AZ government is routinely considered to be among the most corrupt in the U.S., at least among neutral observers. And like a lot of political phenomena here, much of it is rooted in the legislature (I've seen too many bills that looked as if they were written by an industry lobbyist and given to a member to slap their name on as sponsor).
But that's OK, because the legislature writes the laws that say it is.
From Illinois State University's Institute for Corruption Studies
The thing is, it's not just legislators; their contempt for civil society and standards of behavior for (putative) public servants suffuses other branches of government.
From AZCentral, written by Richard Ruelas and Ray Stern, dated 10/12 -
A state Supreme Court Justice and former Phoenix councilman had great seats at DBacks game. Who paid for them?
Fans of both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona public officials wanted to know: Was that really state Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick and former Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio with the great seats behind home plate for Wednesday's epic game?
Indeed it was, as Bolick and DiCiccio confirmed. Which brings up another question: Who paid for the Bolicks' seats, which are among the most expensive at Chase Field?
The tickets may be bad enough, but hanging with someone like DiCiccio?
*Not* a good look for justices on the AZ Supreme Court.
