Maricopa or Pima County for the city or town to use for its libraries. The library district would keep 25% of the library tax collected in cities and towns to use for district purposes. The bill would restore fairness and allow Phoenix libraries to stay open.

Right now the bill is languishing -- call your Senator today and ask that this bill get a hearing.

Shared Revenue Alert

It's been quiet so far as we watch for potential raids on city revenues, but now comes SB 1108: Technical Correction; Children (Sen. Russell Pearce, R – Mesa) which is scheduled to carry a “strike everything” amendment this Tuesday entitled "State Shared Revenues." The amendment isn't yet available on the Legislature's website, but the title is ominous. This bill will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee. We encourage you to remind your state legislators of the importance of shared revenues to cities and towns to be able to provide police and fire protection and other important services.

Increased Penalties for Graffiti Crimes

HB 2738: Criminal Damage; Classification (Rep. Anna Tovar, D – Tolleson), increases penalties for those convicted of graffiti crimes. The lower limit was $250, but this bill makes reckless damage of property in the amount of $1 to $999 a Class 1 misdemeanor. HB 2738 unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee this week and must be approved by the Rules Committee before Third Read approval before the House. The City of Phoenix thanks Representative Tovar for sponsoring this important measure.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - Special Session #6 - It's All About the Budget‏

2010-02-16T13:17:00.003-07:00

Legislature Completes Work on Sixth Special Session for State Budget Fix

Governor Brewer called her sixth special session to continue chipping away at the current fiscal year’s budget deficit, pegged at $1.5 billion. The Governor’s call included:

• Adjustments to state agency budgets, including sale/leaseback of additional state buildings;
• referring to voters a three-year, one-percent increase in the state’s sales tax;
• prorating income tax deductions for out-of-state filers; and
• bonding against lottery revenues.

Revenue sharing was not discussed as a revenue option. While the Senate was able to quickly move the budget bills, the House took more time. The bills that refer a three-year one-cent sales tax, extend and securitize the lottery, and collect more taxes from out-of-state filers were approved. On Wednesday, things took an interesting turn. The sole outstanding measure, a $450 million rollover payment for K–12 and public universities, was linked with passage of the Speaker’s jobs bill, HB 2250: Arizona’s Job Recovery Act. The Senate apparently did not agree with this maneuver, so adjourned the special session sine die. The House followed suit on Thursday. The $450 million rollover education payment can still be considered in the current regular session or a future special session. The current year budget is still short almost $700 million, so more work remains.

Phoenix City Council Adopts A Two-Percent Emergency Food Tax

The Phoenix City Council took special action on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to adopt a two-percent tax on purchases of food for home consumption. City management estimates that the food tax revenue will provide $62.5 million over the next 15 months to help reduce the revenue shortfall facing the city. Today, every city bordering Phoenix collects a food tax; Phoenix's two-percent tax rate ranks 5th lowest among the 18 cities in Maricopa County that already collect a food tax. The city began this year's work on the budget with a $245 million budget shortfall. With the food tax, several efficiency measures and one-time financial transactions, this shortfall has been reduced to a more manageable $60 million. The Council's action reduces the number of cuts needed to balance the city's budget.

Last week the Trial Budget was presented to the City Council and released to the public. In our last message, we included links for the budget and for the schedule of community budget hearings where you can make your voice heard.

Legislation of Interest

HB 2250: Arizona’s Job Recovery Act (Rep. Kirk Adams, R–Mesa) makes numerous changes to state income tax, property tax assessment ratios, and the enterprise zone program, as well as dedicating new resources to job training and economic development. While the intent of the bill is to spur job creation, elements of the bill will reduce Phoenix revenues when they are fully phased in:

$12-$18 million loss in revenue sharing
$6 million impact in primary property tax collections (affecting the city's general fund)
$20 million hit in secondary property tax collections each year for five years (affecting bond payments), and
$220 million reduction in future bond capacity

As the City works to address this year's budget challenges, it's more important than ever to protect future revenue. HB 2250 will reduce future revenue and make it harder to recover from this downturn in the years to come. We look forward to working with the supporters of this measure to find middle ground that will stimulate the state’s economy without unduly placing public safety, streets, parks and library services in jeopardy.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - A Busy Legislative Week With More To Come‏

2010-01-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

Bills, Bills, and More Bills

Friday was the 19th day of the Second Regular Session of the 49th Legislature. Every year the legislature attempts to complete its business in 100 days. Given the massive budget shortfall we certainly don't expect it this year, but it's an election year and anything could happen.

So far this session, 941 bills have been introduced. The deadline in the Senate to introduce bills is 5 p.m. on Monday, February 1 and the last day to introduce bills in the House of Representatives is Monday, February 8. Both chambers have posted this year's timelines for bill handling on the Arizona State Legislature website at Important Deadlines for the House of Representatives and Arizona State Senate Timelines.

Last week we shared some bills of interest that were scheduled for a hearing. Here's an update on their status:

SB 1166: Property Tax Classification; Historic Residences (Sen. Linda Gray, R-Glendale) was heard by the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. This bill would repeal the reduced property tax classification for historic residential property. Under current law, qualifying historic residences are assessed at 5% rather than the 10% assessment ratio that applies to other homes -- the effect would be to increase property taxes on those historic homes. After much testimony, the bill was held in committee.

HB 2161: Payday Loans; Regulation (Rep. Andy Tobin, R-Paulden) regulates the payday loan industry and authorizes continued operations beyond the current 2010 sunset date. This bill was held in the House Banking and Insurance Committee on Monday.

On Wednesday, the House Commerce Committee heard testimony on HB 2246: Regulation of Fireworks (Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert) a measure that would permit sales of “consumer fireworks.” The City’s Fire Marshal was on hand to testify against the bill, sharing Fire’s concerns on the increased risks to the community. After intense debate, the bill passed by a vote of 4 – 2. Next stop, House Rules Committee.

SB 1165: DUI; License Suspension (Sen. Linda Gray, R-Glendale) adds a number of dangerous drugs to the list of substances that are known to impair a driver and if found in a person's blood will lead to suspension of his or her drivers license. This bill has picked up support from many interests, including the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The bill passed out of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee on Thursday and will be heard next in Senate Rules.

Potential New Reductions in Bus, Rail, and Dial-A-Ride Services

In last week's message we described the Governor's budget proposal including a suggested "sweep" of lottery revenue that ordinarily would come to Phoenix to help pay for local bus, rail and Dial-a-Ride service. State law directs a portion of the proceeds from lottery sales to the Local Transportation Assistance Fund (LTAF) and Local Transportation Assistance Fund II (LTAF II). Each city or town in Arizona receives a share of these funds based on population. Phoenix receives approximately $7 million annually in LTAF and $2 – 4 million annually in LTAF II, where the dollars support operations for the core of the Valley-wide public transit system.

Public transit helps people (including those with disabilities) traveling to school, work, shopping, medical appointments and other necessary activities. If LTAF funds are swept by the legislature in FY 2011, Phoenix would have to eliminate two bus routes, the entire neighborhood circulator program, and reduce system-wide bus frequency. If LTAF II funds are also taken, Phoenix would have to reduce bus service frequency to once per hour after 8 p.m. and shorten the peak frequency bus service period by one hour system-wide.

Please let your legislator know to protect these funds so that that transit services will not be cut further.

Phoenix Trial Budget - Make Your Voice Heard

The City Manager's Trial Budget was released to the public Thursday afternoon. The Trial Budget provides the City Council and the community a proposed plan to balance the City's $241 million deficit through cuts to City programs and services. The Trial Budget can be viewed online at http://phoenix.gov/BUDGET/index.html.

The City Council will review the Trial Budget at its meeting on February 2nd. Then, between February 10th and 24th, the Council will hold community hearings so residents can provide input. Based on the feedback, the Council will adopt a final budget on March 2nd that will take effect on April 5th. The Schedule of Community Budget Hearings is posted online with the Trial Budget.

Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect City revenues that pay for important services such as police, fire, libraries, parks and street maintenance. Thanks for all you do for our community.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Legislative Alert -- Historic Neighborhoods‏

2010-01-25T19:20:00.002-07:00

SB 1166: Property Tax Classification; Historic Residences (Sen. Linda Gray, R - Glendale) -- This bill would repeal the reduced property tax classification for historic residential property. Under current law, qualifying historic residences are assessed at 5% rather than the 10% assessment ratio that applies to other homes -- the effect of this bill would be to increase property taxes on those historic homes.

There are approximately 6,000 homes in Arizona that qualify for this tax treatment; approximately 2,900 of them are in Phoenix. The City's Historic Preservation Office is recommending that the Mayor and Council oppose this bill.

Senate Finance Committee Member

Ken Cheuvront LD15
602-926-5325
kcheuvront@azleg.gov

Source: P.L.A.N

P.L.A.N. Update - Governor Brewer's Budget Plan‏

2010-01-22T20:05:00.001-07:00

On Friday, Governor Brewer unveiled her budget strategy to address the $1.4 billon shortfall in FY 2010 and projected $3.2 billion deficit for FY 2011. The plan:

establishes a three-year temporary one-cent increase in the state sales tax (to be adopted by the Legislature rather than referred to voters)

reduces spending in various programs such as K-12 education, universities, and health care for low-income and disabled Arizonans;

eliminates KidsCare, cash assistance for certain low income families, and the Department of Juvenile Corrections, which would transfer its responsibilities to Arizona's counties;

implements a five percent, across-the-board pay cut for state employees; and

redirects lottery monies to the State's general fund.

The Governor's office explained that if the Legislature adopts the proposed temporary sales tax increase itself rather than referring the issue to voters the State could avoid approximately $263 million in cuts during the current fiscal year. This part of the Governor's plan would require a two-thirds majority vote of both houses of the Legislature.

Given our own Phoenix budget woes, the City is grateful that revenue sharing monies are not affected in the Governor’s proposal. The Governor also announced a $20 million grant program funded with federal stimulus dollars to pay for public safety positions in local government. Unfortunately the proposal does include a 100% sweep of Local Transportation Assistance Funds funded by the State lottery -- that sweep would result in an $8 million hit to Phoenix’s transit program that pays for local bus, rail, and Dial-A-Ride service.

Bills Of Interest Scheduled for Hearing Next Week

SB 1165: DUI; License Suspension (Sen. Linda Gray, R -- Glendale) adds a number of dangerous drugs to the list of substances that are known to impair a driver and if found in a person's blood will lead to suspension of his or her drivers license.

HB 2161: Payday Loans; Regulation (Rep. Andy Tobin, R -- Paulden) regulates the payday loan industry and authorizes continued operations beyond current 2010 sunset date.

HB 2246: Regulation of Fireworks (Rep. Andy Biggs, R -- Gilbert) allows sale and use of "consumer fireworks" by the general public.

Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect City revenues that pay for important services such as police, fire, libraries, parks and street maintenance. Thanks for all you do for our community.

Source: P.L.A.N.

P.L.A.N. Update - A New Year, A New Legislative Session‏

2010-01-10T18:38:00.001-07:00

Opening Day!

Monday, January 11 is Opening Day for the Second Regular Session of the 49th Legislature. Governor Brewer will deliver her State of the State Address at noon before a joint session of the legislature.

As of this message, 122 bills have been "prefiled" or introduced. We anticipate an avalanche of bills to be dropped in both chambers next week. So far, eight committee hearings have been scheduled over the first three days. To find the daily legislative calendar, go to ALIS Today. There, you can customize dates to select a specific range of dates.

On the financial front, the state still faces an estimated $1.5 billion shortfall in the current fiscal year, and a $3.4 billion shortfall for next year. If shared revenue for cities is discussed as an option to balance the state's budget, we'll alert PLAN subscribers to contact their legislators to help protect these monies that pay for police, fire, parks, libraries, and other important city programs.

We will also continue to keep you informed about issues that the legislature debates that affect your neighborhood. You are the very best advocate for your neighborhood and city and we appreciate the opportunity to help you be effective. Thank you for all you do.

Remember to SHOP PHOENIX and tell your legislators to protect city revenues!

Source: P.L.A.N.

Elect Carol Condit District 15 State Representative

2009-12-19T14:36:00.003-07:00

I am Caroline B Condit.

I am a 60 year old American female nurse who, out of a deep love of my GOD and my country, can no longer deny what I see happening to my country as not being a catastrophic time in my life.

I feel a fear and discord in those I speak with on a day to day basis. I sense the dis-ease that is weighing on peoples shoulders and hear the uncertainty in their asking what we can do to stop this march to the potential loss of our freedoms.

I realize that sense of dis-ease as I too feel it.

I can not stand by and expect “someone else” to fight for my freedom if I too am not willing to step-up to the challenge.

I come from a very diverse background.

I am the daughter of a military wife, 2 military fathers.

I raised two great children on my own.

I am a survivor of a child sexual predator attack.

I have a diverse work background that includes: Cosmetologist, rape and suicide counselor, prior authorization Nurse and patient care coordinator for a couple third party administrators.

EMT/EMT-A, search and rescue volunteer,

Insurance agent, Loan Officer, Public Speaking Teacher, hold and AOS in the Holistic Healthcare field, Life Coach in “Dying, Death and Bereavement” a Hospice CLN with Grace Hospice, a not for profit Hospice and last but not least a rescue foster mom for animals cast aside.

I am an AMERICAN first and foremost, who believes our Founding Fathers took their own freedoms to heart enough to fight to assure that same protection to future generations.

I, therefore, feel obligated to my American forefathers to continue their cause today, in protecting our Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and Constitution, by serving my fellow American Citizens, man, women and child.

Please help me be a voice for us in 2010.

Source: Carol Condit for AZ State Representative LD15