Congratulations Tucson!

It looks Tucson voters have flushed Prop 200...so to speak.

Comments

[ron]

Well, the Republic got 50% of what it wanted for the Phoenix city council.

I guess Ms. Pastor can chalk up this run as 'political experience' and work on her resume for the next run. I am sure we will see her billboards up in a few years.

ron

[ron]

The bigger news of the day was the defeat of so many of the school override elections.

[Ann]

This was not about education but about taxes. Taxpayers have been assessed inflated property values, 40% to 50% increases in one year, and have seen absolutely no personal gain...it is on paper only but Mr. Russell is sure to order it paid! Schweikert got out just in time!

I supported the issue in my district and actually worked the polls for awhile (it's true!)....voters were angry and not at the schools. Fixed incomes, escalating ARMS, fears of the economy in general, but most of all the county and the assessor. They felt they had to choose between supporting schools or supporting their families. For the most part they were angry to be in such a position when they did nothing but now pay for overpriced values from 2004/5. People have assessed valuations higher than the market value of their homes! Yes, they are ticked off!

This was just the first bite at the apple.

Interesting that most east valley issues passed.

Hopefully the legislature will come up with something that will comfort this heartburn BEFORE the voters get a hold of it. That is not an indictment of voters but of the special interests that support and push many of these issues. Voter protected ballot issues in Arizona make for a tough road should unintended consequences result. With so many private interests at play, the multitude of opportunities to focus on one aspect that plays well in public but may have some hidden benefit to a small group at the cost of the whole or it sounds good on the ads but in reality not so much. Would not be the first time!

[ron]

Ann,

The taxpayer angst is not going away soon.

Today's news is about a sheriff who is millions of dollars over in his budget and we have just finished the first quarter.

If leaders can't or won't lead, the public will take it upon itself, complete with all the unintended consequences as you noted.

[Ann]

Very true!

[Dave Webb]

Did Sonoran Alliance really endorse Nowakowski? He runs Radio Campesina, he organized the illegal alien marches, he has been a hard core MECHA leader and diversity activist for years. He also was the director or youth programs at the phx catholic diocese when the priests were at their peak of abusing kids. What is Publius at Sonoran Alliance smoking?
Does Reister Comm or Max Fose or Gary Kaasa have that much juice that they can get republicans to start supporting hard core United FArm Workers activists for public office? What is up with that?

[ron]

From the 11/11/07 AZ Republic -

"Siguenza said if he doesn't sell cars, he doesn't pay sales taxes, which means less money for the government. During the first 10 months of last year, he paid $303,519 in sales taxes. He has paid $162,565 through the first 10 months of this year, or $140,954 less than last year."

This from the article on the declining economy due to 'sanctions' law'.

Hmmmmm, I wonder how long it will before those who live under the copper dome, make the connection?