Saturday, March 10 - LD17 Dems Neighborhood Walk at 10:00 a.m. and Democrats in the Park at noon. Meet up at the Tempe Public Library for the neighborhood walk, and at Kiwanis Park for the picnic/potluck. Contact Angie Crouse (angie.crouse[at]gmail.com) or Corey Woods (coreywoods7[at]yahoo.com) for more info.
Tuesday, March 13 - Join fellow LD17 Dems for a Day at the Capitol. Contact Bob Mings for more info at robertmings[at]yahoo.com. Carpooling is encouraged.
Also on Tuesday, March 13 - As mentioned in last night's post, ADOT will be holding a public meeting concerning transit options for the state at the Burton Barr Library in Phoenix. 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Yes, I finally found the press release on their website.)
Wednesday, March 14 - The Arizona Historical Foundation presents former Arizona Governor Raul Castro at the Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale. 10:00 a.m., tickets $22.50/$18.50 (less for members).
- - Note: former Governor Jane Hull is on the schedule for the following Wednesday. I'm not paying to hear a Republican speak. I'd cheer for the New York Yankees first. :))
Also on Wednesday, March 14 - Democratic Happy Hour at Mucho Gusto's at 603 W. University in Tempe. Contact Corey Woods for more info.
Saturday, March 17 - The Oscar-winning film "An Inconvenient Truth" will be presented at the Civic Center Library in Scottsdale from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (There will be another presentation on Saturday, April 14 at the Palomino Library in north Scottsdale, also at 11:00 a.m.) Contact the library at 480-312-7323 for more details.
Monday, March 19 - The 4th Anniversary Protest Against the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq, starting at 11:30 a.m. at Senator Kyl's office, proceeding with a march to Senator McCain's office during the afternoon, and a twilight vigil and reading of the names of the dead. Organized by the End the War Coalition. For more info, call 480.894.2024 or visit www.azpeace.org.
(from last night's post)
Tuesday, March 20 - Environmental Day at the legislature from 9:00 a.m. until noon on the House lawn. If you are interested, contact Sandy Bahr at 602.253.8633 or sandy.bahr[at]sierraclub.org.
Wednesday, March 21 - LD18 Democratic Party's 2nd Annual Fundraiser, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mama Maria Restaurant, 118 E. McKellips Road, Mesa. Buffet of Mama Maria specialties and a cash bar. Tickets: $25.00. Contact the LD18 Dems' chair Rob Nichols at rsnichol[at]hotmail.com.
Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 - The Arizona NOW Conference, a two-day program that includes a number of events featuring denizens of LD17, including Angie Crouse, Meg Burton-Cahill, and Ed Ableser. The event will be at the Radisson Hotel in Chandler. Cost is $40; send to Phoenix/Scottsdale NOW, P.O. Box 3514, Scottsdale, AZ 85271-3514. Contact Angie Crouse for more details.
Thursday, March 29 - "Will The United States Attack Iran", a presentation and discussion with Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector and author of "Target: Iran." 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Scottsdale Civic Center Library. Tickets: $25, contact (602) 266-5823 for more details. Sponsored by LD8 Democrats, Ronn Lavit, Esprit Decor.
Friday, March 30 - The Arizona Institute for Peace Education and Research, with co-sponsors the League of Women Voters, present "Voting Rights: The Unrepresented": Explore issues of disenfranchisement from nearly 1 million people in Washington, D.C. to challenges to simply register to vote in Arizona. 7:00 p.m at the AIPER office, 325 S. Rural, Tempe. Contact the League of Women Voters at 480.966.9031.
Monday, April 2 - Some schmoe named Al will be speaking at ASU's Gammage Auditorium at 4:00 p.m. Tickets $35 - $75, and they go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at the Gammage box office or at www.ticketmaster.com.
:))
Tuesday, April 3 - LD17 Democrats monthly meeting at the Pyle Center in Tempe. Information exchange at 6:30 p.m.; meeting starts at 7.
Whew!!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Tonight's D17 meeting...
Tonight's meeting at the Pyle Center in Tempe was an informative one - Sandy Bahr of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club was there and she gave us an update on legislative efforts to help/hinder conservation in Arizona.
Note: The AZ Sierra Club's March 2, 2007 Legislative Update is here.
She started off by thanking us for sending a friendly delegation to the lege. (Hey, we're pretty happy about it, too. :)) ) The current legislature is much better regarding conservation than it was even a few years ago. Back then, much of the legislature was indifferent or even hostile to conservation efforts. While there are still a number of bad bills each year, including this one, the Club and other conservation groups can muster enough support to beat back the worst ones.
One of the ongoing legislative problems facing the Sierra Club is House Speaker Jim Weiers and his choices of committee chairs. Some are actively hostile to any conservation measures and kill or gut any good bills in committee; still others are simply "arbitrary" and capricious enough to bury a bill just because a sponsor ticked off the chair in a previous session.
Tuesday, March 20th is Environmental Day at the legislature from 9:00 a.m. until noon on the House lawn. If you are interested, contact Sandy Bahr at 602.253.8633 or sandy.bahr[at]sierraclub.org.
Also of interest is a public meeting that ADOT will be holding regarding public transportation options. The Phoenix-area meeting will be at Burton Barr Library in Phoenix on March 13 (next Tuesday). If you are interested in details, go to the ADOT website or contact Sandy at the number/email addy above. For some reason, the ADOT page with the details stays blank for me. I'll have to check the settings on my firewall/pop-up blocker.
Sandy spoke for close to 30 minutes and answered questions; in addition, she stayed for the entire meeting and talked to anyone who stopped by afterward.
...In other happenings, Kathy Schwartz spoke briefly about a bill in Congress, HR328, the District of Columbia Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2007. In short, the bill strives to correct one of the greatest inequities of our current political system - while the District of Columbia houses the federal government, its residents have no voice in Congress. The bill would add two members to Congress, one to represent D.C. and one in Utah (for partisan balance).
...Later, Rep. Ed Ableser and Rep. David Schapira gave a brief legislative update.
David stated that "money" bills (those that have spending associated with them) are being held in their originating chamber. So far, it's fair - all such bills are being held, not just those sponsored by Democrats.
They also announced that while budget negotiations have started, in a move similar to his tactic last year, Jim Weiers has excluded Democrats from the process
Ed noted that while all of his bills are dead, he (and some other Democrats) have been successful in attaching some floor amendments added to other bills.
They closed by noting that the Democratic caucus is stronger than ever; they're sticking together on big bills, while some cracks are starting to show in the Republican front. Some of the moderate Reps are acting and voting in a manner that's, well, *moderate.*
...To a loud round of applause, Corey Woods announced his campaign for Tempe City Council, and will be holding a fundraiser next month. This wasn't exactly shocking news, but it is finally 'official'. Whooo hoooo!
...Kelly Steele of the D17 Issues Committee announced that the committee will be trying something new - periodic forums regarding different topics. Some (all??) of the forums will be done in partnership with other LD orgs. Details about locations and dates will be forthcoming, but the topics for the first few meetings include healthcare and immigration.
...Lauren Kuby demonstrated the new LD17 Democrats website, www.ld17dems.org. It includes pages/links to register to vote, to contact our D17 officers, to our elected officials, and to DONATE money to a very worthy cause.
Hope I wasn't too subtle there. :))
...There's some other stuff, but it's mostly calendar items, and since there are a lot of them this month, I'll do a separate calendar post.
Later!
Note: The AZ Sierra Club's March 2, 2007 Legislative Update is here.
She started off by thanking us for sending a friendly delegation to the lege. (Hey, we're pretty happy about it, too. :)) ) The current legislature is much better regarding conservation than it was even a few years ago. Back then, much of the legislature was indifferent or even hostile to conservation efforts. While there are still a number of bad bills each year, including this one, the Club and other conservation groups can muster enough support to beat back the worst ones.
One of the ongoing legislative problems facing the Sierra Club is House Speaker Jim Weiers and his choices of committee chairs. Some are actively hostile to any conservation measures and kill or gut any good bills in committee; still others are simply "arbitrary" and capricious enough to bury a bill just because a sponsor ticked off the chair in a previous session.
Tuesday, March 20th is Environmental Day at the legislature from 9:00 a.m. until noon on the House lawn. If you are interested, contact Sandy Bahr at 602.253.8633 or sandy.bahr[at]sierraclub.org.
Also of interest is a public meeting that ADOT will be holding regarding public transportation options. The Phoenix-area meeting will be at Burton Barr Library in Phoenix on March 13 (next Tuesday). If you are interested in details, go to the ADOT website or contact Sandy at the number/email addy above. For some reason, the ADOT page with the details stays blank for me. I'll have to check the settings on my firewall/pop-up blocker.
Sandy spoke for close to 30 minutes and answered questions; in addition, she stayed for the entire meeting and talked to anyone who stopped by afterward.
...In other happenings, Kathy Schwartz spoke briefly about a bill in Congress, HR328, the District of Columbia Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act of 2007. In short, the bill strives to correct one of the greatest inequities of our current political system - while the District of Columbia houses the federal government, its residents have no voice in Congress. The bill would add two members to Congress, one to represent D.C. and one in Utah (for partisan balance).
...Later, Rep. Ed Ableser and Rep. David Schapira gave a brief legislative update.
David stated that "money" bills (those that have spending associated with them) are being held in their originating chamber. So far, it's fair - all such bills are being held, not just those sponsored by Democrats.
They also announced that while budget negotiations have started, in a move similar to his tactic last year, Jim Weiers has excluded Democrats from the process
Ed noted that while all of his bills are dead, he (and some other Democrats) have been successful in attaching some floor amendments added to other bills.
They closed by noting that the Democratic caucus is stronger than ever; they're sticking together on big bills, while some cracks are starting to show in the Republican front. Some of the moderate Reps are acting and voting in a manner that's, well, *moderate.*
...To a loud round of applause, Corey Woods announced his campaign for Tempe City Council, and will be holding a fundraiser next month. This wasn't exactly shocking news, but it is finally 'official'. Whooo hoooo!
...Kelly Steele of the D17 Issues Committee announced that the committee will be trying something new - periodic forums regarding different topics. Some (all??) of the forums will be done in partnership with other LD orgs. Details about locations and dates will be forthcoming, but the topics for the first few meetings include healthcare and immigration.
...Lauren Kuby demonstrated the new LD17 Democrats website, www.ld17dems.org. It includes pages/links to register to vote, to contact our D17 officers, to our elected officials, and to DONATE money to a very worthy cause.
Hope I wasn't too subtle there. :))
...There's some other stuff, but it's mostly calendar items, and since there are a lot of them this month, I'll do a separate calendar post.
Later!
LD17 Legislators in the news...
Another week, another weekly update...
Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill:
She was featured in an AZ Rep article about a proposal to include Hopi and other Native American Code Talkers on a commemorative postage stamp; she supported the proposal to include all Code Talkers, even non-Navajos. The proposal failed 15 -13.
From the article -
Rep. Ed Ableser:
He was in an AZ Daily Star article about a legislative proposal (HB2097) to jail anyone caught with 5 fake IDs.
From the article -
Note: At first glance, the bill didn't seem *too* bad, but then I read the part where it removes all discretion from the judges handing down the sentence in cases covered by the bill. While I think Rep. Ableser's example is kind of weak, he's right - this is a bad bill.
Rep. David Schapira:
In the AZ Rep's most recent "Political Insider" column, Rep. Schapira's protest over the House Republicans' adjournment of the House last week when they realized they were running out of votes (a number of the Reps in the House had other committments). He was upset over the fact that he had had to cancel other plans to attend a session that was expected to be a long one, and protested the Republican move by remaining at his desk for nearly two hours.
From the article (emphasis mine)
I'm betting those were Republican pages... :))
...He was also featured in an AZ Rep column by Carol Peck, concerning the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, an advanced curriculum for academically ambitious high school students.
From the column -
...I also know that he was part of at least a couple of other pieces in the Tempe community edition of the Rep, but I can't find online links to the pieces.
Apparently he will be writing a regular column concering legislative affairs; this week's (published Friday, March 2) was titled "It's not always Legislature's role to solve a problem." (I can't guarantee that he chose the headline; frequently, editors do that no matter what the author thinks of it. Just ask Sam Coppersmith at Liberal Desert. :) )
This column concerned the uproar over the effect that raising the minimum wage had on the developmentally disabled community. If I can find a link to it, or maybe persuade him to send the text to me in an email, I'll post it.
Good night!
Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill:
She was featured in an AZ Rep article about a proposal to include Hopi and other Native American Code Talkers on a commemorative postage stamp; she supported the proposal to include all Code Talkers, even non-Navajos. The proposal failed 15 -13.
From the article -
Sen. Meg Burton Cahill, D-Tempe, asked her fellow senators to include all Native Americans in the stamp; otherwise, she said, it would be "historically incorrect."
"There were Native Americans from many tribes who contributed to this," she said.
Rep. Ed Ableser:
He was in an AZ Daily Star article about a legislative proposal (HB2097) to jail anyone caught with 5 fake IDs.
From the article -
Rep. Ed Ableser, D-Tempe, said the problem with the legislation is it also sweeps in those who he feels should not end up in prison.
Ableser said there are some clubs in his community which only admit people at least 18 years old.
He envisioned a situation where someone age 16 or 17 might get fake IDs for five friends to be able to get into those clubs.
"I don't think that deserves a one-year jail sentence," Ableser said.
Note: At first glance, the bill didn't seem *too* bad, but then I read the part where it removes all discretion from the judges handing down the sentence in cases covered by the bill. While I think Rep. Ableser's example is kind of weak, he's right - this is a bad bill.
Rep. David Schapira:
In the AZ Rep's most recent "Political Insider" column, Rep. Schapira's protest over the House Republicans' adjournment of the House last week when they realized they were running out of votes (a number of the Reps in the House had other committments). He was upset over the fact that he had had to cancel other plans to attend a session that was expected to be a long one, and protested the Republican move by remaining at his desk for nearly two hours.
From the article (emphasis mine)
So he stayed put and threatened to do so until the bills were heard. He lasted two hours, catching up on e-mails and other work on his laptop computer and rebuffing the pages' offer to bring him a catheter.
I'm betting those were Republican pages... :))
...He was also featured in an AZ Rep column by Carol Peck, concerning the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, an advanced curriculum for academically ambitious high school students.
From the column -
"IB is a great example of a partnership between a private organization and public schools that help our students strive for excellence," said state Rep. David Schapira, an IB graduate and former teacher in the program.
...I also know that he was part of at least a couple of other pieces in the Tempe community edition of the Rep, but I can't find online links to the pieces.
Apparently he will be writing a regular column concering legislative affairs; this week's (published Friday, March 2) was titled "It's not always Legislature's role to solve a problem." (I can't guarantee that he chose the headline; frequently, editors do that no matter what the author thinks of it. Just ask Sam Coppersmith at Liberal Desert. :) )
This column concerned the uproar over the effect that raising the minimum wage had on the developmentally disabled community. If I can find a link to it, or maybe persuade him to send the text to me in an email, I'll post it.
Good night!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
And the rankings are in...
Thanks to Taegan Goddard's Political Wire for the heads-up on this...
...courtesy of the National Journal.
[Note: I wasn't going to do this post as it's the type of post that Stacy at AZ Congress Watch usually does, and does very well. However, she skipped this one and covered the Humane Society's Congressional report card.
...Guess she thinks that puppies and kittens are more fun than ideology.
...Guess she's right. :)) ]
The National Journal has published in 2006 Congressional vote ratings and has ranked Congressfolk on a most conservative/liberal scale.
AZ Summary: Trent Franks (with the now-departed JD Hayworth close behind) was among the most conservative of all of members of the House; Jon Kyl was nearly the most conservative in the Senate. Raul Grijalva was among the most liberal members of the House.
The AZ delegation's numbers at a glance:
In the Senate (ranked as 'most conservative) -
Jon Kyl is the more conservative of our two U.S. Senators. He ranked 3rd overall, coming in as tied for the most conservative on economic policy, 19th on social policy, and tied for first on foreign policy;
John McCain is the 46th most conservative. He was 36th most conservative on economic policy, 53rd on social policy, and 42nd in foreign policy.
In the House -
Note: As new members, Gabrielle Giffords and Harry Mitchell are not part of these rankings.
[Key: overall ranking, economic policy votes, social policy votes, foreign policy votes]
Republicans, ranked as 'most conservative':
Rick Renzi (CD1) - 177th, 160th, 159th, 186th
Trent Franks (CD2) - 37th, 67th, 13th, 80th
John Shadegg (CD3) - 144th, 114th, 138th, 144th
JD Hayworth (CD5) - 46th, 88th, 15th, 82nd
Jeff Flake (CD6) - 216th, 182nd, 230th, 230th
Jim Kolbe (CD8) - 166th, 15th, 248th, 188th
Democrats, ranked as 'most liberal':
[Key: overall ranking, economic policy votes, social policy votes, foreign policy votes]
Ed Pastor (CD4) - 75th, 117th, 19th, 102nd.
Raul Grijalva (CD7) - 3rd, 25th, 3rd, 2nd
The only real surprise in all this?
I didn't realize that Jeff Flake is the face of the "reasonable conservative" in D.C. This isn't a dig at him or at his 'conservative' cred; have no fear, I think he is verrry conservative and disagree with him on most social and political issues.
I just didn't realize how much he votes the issue, his constituents, or even his conscience over the party line.
[Hey, it's either that or the Republican Party has moved so far to the loony end of the political spectrum that a staunch social and fiscal conservative like Flake looks like a moderate by comparison.]
Of course, the nutjob wing (aka - 'Coulter Wing') of the Repubs may look at the National Journal's numbers (and this post!) and run someone at Flake during the next primary as punishment for his backsliding.
Good God, I think I just complimented a Republican; even though the compliment is of a 'back-handed' nature, I must be tired.
Good night!
...courtesy of the National Journal.
[Note: I wasn't going to do this post as it's the type of post that Stacy at AZ Congress Watch usually does, and does very well. However, she skipped this one and covered the Humane Society's Congressional report card.
...Guess she thinks that puppies and kittens are more fun than ideology.
...Guess she's right. :)) ]
The National Journal has published in 2006 Congressional vote ratings and has ranked Congressfolk on a most conservative/liberal scale.
AZ Summary: Trent Franks (with the now-departed JD Hayworth close behind) was among the most conservative of all of members of the House; Jon Kyl was nearly the most conservative in the Senate. Raul Grijalva was among the most liberal members of the House.
The AZ delegation's numbers at a glance:
In the Senate (ranked as 'most conservative) -
Jon Kyl is the more conservative of our two U.S. Senators. He ranked 3rd overall, coming in as tied for the most conservative on economic policy, 19th on social policy, and tied for first on foreign policy;
John McCain is the 46th most conservative. He was 36th most conservative on economic policy, 53rd on social policy, and 42nd in foreign policy.
In the House -
Note: As new members, Gabrielle Giffords and Harry Mitchell are not part of these rankings.
[Key: overall ranking, economic policy votes, social policy votes, foreign policy votes]
Republicans, ranked as 'most conservative':
Rick Renzi (CD1) - 177th, 160th, 159th, 186th
Trent Franks (CD2) - 37th, 67th, 13th, 80th
John Shadegg (CD3) - 144th, 114th, 138th, 144th
JD Hayworth (CD5) - 46th, 88th, 15th, 82nd
Jeff Flake (CD6) - 216th, 182nd, 230th, 230th
Jim Kolbe (CD8) - 166th, 15th, 248th, 188th
Democrats, ranked as 'most liberal':
[Key: overall ranking, economic policy votes, social policy votes, foreign policy votes]
Ed Pastor (CD4) - 75th, 117th, 19th, 102nd.
Raul Grijalva (CD7) - 3rd, 25th, 3rd, 2nd
The only real surprise in all this?
I didn't realize that Jeff Flake is the face of the "reasonable conservative" in D.C. This isn't a dig at him or at his 'conservative' cred; have no fear, I think he is verrry conservative and disagree with him on most social and political issues.
I just didn't realize how much he votes the issue, his constituents, or even his conscience over the party line.
[Hey, it's either that or the Republican Party has moved so far to the loony end of the political spectrum that a staunch social and fiscal conservative like Flake looks like a moderate by comparison.]
Of course, the nutjob wing (aka - 'Coulter Wing') of the Repubs may look at the National Journal's numbers (and this post!) and run someone at Flake during the next primary as punishment for his backsliding.
Good God, I think I just complimented a Republican; even though the compliment is of a 'back-handed' nature, I must be tired.
Good night!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Ann Coulter isn't just John Edwards' best friend...
She's the friend of every Democrat working to oust/fend off Republicans all over the country.
By now, everyone with an interest in politics has heard of the epithet that Ann Coulter used when referring to Democratic candidate John Edwards.
And of how the Edwards campaign has turned the comment into fundraising fodder.
Tedski at R-Cubed has a great take on it here, as does Kevin Spidel at SpidelBlog. (Both have links to video of her remarks.)
MSM coverage of the incident here (KGO-TV San Francisco/Bay Area) and here (Boston Herald).
Coverage of the Republican candidates' criticism of the comment here (Houston Chronicle).
They (McCain, Romney, and Giuliani) can criticize all they want, but the audience at the event (Conservative Political Action Conference meeting) cheered and applauded.
This incident alone won't give the 2008 elections to the Democrats, but it highlights one of the fundamental reasons that the Democratic party is ascendant right now -
Any political party's image is defined by its activists, and the average 'conservative Republican' activist embraces hatred.
The average Democratic activist is seen as trying to make the world a better place for everyone, not just their idea of the "good" people.
There are, of course, some disagreements over how to do that, but right now, most unaffiliated voters recognize that while the Democrats are for *it*, the Republicans are against *it*.
They can't always tell you what *it* is, but they damn sure know they're afraid of it and oppose it, and they think everyone should be afraid of it.
People are tired of having fear and hatred fed to them every minute of every day, and that's why the Democratic party is ascendant right now.
Now if only we could get Ann Coulter hired to write the RNC platform for next year. :))
BTW - Ms. Coulter is kind of consistent - she has described, in varying terminology, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and now John Edwards the same way.
Hmmm....
By now, everyone with an interest in politics has heard of the epithet that Ann Coulter used when referring to Democratic candidate John Edwards.
And of how the Edwards campaign has turned the comment into fundraising fodder.
Tedski at R-Cubed has a great take on it here, as does Kevin Spidel at SpidelBlog. (Both have links to video of her remarks.)
MSM coverage of the incident here (KGO-TV San Francisco/Bay Area) and here (Boston Herald).
Coverage of the Republican candidates' criticism of the comment here (Houston Chronicle).
They (McCain, Romney, and Giuliani) can criticize all they want, but the audience at the event (Conservative Political Action Conference meeting) cheered and applauded.
This incident alone won't give the 2008 elections to the Democrats, but it highlights one of the fundamental reasons that the Democratic party is ascendant right now -
Any political party's image is defined by its activists, and the average 'conservative Republican' activist embraces hatred.
The average Democratic activist is seen as trying to make the world a better place for everyone, not just their idea of the "good" people.
There are, of course, some disagreements over how to do that, but right now, most unaffiliated voters recognize that while the Democrats are for *it*, the Republicans are against *it*.
They can't always tell you what *it* is, but they damn sure know they're afraid of it and oppose it, and they think everyone should be afraid of it.
People are tired of having fear and hatred fed to them every minute of every day, and that's why the Democratic party is ascendant right now.
Now if only we could get Ann Coulter hired to write the RNC platform for next year. :))
BTW - Ms. Coulter is kind of consistent - she has described, in varying terminology, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and now John Edwards the same way.
Hmmm....
Friday, March 02, 2007
Mitchell to chair hearings regarding conditions at Walter Reed
Cross-posted at Progressive Wave's AZ-05:
From a press release:
An audio feed from Cannon 334 can be found on this page.
While this topic is hot enough right now that C-SPAN may air the hearing, it's still a *sub* -committee hearing - not C-SPAN's highest priority.
The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 has been designated as HR1268.
As soon as the text is posted online, I'll link to it.
Other coverage on this issue -
Phoenix Business Journal
AxcessNews.com
ArmyTimes.com
Have a great weekend!
From a press release:
MITCHELL TO HOLD HEARINGS ON LONGTERM NEEDS OF WALTER REED PATIENTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell will hold hearings on reports of dilapidated conditions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and how those conditions could impact soldiers as they transition to their status as veterans Thursday, March 8.
Mitchell is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
"The care wounded soldiers receive in the weeks and months after their injuries have a direct impact on their future needs as veterans," said Mitchell.
WHEN: 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 8 [note: that's 1:30 p.m. AZ time]
WHO: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
WHERE: 334 Cannon House Office Building
Earlier this week, Mitchell joined U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Claire McCaskill and U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel to introduce the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 to ensure that injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the care they deserve.
An audio feed from Cannon 334 can be found on this page.
While this topic is hot enough right now that C-SPAN may air the hearing, it's still a *sub* -committee hearing - not C-SPAN's highest priority.
The Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 has been designated as HR1268.
As soon as the text is posted online, I'll link to it.
Other coverage on this issue -
Phoenix Business Journal
AxcessNews.com
ArmyTimes.com
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Steve King (R-IA): JD with a job
You know, and it pains me to admit this, but sometimes I miss JD. No matter what kind of writer's block (or simple lack of motivation) that I might have ever gone through, he could always be counted on to snap me out of it.
Maybe it would be a self-serving press release or a bilious floor statement, or even something else, but he could be counted on to tick me off enough to shake off any writing doldrums.
Not that I've been suffering any recently. :)
But, fear not, while JD is gone, his spirit lives on in Congress in the person of Steve King, Republican Congressman from Iowa.
I saw him on CSPAN on Wednesday, but wanted to wait until his remarks were transcribed into the record to write about them, mostly to make sure I didn't mis-hear his words. He was supposed to be speaking about immigration reform, but it was mostly a screed; one against immigrants of non-Western European background.
It starts on page H2028 of the Congressional Record.
He spoke about many subjects related to immigration ("one language", "American exceptionalism" and the ilk); he even tried to explain how illegal immigration is screwing up congressional districting, citing that the typical CD size is approximately 600,000 people.(emphasis mine)-
And if there are 400,000 illegals in a single district, that means there are only 200,000 citizens.
One minor detail: not only have the Republicans done everything they can to make certain that undocumented immigrants aren't counted as part of the Census, over the years they've done everything they can to undercount poor citizens. After decades of undercounting, it's hypocritical of him to now turn around and say that immigrants are unfairly skewing CD demographics.
In a recent survey, 78% of people polled said friends shouldn't let friends cite statistics. :))
Anyway, back to the original point of my post - during his floor speech, King started talking about a community in his district that is mainly populated by people of Dutch descent, comparing its 'goodness' (measured mostly by the number of churches, apparently) to the "permissiveness" of their ancestral home.
He uses that as a lead-in to this little nugget:
Umm, Mr. King?
The English who came here initially were religious fanatics who wore out their welcomes in polite society everywhere in Europe, not just England...
The original Spanish explorers to North America were soldiers of fortune...
The Irish were primarily poor farmers who had no clue how to survive in an urban environment and were subjected to vicious, bigoted attacks on their reputations, their religion, and their persons...
Similar stories could be told about each group of immigrants that color our history - to be sure, some were "good" people, already wealthy, or at least financially secure in their original countries; however, many, even most, of the members of those groups (particularly early on in the wave of immigration from their particular country) were considered 'less than desirable' by the societies of their home countries.
And once they got here, they were considered "wretched refuse."
The pattern of unwanted in the source country and reviled here has held true from the earliest non-English immigrants through to the Mexican immigrants of today.
Even much of the political rhetoric today is the same as was used as far back as the pre-Civil War era.
The Know-Nothings of the mid-1850's railed about the need for more "stringent and effective immigration laws" and supporting "our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country."
Today's Republicans talk about an "immigration policy that strengthens our borders [and] makes our nation more secure..."(from good ol' JD) and how immigration is "undermining" American character (King).
Not really much growth there.
Of course, it should be noted that when the Know-Nothing movement fell apart in the 1860s, many of its strongest adherents became Republicans, fueling the transformation of the party from the Party of Lincoln into the party of David Duke, Jesse Helms, and yes, Steve King.
So, on that note, I say "thank you" to the people of Iowa's Fifth District for repeatedly loosing Mr. King upon the whole country; you have performed a great public service for writers nationwide.
Good night!
Maybe it would be a self-serving press release or a bilious floor statement, or even something else, but he could be counted on to tick me off enough to shake off any writing doldrums.
Not that I've been suffering any recently. :)
But, fear not, while JD is gone, his spirit lives on in Congress in the person of Steve King, Republican Congressman from Iowa.
I saw him on CSPAN on Wednesday, but wanted to wait until his remarks were transcribed into the record to write about them, mostly to make sure I didn't mis-hear his words. He was supposed to be speaking about immigration reform, but it was mostly a screed; one against immigrants of non-Western European background.
It starts on page H2028 of the Congressional Record.
He spoke about many subjects related to immigration ("one language", "American exceptionalism" and the ilk); he even tried to explain how illegal immigration is screwing up congressional districting, citing that the typical CD size is approximately 600,000 people.(emphasis mine)-
And if there are 400,000 illegals in a single district, that means there are only 200,000 citizens.
One minor detail: not only have the Republicans done everything they can to make certain that undocumented immigrants aren't counted as part of the Census, over the years they've done everything they can to undercount poor citizens. After decades of undercounting, it's hypocritical of him to now turn around and say that immigrants are unfairly skewing CD demographics.
In a recent survey, 78% of people polled said friends shouldn't let friends cite statistics. :))
Anyway, back to the original point of my post - during his floor speech, King started talking about a community in his district that is mainly populated by people of Dutch descent, comparing its 'goodness' (measured mostly by the number of churches, apparently) to the "permissiveness" of their ancestral home.
He uses that as a lead-in to this little nugget:
And, Mr. Speaker, I tell this story because it identifies the source of American exceptionalism. The good Dutch came here. So did the good English, so did the good Spanish, so did the good French, so did the good Norwegians and Swedes and Germans and Irish and all the way down the line.
Umm, Mr. King?
The English who came here initially were religious fanatics who wore out their welcomes in polite society everywhere in Europe, not just England...
The original Spanish explorers to North America were soldiers of fortune...
The Irish were primarily poor farmers who had no clue how to survive in an urban environment and were subjected to vicious, bigoted attacks on their reputations, their religion, and their persons...
Similar stories could be told about each group of immigrants that color our history - to be sure, some were "good" people, already wealthy, or at least financially secure in their original countries; however, many, even most, of the members of those groups (particularly early on in the wave of immigration from their particular country) were considered 'less than desirable' by the societies of their home countries.
And once they got here, they were considered "wretched refuse."
The pattern of unwanted in the source country and reviled here has held true from the earliest non-English immigrants through to the Mexican immigrants of today.
Even much of the political rhetoric today is the same as was used as far back as the pre-Civil War era.
The Know-Nothings of the mid-1850's railed about the need for more "stringent and effective immigration laws" and supporting "our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country."
Today's Republicans talk about an "immigration policy that strengthens our borders [and] makes our nation more secure..."(from good ol' JD) and how immigration is "undermining" American character (King).
Not really much growth there.
Of course, it should be noted that when the Know-Nothing movement fell apart in the 1860s, many of its strongest adherents became Republicans, fueling the transformation of the party from the Party of Lincoln into the party of David Duke, Jesse Helms, and yes, Steve King.
So, on that note, I say "thank you" to the people of Iowa's Fifth District for repeatedly loosing Mr. King upon the whole country; you have performed a great public service for writers nationwide.
Good night!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The Scottsdale Planning Commission surprised me tonight...
and surprised me in a good way.
On the agenda of tonight's meeting were two related items that addressed temporary signs in the city.
[Note: a listing of commission members is here.]
Simple summaries:
12 TA 2006 - would ban temporary signs on public property and in public rights-of-way
13 TA 2006 - incorporates 12 TA 2006, and adds restrictions on temporary signs, including political signs, on private property.
(The city staff report on these proposals is here.)
My interest was in 13 TA 2006's impact on political signs. I was concerned with the "free speech" implications inherent in some of the restrictions.
Turns out that most of the commissioners had similar concerns.
To make a long story short, while the commissioners generally supported restrictions on temporary signs, political signs were almost the least of their concerns.
Off-site directional signs for subdivisions and master-planned communities were. (i.e. - the signs that say "drive this way for 5 miles to see our new homes for sale!")
While such signs can be issued a permit for 180 days, extendable for another 180 days (six months and six months), many have been up for six *years* or more. This has contributed to the fact that certain areas of Scottsdale and Pima Roads have a long-term 'visual pollution' problem.
Some folks in the area may have complained about political signs, but those truly are temporary, usually only up for 8 - 16 weeks.
The commissioners thought 13 TA 2006 was "too complex" (Steinke) or was beyond their "comfort level" (Barnett) but that 12 TA 2006 was "fairly rational" (Barnett again) and would support 12 TA 2006 with changes addressing off-site developer signs.
In the end, 13 TA 2006 was moved, but failed for lack of a second, while 12 TA 2006 was moved, amended, and passed, striking sections 8.604 and 8.615 of the city's sign code. Those sections specifically allowed with MPC and subdivision directional signs. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made to deny 13 TA 2006; it passed without dissent. Apparently, they wanted to make sure that they were on record as being against it.
Commissioner Schwartz expressed some reservations about including such a "sweeping change" without including a representative from the developers. It was noted by another commissioner that this whole thing has been under discussion "for months."
It was noted that even if the City Council lends final approval to these changes, existing permitted signs could continue through the life of their permits.
So, all in all, it was a good, even encouraging, meeting - not only did the Commission members actually discuss the issues with each other, city staff, and the public, they *listened* to each other and worked to address concerns.
If you want to understand why this was a "pleasant" surprise for me, watch a Congressional debate or even a Scottsdale City Council meeting on TV.
Of all the activities during those debates and meetings, "listening" has the lowest priority. At those, everybody involved has made up their minds even before the start of the meeting; the 'debate' is all about getting their faces on TV and their words on the record.
Anyway, the City Council has this on its agenda for its March 20th meeting, and given that this issue was sent to the Planning Commission on September 19, 2006 specifically to address political signs, I wouldn't be shocked if the Council moves to put the political signs language back into the ordinance.
Oh, and given the Council's nearly-complete obeisance to developers, I fully expect that the recommended removal of the code sections allowing off-site signs will be overridden.
Not that I'm a cynic or anything. :)
Other notes from the meeting:
...In not-very-surprising news for next year's city council race, local activist Joel Bramoweth has officially announced his candidacy. It's not very surprising because I've attended 5 City Council meetings and he has been at all 5, usually with something to say. He was even at tonight's Planning Commission meeting.
[Note to Mr. Bramoweth: this is just a suggestion, but when you sign up to speak at a public meeting on a specific topic, keep your speech germane to the topic. Your speech wasn't *too* bad, but it was too long and veered from "informing" to "campaigning." If you had cut out the "this is what I'll do as a Council member" stuff, your speech would have come in on time and on topic.
Plus, in this sort of environment, the best campaign speech is one that *isn't* a campaign speech. Display your knowledge and thoughtfulness, not your verbosity.
If you want to be verbose, start a blog. :)) ]
...I asked the city staffers that were present if this (12 TA 2006) had any Prop 207 implications. Since it only affects public property and rights-of-way, apparently it does not.
Good night!
On the agenda of tonight's meeting were two related items that addressed temporary signs in the city.
[Note: a listing of commission members is here.]
Simple summaries:
12 TA 2006 - would ban temporary signs on public property and in public rights-of-way
13 TA 2006 - incorporates 12 TA 2006, and adds restrictions on temporary signs, including political signs, on private property.
(The city staff report on these proposals is here.)
My interest was in 13 TA 2006's impact on political signs. I was concerned with the "free speech" implications inherent in some of the restrictions.
Turns out that most of the commissioners had similar concerns.
To make a long story short, while the commissioners generally supported restrictions on temporary signs, political signs were almost the least of their concerns.
Off-site directional signs for subdivisions and master-planned communities were. (i.e. - the signs that say "drive this way for 5 miles to see our new homes for sale!")
While such signs can be issued a permit for 180 days, extendable for another 180 days (six months and six months), many have been up for six *years* or more. This has contributed to the fact that certain areas of Scottsdale and Pima Roads have a long-term 'visual pollution' problem.
Some folks in the area may have complained about political signs, but those truly are temporary, usually only up for 8 - 16 weeks.
The commissioners thought 13 TA 2006 was "too complex" (Steinke) or was beyond their "comfort level" (Barnett) but that 12 TA 2006 was "fairly rational" (Barnett again) and would support 12 TA 2006 with changes addressing off-site developer signs.
In the end, 13 TA 2006 was moved, but failed for lack of a second, while 12 TA 2006 was moved, amended, and passed, striking sections 8.604 and 8.615 of the city's sign code. Those sections specifically allowed with MPC and subdivision directional signs. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made to deny 13 TA 2006; it passed without dissent. Apparently, they wanted to make sure that they were on record as being against it.
Commissioner Schwartz expressed some reservations about including such a "sweeping change" without including a representative from the developers. It was noted by another commissioner that this whole thing has been under discussion "for months."
It was noted that even if the City Council lends final approval to these changes, existing permitted signs could continue through the life of their permits.
So, all in all, it was a good, even encouraging, meeting - not only did the Commission members actually discuss the issues with each other, city staff, and the public, they *listened* to each other and worked to address concerns.
If you want to understand why this was a "pleasant" surprise for me, watch a Congressional debate or even a Scottsdale City Council meeting on TV.
Of all the activities during those debates and meetings, "listening" has the lowest priority. At those, everybody involved has made up their minds even before the start of the meeting; the 'debate' is all about getting their faces on TV and their words on the record.
Anyway, the City Council has this on its agenda for its March 20th meeting, and given that this issue was sent to the Planning Commission on September 19, 2006 specifically to address political signs, I wouldn't be shocked if the Council moves to put the political signs language back into the ordinance.
Oh, and given the Council's nearly-complete obeisance to developers, I fully expect that the recommended removal of the code sections allowing off-site signs will be overridden.
Not that I'm a cynic or anything. :)
Other notes from the meeting:
...In not-very-surprising news for next year's city council race, local activist Joel Bramoweth has officially announced his candidacy. It's not very surprising because I've attended 5 City Council meetings and he has been at all 5, usually with something to say. He was even at tonight's Planning Commission meeting.
[Note to Mr. Bramoweth: this is just a suggestion, but when you sign up to speak at a public meeting on a specific topic, keep your speech germane to the topic. Your speech wasn't *too* bad, but it was too long and veered from "informing" to "campaigning." If you had cut out the "this is what I'll do as a Council member" stuff, your speech would have come in on time and on topic.
Plus, in this sort of environment, the best campaign speech is one that *isn't* a campaign speech. Display your knowledge and thoughtfulness, not your verbosity.
If you want to be verbose, start a blog. :)) ]
...I asked the city staffers that were present if this (12 TA 2006) had any Prop 207 implications. Since it only affects public property and rights-of-way, apparently it does not.
Good night!
"When will you start implementing?"
Harry Mitchell seems to be focusing on Veterans Affairs this week...
...He's one of the lawmakers introducing the "Dignity in Care for Wounded Warriors Act."
From a press release:
The press conference announcing this act is tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time (9:30 in AZ) in the U.S. Senate Radio and TV Gallery.
When the language of the bill is available, I'll post a link to it.
...He's also already lighting a fire under the feet of VA administrators, this time concerning data security -
From the AP wire, via the SF Chronicle (regarding a hearing of the Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations, House Veterans Affairs Committee):
Later!
...He's one of the lawmakers introducing the "Dignity in Care for Wounded Warriors Act."
From a press release:
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell will join U.S. Sens. Barack Obama, Claire McCaskill and U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel to introduce the "Dignity in Care for Wounded Warriors" Act Thursday, March 1.
The legislation is a comprehensive package that addresses critical needs for improvements to facilities and services related to the care for wounded and recovering servicemembers at military hospitals.
The press conference announcing this act is tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time (9:30 in AZ) in the U.S. Senate Radio and TV Gallery.
When the language of the bill is available, I'll post a link to it.
...He's also already lighting a fire under the feet of VA administrators, this time concerning data security -
From the AP wire, via the SF Chronicle (regarding a hearing of the Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations, House Veterans Affairs Committee):
Maureen Regan, counselor to the inspector general, said the VA still hasn't fully implemented any of its recommendations from reports dating back to 2001. The department also hasn't adopted five key recommendations issued shortly after a massive data breach last May involving nearly 27 million veterans.
"When do you expect all this studying to be over?" subcommittee Chairman Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., asked. "When will you start implementing?"
Later!
Monday, February 26, 2007
LD17 Legislators in the news...
Rep. Ed Ableser:
...Most of Ed's coverage was a leftover from last week's furor over his amendment to ban truck mudflaps with obscene or hateful images. In terms of the legislature, the amendment was an interesting moment, but only a moment. However, it hit the AP wire and received nationwide coverage that lasted well into this past week.
...There was also some residual coverage of a letter that he and some other Democratic legislators wrote to President Bush opposing the troop surge in Iraq.
Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill:
...She also received residual coverage, though hers concerned Thayer Vershoor's attempt to remove any semblance of free speech from the state's public classrooms.
Rep. David Schapira:
He had some fresh coverage this week, though one of the articles was a rehash of stuff covered earlier.
...He was mentioned, but not quoted, in an article about the efforts of some teachers as they lobby the lege for higher pay.
From the article:
...Another article with a mention but not a quote was a Business Journal piece about the lege's passage of a bill that would penalize deadbeat dads (and moms!) by suspending drivers and business licenses of parents who are 6 months or more behind in their child support payments.
From the article:
Still haven't figured out why Lopes, Campbell, and Schapira were named specifically after the article stated that the "Democratic House caucus" supported the bill.
All three are Democrats.
...There was a good article in the AZ Rep about how, during the campaign, Schapira met a woman with colon cancer who would have benefitted from a cancer screening, but her insurance company didn't cover them.
From the article:
She found out about her condition only when she started having digestive problems because her health insurance company did not pay for preventative cancer screenings.
Schapira's empathy for the woman's situation is rooted in his own experiences with cancer: He was born with a skin-cancer tumor on his face, and all four of his grandparents had the disease.
In response, Schapira, a Democrat from Tempe, wrote a bill that would require insurance companies to cover various cancer screenings once patients reach a certain ages.
"It fit right in with my legislative agenda," he said.
It would benefit the 8 percent of insured people whose insurance companies do not pay for cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopy exams, he said.
Note: the bill, HB2086 has apparently died in the House Health Committee without a hearing. It hasn't been heard, and isn't on the posted agenda.
...Most of Ed's coverage was a leftover from last week's furor over his amendment to ban truck mudflaps with obscene or hateful images. In terms of the legislature, the amendment was an interesting moment, but only a moment. However, it hit the AP wire and received nationwide coverage that lasted well into this past week.
...There was also some residual coverage of a letter that he and some other Democratic legislators wrote to President Bush opposing the troop surge in Iraq.
Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill:
...She also received residual coverage, though hers concerned Thayer Vershoor's attempt to remove any semblance of free speech from the state's public classrooms.
Rep. David Schapira:
He had some fresh coverage this week, though one of the articles was a rehash of stuff covered earlier.
...He was mentioned, but not quoted, in an article about the efforts of some teachers as they lobby the lege for higher pay.
From the article:
Kathy Ray,a first-grade teacher at Mesa's Salk Elementary and a regional representative with the Mesa Education Association, told Rep. David Schapira, D-Tempe, that her first full-time teaching salary in 2003 was less than what she made in 1993 selling cosmetics.
...Another article with a mention but not a quote was a Business Journal piece about the lege's passage of a bill that would penalize deadbeat dads (and moms!) by suspending drivers and business licenses of parents who are 6 months or more behind in their child support payments.
From the article:
Supporters included the Democratic House caucus, House Minority Leader Phil Lopes and state Reps. Dave Schapira and Chad Campbell...
Still haven't figured out why Lopes, Campbell, and Schapira were named specifically after the article stated that the "Democratic House caucus" supported the bill.
All three are Democrats.
...There was a good article in the AZ Rep about how, during the campaign, Schapira met a woman with colon cancer who would have benefitted from a cancer screening, but her insurance company didn't cover them.
From the article:
She found out about her condition only when she started having digestive problems because her health insurance company did not pay for preventative cancer screenings.
Schapira's empathy for the woman's situation is rooted in his own experiences with cancer: He was born with a skin-cancer tumor on his face, and all four of his grandparents had the disease.
In response, Schapira, a Democrat from Tempe, wrote a bill that would require insurance companies to cover various cancer screenings once patients reach a certain ages.
"It fit right in with my legislative agenda," he said.
It would benefit the 8 percent of insured people whose insurance companies do not pay for cancer screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopy exams, he said.
Note: the bill, HB2086 has apparently died in the House Health Committee without a hearing. It hasn't been heard, and isn't on the posted agenda.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Harry Mitchell's District Office grand opening
On an absolutely beautiful Sunday afternoon, in front of more than 200 friends, family members, supporters, and other well-wishers, Harry Mitchell cut a ceremonial ribbon, marking the official opening of his district office in Scottsdale.
(Actually, the total attendance may have been a little higher - there was a constant stream of visitors touring the new office, and it was hard to keep track of the number.)
On the stage, and in the crowd, was a bipartisan cross-section of elected officials from the district. Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard was there, as well as the mayor or vice mayor of each city or town in CD5 (Scottsdale, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Chandler) and a significant number of city council members from each one, too. In addition, the legislators from LD17, Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill, Rep. David Schapira, and Rep. Ed Ableser, were present, as were some other state legislators.
Thankfully, the speeches were few and short. :)
After an honor guard from the Marcos de Niza High School JROTC program led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, Scottsdale's mayor Mary Manross opened with some brief remarks before giving way to AG Terry Goddard.
With a smile, Goddard noted that we were witnessing history in the making -
Harry Mitchell, the "personification of Tempe" was actually in Scottsdale.
After getting that hearty laugh, Terry was smart enough to give way to the guest of honor, the oldest freshman in Congress, Harry Mitchell.
Harry spoke of how he truly felt like a freshman, "oldest" or not, when he first visited the Capitol as a member of Congress. Going to work in a building that, in some ways, is an art and a historical museum, could be a little overwhelming at first. He quickly settled in, however, getting to work helping to pass Congress' 1st Hundred Hours agenda.
He thanked his family and supporters, noting that the only way anybody can be successful is with the help of others.
He called the location of his office at one of the most recognizable corners (Scottsdale and Camelback) in the middle of the district as a signal that he wants the office (and, by extension, he and his staff, too) to be accessible to the entire district, from Fountain Hills to Ahwatukee.
Again, the easiest directions to the office are: take Loop 101 to Indian School Rd., proceed west on Indian School to Scottsdale Rd, turn north on Scottsdale. Staying in the right lane, follow Scottsdale to Camelback, the office is on the southeast corner. Parking can be accessed from either Camelback or Scottsdale Roads. The office is in Suite 335, the phone number is 480.946.2411.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was seeing Lauren Kryder, formerly volunteer coordinator for Harry's campaign. She's moved to the Valley and is working with Kelly Ward at a new organization, The Project for Arizona's Future. The Project is a non-partisan non-profit group "dedicated to educating Arizona voters about key issues and increasing their participation in the political process."
Right now, their chosen issues of interest are effectively managing growth, strengthening education and improving access to health care, especially for kids.
According to Lauren, one of the ways the Project is setting about to achieve their goals is to let people know what the Legislature (and their legislators) is doing.
Sounds kind of like blogging, only organized and with a specific goal in mind. :))
The group's website, azfuture.org, is here.
Good night!
(Actually, the total attendance may have been a little higher - there was a constant stream of visitors touring the new office, and it was hard to keep track of the number.)
On the stage, and in the crowd, was a bipartisan cross-section of elected officials from the district. Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard was there, as well as the mayor or vice mayor of each city or town in CD5 (Scottsdale, Tempe, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Chandler) and a significant number of city council members from each one, too. In addition, the legislators from LD17, Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill, Rep. David Schapira, and Rep. Ed Ableser, were present, as were some other state legislators.
Thankfully, the speeches were few and short. :)
After an honor guard from the Marcos de Niza High School JROTC program led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, Scottsdale's mayor Mary Manross opened with some brief remarks before giving way to AG Terry Goddard.
With a smile, Goddard noted that we were witnessing history in the making -
Harry Mitchell, the "personification of Tempe" was actually in Scottsdale.
After getting that hearty laugh, Terry was smart enough to give way to the guest of honor, the oldest freshman in Congress, Harry Mitchell.
Harry spoke of how he truly felt like a freshman, "oldest" or not, when he first visited the Capitol as a member of Congress. Going to work in a building that, in some ways, is an art and a historical museum, could be a little overwhelming at first. He quickly settled in, however, getting to work helping to pass Congress' 1st Hundred Hours agenda.
He thanked his family and supporters, noting that the only way anybody can be successful is with the help of others.
He called the location of his office at one of the most recognizable corners (Scottsdale and Camelback) in the middle of the district as a signal that he wants the office (and, by extension, he and his staff, too) to be accessible to the entire district, from Fountain Hills to Ahwatukee.
Again, the easiest directions to the office are: take Loop 101 to Indian School Rd., proceed west on Indian School to Scottsdale Rd, turn north on Scottsdale. Staying in the right lane, follow Scottsdale to Camelback, the office is on the southeast corner. Parking can be accessed from either Camelback or Scottsdale Roads. The office is in Suite 335, the phone number is 480.946.2411.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was seeing Lauren Kryder, formerly volunteer coordinator for Harry's campaign. She's moved to the Valley and is working with Kelly Ward at a new organization, The Project for Arizona's Future. The Project is a non-partisan non-profit group "dedicated to educating Arizona voters about key issues and increasing their participation in the political process."
Right now, their chosen issues of interest are effectively managing growth, strengthening education and improving access to health care, especially for kids.
According to Lauren, one of the ways the Project is setting about to achieve their goals is to let people know what the Legislature (and their legislators) is doing.
Sounds kind of like blogging, only organized and with a specific goal in mind. :))
The group's website, azfuture.org, is here.
Good night!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
LD17/LD8 Calendar of Events
Saturday, February 24 - Join the LD17 Dems in a neighborhood walk and voter registration drive. Meetup at 10 a.m. at the Tempe Library (Rural and Southern), with a voter reg. table at the library and a walk through a nearby precinct. (Next neighborhood walk, followed by Democrats in the Park - March 10)
Sunday, February 25 - The grand opening of Congressman Harry Mitchell's District Office from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
7201 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, Arizona
[Southeast corner of Scottsdale road & Camelback Roads]
Also this Sunday, a reception honoring Judy Kennedy, former MCDP Chair and current ADP Secretary, will be held at the Union Hills Country Club, 9860 W. Lindgren Ave. (south of Union Hills Dr. on 99th and then east on Lindgren to club). $25 per ticket, all proceeds to West Democratic Hdqts. Contact Shirley McAllister, 623-876-9198.
Tuesday, March 6 - LD17 Dems monthly meeting at the Pyle Center in Tempe. Information exchange at 6:30 p.m.; meeting starts at 7.
Thursday March 8 - Women in Blue celebrate “One Arizona,” featuring Governor JanetNapolitano. It's at the State Capitol starting at 7:45 a.m.; luncheon cost is $30. Purchase tickets by February 27 from MCDP.
Thursday, March 29 - Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector and author of the book "Target: Iran" will be at an event held at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. The topic of discussion will be "Will the United States attack Iran?"
It should be lively and informative, and there should be a good turnout.
There's a reception from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.; the program is from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Sponsors: LD8 Republicans, Ronn Lavit, Esprit Decor. Cost: $25/ ticket, $15 for students.
Contact (602) 266-5823 for more details.
That's it for now.
Have a good night!
Sunday, February 25 - The grand opening of Congressman Harry Mitchell's District Office from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
7201 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, Arizona
[Southeast corner of Scottsdale road & Camelback Roads]
Also this Sunday, a reception honoring Judy Kennedy, former MCDP Chair and current ADP Secretary, will be held at the Union Hills Country Club, 9860 W. Lindgren Ave. (south of Union Hills Dr. on 99th and then east on Lindgren to club). $25 per ticket, all proceeds to West Democratic Hdqts. Contact Shirley McAllister, 623-876-9198.
Tuesday, March 6 - LD17 Dems monthly meeting at the Pyle Center in Tempe. Information exchange at 6:30 p.m.; meeting starts at 7.
Thursday March 8 - Women in Blue celebrate “One Arizona,” featuring Governor JanetNapolitano. It's at the State Capitol starting at 7:45 a.m.; luncheon cost is $30. Purchase tickets by February 27 from MCDP.
Thursday, March 29 - Scott Ritter, former UN weapons inspector and author of the book "Target: Iran" will be at an event held at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. The topic of discussion will be "Will the United States attack Iran?"
It should be lively and informative, and there should be a good turnout.
There's a reception from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.; the program is from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Sponsors: LD8 Republicans, Ronn Lavit, Esprit Decor. Cost: $25/ ticket, $15 for students.
Contact (602) 266-5823 for more details.
That's it for now.
Have a good night!
An NJDC chapter is forming here in AZ
PSA time...
A Phoenix/Scottsdale chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) is forming, with the organizational meeting sometime late this month or early next month.
The NJDC is an advocacy organization that is concerned with more than just U.S./Israel relations - separation of church and state, health care, and stem cell research are just a few of the areas of interest to the Jewish community and to the NJDC.
Much of the impetus to form a local chapter is rooted in last fall's candidate forum at Temple Beth Israel in Scottsdale - the one with the now-infamous meltdown by JD Hayworth's stand-in.
The meltdown was not the impetus; the fact that almost everyone in the crowd was asking the stand-in -
"We know your candidate supports Israel; so does every other candidate here tonight. What else ya got?"
...is the impetus. Many of the folks present believed then, as now, that the Jewish community is concerned with far more issues than just Israel. The NJDC, both nationally and locally, advocates for those issues.
40 to 50 people, including some names familiar to readers of this blog, have expressed interest.
The goal is to have the local chapter up and running by this summer so that come the 2008 election cycle it will be fully up to speed and ready to work for Democratic candidates.
If you are interested, contact Jerry Gettinger and the other organizers at 'njdcphx [at] cox.net'.
Later!
A Phoenix/Scottsdale chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) is forming, with the organizational meeting sometime late this month or early next month.
The NJDC is an advocacy organization that is concerned with more than just U.S./Israel relations - separation of church and state, health care, and stem cell research are just a few of the areas of interest to the Jewish community and to the NJDC.
Much of the impetus to form a local chapter is rooted in last fall's candidate forum at Temple Beth Israel in Scottsdale - the one with the now-infamous meltdown by JD Hayworth's stand-in.
The meltdown was not the impetus; the fact that almost everyone in the crowd was asking the stand-in -
"We know your candidate supports Israel; so does every other candidate here tonight. What else ya got?"
...is the impetus. Many of the folks present believed then, as now, that the Jewish community is concerned with far more issues than just Israel. The NJDC, both nationally and locally, advocates for those issues.
40 to 50 people, including some names familiar to readers of this blog, have expressed interest.
The goal is to have the local chapter up and running by this summer so that come the 2008 election cycle it will be fully up to speed and ready to work for Democratic candidates.
If you are interested, contact Jerry Gettinger and the other organizers at 'njdcphx [at] cox.net'.
Later!
Dennis Johnson (1954 - 2007)
From ESPN:
I know that his 'good' years were with the Suns, but I didn't know about him until he was traded to the Celtics for center Rick Robey (I'm not sure that the Suns' franchise has ever recovered, but that's a post for another day :) .)
When he played for the Celtics, he wasn't one of the 'Big Three' - Bird, McHale, Parish - but he was vital to the success of the Celtics during the '80s, and everyone knew it.
My condolences go out to his family and friends...
AZRep coverage here, their online 'guestbook' here.
On edit: I should have put this in my original post. I actually met D.J. briefly, about 6 or 7 years ago at a sports card show. He autographed a Celtics 50th Anniversary Team t-shirt for me. We talked about it for a few minutes.
At the time, he was an assistant coach for the LA Clippers (who did he tick off in a previous life to deserve that? lol), and the show was in Phoenix, so seeing the Celtics shirt was a bit of a surprise for him. I mentioned my family that is still in Massachusetts, and he spoke about his years there. It was was of the nicest autograph experiences that I've ever had.
He was definitely one of the good guys.
End edit.
AUSTIN, Texas -- Dennis Johnson, the star NBA guard who was part of three championships and teamed with Larry Bird on one of the great postseason plays, died Thursday after collapsing at the end of his developmental team's practice. He was 52.
I know that his 'good' years were with the Suns, but I didn't know about him until he was traded to the Celtics for center Rick Robey (I'm not sure that the Suns' franchise has ever recovered, but that's a post for another day :) .)
When he played for the Celtics, he wasn't one of the 'Big Three' - Bird, McHale, Parish - but he was vital to the success of the Celtics during the '80s, and everyone knew it.
My condolences go out to his family and friends...
AZRep coverage here, their online 'guestbook' here.
On edit: I should have put this in my original post. I actually met D.J. briefly, about 6 or 7 years ago at a sports card show. He autographed a Celtics 50th Anniversary Team t-shirt for me. We talked about it for a few minutes.
At the time, he was an assistant coach for the LA Clippers (who did he tick off in a previous life to deserve that? lol), and the show was in Phoenix, so seeing the Celtics shirt was a bit of a surprise for him. I mentioned my family that is still in Massachusetts, and he spoke about his years there. It was was of the nicest autograph experiences that I've ever had.
He was definitely one of the good guys.
End edit.
Harry Mitchell District office grand opening festivities this Sunday
While his field office has been operational for a few weeks, they haven't had a grand opening party yet.
That is being corrected this weekend.
From an email:
That is being corrected this weekend.
From an email:
You are cordially invited to attend theDistrict Office Opening & Office Hours withCongressman Harry E. MitchellSunday, February 25th, 2007
7201 East Camelback Rd
Scottsdale, Arizona2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Welcoming remarks at 2:15 p.m.
For more information, please call 480-755-3343.
Thank you for your support!
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