Scottsdale council looks at choices to spend $4M windfall

by Beth Duckett – Oct. 17, 2011 08:50 AM
The Arizona Republic

On the heels of ongoing budget cuts, Scottsdale got some good financial news this week.

City Manager David Richert proposed options to spend a $4 million windfall from last fiscal year, including a one-time “thank you” stipend for employees who have faced pay cuts and salary freezes in the battered economy.

The City Council will decide how to spend the money.
Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Scottsdale council looks at choices to spend $4M windfall

Map for Ariz. legislative districts disliked by political parties

by Mary Jo Pitzl – Oct. 17, 2011 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Republicans and Democrats alike are lamenting a proposed new map for Arizona’s legislative districts, though for different reasons.

The draft map approved by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission could alter the political landscape by putting some Republicans into districts that would lean Democratic.
Continue reading

Posted in Independent Redistricting | Comments Off on Map for Ariz. legislative districts disliked by political parties

Mesa District 18 needs a change in leadership

by Don Stapley – Oct. 16, 2011 07:17 PM

As summer turns to autumn, and leaves begin to turn colors, change is in the air. Nowhere is that change more needed than in Mesa Legislative District 18, where the voters have petitioned for a change in the senator who represents them. They simply wanted a chance, sooner rather than later, to elect someone who better reflects their needs in these difficult times.

As a Maricopa County supervisor, I represent much of District 18. I strongly support our two House members, Cecil Ash and Steve Court. They are focused on lowering the cost of state government in tough economic times in intelligent ways. The same cannot be said of Sen. Russell Pearce, who is obsessed with one issue: illegal immigration. It is time for a change.
Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Mesa District 18 needs a change in leadership

A closer look at the Phoenix mayoral candidates

by Lynh Bui – Oct. 16, 2011 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Phoenix mayoral candidates Wes Gullett and Greg Stanton have squared off in more than 40 debates since April.

They’ve each created nine policy plans to address issues ranging from job growth to pension reform, to education, to small-business development.
Continue reading

Posted in Election News | Comments Off on A closer look at the Phoenix mayoral candidates

When voters want change, not much will prevent it

by Robert Robb, columnist – Oct. 15, 2011 07:17 PM
The Arizona Republic

From the political notebook:

– Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon has endorsed Greg Stanton to succeed him. The firefighters and cops have signs up all over the city saying Stanton’s their man.

These bring back memories of one of the larger political tactical mistakes to which I was a party.
Continue reading

Posted in Election News | Comments Off on When voters want change, not much will prevent it