Web Site Scott Smith For AZ Governor
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Saturday, April 19, 2014
Happy Holidays Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio
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Wishing you and your
family a Happy
Easter and Passover.
May your
holiday be blessed with joy and family.
 Sal DiCiccio
City of
Phoenix
Councilman, District
6
602-262-7491
council.district.6@phoenix.gov
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Friday, April 18, 2014
Arizona GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Debate April 19, 10 am, Florence, AZ
Arizona GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Debate
WHEN: Saturday, April 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m, with a “meet and greet” 1/2 hour prior
WHAT: Debate between candidates seeking Republican nomination for governor of Arizona
WHERE: Union Center, Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch, 3925 N. Sun City Blvd., Florence, AZ
Former Mesa Mayor Scott Smith
Second term Mayor of Mesa is seeking the position of
Governor of Arizona. His background is in business. With his background he has
developed leadership skills and coupled with his experience as Mayo of Mesa
feels he would be a good candidate for Governor of Arizona. Web Page
Secretary of State Ken Bennett
Mr. Bennett is the current Secretary of State and is
running for the Governor’s office in 2014. According to his website he wants to
be Governor of Arizona because he has a heritage of service, believes public
service is an honor and privilege, and believes in people not politics. Web Page
Doug Ducey AZ State Treasurer
Mr. Doucey is the 32nd State Treasurer of Arizona and wants
to be Governor in 2014. He believes that his experiences as State Treasurer,
community involvement, and background gives him the skills for the office of
Governor. Web Page
Al Melvin AZ State Senator
Mr. Melvin is currently an Arizona State Senator who is
also wanting the Govornor’s office. He “`has a background in the military and
business. He is also recognized as a pro-business, pro-Constitution, pro-family
legislator. Web Page
Mr. Frank Riggs
Mr. Riggs is an Arizona Businessman and Entrepreneur who
was once a Congressman for the state of California. He believes it would be
very advantageous to have a governor who’s served in Congress and knows how to
get things done at the federal level. Web Page
Mrs. Christine Jones
With a background in accounting and law Mrs. Jones comes
from Go-Daddy a web hosting service. As Governor, she looks forward to
advancing Arizona’s conservative values and securing a prosperous future for
generations to come. Web Page
Alice Yvonne Lukasik
Mrs. Lukasik is a resident of Camp Verde, Arizona running for the office of Governor. Lukasick believes the constitution defines how to create and maintain healthy boundaries and limits for prosperous communities and protect ourselves from harm. She wants to be Governor to protect Arizona’s resources.
MORE: The debate will be moderated by Robert Graham, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party
SPONSOR: The Pinal County Republican Committee
NEWS MEDIA IS INVITED AND WELCOME TO ATTEND
Senator John McCain: Thursday, April 24 2014 Phoenix Invitation
I am grateful for the support you have given to me and my efforts through the years. I work to do what I think is right for not only the people of Arizona but the people of our great nation. There is no doubt that we live in very challenging times and every day we see that elections really do have consequences. I vow to continue to do the right thing, not just for my political party and not just against the other political party, but for our country.
As I consider running for re-election to the US Senate, I am hosting a fundraising reception in Phoenix on Thursday April 24th and would be honored to again have your support and participation.
The reception details are below.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
6:30pm
The Ritz Carlton
2401 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona
Requested Donation Levels:
Host: $5,200 per couple/ $2,600 per person
Sponsor: $1,000 per person
Ticket: $250 per person
Please follow this link to contribute online for this event.
If you have any questions regarding the reception please do not hesitate to contact Emily Pitha at emily@lovasco.com.
Thank you for your consideration. I am truly grateful for your support. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you on Thursday, April 24th in Phoenix.
Sincerely,
John
Senator John McCain: In case you missed it...
Last week, I questioned Secretary Kerry about the evolving situation in Russia & Ukraine. As I predicted, the situation continues to deteriorate and our nation's leadership and actions are severely lacking.
My hero Teddy Roosevelt used to say "talk softly but carry a big stick," but what Sec. Kerry and the leadership of our nation is doing is "talking strongly and carrying a very small stick, in fact a twig."
You can count on me to continue to demand answers and fight for our nation's safety. We cannot continue down this path of appeasement.
Earlier this week there was an article in The Washington Post which also features the video about my questioning. I wanted to share it with you, and let you know that I will never stop fighting for America's security.
Sincerely,
John McCain
By Jennifer Rubin
Washington Post
April 13, 2014
It is no contest this week for the most noteworthy political figure. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) takes the honor for eviscerating the Obama administration's foreign policy and reducing Secretary of State John Kerry to pouting - and then to leaking about his pouting to the media.
It is worth watching again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7kSlkU4wKU
In a few brief minutes, McCain revealed how devoid of common sense and realism is the President Obama-Hillary Clinton-John Kerry foreign policy. But his tour de force did more than simply provide satisfaction to the administration's critics. One can hope that in revealing the administration's failure that he will awake and embolden his colleagues to act deliberately to restore military funding, enact sanctions against Iran (so that when no deal is reached in July the package can go into effect) and redouble efforts to support our European allies and check Russian aggression.
There is a great awakening here and in Europe (note the sensible rhetoric and newfound toughness of NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen ("We in Europe have disarmed too much, for too long. We can't continue to cut defense budgets deeply while Russia is increasing her defense budget. . . . It has created a growing gap across the Atlantic between the U.S. and Europe. Today the U.S. spends around 75% of the overall NATO defense investment. I'm concerned that in the long run it will weaken the trans-Atlantic alliance if this trend continues.")
McCain as much as anyone (with the exception of Vladimir Putin) has helped to shake the slumber from the West's eyes. In doing so he's gotten Congress to step up to the plate and his own party to douse the ambers of isolationism. For that we can say, well done Sen. McCain.
Arizona: District 6 News & Events
During this time of Easter and Passover, there is a lot to
be thankful for, let’s make sure we
spend it with family and friends. Here are the news and events for this week.
NEWS
City of Phoenix, One of the Valley's Healthiest
Employers -- For the third year in a row,
the city of Phoenix has been named one of the Valley’s healthiest employers by The Phoenix Business Journal. The city was ranked ninth among large employers with 1,500 or more employees.
Phoenix Celebrates Childhood at Dia De Los Ninos at
Hance Park -- the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Latino
Institute will celebrate the joys and wonders of childhood on
April 25th from 9am-1pm at the Dia De Los Ninos Children’s Festival.
EVENTS
Engineering for Kids -- April 19th -- 11
am – 3pm. Primavera Blended Learning Center and
STEM lab will be hosting an Open House this Saturday to showcase the new facility located at 2451 N. Arizona Avenue in Chandler. The event will feature Lego Robotics, Video Game Design Demonstrations, a Free Lego Robotics Workshop from 1 – 2 pm, Rocket Building and Launching, snacks and refreshments.
Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo – April 19th
– 9am-4pm, Come participate in activities, crafts, music, and learn about
conservation minded efforts that help protect our wildlife.
Ahwatukee Farmers Market -- Every Sunday –
9am-1pm. Visit the
Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center to try locally grown produce, natural meats, and artisan treats, also see a selection of local arts and crafts.
Chihuly After Dark – Every Saturday thru
May 17th -- 8pm-Midnight.
The Desert Botanical Garden Chihuly exhibit goes dark with live DJs and cash bars. Every night there are different attractions such as LED hoop dancers, stargazing by ASU Astronomy Department or glow in the dark face paint. |
My
best to you and your family,
Sal DiCiccio
City of
Phoenix
Councilman, District
6
602-262-7491
council.district.6@phoenix.gov
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"Spring" Into Politics At The Afternoon Garden Party
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Dr. Dan and Kay
Baxley
And Co-Hosts
Dr. Kurt
Budenbender
Bob & Barbara Hathorne
Chandler Peterson
Liz Van Valin
With Special
Guests
State Representative
Michelle Ugenti
Cave Creek Mayor
Vincent Francia
Cave Creek Councilman
Reg Monachino
Phoenix
Vice Mayor
Jim
Waring
Cordially Invite You To Attend
An
Afternoon Garden Party:
A
Reception In Support
of
CongressmanDavid Schweikert
On
Saturday, April 26,
2014
4:00
to 6:00 pm
At
2920 East Cloud Road
Cave Creek, Arizona
$100.00 Suggested
Donation
Please RSVP to: Allison
Mary
or
480-628-2763
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Thursday, April 17, 2014
Scott Smith AZ Candidate For Governor: Leadership requires us to be bold
By Scott Smith
Arizona Capitol Times
April 17, 2014
In the world of politics, full of polls and focus groups, "safe seats" and stacked districts, few people ever see fit to take a chance. That's the opposite of business, where every day entrepreneurs put everything on the line in pursuit of success and happiness.
For the past six years I've served as the mayor of Mesa, which by some counts makes me a politician. In all that time, however, I strived to keep my businessman's perspective. Every day in office, our team worked hard to bring leanness and efficiency to city government and to demonstrate a healthy respect for every last taxpayer dollar. As a CEO and as an elected leader, I've never shied away from taking measured risks.
That's why on the morning of April 16th, I signed my name to a resignation letter and entered the Republican race for Governor of Arizona.
Is it a risk? Of course. As the pundits take joy in pointing out, we have a crowded field of GOP candidates, including some folks I consider friends. Already, I've been attacked by a "dark money" TV and mail campaign full of twisted half-facts and fiction. Surely that won't be the last such smear I face moving forward. But here's the thing: Arizona has serious issues ahead. Solving problems like how to best educate our children, how to reform Child Protective Services and how to attract high quality companies and high wage jobs will require calculated risks on our part, the same boldness demonstrated by iconic leaders like Ronald Reagan, Steve Jobs and Warren Buffet. I'm not putting myself in that league – not by a longshot – but their inspiration should remind us that you can't solve problems by only following polls and parroting a few carefully scripted talking points.
On the eve of starting the campaign proper, I'll confess to doing some looking back, at those six years in Mesa and what we accomplished, the risks that paid off. Naysayers shouted that the new Cubs Park wouldn't pencil out. But the stadium is already paid for, without increasing taxes on Mesa citizens. The team's first season drew a record crowd of more than 213,000 baseball fans. With the improved Riverview Park teeming with kids and parents, the Oakland A's headed to HoHoKam Park next season and a new 180-room Sheraton Hotel rising, I feel certain we've created a winner, despite the odds.
The cynics also sniped at Mesa's chances of landing a $2 billion Apple manufacturing facility and at the possibility of closing the $62 million budget deficit I inherited on my first day in office. The cynics were wrong, as they so often are. Today, we're looking forward to 2,000 new quality jobs thanks to Apple. And Mesa ranks as the third-safest big city in America, with violent crime at a 40-year-low and property crimes down 19 percent. Did we take a risk by shaving the budget, cutting positions and asking our people to do more with less? We did, but through creativity and innovation, our risk paid off.
As a CPA for over 25 years, a lawyer and a father of three, I'm not a guy who takes crazy chances and "runs with scissors." But as a CEO and an elected leader, I believe in overcoming fear, converting opportunities despite opposition and in the power of commitment to win out over complacency and ambivalence.
Yes, running for governor represents a risk. But it's a risk I feel compelled to take in service to the state I love so much. Might I lose? Perhaps, but it won't be for fear of a challenge.
– Scott Smith, former mayor of Mesa and a Republican candidate for governor.
Building Lasting Momentum
Our campaign has been diligently reaching out to our fellow Republican neighbors in Legislative District 28 to listen to concerns affecting the future of Arizona. Each and every day we are greeted with positive enthusiasm for our strong message of growth, prosperity and opportunity.
Voters agree that a strong education system encourages a better workforce with more highly skilled jobs for our high school and college graduates. As an individual who had an awesome public school education I also know that education shouldn’t be a one-size-fits all model. Instead, one that works best allows parents the right to choose how to best educate their children.
Working for a better tomorrow has also encouraged the support of many of our fellow Republicans from across the state. I am thrilled to have the support from so many wonderful current and past elected officials who continue to further Arizona to a more prosperous future.
This is what my fellow Republicans have had to say about why they are supporting me for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 28:
“With so many serious challenges facing the State of Arizona, her bold ideas in education reform and steadfast common sense are two things I admire most about Shawnna. She has the potential to help lead Arizona into a brighter future – one that is more self-reliant, and one that holds to its independent values that I love so much about this state. Shawnna’s pro-growth, free market, and fiscal conservative ideas are the ones this state needs to get our fiscal house in order. She will bring a fresh, yet bold and principled leadership the Republican Party lacks.”
– Former U.S. Congressman Barry Goldwater, Jr.
"Shawnna's knowledge and expertise in critical policy areas affecting the State of Arizona are hard to come by. I know Shawnna has what it takes to be an effective legislator and a strong communicator. She is not only committed to understanding the big picture but is willing to delve into the weeds to craft sound public policy."
– Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Bob Stump
"Shawnna is a strong fiscal conservative who will prioritize the needs of Arizona. Watching her raise her two children I know how important education and the future of the state are to her. Shawnna is a quick study and eager to roll up her sleeves to find the right mix of pro-growth ideas benefiting the state. Arizona should be so lucky to have her willing to serve us in such a capacity."
– Arizona Corporation Commissioner Brenda Burns
“As a former State Senator I know how important it is to have elected officials who truly represent the people of Arizona but more importantly, listen to its citizens. Shawnna not only has the passion to help lead Arizona, but she is a do-er who is not afraid to engage with her neighbors. I believe Shawnna is prepared to make tough decisions no matter how big the challenge. I predict Ms. Bolick will be a linchpin in the Legislature in halting the federal government’s encroachment and I look forward to working with her to help advance sound fiscal policy that benefits all Arizonans. These are just a few reasons why I believe she is the right person to represent Legislative District 28.”
– Vice Mayor of Phoenix, Jim Waring
"So much of what we have achieved here in Phoenix---from pension reform to competitiveness to government transparency and accountability---has to echo at the state level or our gains will mean little. We need smart, tough legislators who are willing to fight for the people who pay the bills. As a tireless advocate for school choice, small business, and the taxpayers, Shawnna demonstrates on a daily basis that she has the vision and backbone we need at the State Capitol. That is why I give my unqualified support to Shawnna Bolick, candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 28."
– Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio
“Shawnna understands the importance of improving government efficiency. Her past public policy experiences at the federal and state levels will help her hit the ground running once she’s elected to office. Her background is steeped in free market and civil society solutions coupled with the need to bring prosperity to the state of Arizona by rolling back the regulatory system and lowering taxes. We are in desperate need of electing common sense individuals willing to roll up their sleeves to find savings to taxpayers. It’s not an easy job and I think Shawnna is the best choice in Legislative District 28 and I look forward to helping her get elected.”
– Arizona House of Representatives Majority Whip Representative Gray
"Shawnna’s energy, dedication, extensive policy background and desire to honorably represent our legislative district and State are the admirable qualities she will bring to the Arizona House of Representatives once she is elected. From the many years of actively engaging in her community, her children’s public charter schools, and working on issues critical to Arizona she values the importance of studying the policy, its potential impacts and evaluating all considerations before making an objective and informed decision. Wanting nothing less than the best for her children and yours is the conviction that fuels Shawnna’s passion to work hard for Arizona and be a strong advocate for her constituents.”
– Former Arizona House of Representative Amanda Reeve
But I still need your help. We have quite the momentum, but in order to run the best campaign we need your financial assistance, too. Your donation today will help me continue spreading our positive message as we crisscross the district.
Please visit my website today and make a donation of $25, $50, $75, $100, $150, or $250 or more to help me reach April’s fundraising goal.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Shawnna
Mark Brnovich AZ Candidate for AG:Making headlines for the right reasons
My team and I have been working tirelessly running a strong campaign and we are gaining traction each day to bring integrity back to the Arizona Attorney General’s office.
This is a race we can, and must, win to bring a sense of values back to our great state.
I need your help to keep this “Markmentum” at full speed.
I am running for Attorney General because we have a duty to protect Arizona from a large, over-reaching government. I believe we have a duty to protect those that are the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly.
I believe we need to elect an Attorney General who will take on the tough fights and start making headlines for the right reasons.
I was a prosecutor for much of my life and have served as Director for the Goldwater Institute for Constitutional Government, Senior Director for the Corrections Corporation of America, Assistant United States Attorney, and Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. I am also a JAG officer, a member of the Federalist Society and the Republican Lawyers Association.
But I need your help. Can I count on you to donate today?
I have been overwhelmed by the support and endorsements of some of the current great leaders throughout Arizona. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, U.S. Congressman Trent Franks, and former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl are just a few of the great people who are supporting my campaign.
Our greatest offense exists in a strong campaign effort, however, I need your financial investment to continue to spread the word that Arizona has a responsible, conservative option to serve as their next Attorney General.
Please visit my website today, www.markforaz.com, to donate online. Your donation of $50, $150, $200 or $500 will help me reach my fundraising goal.
Sincerely,
Mark Brnovich
P.S. – It is your financial support that makes responsible leadership for Arizona possible. Please make a contribution today!
Jerry Colangelo: My choice is Doug Ducey for Governor
When it comes to the governor's race, Doug Ducey
is the best candidate who truly represents the spirit of Arizona's business
community.
Doug is a proven leader with an executive
background and conservative heart. He knows what it takes to improve the state's
economy, create jobs and reform our education system and will make it his
mission to streamline government programs and safeguard Arizona from federal
government overreach.
He's my choice for governor, and I encourage my
fellow business leaders to join me in supporting his campaign.
Sincerely,
Jerry Colangelo
ICYMI: This is about truth telling!
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Dennis Wagner and Michelle Ye Hee Lee
Roughly 150 veterans and their supporters rallied at Steele Indian School Park Wednesday to call attention to deep flaws in the Phoenix VA Health Care System and to seek congressional reform.
The rally, attended by Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., was organized by Concerned Veterans for America in the wake of last week's disclosures by current and former Department of Veterans Affairs employees and a congressional committee that dozens of VA hospital patients in Arizona may have died while awaiting medical care.
Schweikert urged those in the audience Wednesday to press for legislation that would hold VA administrators accountable by making it easier to fire those who are incompetent.
"Management needs to know, when they screw up, they lie to us, they misrepresent the numbers, they don't get transferred to another facility, they get transferred to the unemployment line," Schweikert said.
Last week, Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, said the panel's investigators have concluded as many as 40 Arizona veteran deaths could be related to VA delays in providing them medical care. He said investigators also have evidence that the Phoenix system keeps two sets of records to conceal prolonged patient waits for doctor appointments and treatment.
Schweikert said that estimate of the number of veterans who died awaiting care may be short of the actual number.
"Be prepared to see a very different number when the investigation is over," Schweikert added. "This is about truth telling."
Read the rest of the story here.
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Scottsdale
District Office 10603 North Hayden Rd., Ste. 108 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Phone: (480) 946-2411 Fax: (480) 946-2446 |
Washington
D.C. Office 1205 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2190 Fax: (202) 225-0096 | |||||
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Our IRS Nightmare
As the chief executive of a thriving business for decades and a certified public accountant, I can tell you which day I like the least each year:
April 15th. Tax day.
Like many Americans, my wife Kim and I suffered through an Internal Revenue Service nightmare of our own – a computer glitch that mistakenly hit us with a tax lien for $16,000, though we didn't owe a penny in taxes. What followed was months of pure hell, letter after letter, call after call, to explain a problem we had done nothing to create. Fortunately, I had the professional training, a law degree and the resources to prevail. After a year of battle to preserve my professional reputation and credit rating, I finally received an apology from the IRS for their "improvident filing" of a lien.
Righting wrongs, creating a better climate for job creation and slashing bureaucracy have been the hallmarks of my career as an elected leader. Those same bedrock beliefs will guide my campaign for the Republican nomination as Arizona's next Governor.
This April 15th, you have my commitment: As Arizona's next Governor, I will do everything in my power to simplify our state and municipal tax codes, reduce the burden of taxation and join my fellow Republican Governors to help rein in the out-of-control IRS.
Taxes and the process of taxation must stop being punitive – so that April 15th stops feeling like a black mark against our freedom.
I hope I can count on your help in this fight – and in the race for the Republican nomination. Learn more about my campaign today at http://votescottsmith.com/.
Yours truly,
Scott
Mayor Scott Smith AZ Candidate for Governor: A Model For Arizona's Future
You've probably heard the saying every ending creates a new beginning. That's how I feel this morning as I spend my last few hours as the Mayor of Mesa. I'll miss my fellow Council members, our incredibly supportive City staff and the army of citizens who have shared their passion for remaking our City over the past six years. Serving as the Mayor of a New American City on the move, creating jobs, expanding opportunities and lifting quality of life, has been more than a privilege – it has sparked within me a passion to do for the State of Arizona what we have been able to accomplish in Mesa. That new beginning – my campaign for the Republican nomination for Governor of Arizona – has me ready to deliver my message of conservative, business-friendly accomplishments to every voter in the state. Click here to learn more about my campaign. What will I be talking about on the campaign trail?
Our state has far too much of the latter, but very little of the former. Beginning today, I intend to fill that leadership void. I hope I can count on your support. Please join me right now and together we will Build a Better Arizona. Thanks, Scott |
State Representative John Allen and State Senator Nancy Barto Endorse Mark Brnovich for Attorney General
Republican candidate for Attorney General Mark Brnovich received the
endorsements of State Representative John Allen and State Senator Nancy Barto of
Legislative District 15.
"Mark Brnovich brings a vast background of experience
and integrity that is much needed in the Attorney General's office. As
conservatives, it is time to elect a conservative we will be proud to have
emerge victorious from the primary and fight for us in the general election. Tom
Horne will be replaced either in the Primary or General Election and as
conservatives, I believe we should replace him in the primary. I know Mark will
make all Arizonans proud by standing up for us when it matters
most.”
-Representative
John Allen
John Allen is
serving his second term in the Arizona House of Representatives. Representative
Allen is the Vice-Chairman of the Insurance and Retirement Committee and has
sponsored major legislation in the area to protect Arizona citizens.
Representative Allen has also been a voice when it comes to standing up for the
unborn and school choice.
"Mark
Brnovich is the type of candidate all Arizonans can vote for. Mark is a man that
clearly has a passion for law, order, and justice. His experience as a local,
state, and federal prosecutor as well as former gaming director has prepared him
to be a fantastic Attorney General. Mark is an all around good man with
principles and integrity and will not waver on the tough issues like securing
our border, protecting the unborn and the elderly, and will stand up for the
rule of law."
- Senator Nancy Barto
Nancy Barto is
serving her second term in the Arizona State Senate after serving three terms in
the Arizona House of Representatives. Senator Barto is the Chairman of the
Health & Human Services Committee. Senator Barto has sponsored major health
care reforms aimed at increasing affordable health insurance options, protecting
patients’ fundamental privacy rights, the rights of women, and the unborn.
Both Senator Barto
and Representative Allen represent the 15th Legislative District which
encompasses North Phoenix and Northwest Scottsdale.
“I’m
honored to have the support of John and Nancy. Both are dedicated conservatives
who represent their district well. My promise to them and the voters of Arizona
is that if I make headlines it will be for the right reasons,”
Brnovich said.
Senator Barto and
Representative Allen join former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, U.S. Representative Trent
Franks, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Representatives Brenda Barton,
Debbie Lesko, Paul Boyer, and T.J. Shope, former State Senators Linda Gray,
Barbara Leff and Frank Antenori, Arizona Christian University President Len
Munsil, former State Treasurer Dean Martin, Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope, Chandler
City Councilman Jeff Weninger and national and local conservative leaders like
David McIntosh, Shane Wikfors, and Jennifer Wright in addition to more than 35
grassroots leaders in support of Mark Brnovich for Arizona Attorney
General.
ABOUT MARK
BRNOVICH
Raised in Arizona,
Mark Brnovich is a graduate of Arizona State University. After law school, Mark
prosecuted felonies in the Gang/Repeat Offender Bureau of the Maricopa County
Attorney’s Office and worked as an Assistant Attorney General for Arizona and as
Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. Mark also served his
country as the Command Staff Judge Advocate for the 153rd Field Artillery
Brigade of the Arizona Army National Guard for eight years. Mark met his wife
Susan while both were working as prosecutors. They live in Phoenix with their
two daughters.
For more
information, please visit www.Mark4AZ.com
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Urgent, I need your help to fight Obama's tax day damage!
At no other time in our country's history has
so much hung in the balance. In every community, town, city, county, state,
right into Washington we have higher taxes, more spending, the erosion of core
freedoms and, every time you look around, more and more promises with less money
to pay for them.
Tax day exemplifies just how crazy Washington
has gotten. The American people deserve better than pyramid schemes, smoke and
mirrors, and card tricks.
People ask me all the time... Why am I so
committed to fight for the release of Washington's strangling grip on this
economy?
The answer is simple... Without citizens
willing to protect American families, in communities just like ours, we risk
losing everything to Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid.
Without your help today, I fear we risk
losing more of our freedoms.
It's time to send the liberals
packing!
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David Schweikert
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Public school district conversions to charter schools
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Public school district
conversions to charter schools
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (April. 15, 2014) – The Legislature has considered
several scenarios to address the situation that has arisen from public school
districts converting some of their school facilities into charter schools. If we
allow districts to continue to make these conversions, although legal, it will
create a financial impact on the state budget that is unsustainable and blurr
the lines of accountability and oversight that the Legislature established.Based on the rate school districts have been converting existing school facilities into charter schools, the impact to the state’s General Fund is significant and unsustainable. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimates the conversion would cost the General Fund an additional $33 million in fiscal year 2015 to more than $200 million by fiscal year 2017. This money would be in addition to existing funding and mandated inflationary increases.
The end result, if allowed to continue, would put both public and charter school systems in jeopardy and could hurt current efforts by the legislature and Governor Brewer to ensure that all Arizona children receive a quality education that will enable them to compete globally.
The reality is that the Legislature has increased school funding over the last two fiscal years by more than $200 million, putting the education portion of the General Fund budget only $130 million lower than its 2008 peak of $3.9 billion.
Moreover, the K-12 student population as of October 2009, the first year that unduplicated counts were collected, was 1,078,697, including district and charter school students. As of October 2013, the comparable figure was 1,102,319, according to the Arizona Department of Education, a little more than 23,000 students higher.
Prior to Fiscal Year 2014, districts sponsoring their own charter schools was not an immediate concern; only 12 district run charter schools existed. However, during fiscal year 2014 another 59 district run charters schools were setup.
When districts do this, they are legally exploiting a loophole in the law. That loophole results in a hybrid entity. That entity has access to property tax funding and other benefits that traditional public school districts have as well as access to the higher per student funding rate that charter schools receive by design to offset the financial advantages of traditional public schools.
The result is a district/charter hybrid where per-student funding on average exceeds traditional public school district funding by more than $1,000 per student, and traditional charter school funding by $2500. This is not fair to those traditional public and charter schools that are following the intent of the law, or the children attending these schools.
Regardless of the financial impact, the present situation also raises conerns over accountability and oversight. Currently a district can approve its own request to setup a charter school, unlike a traditional charter school, which must get approved by one of five entities: the State Board of Education, the State Board for Charter Schools, a community college district, a university and a school district governing board.
This kind of district/charter hybrid is not what the Legislature intended. In fact, the Legislature intended that if a district sponsored a charter school, the district would also act as a consultant to the charter school, earning fees from the consulting. The idea being that a public school district would objectively advise a charter school. When the people sponsoring and consulting for the charter school are the same people running it, that creates in my mind a conflict of interest that legislators must fix.
We must continue to improve and find ways to fund all educational options for our children that include district schools, charter schools and home schooling. But we must also be wise and prudent about how we accomplish it. Fixing the district/charter loophole is a step in the right direction.
Arizona House Republican Caucus
http://www.azhouserepublicans.com/
Our Veterans Deserve Better Than This!
This past Wednesday, the US House Committee on Veterans
Affairs revealed a tragic and disgraceful report that delayed health care due to
prolonged and unnecessary wait times at the Phoenix VA Hospital may have
contributed to the death of up to 40 United States
Veterans.
In addition, the House Committee said investigators
possess evidence that hospital staff maintained two sets of records - one for
public consumption and one to conceal the prolonged wait times that ultimately
cost our Veterans their dignity and their lives.
This is appalling and absolutely unacceptable. We must
hold those responsible on the hospital staff accountable for their inaction and
ensure that this never happens again.
I will be looking into what powers the Arizona
Legislature can bring to bear to ensure that our Veterans are receiving proper,
timely care and to ensure that the brave men and women of Arizona who have
selflessly served in our military are never treated this way
again.
All of our Veterans should be treated with the honor,
respect and loyalty that they deserve. They have sacrificed and given more to
our country than many civilians will ever understand. We owe them a debt of
gratitude that begins with ensuring that their health care on the homefront is
held as vital and sacred for them as their service was to
us.
I
will be proactively looking into what we can do to support our Veterans and
ensure they receive the care they were promised. I will personally do everything
in my power to make sure our Veterans are accorded the respect they
deserve.
If
you agree and wish to support our Veterans, call and write to our Congressional
representatives in Washington to express your outrage.
Thank
you.
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Monday, April 14, 2014
Brenda Barton AZ Rep District 6: Land grab by Feds at Bundy Ranch
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BREAKING:Andy Tobin Candidate for US Congress Under Attack By Pelosi Pac
This is the real deal…
Nancy
Pelosi’s SUPER PAC just hit the airwaves in Arizona attacking me for opposing ObamaCare. Pelosi is
spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on these attack ads.
I need your help immediately.
This campaign is now really underway and
we can’t let the Democrats win!
I'm under attack and need your help!
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