David Schweikert, CD5's representative in Congress, has made a fortune off of the misery of Arizonans who have seen their homes foreclosed.
Since he's been in office, he's come in for some withering criticism from some quarters (including this one) for working to take advantage of Arizonans suffering the effects of the economic cratering here, rather than working to improve economic conditions here and across the country.
Now, reports have come to me that at least one of his staffers is telling people who bring this up that Schweikert has sold his real estate business.
That sounds all well and good, except for one thing -
I can't find any evidence that he has done so.
According to the available public records...
...his company Sheridan Equities, an LLC formed in 2006, still shows him as the sole manager and lists his Fountain Hills address as its business address
...another company, Sheridan Equities Holdings, an LLC formed in 2009, also still shows him as the sole manager with the Fountain Hills address as its business address
...yet another company, MASFund AZ, an LP formed in 2010 in Texas, with Swartz and Brough (a Texas company and his partners in the home grab and flip scheme) and Sheridan Equities as partners, still shows Sheridan as one of the partners (Arizona SOS registration on the LP here and ACC info on its related LLC here; TX info on the LLC here.
...according to the Maricopa County Recorder's office, Sheridan Equities is still acquiring property. Most recently, in February a transfer from Swartz and Brough to Sheridan was recorded. MASFund AZ has been much more active, acquiring or disposing of at least six properties since the beginning of the year.
All of the property dispositions look to be sales to individual owners, not transfers that exhibit a pattern of transfers to a new business owner. In addition, the Maricopa County Assessor still shows the owner address for the properties owned by Sheridan as Schweikert's.
In short, I can't state definitively that Schweikert has not sold his real estate business, but if he has, it seems that he hasn't told anyone except for his staff about it.
If he really *has* sold his real estate business, he might want to think about correcting that oversight.
Notes:
"LLC" is an abbreviation for "Limited Liability Corporation"; the IRS definition is here.
"LP" is an abbreviation for "Limited Partnership": a definition, courtesy the State of California, is here.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Friday's IRC meeting...
As with the first one I covered, this is mostly pics, with just a little bit of news. Steve at Arizona Eagletarian will do a full write up later today or tomorrow on his site.
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) held a three-hour hearing Friday evening in the main branch of the Phoenix public library on Central Ave. Turnout was solid - not SRO, but definitely well over 100 people attended the hearing. 49 spoke, and more would have, but they left before being called.
While the crowd was mostly well-behaved during the meeting, there were some mild fireworks. Some of the tea party types objected to people taking pictures and recording a public meeting held in a public building. Curiously, most of them spent the meeting taking pictures and video of people.
One right-winger became upset and very angry when a couple of the speakers pointed out that she was one of the worst (and most hypocritical) "offenders" - she was both videorecording the speakers and taking still photographs of the crowd for the purposes of intimidating people into silence.
Some pics -
The LD17 contingent...
AIRC Executive Director Ray Bladine (standing) and AIRC members Scott Freeman (seated, left) and Jose Herrera (seated, right)
Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, speaking in favor of creating a Congressional districtthat she can win easily if Ed Pastor doesn't run for re-election that protects her "community of interest"
David Lucier of Tempe, speaking in support of more competitive districts
Jim Williams, of I'm not sure where, self-identified tea party type, criticizing the AIRC
Longtime Phoenix activist and icon, Phyllis Rowe. She brought up the irony of standing up and speaking in a library building named after long-time legislator Burton Barr, and that the push to name the building after Republican Barr was led by a Democratic adversary/friend of his from his time in the lege. She lamented the loss of civility and collegiality in the legislature, and its replacement with the basest, ugliest, partisanship.
Michelle Melchiorre gave the most moving testimony of the evening, talking about her medical history and good fortune to have health insurance to help her through her time of need while this legislature has denied AHCCCS care to thousands of poor Arizonans during theirs. The Commission often talks about the "Cs" - Compact, Contiguous, Communities of interest, Competitive. She suggested that they (and we) add another C - Compassion.
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) held a three-hour hearing Friday evening in the main branch of the Phoenix public library on Central Ave. Turnout was solid - not SRO, but definitely well over 100 people attended the hearing. 49 spoke, and more would have, but they left before being called.
While the crowd was mostly well-behaved during the meeting, there were some mild fireworks. Some of the tea party types objected to people taking pictures and recording a public meeting held in a public building. Curiously, most of them spent the meeting taking pictures and video of people.
One right-winger became upset and very angry when a couple of the speakers pointed out that she was one of the worst (and most hypocritical) "offenders" - she was both videorecording the speakers and taking still photographs of the crowd for the purposes of intimidating people into silence.
Some pics -
The LD17 contingent...
AIRC Executive Director Ray Bladine (standing) and AIRC members Scott Freeman (seated, left) and Jose Herrera (seated, right)
Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, speaking in favor of creating a Congressional district
David Lucier of Tempe, speaking in support of more competitive districts
Jim Williams, of I'm not sure where, self-identified tea party type, criticizing the AIRC
Longtime Phoenix activist and icon, Phyllis Rowe. She brought up the irony of standing up and speaking in a library building named after long-time legislator Burton Barr, and that the push to name the building after Republican Barr was led by a Democratic adversary/friend of his from his time in the lege. She lamented the loss of civility and collegiality in the legislature, and its replacement with the basest, ugliest, partisanship.
Michelle Melchiorre gave the most moving testimony of the evening, talking about her medical history and good fortune to have health insurance to help her through her time of need while this legislature has denied AHCCCS care to thousands of poor Arizonans during theirs. The Commission often talks about the "Cs" - Compact, Contiguous, Communities of interest, Competitive. She suggested that they (and we) add another C - Compassion.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Do split ends qualify as a "recurring injury"?
When Rick Perry replaced George W. Bush as the governor of Texas, the late, great, Molly Ivins nicknamed him "Governor Goodhair." His hair is a little grayer now, but he seems to be just as focused on "not a hair out of place" as ever.
pic courtesy Bagofnothing.com
From the Texas Tribune (h/t to Teagan Goddard's Political Wire for noticing this) -
Still, this was too good to pass up, especially given that he will soon be slogging his way across Iowa, South Carolina, New Hampshire and the other early primary states. In those places, he'll be trying to reach Republican primary voters.
These are the same folks who believe that all government spending is bad, and will tell you that rather loudly and definitively, before they drive on public roads to deposit their Social Security checks into their FDIC-insured accounts in banks staffed by people educated in public schools, all the while protected by public employees called police officers and fire fighters.
In short, many of them won't understand the nuanced differences between "embryonic" and "adult." More importantly, they won't want to understand the difference.
pic courtesy Bagofnothing.com
From the Texas Tribune (h/t to Teagan Goddard's Political Wire for noticing this) -
When Gov. Rick Perry emerged from back surgery on July 1, he tweeted that his “little procedure” — a spinal fusion and nerve decompression designed to treat a recurring injury — had gone “as advertised.”
The possible presidential contender didn’t reveal that he’d undergone an experimental injection of his own stem cells, a therapy that isn’t FDA approved, has mixed evidence of success and can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.To be fair to soon-to-be-official presidential candidate Perry, while this seems a little bizarre, it isn't hypocritical - while he is rabidly opposed to embryonic stem cell research, he has long supported adult stem cell research.
Still, this was too good to pass up, especially given that he will soon be slogging his way across Iowa, South Carolina, New Hampshire and the other early primary states. In those places, he'll be trying to reach Republican primary voters.
These are the same folks who believe that all government spending is bad, and will tell you that rather loudly and definitively, before they drive on public roads to deposit their Social Security checks into their FDIC-insured accounts in banks staffed by people educated in public schools, all the while protected by public employees called police officers and fire fighters.
In short, many of them won't understand the nuanced differences between "embryonic" and "adult." More importantly, they won't want to understand the difference.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Remember when Paul Gosar and Trent Franks pushed to open up the Grand Canyon to uranium mining? Here's yet another reason why that's a bad idea.
Earlier this summer, Arizona congressmen Paul Gosar and Trent Franks worked to overturn the ban on mining uranium near the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona.
They failed, at least for now, and a press release that came across my inbox this morning serves as a reminder of why their failure is a good thing for the residents of Arizona and the millions of visitors to the Canyon.
From the EPA -
Note: The districts of both Franks and Gosar encompass parts of northern Arizona, including the areas that would be affected by any uranium mining, and Gosar's includes the parts of the Navajo reservation that are in Arizona.
They failed, at least for now, and a press release that came across my inbox this morning serves as a reminder of why their failure is a good thing for the residents of Arizona and the millions of visitors to the Canyon.
From the EPA -
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached an agreement with Chevron USA Inc. to investigate radium-contaminated soil at the Mariano Lake Mine site, a former uranium mine located on the Navajo Nation near Gallup, New Mexico. The agreement is the latest result of an ongoing effort by EPA and Navajo Nation to address contamination from the legacy of uranium mining in the Navajo Nation.
Under the agreement, Chevron will conduct a radiological survey and sample radium-contaminated soil throughout the 31-acre Mariano Lake Mine site and surrounding area, including 10 residences and two nearby water wells. Chevron also agreed to pay EPA's oversight costs.
“This investigation is part of EPA's commitment to help the Navajo Nation deal with the significant impacts of historic uranium mining,” said Jared Blumenfeld, Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Region. “We are working to make sure that every responsible party takes the steps needed to protect Navajo families from radioactive contamination.”
Ben Shelly, Navajo Nation President, said, "On behalf of the communities in and around Mariano Lake, I extend my sincere appreciation for the agreement today between the U.S. EPA and Chevron. I look forward to the data that will be generated in this investigation, and I respectfully request U.S. EPA to understand our desires for the most protective clean up plans that will help restore harmony in our communities and homes. This type of agreement will continue to help us as we work to correct the harmful legacy of past uranium mining and milling on the Navajo Nation.
EPA and the Navajo EPA will oversee field work, which will include construction of a fence and application of a sealant to contaminated soils where people live, work and play while the investigation is carried out. The order also requires Chevron to post signs, lock gates and prevent livestock from getting into areas of known contamination prior to cleanup.
The Mariano Lake Mine site operated as a uranium ore mine from approximately 1977 to 1982, and includes one 500-foot deep shaft, waste piles, and several surface ponds. Exposure to elevated levels of radium over a long period of time can result in anemia, cataracts, fractured teeth, and cancer, especially bone cancer.
Chevron is the fifth responsible party that EPA has required to take actions at former uranium mines on the Navajo Nation. EPA’s work with Navajo Nation to identify and enforce against responsible parties is part of a 5-year plan to address the problem, which can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region9/superfund/navajo-nation/ .I don't expect this to change the attitudes of Gosar and Franks - they always favor corporate profits over constituents' safety. However, they aren't the only people with something to say on the subject.
Note: The districts of both Franks and Gosar encompass parts of northern Arizona, including the areas that would be affected by any uranium mining, and Gosar's includes the parts of the Navajo reservation that are in Arizona.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Jan Brewer: moonlighting as a corporate shill?
From the governor's public schedule for Thursday -
Why do that, which would only reduce the corporate bottom line, when they can get the taxpayers to pick up the tab?
• 9:00 a.m. -I'm sure that BASIS will be reimbursing the state's taxpayers for the costs of schlepping the governor and her entourage around the state to shill for them...actually, I'm sure that they won't.
Governor to Speak at the BASIS Chandler Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
BASIS Chandler
1800 East Chandler Boulevard, Chandler
• 12:00 p.m. -
Governor to Speak at the BASIS Peoria Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
BASIS Peoria
25950 North Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria
• 4:00 p.m. -
Governor to Speak at the BASIS Flagstaff Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
BASIS Flagstaff
1700 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff
Why do that, which would only reduce the corporate bottom line, when they can get the taxpayers to pick up the tab?
Stage one of the latest mugging of America complete: House passes debt ceiling deal
Edited on August 2 to correct an error. I initially wrote that Paul Gosar voted against the measure, when in fact, he voted for it. Thanks go out to reader Robert Leger for spotting the mistake.
Monday, the House passed the debt ceilingmugging "compromise" by a 269 - 161 vote. The vote did have the unexpected effect of uniting the usually-divided-along-partisan-lines Arizona delegation, where all but two members voted against the measure (Democrats Pastor and Gijalva were no votes because it was such a horrific deal, Republicans Quayle, Schweikert, Franks, and Flake voted no because it isn't horrific enough). The members of the Arizona delegation who voted in favor: Republican Paul Gosar and...
Democrat Gabby Giffords, who returned from her long rehab following the January mass shooting in Tucson.
Pic of the one true highlight of the day -
Pic courtesy Laura McGann of Politico
She may have voted the wrong way today, but it was still great to see her back at work.
....As a related aside, look for whoever stage managed the moment for the White House to move to Hollywood after the 2012 elections. He or she is obviously good enough to make some serious money there and just as obviously, he or she will be looking for a job by the end of next year.
Monday, the House passed the debt ceiling
Democrat Gabby Giffords, who returned from her long rehab following the January mass shooting in Tucson.
Pic of the one true highlight of the day -
Pic courtesy Laura McGann of Politico
She may have voted the wrong way today, but it was still great to see her back at work.
....As a related aside, look for whoever stage managed the moment for the White House to move to Hollywood after the 2012 elections. He or she is obviously good enough to make some serious money there and just as obviously, he or she will be looking for a job by the end of next year.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Latest possible debt ceiling deal emerges; screwing of America pending
...When the best hope for the country is if the tea-publicans get arrogant and oppose the deal in the belief that they can squeeze even more out of the stone that is what remains of the American economy and the American people, we're in deep trouble...fortunately, we can probably count on the tea party types reaching for more...unfortunately, we can probably count on Barack Obama, Harry Reid and the rest of the DC Dems to give it to them.
From the San Francisco Chronicle -
Bottom line: Decimation of the social safety net is on the table; tax increases on corporations and the wealthy are off of the table.
From the San Francisco Chronicle -
Congressional leaders and the Obama administration negotiated to finish the details of an agreement to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, paving the way for possible votes in the Senate tonight and the House tomorrow on a plan to avert a U.S. default and calm market concerns.
"We're really, really close to an agreement, and we'll let you know when we get it," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell told reporters as he left the Senate chamber today.
{snip}
Under the emerging plan, a bipartisan congressional super- committee would be charged with coming up with the savings by late November, and its recommendations would receive expedited consideration and a certain vote by Christmas.
{snip}
Socially liberal groups and lawmakers expressed anger at the emerging package because it omits tax increases while cutting deeply into government spending and threatening still more reductions to safety-net programs such as Medicare.Tedski at Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion has Congressman Grijalva's full statement here.
"This deal does not even attempt to strike a balance between more cuts for the working people of America and a fairer contribution from millionaires and corporations," Representative Raul Grijalva, the Arizona Democrat who leads the Progressive Caucus, said in a statement. "I will not be a part of it."
Bottom line: Decimation of the social safety net is on the table; tax increases on corporations and the wealthy are off of the table.
This week's schedule for redistricting hearings
The AIRC road show is travelling to northern Arizona, southern Arizona, central Arizona, and southeastern Arizona. Wonder if any of the commissioners bring their cameras with them to take tourist-y pics of some of the spectacular scenery?
Schedule courtesy the website of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission:
Monday, August 1, 6 p.m. - Coconino Community College - Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Rd., Flagstaff; remote locations: Coconino Community College - Page, 475 S. Lake Powell Rd., Page, Room D10; Coconino Community College/Diné College, 600 Edgewater Dr., Tuba City.
Tuesday, August 2, 6 p.m. - South Tucson City Council Chambers, 1601 S. 6th Ave., South Tucson
Wednesday, August 3, 6 p.m. - Glendale City Council Chambers, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
Thursday, August 4, 6 p.m. - City Hall - Main Building, 1011 N. Coronado Dr., Sierra Vista; remote location: Cochise County Board of Supervisors Public Hearing Room, Building G, 1415 Melody Lane, Bisbee
Friday, August 5, 6 p.m. - Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Pulliam Auditorium
Saturday, August 6, 1 p.m. - Abrams Public Health Building, 3950 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson. Room 1106
Schedule courtesy the website of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission:
Monday, August 1, 6 p.m. - Coconino Community College - Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Rd., Flagstaff; remote locations: Coconino Community College - Page, 475 S. Lake Powell Rd., Page, Room D10; Coconino Community College/Diné College, 600 Edgewater Dr., Tuba City.
Tuesday, August 2, 6 p.m. - South Tucson City Council Chambers, 1601 S. 6th Ave., South Tucson
Wednesday, August 3, 6 p.m. - Glendale City Council Chambers, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
Thursday, August 4, 6 p.m. - City Hall - Main Building, 1011 N. Coronado Dr., Sierra Vista; remote location: Cochise County Board of Supervisors Public Hearing Room, Building G, 1415 Melody Lane, Bisbee
Friday, August 5, 6 p.m. - Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Pulliam Auditorium
Saturday, August 6, 1 p.m. - Abrams Public Health Building, 3950 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson. Room 1106
Thursday, July 28, 2011
PSA time: Haboobs
Much has been made of the rise of the use of the word "haboob" to describe certain recent dust storms in the Valley (see recent letters to the editor).
While some people are offended by the Arabic origin of the word and some others because the word reminds them of a female body part, I believe the word is here to stay.
If only because TV weather reporters can't say "big ass dust storm" on the air. :)
As such, as a public service, I've taken it upon myself to lend a little insight into the various types of haboobs (and here you were, thinking there was just one :) ).
Like hurricanes and tornadoes, also weather phenomena marked by high winds, haboobs are differentiated by level. While the force scales for tornadoes and hurricanes have numerals in them, the haboob scale is made up only of letters.
Level A - the haboob barely rises above surface level. However, the appearance of even small haboobs have been known to distract drivers and cause fender benders, and they should be handled with the care and appreciation they deserve.
Level B - possibly the most common haboob, they rise more than 1 kilometer above the surface. Most drivers are comfortable with them and handle them with ease. Like the "A" haboobs however, they can be distractions have been known to cause accidents when spotted by drivers.
Level C - now we are getting into noteworthy territory. Cs rise more than 2 km above the surface and have been known to cause medium-sized traffic snarls and marital discord because of driversogling them taking their eyes of the road. Inexperienced drivers are usually the most vulnerable to these.
Level D - now entering "this could be dangerous to everyone" territory. D-level haboobs rise more than 3 km above the surface. Young drivers have been known to become slack-jawed and glassy-eyed when spying one or more D-level haboobs. Even experienced drivers have, on occasion, totally lost focus on their lives, often losing their homes and families because of them. Appreciated by most, but most appreciated by divorce lawyers because they frequently lead to lucrative retainers.
Level DD - Rising more than 4 km above the surface, DD haboobs are much like Category 5 hurricanes and EF5 tornadoes. Experienced drivers are the slack-jawed and glassy-eyed ones while young drivers simply go blind to all else around them. When these make their presence known, lives are damaged to the extent that attempting to rebuild isn't advised. Just call in the bulldozers/bankruptcy attorneys and start from scratch, because there won't be enough left to build a dog house, much less something to house a family. On the other hand, these usually lead to being disowned by the family anyway.
Above DD - these have rarely been known to occur naturally. Instead, in general, they are created by the artificial infusion of a saline or silicone factor. While still rare, they are most often spotted in isolated areas in the Valley - near strip clubs, Charlie Sheen, famous athletes, infamous politicians and north Scottsdale. Paradoxically, these do NOT cause the same traffic problems as the other haboobs - mostly because they are usually whirling around poles in clubs or are in the backs of limousines behind tinted glass.
...And so ends this non-political PSA, perhaps mildly crass and crude, and I hope, a little funny. And even if one doesn't find it funny, I hope one appreciates that this is what one gets when people start whining about words like "haboob."
Keep whining about it, and I may just keep writing about it. :)
While some people are offended by the Arabic origin of the word and some others because the word reminds them of a female body part, I believe the word is here to stay.
If only because TV weather reporters can't say "big ass dust storm" on the air. :)
As such, as a public service, I've taken it upon myself to lend a little insight into the various types of haboobs (and here you were, thinking there was just one :) ).
Like hurricanes and tornadoes, also weather phenomena marked by high winds, haboobs are differentiated by level. While the force scales for tornadoes and hurricanes have numerals in them, the haboob scale is made up only of letters.
Level A - the haboob barely rises above surface level. However, the appearance of even small haboobs have been known to distract drivers and cause fender benders, and they should be handled with the care and appreciation they deserve.
Level B - possibly the most common haboob, they rise more than 1 kilometer above the surface. Most drivers are comfortable with them and handle them with ease. Like the "A" haboobs however, they can be distractions have been known to cause accidents when spotted by drivers.
Level C - now we are getting into noteworthy territory. Cs rise more than 2 km above the surface and have been known to cause medium-sized traffic snarls and marital discord because of drivers
Level D - now entering "this could be dangerous to everyone" territory. D-level haboobs rise more than 3 km above the surface. Young drivers have been known to become slack-jawed and glassy-eyed when spying one or more D-level haboobs. Even experienced drivers have, on occasion, totally lost focus on their lives, often losing their homes and families because of them. Appreciated by most, but most appreciated by divorce lawyers because they frequently lead to lucrative retainers.
Level DD - Rising more than 4 km above the surface, DD haboobs are much like Category 5 hurricanes and EF5 tornadoes. Experienced drivers are the slack-jawed and glassy-eyed ones while young drivers simply go blind to all else around them. When these make their presence known, lives are damaged to the extent that attempting to rebuild isn't advised. Just call in the bulldozers/bankruptcy attorneys and start from scratch, because there won't be enough left to build a dog house, much less something to house a family. On the other hand, these usually lead to being disowned by the family anyway.
Above DD - these have rarely been known to occur naturally. Instead, in general, they are created by the artificial infusion of a saline or silicone factor. While still rare, they are most often spotted in isolated areas in the Valley - near strip clubs, Charlie Sheen, famous athletes, infamous politicians and north Scottsdale. Paradoxically, these do NOT cause the same traffic problems as the other haboobs - mostly because they are usually whirling around poles in clubs or are in the backs of limousines behind tinted glass.
...And so ends this non-political PSA, perhaps mildly crass and crude, and I hope, a little funny. And even if one doesn't find it funny, I hope one appreciates that this is what one gets when people start whining about words like "haboob."
Keep whining about it, and I may just keep writing about it. :)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Update: Schweikert's foreclosure "prevention" event moved
Update to the update on 7/28 -
A call to Schweikert's office brought forth a statement that the event will be held in the Tempe library. However, a call to the history museum brought forth a statement that their facility has been booked for the event on Saturday.
Advice: plan to show up early (8:30 or 8:45 a.m.) and be prepared to move. Fortunately, the Museum and Library are part of the same complex, so it won't be a long walk if one is necessary.
End 7/28 update...
...and there are rumors that it may have been moved again already, but this is the latest verifiable info...
Congressman "Foreclosure Dave" Schweikert is holding a foreclosure prevention workshop this coming Saturday, July 30.
Originally scheduled for the Pyle Center in Tempe, the latest information, courtesy the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, is that it will now be held in the lower level of the Tempe Public Library. The scheduled time is still 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
There was a rumor going around tonight that the event will actually be held at the Tempe History Museum, but while I will check it out tomorrow (by calling Schweikert's district office), I am going with the taxk force's info because it was uploaded to their Facebook page just a few hours ago.
Of course, Schweikert's Congressional website still shows the event location as the Pyle Center.
That's in keeping with an apparent nationwide pattern - Republican elected officials moving events or just generating confusion about them to reduce public attendance. That way they can claim to have met with their constituents but can better control which constituents they meet with.
We'll see how Saturday turns out...
A call to Schweikert's office brought forth a statement that the event will be held in the Tempe library. However, a call to the history museum brought forth a statement that their facility has been booked for the event on Saturday.
Advice: plan to show up early (8:30 or 8:45 a.m.) and be prepared to move. Fortunately, the Museum and Library are part of the same complex, so it won't be a long walk if one is necessary.
End 7/28 update...
...and there are rumors that it may have been moved again already, but this is the latest verifiable info...
Congressman "Foreclosure Dave" Schweikert is holding a foreclosure prevention workshop this coming Saturday, July 30.
Originally scheduled for the Pyle Center in Tempe, the latest information, courtesy the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, is that it will now be held in the lower level of the Tempe Public Library. The scheduled time is still 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
There was a rumor going around tonight that the event will actually be held at the Tempe History Museum, but while I will check it out tomorrow (by calling Schweikert's district office), I am going with the taxk force's info because it was uploaded to their Facebook page just a few hours ago.
Of course, Schweikert's Congressional website still shows the event location as the Pyle Center.
That's in keeping with an apparent nationwide pattern - Republican elected officials moving events or just generating confusion about them to reduce public attendance. That way they can claim to have met with their constituents but can better control which constituents they meet with.
We'll see how Saturday turns out...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A (Very) Brief History of Arizona's Legislative District 17
Monday's hearing of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, held in Mesa, has been covered in depth by Steve at Arizona Eagletarian here.
While it went much the same as last week's hearing at South Mountain Community College (tea party types saying "boo! on the AIRC and most everyone else supporting the independence of the AIRC), one speaker stood out, and not in a good way.
From Steve's post -
Minor problem - that's not true -
- In 2000 (when it was LD27), the district elected Harry Mitchell (D), Meg Burton-Cahill (D) and Laura Knaperek (R).
- In 2002 (now LD17), the district elected Harry Mitchell (D), Meg Burton-Cahill (D), and Mark Thompson (R).
- In 2004, the district elected Harry Mitchell (D), Meg Burton-Cahill (D) and Laura Knaperek (R).
- In 2006 (all of five years ago), the district elected all Democrats for the first time - Meg Burton Cahill, Ed Ableser, and David Schapira.
- In 2008, the same trio were reelected.
- In 2010, the district elected Democrats David Schapira, Ed Ableser, and Ben Arredondo (a former Republican and long-time community icon).
That last may be what has Mrs. Rogers the most torqued, since she was a candidate in 2010. She doesn't seem to have learned that a campaign platform that consists of "I'm a Republican and it's a Republican wave year" doesn't help a candidate win in LD17.
Tempe, which makes up the largest part of LD17, is a community in a way that most of the other cities in metro Phoenix are *not.*
It's an "old" community (by AZ standards, anyway), having been established in 1879. Many of the families in Tempe can trace their roots in the city back for generations.
In addition, it's a college town. Besides attracting a lot of students, that has helped engender a local populace that tends toward being both educated and intelligent. Yes, even the Republicans.
In other words, Tempe isn't the kind of place a candidate can successfully campaign on "you MUST elect me. I deserve it by right of being a Republican."
That's something Mrs. Rogers should consider when mounting her next campaign (it's one of the worst-kept secrets in local politics that Rogers is going to run for office again).
While it went much the same as last week's hearing at South Mountain Community College (tea party types saying "boo! on the AIRC and most everyone else supporting the independence of the AIRC), one speaker stood out, and not in a good way.
From Steve's post -
The most remarkable comments, in my mind, came from former LD17 Republican candidate for state senate, Wendy Rogers. A retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and pilot, Rogers told us she does not believe the Tempe legislative district is at all competitive. Despite having biked to thousands of homes, raised four times as much money privately as her Clean Elections funded Democratic opponent, and had plenty of signs out, she could not get elected.She also stated that the district has elected all Democrats for at least 10 years.
The ONLY valid conclusion, in light of her gargantuan effort, of course, is that LD17 had been made a safe district for Democratic candidates in the last redistricting.
Minor problem - that's not true -
- In 2000 (when it was LD27), the district elected Harry Mitchell (D), Meg Burton-Cahill (D) and Laura Knaperek (R).
- In 2002 (now LD17), the district elected Harry Mitchell (D), Meg Burton-Cahill (D), and Mark Thompson (R).
- In 2004, the district elected Harry Mitchell (D), Meg Burton-Cahill (D) and Laura Knaperek (R).
- In 2006 (all of five years ago), the district elected all Democrats for the first time - Meg Burton Cahill, Ed Ableser, and David Schapira.
- In 2008, the same trio were reelected.
- In 2010, the district elected Democrats David Schapira, Ed Ableser, and Ben Arredondo (a former Republican and long-time community icon).
That last may be what has Mrs. Rogers the most torqued, since she was a candidate in 2010. She doesn't seem to have learned that a campaign platform that consists of "I'm a Republican and it's a Republican wave year" doesn't help a candidate win in LD17.
Tempe, which makes up the largest part of LD17, is a community in a way that most of the other cities in metro Phoenix are *not.*
It's an "old" community (by AZ standards, anyway), having been established in 1879. Many of the families in Tempe can trace their roots in the city back for generations.
In addition, it's a college town. Besides attracting a lot of students, that has helped engender a local populace that tends toward being both educated and intelligent. Yes, even the Republicans.
In other words, Tempe isn't the kind of place a candidate can successfully campaign on "you MUST elect me. I deserve it by right of being a Republican."
That's something Mrs. Rogers should consider when mounting her next campaign (it's one of the worst-kept secrets in local politics that Rogers is going to run for office again).
Sunday, July 24, 2011
This week's redistricting hearings
This week will be an incredibly busy one for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC).
They have hearings every day this week, as well as next Saturday, ranging from Mesa in central Arizona to Bullhead City in the northwestern part of the state to Window Rock and Pinetop in the northern and eastern reaches of the state. In addition, they'll be visiting Pinal County.
From the schedule of hearings -
Monday, July 25, 6 p.m. - Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. Palo Verde III - Building B
Tuesday, July 26, 6 p.m. - Bullhead City Council Chambers, 1255 Marina Blvd., Bullhead City
Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m. - Casa Grande City Council Chambers, 510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande; remote location: (City of) Maricopa Unified School District Office Administration Building, 44150 W. Maricopa/Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa. Board Room
Thursday, July 28, 6 p.m. - Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Board Hearing Room, 1015 Fair St., Prescott; remote location: Yavapai County Cottonwood Annex, 10 S. 6th St., Cottonwood
Friday, July 29, 1 p.m. - Navajoland Inn & Suites (formerly Days Inn) Conference Room, 392 W. Hwy 264, St. Michaels
Saturday, July 30, 1 p.m. - Hon Dah Resort - Casino, 777 Hwy 260, Pinetop. Mt. Baldy Room; remote locations: Holbrook City Council Chambers, 465 1st Ave., Holbrook and Winslow City Council Chambers, 115 E. 2nd St., Winslow
As a special added bonus for die-hard political geeks based in Maricopa County, here is a list of this week's hearings for Maricopa County redistricting -
July 25, 2011
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Scottsdale Community College
Peridot Room
9000 East Chaparral Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
July 26, 2011
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chandler/Gilbert Community College, Pecos Campus
Chandler Room SC140
2626 East Pecos Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
Since the county supes control the county-level redistricting process, I feel confident in making some predictions on the end product - there will be one absolutely bulletproof Democratic district, centered on south Phoenix and southwestern Maricopa County. The other four districts will have strong Republican majorities.
Of course, I have to be honest - that is less a "prediction" than statement of "the way it always is."
It might be time for an initiative petition to amend state law to create an independent redistricting process for the counties. Not that it will make much difference in Maricopa County until there are more Democrats (or at least, more Independents) here.
While the latest Arizona voter registration count shows that the Republicans have an advantage of 134,921 over the Democrats statewide, the R advantage in Maricopa County alone is 164,217.
Hmmmm...maybe that "Baja Arizona as the 51st state" idea has some merit. :)
They have hearings every day this week, as well as next Saturday, ranging from Mesa in central Arizona to Bullhead City in the northwestern part of the state to Window Rock and Pinetop in the northern and eastern reaches of the state. In addition, they'll be visiting Pinal County.
From the schedule of hearings -
Monday, July 25, 6 p.m. - Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. Palo Verde III - Building B
Tuesday, July 26, 6 p.m. - Bullhead City Council Chambers, 1255 Marina Blvd., Bullhead City
Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m. - Casa Grande City Council Chambers, 510 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande; remote location: (City of) Maricopa Unified School District Office Administration Building, 44150 W. Maricopa/Casa Grande Hwy, Maricopa. Board Room
Thursday, July 28, 6 p.m. - Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Board Hearing Room, 1015 Fair St., Prescott; remote location: Yavapai County Cottonwood Annex, 10 S. 6th St., Cottonwood
Friday, July 29, 1 p.m. - Navajoland Inn & Suites (formerly Days Inn) Conference Room, 392 W. Hwy 264, St. Michaels
Saturday, July 30, 1 p.m. - Hon Dah Resort - Casino, 777 Hwy 260, Pinetop. Mt. Baldy Room; remote locations: Holbrook City Council Chambers, 465 1st Ave., Holbrook and Winslow City Council Chambers, 115 E. 2nd St., Winslow
As a special added bonus for die-hard political geeks based in Maricopa County, here is a list of this week's hearings for Maricopa County redistricting -
July 25, 2011
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Scottsdale Community College
Peridot Room
9000 East Chaparral Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
July 26, 2011
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chandler/Gilbert Community College, Pecos Campus
Chandler Room SC140
2626 East Pecos Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
Since the county supes control the county-level redistricting process, I feel confident in making some predictions on the end product - there will be one absolutely bulletproof Democratic district, centered on south Phoenix and southwestern Maricopa County. The other four districts will have strong Republican majorities.
Of course, I have to be honest - that is less a "prediction" than statement of "the way it always is."
It might be time for an initiative petition to amend state law to create an independent redistricting process for the counties. Not that it will make much difference in Maricopa County until there are more Democrats (or at least, more Independents) here.
While the latest Arizona voter registration count shows that the Republicans have an advantage of 134,921 over the Democrats statewide, the R advantage in Maricopa County alone is 164,217.
Hmmmm...maybe that "Baja Arizona as the 51st state" idea has some merit. :)
Journalistic stretches: A question
Sunday, the Arizona Republic published a column written by Doug MacEachern where he blamed the political mess in Quartzsite in La Paz County on Clarence Dupnik.
The sheriff of Pima County.
Since Tucson, the county seat of Pima County, is roughly 240 miles from Quartzsite, this seems to be a bit of a stretch. However, if this is an accepted journalistic practice, does that mean that I can blame the biker rally killings in Coconino County this weekend on the gun nuts in the Arizona legislature? Perhaps making Rep. Jerry Weiers (R-Glendale), the lege's resident biker advocate/lobbyist, the poster child of the blamefest?
It wouldn't be any more accurate than MacEachern's diatribe, but apparently, "accuracy" isn't a requirement for Arizona journalists, at least not for those who are senior staffers at the Republic.
The sheriff of Pima County.
Since Tucson, the county seat of Pima County, is roughly 240 miles from Quartzsite, this seems to be a bit of a stretch. However, if this is an accepted journalistic practice, does that mean that I can blame the biker rally killings in Coconino County this weekend on the gun nuts in the Arizona legislature? Perhaps making Rep. Jerry Weiers (R-Glendale), the lege's resident biker advocate/lobbyist, the poster child of the blamefest?
It wouldn't be any more accurate than MacEachern's diatribe, but apparently, "accuracy" isn't a requirement for Arizona journalists, at least not for those who are senior staffers at the Republic.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Interesting pattern to the sounds emanating from the state Attorney General's office
Tom Horne, Arizona's Republican Attorney General (and a likely candidate for governor in 2014) has established a rather interesting pattern when determining what matters are worthy of his office's attention -
- In response to Republican AZ Senate president Russell Pearce creating a "blacklist" barring certain political dissenters from the Capitol, infringing upon the rights of those individuals to express their opinions or even to meet with their own elected representatives - silence.
- In response proposed EPA rules regarding the emission of greenhouse gases, he ordered Arizona's withdrawal from a lawsuit supporting the new rules - “I am passionate about protecting the rights of individual states under the 10th Amendment. And I am equally passionate about limiting government intrusion into the ability of employers to reasonably operate their businesses."
- In response to Republican state senator Scott Bundgaard beating up his girlfriend by the side of a freeway in Phoenix, and using his position in the state senate to block his arrest by the police, instead watching as the now ex-girlfriend is hauled off in handcuffs (she was later released with no charges as more facts came to light) - the sound of crickets chirping.
- In response to public criticism of his own jihad against the ethnic studies program in Tucson - outrage. He called his critics "thugs."
- In response to the growing evidence that his political ally Russell Pearce was heavily involved in the Fiesta Bowl ticket/gifts to legislators scandal - the sound of snakes slithering across the desert.
- In response to the widening criticisms of his non-investigation into the scandal - feigned outraged, calling the criticisms "partisan" (as if the fact that he is trying to make the scandal go away isn't rooted in partisanship), and passing the buck...errr..."investigation"... to someone else to not investigate the matter.
- In response to Republican John Huppenthal, Arizona's nativist Superintendent of Public Instruction, finding that Tucson's ethnic studies program violates state law in direct contradiction to an independent study commissioned by Huppenthal himself (possibly a violation of ARS 38-423 - no link due to the fact that the lege's website is unavailable for some reason) - nada.
- In response to Republican senator Lori Klein pointing a pistol at Arizona Republic writer Richard Ruelas in the members lounge of the State Senate building - the sound of cacti growing.
Even if Horne (and the rest of us) accept Klein's excuse/story that the incident was Ruelas' fault - she has claimed that she was just harmlessly pointing the weapon at a wall and Ruelas sat in front of her - the Republic article linked above was accompanied by a picture taken by Mark Henle of the Republic.
The pic clearly shows Klein possessing the weapon in a public building, specifically the building housing the Arizona State Senate. That's a violation of state law, and no self-serving press releases (or combination of winks and nods) change that.
- In response to an elected official hiring an unqualified female "friend" to a highly paid position for which she is apparently utterly unqualified - bupkes.
To be fair to Horne, the elected official in question is Horne himself and the woman is a long-time "associate." Nobody expects him to investigate himself; when there are questions about the integrity of a high-ranking law enforcement official, it usually falls upon someone further up the law enforcement org chart to handle those duties.
- In response to complaints from Republicans and their tea party associates that the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission might actually be "independent" - an investigation is immediately launched, looking for possible criminal activity.
Hmmm...what's the pattern? Oh yeah -
Apparently, in Tom Horne's Arizona anyway, everyone has to follow the law...except for him and his friends and allies...or when not following the law benefits him and his friends and allies.
- In response to Republican AZ Senate president Russell Pearce creating a "blacklist" barring certain political dissenters from the Capitol, infringing upon the rights of those individuals to express their opinions or even to meet with their own elected representatives - silence.
- In response proposed EPA rules regarding the emission of greenhouse gases, he ordered Arizona's withdrawal from a lawsuit supporting the new rules - “I am passionate about protecting the rights of individual states under the 10th Amendment. And I am equally passionate about limiting government intrusion into the ability of employers to reasonably operate their businesses."
- In response to Republican state senator Scott Bundgaard beating up his girlfriend by the side of a freeway in Phoenix, and using his position in the state senate to block his arrest by the police, instead watching as the now ex-girlfriend is hauled off in handcuffs (she was later released with no charges as more facts came to light) - the sound of crickets chirping.
- In response to public criticism of his own jihad against the ethnic studies program in Tucson - outrage. He called his critics "thugs."
- In response to the growing evidence that his political ally Russell Pearce was heavily involved in the Fiesta Bowl ticket/gifts to legislators scandal - the sound of snakes slithering across the desert.
- In response to the widening criticisms of his non-investigation into the scandal - feigned outraged, calling the criticisms "partisan" (as if the fact that he is trying to make the scandal go away isn't rooted in partisanship), and passing the buck...errr..."investigation"... to someone else to not investigate the matter.
- In response to Republican John Huppenthal, Arizona's nativist Superintendent of Public Instruction, finding that Tucson's ethnic studies program violates state law in direct contradiction to an independent study commissioned by Huppenthal himself (possibly a violation of ARS 38-423 - no link due to the fact that the lege's website is unavailable for some reason) - nada.
- In response to Republican senator Lori Klein pointing a pistol at Arizona Republic writer Richard Ruelas in the members lounge of the State Senate building - the sound of cacti growing.
Even if Horne (and the rest of us) accept Klein's excuse/story that the incident was Ruelas' fault - she has claimed that she was just harmlessly pointing the weapon at a wall and Ruelas sat in front of her - the Republic article linked above was accompanied by a picture taken by Mark Henle of the Republic.
The pic clearly shows Klein possessing the weapon in a public building, specifically the building housing the Arizona State Senate. That's a violation of state law, and no self-serving press releases (or combination of winks and nods) change that.
- In response to an elected official hiring an unqualified female "friend" to a highly paid position for which she is apparently utterly unqualified - bupkes.
To be fair to Horne, the elected official in question is Horne himself and the woman is a long-time "associate." Nobody expects him to investigate himself; when there are questions about the integrity of a high-ranking law enforcement official, it usually falls upon someone further up the law enforcement org chart to handle those duties.
- In response to complaints from Republicans and their tea party associates that the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission might actually be "independent" - an investigation is immediately launched, looking for possible criminal activity.
Hmmm...what's the pattern? Oh yeah -
Apparently, in Tom Horne's Arizona anyway, everyone has to follow the law...except for him and his friends and allies...or when not following the law benefits him and his friends and allies.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday Redistricting Hearing
Thursday, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission held a public hearing at South Mountain Community College. Prior to the meeting, there were rumors that tea party types planned a big turnout for the meeting. While there were a number of them there, they were mostly well-behaved.
Perhaps the facts that 24th Street and Baseline (the location of SMCC) isn't exactly home turf for them (too many folks with skin darker than a golfer's tan) and the unobtrusive but unsubtle presence of a number of police officers and other visible security personnel contributed to their desire to avoid significant confrontations or disruptions of the meeting. They applauded their own speakers and hooted and hollered a couple of times at pro-competitive districts speakers, but other than that, the chair of the meeting only had to issue one warning to the audience about the police presence.
The next hearing in Maricopa County will be Monday at 6 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center. The complete list of upcoming hearings is here.
Steve at The Arizona Eagletarian has a full write-up of the meeting here, but here are a few pics -
A pre-meeting shot of the crowd. Estimates were that as many as 200 people attended.
Dave Wells of Tempe, a political science professor from ASU
State Senators John McComish (R) and Leah Landrum Taylor (D) speaking before the meeting. Both addressed the Commission to support the protection of "communities of interest" (aka - their own districts)
Randall Holmes of Tempe addressing the Commission in support of competitive districts
Kelly Townsend of Gilbert, a Republican PC and tea party type, calling for the resignation of AIRC chair Colleen Mathis. She was poised and polished...except for the fact that the commissioner she was calling out was not Mathis, it was Linda McNulty. Oops. Townsend had a game plan to follow, and follow it she did. Even if it had nothing to do with reality. Still, she did better than another tea party type who took the mike to criticize the selection of Strategic Telemetry as the mapping consultant. That one didn't obviously didn't write the words she was reading - she couldn't pronounce "telemetry." Oops2.
Some tea party types greeted arrivals in the hallway outside the meeting room. The guy in the red, white, and blue shirt is actually wearing a copy of the Declaration of Independence. I don't think he understands the irony of displaying that document while working against the independence of the Independent Redistricting Commission.
Perhaps the facts that 24th Street and Baseline (the location of SMCC) isn't exactly home turf for them (too many folks with skin darker than a golfer's tan) and the unobtrusive but unsubtle presence of a number of police officers and other visible security personnel contributed to their desire to avoid significant confrontations or disruptions of the meeting. They applauded their own speakers and hooted and hollered a couple of times at pro-competitive districts speakers, but other than that, the chair of the meeting only had to issue one warning to the audience about the police presence.
The next hearing in Maricopa County will be Monday at 6 p.m. at the Mesa Convention Center. The complete list of upcoming hearings is here.
Steve at The Arizona Eagletarian has a full write-up of the meeting here, but here are a few pics -
A pre-meeting shot of the crowd. Estimates were that as many as 200 people attended.
Dave Wells of Tempe, a political science professor from ASU
State Senators John McComish (R) and Leah Landrum Taylor (D) speaking before the meeting. Both addressed the Commission to support the protection of "communities of interest" (aka - their own districts)
Randall Holmes of Tempe addressing the Commission in support of competitive districts
Kelly Townsend of Gilbert, a Republican PC and tea party type, calling for the resignation of AIRC chair Colleen Mathis. She was poised and polished...except for the fact that the commissioner she was calling out was not Mathis, it was Linda McNulty. Oops. Townsend had a game plan to follow, and follow it she did. Even if it had nothing to do with reality. Still, she did better than another tea party type who took the mike to criticize the selection of Strategic Telemetry as the mapping consultant. That one didn't obviously didn't write the words she was reading - she couldn't pronounce "telemetry." Oops2.
Some tea party types greeted arrivals in the hallway outside the meeting room. The guy in the red, white, and blue shirt is actually wearing a copy of the Declaration of Independence. I don't think he understands the irony of displaying that document while working against the independence of the Independent Redistricting Commission.
The crowd...
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