Saturday, June 7, 2014

We had a better way to balance Phoenix's budget


Phoenix Mayor and some on council passed a budget on a 5-4 vote. This was the closest budget vote in City history. The budget Mayor Stanton and some council supported increased their own personal office budgets, but cut police pay. Additionally, their budget creates a new tax on water and increases fees on seniors, but refuses to address the police shortage, structural budget deficit, and lacks strategic planning.
Please see the column below that appeared in Arizona Republic twice this week where Vice Mayor Jim Waring and I presented our budget plan. Our plan cut nonstrategic functions such as public relations (PR),  lobbying, association dues, travel and dining. 
Please see the entire column below. 
By Sal DiCiccio and Jim Waring
June 3, 2014 Arizona Republic
Councilmen Sal DiCiccio and Jim Waring: Don't like higher taxes and fees? We could have avoided them.

Phoenix's $38 million budget deficit, increases in taxes and fees to pay for non-essential items and the skyrocketing costs of pensions are all critical issues.

The budget approved by the Phoenix City Council on a 5-4 vote (Councilmen Bill Gates and Michael Nowakowski joined us in opposing this budget) included new taxes on water, fees on seniors, new fees at our parks and did not address the city's structural budget deficit.

Revenue in Phoenix was the second highest in its history, but the city still faced a significant budget shortfall. We can do better.

We have long advocated a return to core strategic functions as opposed to the recent emphasis on new taxes to prevent cuts to non-vital functions. Mismanagement by the mayor and council, and misplaced priorities created the budget deficit this year.

We had warned revenue projections were much too high (city staff projected 7.5 percent growth. Most other cities were between 0 and 5 percent growth).

We voted against previous budgets because they did not focus enough on public safety, and spent too much on non-strategic items. Any budget that spends about $6 million on public relations, memberships, lobbying, travel and hundreds of thousands on a study about what's in your garbage can is not "cut to the bone," as some claim.

We outlined a plan to reduce spending in these areas and others, sell off unused and vacant properties owned by Phoenix and cut some vacant positions. This simple plan could have eliminated the need for the tax and fee increases passed by the council.

Mayor Greg Stanton and the others on the council voted to cut $4.6 million in police officer compensation. We again voted no. Phoenix spends more from all-funds on public relations ($4.9 million) than that.

With police-involved shootings rampant in our city, the council should recognize that life and death issues have to be more of a priority than paying dues to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
We recognize and embrace that council members can have differing views. Policy differences that have an important impact on each of your families deserve the level of scrutiny (and more) that was seen this year.

We have a great city, a city we call home. We can make things better. All we need is the leadership and will to focus our energy on those items that improve our quality of life by protecting our families and creating jobs.

It's not that complicated.

Sal DiCiccio represents north-central and southeast Phoenix on the City Council. Jim Waring represents northeast Phoenix.
My best to you and your family!


Sal DiCiccio 

Phoenix City Councilman, District 6

Pullen for the People Issue 2

Randy Pullen for Arizona Treasurer

Dancing with the Stars--Scott Smith AZ Candidate For Governor

Get To Know Scott
Mayor Smith was the People's Choice champion in the Dancing with the Stars Arizona competition in 2013 with a routine from the movie Pulp Fiction.
Learn more about Mayor Smith. Click Here.
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Friday, June 6, 2014

a "trifecta" week for Brenda

Matt Salmon completes the winning hand!  Joining Congressman Gosar, Franks and Schweikert in supporting Brenda's re-election campaign.
"Today I'm proud to endorse Brenda Barton for re-election. Brenda is a fifth generation Arizonian that knows her district like the back of her hand. When it comes to fighting against federal overreach, standing up for our individual rights and building a balanced budget, we need more elected women with her strength in our halls of government. I hope all of District 6 will join me in supporting this great conservative."


-Matt Salmon, Congressional District 5



In other exciting news, these two organizations joining Team Barton:

  • The Arizona Chamber of Commerce endorsed my re-election because of my dedication to building a pro business state economy that will help Arizona for years to come.

  •  I received the "Guardian of Small Business" award from the National Federation of Independent Business for my 100% pro small business voting recorded.



"It warms my heart to have the support of the Arizona Republican Congressional Delegation, the business community and good folks like you. The faith entrusted to me is overwhelming and I won't let you down.

Keep up the good work and lets keep spreading the word of my message of trusting the people and getting government back on our side, not in our way."


Please share this with 5 friends so we can bring more people to our cause.

Join me today by donating $5, $10, $20, or $50 to my campaign and help me fight against Angela LeFevre and her progressive candidate!
 
Please forward this email to five friends and help spread our message!
 
Thanks,
Brenda

P.S. Consider donating $5, $10 or $20 to help us reach our fundraising goal for May!

Randy Pullen Candidate For AZ State Treasurer Answers Why He Is Best Person For The Job-Video

Why are you the best person for the job? RandyPullen.com



WATCH VIDEO
Randy Pullen, Candidate for Arizona State Treasurer Response to The Arizona Republican 2014 voter guide questionnaire
Was leveraging state buildings during the recession a sound fiscal policy? Why or why not, and what, if anything, would you do differently?
As a CPA with 40 years of financial experience operating and consulting to all sizes of businesses regarding their financial condition, my opinion of the financial situation in 2009 was the state was on the verge of bankruptcy unless it took steps to correct its financial course. The alternative to selling and leasing back state buildings as well as implementing the temporary sales tax was to cut 20% to 25% of the K-12 education budget. All state functions had already been cutback including Higher Ed, as well as funds swept from agencies, towns and cities. The cuts to education would have caused havoc in our schools and likely resulted in school districts closing some schools. The disruption would have been unacceptable to many families.

What, if any, reforms to Arizona’s sales-tax system would you support?
One of the key reforms was accomplished last year. Consolidating the collection and distributing sales taxes through the Department of Revenue made it much easier for private businesses to navigate the local sales taxes. It is incumbent on the Treasurer to assure that these funds are distributed as quickly as possible to the towns and cities. Going forward, Arizona should consider establishing enterprise zones where Internet companies could locate operations and not be have sales tax on their transactions.

The state’s credit rating is faltering. How would you improve it?
This is a condition that can be turned around pretty quickly once the state takes corrective action. Raising taxes is not the solution. Arizona needs to grow its economy. While the rest of the country has been experiencing a lackluster economic recovery, the Texas economy has been growing leaps and bound. This is the result of policies that Texas has been implementing for over a decade to reduce the drag of government on the private sector and promote economic development. We need to follow their example. As mentioned above, setting up more enterprise zones that lower taxes and provide infrastructure for growth is one way to grow Arizona.

Arizona’s debt level has jumped in recent years. Is this a good or bad thing for the state long-term? What, if anything, would you do differently?
Much of the debt is associated with building new school buildings at the direction of the court. Long-term, this will be a positive for public education in Arizona and is quantifiable. More disturbing is the unfunded liability that the four state retirement funds are creating for the taxpayers. Actuarial estimates are it exceeds $30 billion. There need to be major changes to these systems. Changing to a defined benefit plan that caps the amount the state can match at a market level would be a start. While the Treasurer is not responsible for managing theses funds, it would be wise if the Treasurer evaluated the performance of these funds and made sure the long range projections are reasonable and supported by reliable data.

The state Supreme Court has ruled that many of the 2011 pension reforms were unconstitutional. What else can the Legislature do to improve the financial health of state pension systems without putting an additional burden on taxpayers?
Pass a referendum for a constitutional amendment on the ballot to add the pension reforms the state Supreme Court rejected.

Independents are now the largest voting bloc in the state. You are running on a partisan ticket. What are you doing to reach out to these voters?
Independents are looking for Republicans who are conservative, but also know how to get things done in government. My record as a proven conservative, a leader in Arizona's fight to secured the border, and as Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party who worked with Governor Brewer to balance the state budget in 2010 and supported the temporary sales tax will sit well with Independents. As part of my outreach, I am speaking at Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs and other community organizations around the state. I will also be doing radio and press interviews around the state discussing my record. These efforts will get the message out to Independents who are interested.

What is the greatest threat to Arizona’s future, and how would you address it?
The greatest threat to Arizona is the same that all states face. The continued expansion and encroachment of the Federal government on the constitutional rights of the State of Arizona. The over reach of the federal government threatens our financial future, political future and the independence of our citizens. The potential for Arizona remains very positive. Even during the great recession, people continued to move to our state. Arizona is a great place to live and raise your family. I would support a national convention that would be focused on limiting the power of the federal government and expanding states' rights.

AZ Candidate Ken Bennett: Which Arizona do YOU want?

Ken Bennett for Governor













Watch  Video

In the next few years we will make important decisions about the direction of our state.  As the economy continues to recover we must make prudent investments to secure a prosperous future for all Arizonans.  These investments cannot be conducted with indifference but instead, with fiscal responsibility and a careful calculation of return on investment.  Some will be financial investments but others will be investments of dedication and commitment.
We need to make investments in our education system.  Our high-school graduates must leave schools well educated.  Arizona’s talented young people should enter a robust job market that keeps them here at home.  Our adult population must be afforded the opportunity to receive job training to ensure everyone is equipped to tackle the jobs of tomorrow. 
We need to invest in our infrastructure, not just man-made infrastructure but also the natural infrastructure our tourism industry heavily depends on.
We also need to invest in our long-term needs such as strategic water planning, job creation and retention efforts and access to affordable health care for our most vulnerable populations.
I hope you will watch the candidate forum on www.azcentral.com today, June 6, from 9 to 11 a.m.  It’s a great opportunity to hear from all of the candidates as we talk about our vision for the state.


Ken's signature
Ken Bennett

Meet Lei Lani Cortez AZ Candidate For House of Representatives LD24

Thursday, June 5, 2014

AZ Payson Mayor Kenny Evans endorses Andy Tobin for US Congress

Another rural mayor throws support behind Tobin for Congress

Payson Mayor Kenny Evans announces his endorsement for Andy Tobin’s congressional campaign. Mayor Evans notes that Andy is the best candidate to represent rural Arizona.  

"In my nearly four decades observing politics, it is clear that House Speaker Andy Tobin is one of the most qualified candidates to run for and represent rural Arizona in our 1st Congressional District. I believe that Andy's conservative values and willingness to stand up for rural Arizona in Washington, DC and his leadership skills, honed and tempered in the Arizona House, is just what rural folks -- and the Nation -- need right now.  The opportunity is now and the time is right and I encourage all AZ-01 Republicans to unite behind Tobin's campaign to restore freedom and liberty to rural Arizona."

“Rural mayors understand how important it is to send fighters to Washington,” Tobin responded.  “I’ll stand beside leaders like Mayor Kenny Evans to make sure rural Arizona’s interests are protected.”

ABOUT ANDY TOBIN:
Andy Tobin and his wife of 28 years, Jennifer, are the proud parents of five children- three daughters and two sons. Tobin is a small business owner who has devoted his life to positively affecting his community through job creation, public service and advocating for conservative principles. Tobin’s focus has been on creating sustainable jobs, helping small businesses succeed, building a stronger middle class and putting Arizona back on track. While serving as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Tobin drastically cut government by 25 percent, balanced Arizona’s budget and presided over the largest tax cuts in Arizona’s history, saving Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars.

Tobin has fought for your family’s freedoms, your prosperity and your community for the past six years while serving in the Arizona Legislature. He continues to lead the fight to stop the implementation of the disastrous ObamaCare. As your Representative in Congress, Andy Tobin will represent your voice, and lead the charge in fighting for you against the wasteful spending, government intrusion, and out-of-touch insiders that are taking away your freedoms.

Join Andy Tobin today!

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For more information, please contact press@andytobin.com or 928-275-1417.

Small Businesses are People Too

We’ve all heard politicians talk about small businesses being the “lifeblood” or “backbone” of our economy, but are they really aware of the value these small businesses provide? 

As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the true value these businesses bring to our economy. Small businesses employee half of our country’s workforce and are responsible for producing two out of every three new jobs for the American people. 

Throughout my entire time in public service I have prioritized the needs of small business.  I’ve worked relentlessly to keep government involvement to a minimum and to provide a stage for these small businesses to thrive.  I have introduced and supported legislation that cut bureaucratic red tape, eliminated burdensome regulations, streamlined government operations and implemented free-market principles that strengthened our economy.

My commitment to small business is unwavering.  I’m proud to have earned multiple awards and endorsements from the small business community:

 
Award from the National Federation of Independent Business

 
Award from the Arizona Small Business Association

 
Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners

To see a full list of awards, go here http://www.votereagan.com/index.php/awards/

As Secretary of State, I will continue to be an advocate for small business.  One important responsibility of the Secretary of State’s Office is managing the lengthy business filing process.  My office will ensure small businesses get the same treatment as large corporations.

Sincerely,



Michele

Have I got something for you!

Elect Jeff Schwartz Yard Signs - Get Yours Today!
As you may know, last week I filed with the Arizona Secretary of State to put my name on the ballot as a candidate for the Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 23 (Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Rio Verde).  Now it's time to show a groundswell of support with yard signs. I need to have 500 yard signs in yards in the next two weeks to show our momentum.

Please set a personal goal of finding a minimum of 10 yards for my signs (starting with yours, I hope, if you live in the district). Ask permission and then send me the addresses and we will deliver and install them. And, remember, Homeowner's Associations cannot prevent you from displaying a yard sign!

It's that simple-just email me permission and the address and we will have someone deliver a sign and install it. It doesn't cost you anything to do this, but it sends a message to all of your friends and neighbors that you support me and hopefully they, in turn, will remember that when they vote.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call, text or email me. My personal cell phone number is 602-910-4745. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you,

Jeff As you may know, last week I filed with the Arizona Secretary of State to put my name on the ballot as a candidate for the Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 23 (Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and Rio Verde).  Now it's time to show a groundswell of support with yard signs. I need to have 500 yard signs in yards in the next two weeks to show our momentum.

Please set a personal goal of finding a minimum of 10 yards for my signs (starting with yours, I hope, if you live in the district). Ask permission and then send me the addresses and we will deliver and install them. And, remember, Homeowner's Associations cannot prevent you from displaying a yard sign!

It's that simple-just email me permission and the address and we will have someone deliver a sign and install it. It doesn't cost you anything to do this, but it sends a message to all of your friends and neighbors that you support me and hopefully they, in turn, will remember that when they vote.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call, text or email me. My personal cell phone number is 602-910-4745. Your support means the world to me.

Thank you,

Jeff

Kirkpatrick’s story on VA scandal unacceptable

In reaction to Ann Kirkpatrick’s latest explanation of why the VA whistleblower was ignored by her office, Andy Tobin released the following statement today:

“When a whistle is blown that veterans are dying in our own state, the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee needs to do more than have a staffer just email. Congresswoman Kirkpatrick’s explanation on this is unacceptable and embarrassing to our state, and I am even more horrified to hear that she actually believes this was handled appropriately. This is particularly troubling given Congresswoman Kirkpatrick’s previous votes against ensuring veterans received their benefits and against ensuring veterans’ memorials remained open during last year’s government shutdown."

“Our veterans deserve our full commitment that we will care for them. It is our responsibility as elected officials to make sure that commitment is being met, and Congresswoman Kirkpatrick clearly does not understand that, which is both sad and unacceptable.”

ABOUT ANDY TOBIN:
Andy Tobin and his wife of 28 years, Jennifer, are the proud parents of five children- three daughters and two sons. Tobin is a small business owner who has devoted his life to positively affecting his community through job creation, public service and advocating for conservative principles. Tobin’s focus has been on creating sustainable jobs, helping small businesses succeed, building a stronger middle class and putting Arizona back on track. While serving as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Tobin drastically cut government by 25 percent, balanced Arizona’s budget and presided over the largest tax cuts in Arizona’s history, saving Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars.

Tobin has fought for your family’s freedoms, your prosperity and your community for the past six years while serving in the Arizona Legislature. He continues to lead the fight to stop the implementation of the disastrous ObamaCare. As your Representative in Congress, Andy Tobin will represent your voice, and lead the charge in fighting for you against the wasteful spending, government intrusion, and out-of-touch insiders that are taking away your freedoms.

Join Andy Tobin today!

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For more information, please contact press@andytobin.com or 928-275-1417

Former AZ Legislator Amanda Reeve Endorses Mark Brnovich for AZ Attorney General

Today, Republican candidate for attorney general Mark Brnovich received the endorsement of former State Representative Amanda Reeve. Reeve remarked:
"Integrity in character, intelligence in reasoning, passion in morality, fairness in representation, and value in actions...these are the characteristics of a great Attorney General.  As its chief legal officer, Arizona needs these qualities in its Attorney General to fight for the rights of its citizens, protect the state and businesses from overzealous federal agencies; and provide guidance to the legislature and state agencies in the drafting and implementation of constitutional laws and sound rules. Mark Brnovich is this Attorney General and it is my great honor to endorse his candidacy."
During her tenure in the Arizona House of Representatives, Reeve served as Chair of the House Environment Committee, and as member of the Energy & Natural Resources, Higher Education & Innovative Reform, Military Affairs & Public Safety, and Transportation & Infrastructure Committees. She is well-versed in Environmental and Natural Resources litigation and regulatory matters, as well as a vast array of other complex litigation and policy issues.
Mark remarked, “I am grateful for Amanda’s support. She is a well-respected policymaker - from her time spent as a State Representative to her current position where she researches, drafts, and advocates for issues important in the lives of Arizonans, including the environmental issues we face. I am encouraged by the diverse group of individuals supporting my campaign.”

Former Representative Amanda Reeve joins a quickly growing list of support, including that of  former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, U.S. Representative Trent Franks, former State Senators Linda Gray, Barbara Leff, Dean Martin, and Kathleen Dunbar, County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Representatives Debbie Lesko, Paul Boyer, T.J. Shope, Brenda Barton, John Allen, Nancy Barto, Karen Fann and Warren Petersen, Mayor Tom Shope, Len Munsil, former Congressman David McIntosh, and more than 120 grassroots leaders throughout Arizona in endorsing Mark Brnovich for Arizona Attorney General.
For more information, please visit www.Mark4AZ.com

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Support Effie for AZ House of Representatives

Temperatures are rising in the Valley and so is the momentum in our campaign! We are so excited about all of the support we are receiving from all of you! Thank you!

With less than 60 days until the mailing of early ballots (July 31), we need your support now more than ever! We have opportunities to fit every summer schedule. Which ones fits you?

Have a few hours to spare?

  • Join us for an evening walk – Thursday, June 5, 5:00 pm, Legend Trail community (near Carefree)
  • Join us at our next meet and greet – Sunday, June 8, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Hammer residence 3215 N. 81st St, Scottsdale
  • Join us to make some phone calls – Monday, June 9, 10:00 – noon, Office of Gordon C James PR, 4715 N. 32nd Street, Suite 104, Phoenix
  • Attend the LD 23 candidate forum – Thursday, June 12, 6:30 pm, St Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 10755 N 124th St., Scottsdale

Only have a few minutes?           

  • Forward this e-mail to e-mail to 5 (or more) friends and ask them to
  • Sponsor a sign

Questions or comments? EffieforAZ@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Barry Goldwater Jr. Endorses Andy Tobin For US Congress

“Andy has been tirelessly fighting for conservative values in Arizona for years.”
Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr.  announces his endorsement for Andy Tobin’s congressional campaign. Goldwater cites Andy’s battle-tested conservative values as reasons for his endorsement.

“In all the years I have known Andy Tobin, I have known him to be a fiscally responsible conservative who understands that the people he represents come first,” said former United States Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr. “Tobin is running for Congress because, like my father, he believes in states rights, limited government and personal freedoms. I have followed Andy as he led the fight against ObamaCare in Arizona from the law’s passage in 2010. I have followed his work at the legislature as he reduced government by 22%, made historic tax cuts and made Arizona one of the freest states when it comes to 2nd Amendment rights. Tobin will never stop fighting for conservative values in Arizona. He is the right candidate to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District in Washington. I endorse Andy Tobin wholeheartedly and I encourage everyone else in Arizona to support this great American as well.”

“My deepest thanks and appreciation go out to Barry Goldwater Jr. for his support,” said Tobin. “My mission is to faithfully fight to protect rural Arizona’s voice and vote in Washington.”   

ABOUT ANDY TOBIN:
Andy Tobin and his wife of 28 years, Jennifer, are the proud parents of five children- three daughters and two sons. Tobin is a small business owner who has devoted his life to positively affecting his community through job creation, public service and advocating for conservative principles. Tobin’s focus has been on creating sustainable jobs, helping small businesses succeed, building a stronger middle class and putting Arizona back on track. While serving as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Tobin drastically cut government by 25 percent, balanced Arizona’s budget and presided over the largest tax cuts in Arizona’s history, saving Arizona taxpayers millions of dollars.

Tobin has fought for your family’s freedoms, your prosperity and your community for the past six years while serving in the Arizona Legislature. He continues to lead the fight to stop the implementation of the disastrous ObamaCare. As your Representative in Congress, Andy Tobin will represent your voice, and lead the charge in fighting for you against the wasteful spending, government intrusion, and out-of-touch insiders that are taking away your freedoms.

Join Andy Tobin today!
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AZ Representative Warren Petersen Endorses Mark Brnovich for AZ Attorney General

Today, Mark Brnovich, candidate for Republican attorney general, announced that he has received the endorsement of State Representative Warren Petersen. Petersen represents Arizona House District 12 in the East Valley.

"We need a constitutional conservative who understands the importance of states rights in the Attorney General’s office,” said Representative Petersen. “Mark Brnovich is the candidate to answer this call and has the experience to take on the tough issues. Local leaders need a voice who will stand up for them and Mark is the candidate to do just that. I'm proud to support Mark Brnovich for Attorney General."

Representative Petersen joins other Republican legislators including Senator Nancy Barto, Representative Paul Boyer, Representative Debbie Lesko, Representative T.J. Shope, Representative John Allen, Representative Brenda Barton, and Representative Karen Fann in endorsing Mark Brnovich. Former legislators Dean Martin, Linda Gray, Kathleen Dunbar, Amanda Reeve and Barbara Leff have also endorsed Mark over his Republican primary opponent.

Mark Brnovich remarked:

“I want to thank Representative Petersen for endorsing me in the Republican primary. He and other legislators have demonstrated a great deal of courage by endorsing a challenger who is taking on an incumbent. My pledge to Warren and to the rest of the legislature - from both sides of the aisle - is to not embarrass them or selfishly pursue my own political self-interests.”
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

Experience Drives Results

Ken Bennett for Governor
Over the past 20+ years, I have served Arizona in many different capacities, each with the singular focus of making Arizona the best state in the union. This will not change if I am elected Governor. It is that experience that separates me from the competition. It is that experience that matters.
HELP BUILD A BETTER ARIZONA BY JOINING MY CAMPAIGN
Experience Matters: No other candidate has the state level experience required to make the changes that are desperately needed in Arizona.
Balanced the Budget
  • As Senate President we were able to balance the budget, without using tricks and gimmicks. The last time this happened on the state level was when I was directly involved.
Cutting Taxes
  • I led the effort to pass the largest tax cut in Arizona’s history, which is still in effect today. As Governor, I will reform our tax policy even more to prevent government from reaching into our pockets before we do.
Education
  • To ensure our kids get the quality education they deserve, during my seven years on Board of Education, we actually increased K-12 school funding by 21%. We knew that the foundation for success is an education that prepares our children for the careers of the future.
Business
  • As a small business owner for 25 years, I understand the challenges of running a business while navigating an environment peppered with government regulations. With small businesses being such a crucial part of Arizona’s economy, I pledge to reduce these restrictive regulations and simplify things to promote even more economic growth.
Vets/Military
  • Having family members who served in the military, I have always taken veterans causes to heart. I directed the construction of the WWII Memorial because our veterans are a critical piece of Arizona’s history and culture. I will continue to champion veterans causes and honor our promises to those how put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.
These are the kinds of results we need from our next Governor. Arizona is our state and it is up to us to make it better. Together we can!
The election is fast approaching and I need your direct support today to make a difference. Please take a minute to ENDORSE ME today and let’s put Arizona back on the path to success!
Sincerely,
Ken's signature
Ken Bennett
bennettarizona.com

I stand with the Republican Delegation in Opposing EPA Overreach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2014
 

Andrew Walter Stands with Arizona Republican Congressional Delegation Against EPA Overreach

PHOENIX – Yesterday at a Congressional field hearing hosted at the Arizona Capitol, Andrew Walter, candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in AZ-09, testified on the newly proposed EPA rule change to the Clean Water Act.  The hearing was co-hosted by Congressmen Schweikert (R-AZ) and Gosar (R-AZ) and attended by Arizona Congressmen Franks and Salmon.  Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) who serves as the Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency, was also in attendance.

During the hearing, community leaders from across Arizona testified regarding the rule change’s negative impact on businesses throughout the state.

When called upon to testify, Andrew Walter offered the following testimony:

“I have serious concerns about the controversial new EPA proposal. At its core, this controversial new rule will do three things: destabilize America's goal for energy independence, kill hundreds of thousands of jobs, and bust the budgets of struggling families.  Unfortunately, this new federal power grab does little to advance public health but does much to further consolidate power in an unelectable and unaccountable federal agency.

This controversial new proposal by the Obama Administration completely disregards our democratic process, which must be held sacred by those in elected office. The president seeks to bypass Congress and, in so doing, the will of the people. This hyper-partisan style of governing isn't Constitutional or right. I'd like to suggest for the record that these new EPA proposals have very little to do with protecting the environment and have everything to do with consolidating power in Washington away from the free men and women who make this country great, just trying to provide for their families.”
 
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About Andrew Walter

Andrew Walter is a native Arizonan and starred at quarterback for Arizona State University (ASU) where he earned a BA in Communications.  Andrew was selected in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders and finished his career with the New England Patriots.  Following his professional sports career Andrew earned his MBA from ASU, with an emphasis in finance.  Andrew has had great success in the private sector as the Principal of Andrew Walter Holdings, a senior secured lending firm, and as a credit analyst for MidFirst Bank.




Tuesday, June 3, 2014

How We Can Make Arizona Even Stronger

Follow Hugh's Campaign!
See How The State Treasurer Can
Make Arizona Even Stronger
State Treasurer may not be the most glamorous of offices, but it's still very important to our state's future. The State Treasurer's Office can play an even more important role in making Arizona even stronger. 

The State Treasurer's job is to manage the state's assets and cash flow and be a prudent steward of your tax dollars. But I believe the office can do more. Much more. The State Treasurer should also serve as an advocate for balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility, which would help our state create jobs, improve our economy, make our educational system better and improve our quality of life.

I'm running for State Treasurer because it's time our state got its fiscal house in order. It's time we balance Arizona's budget in a real and sustainable way. I invite you to learn more by clicking on the image above to view our latest campaign video.

Thank you for taking a few brief moments to view it, and thank you for your support of my campaign to serve you as Arizona State Treasurer.

Sincerely,
Hugh Hallman
Republican Candidate for Arizona State Treasurer

For more information on Hugh's campaign, visit www.HughHallman.com

Monday, June 2, 2014

AZ Attorney General Tom Horne Files Consumer Fraud Lawsuit Against Private School

Arizona Attorney General
Phoenix, AZ (Friday, May 30, 2014) – Attorney General Tom Horne today announced the recent filing of a lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court against Rise & Shine Exceptional Services, LLC and Desiree and Timothy Truett. The consumer fraud lawsuit alleges that Rise & Shine Exceptional Services, operating as a private school in Maricopa, and its owner, Desiree Truett, defrauded parents and donors by falsely claiming that the school was a non-profit tuition-free school when it did, in fact, charge tuition ranging from $2,000 to over $26,000 per year and it was never a non-profit corporation.
The State alleges that defendants misrepresented the for-profit status of the school and the tuition it charged to parents interested in enrolling their children at Rise & Shine. Desiree Truett told the State’s undercover investigator that the school doesn’t “charge any tuition,” they “never charge parents anything,” and “I’ve never taken a penny from a parent. Everything we do is free.” Notwithstanding defendants’ representations of being tuition-free, Rise & Shine did actually charge tuition and defendants issued tuition receipts to parents. Many of those parents were recipients of the Arizona Department of Education’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and used the scholarships to pay Rise & Shine’s tuition.
“The use of deceptive acts or practices or misrepresentations in connection with the sale or advertisement of goods or services is unlawful under the Consumer Fraud Act,” Attorney General Horne stated. “Our Office will continue to take action against anyone who engages in such unlawful acts.” 
Defendants also allegedly misrepresented the school’s tuition free status in connection with pleas for donations and other fundraising efforts. Rise & Shine frequently asked local businesses and community members for donations. By claiming that it was a non-profit school that never charges tuition, Rise & Shine was allegedly able to generate tremendous community goodwill and support and received numerous and frequent donations of goods, services, and money. 
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction prohibiting defendants from engaging in the unlawful acts and practices alleged, and asks for restitution to parents and donors, disgorgement of profits gained through illegal acts, and civil penalties, costs and attorneys’ fees. This case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Susan Myers.
To file a consumer complaint online, visit https://www.azag.gov/complaints#consumer. If you have questions or would like to request a complaint form, contact the Consumer Information & Complaints Unit at 602-542-5763 (Phoenix) or 520-628-6504 (Tucson) or toll free outside metro Phoenix at 800-352-8431.

My pledge to Arizonans

A  few weeks ago I unveiled my policy plan, the Arizona Roadmap to Opportunity and Freedom. Today, I’m building on that promise by sharing my signed pledge to the people of Arizona and it shows you exactly where I stand. It’s the only pledge I'll sign in this campaign, and it is to you.
My 10-point pledge was mailed to every precinct committeeman and -woman in the state to communicate both my core values and my commitment to Arizona. You should be receiving a copy in your mailbox very soon, if you haven’t already.
The issues covered in the pledge include economic growth, responsible fiscal policy, constitutional freedoms, protecting Arizonans and resisting federal government overreach, especially when it comes to education, healthcare and state’s rights. Part of that commitment is safeguarding Arizona’s southern border and working to make sure the federal government upholds its constitutional duty to protect it while also staying out of issues that should be left to states or individual freedoms.
Yet, as we saw last week, the Obama Administration again failed at this task when hundreds of illegal immigrants – mostly women and children – were transported from Texas to Arizona and inhumanely left at Greyhound bus stations in Phoenix and Tucson because of a lack of federal immigration resources in Texas.
This kind of action is both egregious and inhumane, and shows a blatant disregard of immigration laws, the interests of the people of Arizona and basic human dignity.
That’s why I’ve asked Congressman Paul Gosar, Arizona’s only member of the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, to request hearings on this matter. Arizonans deserve to know why the federal government seems to be hell-bent on abdicating its responsibilities to its citizens and, as we’ve also seen in recent weeks, our veterans.
I also started a petition seeking immediate corrective action from the federal government on both these issues. The Obama administration may not be serious about either issue, but here’s a chance to show them that we are.
I hope you’ll add your name to this cause and share it with friends and family. To do so, please go to stopobama.dougducey.com.
Respectfully,

Doug