Thursday, January 31, 2008

FEC reports are in

Edit to update: Turns out that Bob Lord's (D-CD3) financial report is up; I just missed it. I've updated the appropriate section of the post. Thanks to Drew for the comment...

End edit.

It's that time again - time for a quick summary of fundraising results for the various Congressional campaigns in AZ.


Key - Total raised, $ from individual donors, $ from PACs and committees, Cash on hand, and (where applicable) debts or loans.

I'll comment between CDs.

CD1

Kirkpatrick (D) $186108.71, 166108.71, 24000, 292867.66, 20000 loan

Renzi (R) $0, 0, 0, 1786.60, 456058.23 debt

Hay (R) $41822.32, 23935.92, 17886.40, 155727.77, 20000 loan

Shanker (D) $17517.18, 17517.18, 0, 4069.89

No info as yet from Mary Kim Titla (D) or a Democratic candidate that I've never heard of but who has filed organization paperwork, Jeffrey Brown. He's serious enough to have a real, though under construction, website, so I'll mention him here.

It's early still, but pending the still only rumored entries of other Republicans into the contest, right now the race is shaping up to be between industry lobbyist Hay for the Rs and DCCC-annointed Kirkpatrick for the Ds. Their early money and organizations will be tough to beat.


CD2

Franks (R) $72691, 42191, 30500, 86274.1

Thrasher (D) $8543, 8543, 0, 10693.56

Nothing too surprising here; while Franks is beatable, Thrasher needs support to do it. Surf to his website to volunteer or contribute.


CD3

Shadegg (R) $494544.92, 362794.92, 131750, 863636.22

Loyd (I) $14226.55, 0, 14226.55. 8884.33

Lord (D) $211071.23, 187821.23, 18250.00, 503182.54

Something tells me that Shadegg didn't raise half-a-million dollars in what is traditionally the slowest fundraising quarter of the year in response to Annie Loyd's $14K. While Shadegg has, and is expected to maintain, a fundraising advantage (incumbents usually do), he's in the race of his political life. Perhaps his efforts on behalf of John McCain's presidential campaign have an ulterior motive - he realizes that he benefits with McCain at the top of the ballot in November. McCain's presence, while it may not help Rep candidates nationwide, should fuel increased Rep voter turnout here in AZ.

Shadegg should keep something in mind as the campaign unfolds - by sacrificing his constituents and constituent services to campaign for McCain, he could cost himself more votes than he gains with McCain at the top of the ballot.


CD4

Pastor (D) $80125.63, 38120, 42005.63. 1222975.39

$1.2 million CoH and no opponent (as yet, anyway)? Pastor should expect lots of pressure to help out other Democratic candidates this summer.


CD5

Hayworth (R) $-2200, 0, 0, 15310.3

Mitchell (D) $210680, 137255, 71800, 868883.55

Ogsbury (R) $34880, 33380, 1500, 349191.47

Schweikert (R) $505,993, 246393.51, 9600, 412030.69, 250000 loan

Hatch-Miller (R) Just filed organizational paperwork; don't expect financial numbers until April.

Anderson (R) Just filed organizational paperwork; don't expect financial numbers until April.

Knaperek (R) $19948.54, 19948.54, 0, 27356.99

Even without the quarter million dollar loan, Schweikert is the one to beat (money-wise, anyway) in the Rep primary here, though Knaperek and Anderson are veteran campaigners and will know how to use their more limited funds to good effect.

Note: Telecom/cable industry lobbyist Susan Bitter Smith has said that she will make her run/don't run decision sometime after Super Tuesday. As of tonight, no paperwork for her, organizational or financial reporting, has been posted by the FEC.


CD6

Flake $305414.48, 258613.52, 46800.96, 999110.50

Richard Grayson is running a (self-admittedly) quixotic challenge to Flake, but that million dollars CoH of Flake's isn't aimed at him, it was aimed straight as erstwhile primary challenger Russell Pearce (R-National Alliance).

Pearce has recently set his sights somewhat lower - convincing LD18 State Senator Karen Johnson (R-UFO) to step aside and not run for reelection.

Pearce will face Democrat Judah Nativio for the seat.


CD7

Grijalva (D) $40475, 7975, 32500, 99351.11

The Reps are sure to run someone against Congressman Grijalva (they always do), but unless I miss my guess, Grijalva's organization will expend more effort on rounding up votes for presidential candidate Barack Obama than they'll have to expend on rounding up votes for Raul.


CD8

Bee (R) $151074.24, 141324.24, 9750, 161246.04

Giffords (D) $272253.88, 161209.45, 111044.43, 1317357.30

Unless Tim Bee can pull of a miracle dealing with the state's budget deficit, he may come to regret not resigning his seat in the Arizona State Senate. Giffords has an almost 9-to-1 CoH advantage, and Bee is stuck in Phoenix most of the week.

If he leaves the Senate now, he'll get roundly criticized for abandoning his constituents (something that a candidate for another office doesn't want to deal with); if he doesn't leave, his campaign can't get up to full speed until June or July, by which time, Giffords could have a 20:1 money advantage.

PolitickerAZ has a report on the numbers as well, and they have most of the duelling press releases that accompany the releases of fundraising numbers on the main site.

Later!

Edwards and Obama

On Wednesday, John Edwards ended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president on Wednesday. Senator Edwards and his influence on the contest will be be sorely missed.

Because with both sides down to two main candidates each (Gravel was always a non-factor on the Democratic side, Giuliani is out on the Rep side, and Huckabee is fading fast), the final four candidates are a rich, elderly white guy (McCain), an even richer middle-aged white guy (Romney), a rich middle-aged white woman (Clinton), and a rich, fast-approaching middle-aged black guy (Obama).

Poor people and poverty in the U.S. will be a non-issue in the campaign by the end of February, if not by the end of Super Tuesday.


Michael Bryan wrote a post, lamenting the fact that he had voted early for Edwards, and now his vote is lost. While I completely understand the sentiment, I have to respectfully disagree with his point.

Like him, I voted early, and like him, I voted for Edwards.

However, I firmly believe that any vote that is cast for the best candidate is never wasted, and John Edwards was the best candidate, Democrat or Republican, in the race when I filled out and returned my ballot.

He was the only major candidate who talked at length about issues of poverty and class in America, issues that none of the other candidates really wanted to pay more than lip service to.

Having said that, my support, if not my vote, goes now to Senator Barack Obama.

While he perhaps is a little too 'Wall Street' for my taste, he truly represents our country's best chance for changing the status quo in D.C.

I expect most of Edwards' supporters to similarly switch to Obama also - Obama's candidacy is the closest to Edwards' in terms of theme and hope for a change.

Later!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Bill Clinton in Tempe on Thursday

Following up on his wife's AZ visit last week, and perhaps hoping to counteract the effects of Senator Obama's visit later today, former President Bill Clinton is visiting Tempe on Thursday, January 31.

From an email from the Maricopa County Democratic Party -
Former President Bill Clinton to visit Phoenix Thursday 31 January 2008

Former U.S. President William Clinton will speak on behalf of his wife Hillary's campaign at ASU's Grady Gammage Auditorium on the main ASU Campus in Tempe this Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 8:30PM. The auditorium seats only 3,000 people, so anyone wishing to attend should arrive -early- to get in line. Doors will open approximately at 6:30PM.

ASU Grady Gammage Auditorium
1200 S Forest Ave [Click for Map]
Tempe, AZ 85281

The ASU event is free and open to the public subject to available seating. There will also be a private fundraising reception that evening. For more information on that event, please contact Senator Hillary Clinton's local campaign office by calling (602) 279-8030, or stop by their office at 2845 N. Central Ave. (southeast corner of Thomas and Central Ave.).

Later!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

And the winner is...

Jack Harper, 2nd Runner Up for the 2008 Legislative Loon Award, made a late push today for a recount, with his promise/threat to inflict his brand of lunacy on the entire state, not just LD4.

From the AZ Republic's Political Insider -

Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, was working on pumping up a crowd of loyal Mike Huckabee supporters (like maybe 20) in the state capitol courtyard this afternoon. And, you know, when Mr. Harper has a mic in his hand...you've just got to pause to listen.

{snip}

"I will run for a statewide seat in 2010," Harper announced, adding later that he believes "there is no personal sacrifice too big to stand for your beliefs."

Harper can't officially announce his campaign for an office unless he is prepared to resign from the senate. But he told Insider after his announcement that the positions would either relate to his concerns about election integrity (Translation: running for Secretary of State) or how he's not a big fan of Sen. McCain (Translation: running for U.S. Senate.)

He gets points for a valiant effort, but this isn't Florida circa 2000 or Ohio circa 2004 - all votes count, and they only count once. He's still 2nd Runner Up.

Nope, the decision the judges have reached is final...


Your 2008 Legislative Loon is...


State Representative Russell Pearce!!


OK, so that's not really a surprise; he's always a prime contender for this award. In last year's competition, he fell short because "[h]is brand of lunacy seems to be singularly focused."

He seems to have taken that observation to heart.

Not only does he have his usual slew of immigrant-bashing bills (11 and counting), he's expanded his focus, spitting his venom on the state budget, public safety, public universities, schools, municipalities and the state's voters themselves.

Some of the highlights -

Sponsored HB2220, a permanent repeal of the state equalization property tax. That's a quarter billion dollar hit to school funding annually (legislative fiscal note here)...

...Sponsored HB2339, a bill to create a voluntary tax fund to balance the state's budget...

...Cosponsored HB2603, a bill to bar the use of photo-enforcement generated speeding tickets as a basis for MVD suspending a driver's license or as a basis for an insurance company to raise premiums or withdraw coverage from a driver...

...Sponsored HB2637, a bill to bar municipalities from imposing a sales tax (or something similar) on a laundry list of business activities and services while cosponsoring HB2641, a bill that would redirect some state-shared revenues from municipalities to property owners who live in unincorporated areas. So, one one hand he is reducing the amount of money that cities and towns receive from the state while on the other hand he wants to restrict their ability to make up the difference.

Note: this bill refers to A.R.S section 43-1072.02, but I couldn't find that particular section. There is a section 43-1072.01, but not a section .02. I'm not sure if it's a mistake in drafting the bill or a failure in my research abilities.

...Sponsored HB2678, a bill to require drug testing of all welfare recipients and applicants for welfare...

...Sponsored HCR2019, an amendment to the state constitution to bar legislators from holding a position on a local school board. The most interesting part about this one is that a brief search of legislative bios showed that one of the people that would be affected by this is Rep. Rich Crandall (R-LD19), one of Pearce's fellow Mesa Republicans.

...Sponsored HCR2044, an amendment to the state constitution to allow the lege to ignore voter-approved limitations on legislative appropriations, if the lege certifies in writing that it needs to do so in order to avoid a budget deficit.

...Sponsored HCR2049, an amendment to the state constitution to create a crime victims restitution fund (sounds good, right? Hang on...) by diverting monies awarded as punitive damages awarded for death or injury.

The victim to whom the punitive damages were initially awarded would then receive not the amount awarded, but only the amount his/her attorney spent on punitive damages research, plus 10 percent.

...Cosponsored SCM1002, a Senate Memorial (aka - letter to the U.S. Congress) supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution ending the direct election of U.S. Senators by the voters of the various states and reinstituting the election of U.S. Senators by the legislatures of the various states.

And then, of course, there is his crowning achievement in legislative lunacy -

SB1214, the now-infamous bill to allow concealed weapons on school campuses.

Overall, he has sponsored or cosponsored at least 8 measures that would limit or reduce state revenues during a legislative session where he'll be helping to deal with a billion dollar budget deficit.

...So why is he the chair of the House Appropriations Committee?

Besides his legislative proposals, he still spouts off on a regular basis, and not he doesn't limit he pronouncements to only the subject of immigrants. He's spread his rhetorical wings.

For example, at the same January 23 meeting of the Joint Appropriations committee cited in Harper/2nd Runner Up post, Pearce advocated that, instead of funding institutions of higher education, the state should just give out vouchers that students could use wherever they chose to. (Check at approximately the 1:57:00 mark of the longer January 23 Joint Appropriations meeting on this page.)

So, for leaving his single-minded obsession behind, for expanding his bile-spreading efforts to include poor people, voters, students, fellow Republicans, higher education in general, municipalities' financial stability, and more, State Representative Russell Pearce (R-National Alliance) is the Arizona Legislature's

2008 Legislative Loon.

Addendum: There were a couple of Pearce's bill that looked like they might be bad news, but I'm not sure what they really do. He sponsored SB1139, a bill to change some of the rules for the state treasurer, including one that allows him to charge higher administrative fees in the various investment pools overseen by the state treasurer. Also, he sponsored HB2600, a bill that requires the state to purchase performance management software that meets very specific criteria. I don't know if this is a good bill or something that is geared to direct a lucrative state contract to a particular software vendor.

Have a good night...

Monday, January 28, 2008

Tempe City Council forum

Edit on 1/31 to add update at the end of the original post...

I was going to try to write a complete summary of the forum, but there were too many candidates and too many questions for me to keep up.

However, on many issues, the candidates' answers were similar, so let me sum those up -

School district unification? Some supported, some opposed, some were neutral - all said it was an issue to be decided by the voters, not the the City Council.

Taxes? Hate 'em.

Neighborhoods? Love 'em.

Businesses? Need more and buy local, too.

Quality of life? Yup, that's important, too.

And so on... :)


For more detailed info on a candidate's positions, visit their website -

Mark Mitchell

Hut Hutson

Darryl Jacobson-Barnes,

Corey Woods

Rhett Wilson

Joel Navarro

Julie Jakubek


...While I couldn't do justice to all of the answers given by the candidates, I can give some impressions/evaluations of the candidates' performances.

Note to the candidates and their supporters: While some of these evaluations contain criticisms, none of the criticisms are personal, or even are content-based. All of the candidates seem as if they are civic-spirited Tempeans who genuinely want to serve their community.

There were no bad candidates there last night, though a couple of them should work on their performances.

Anyway, on to the good stuff -


Corey Woods was easily the most polished and comfortable candidate on the dais. He spoke directly and firmly and his answers were direct, pertinent, and well-thought-out. There were a couple of minor mistakes, but they were more in the "picking nits" category than the "major gaffe" category. Combine tonight's performance with a solid ground game (*lots* of walking and knocking), and he has a good chance in March.


Hut Hutson was very solid. His positions and answers mostly hammered home the successes of the current council (he's an incumbent). There was one question, asking what the candidate considered to be the most pressing environmental issue facing Tempe. He hit that one out of the park. He answered with 'water' and proceeded to show that he had an understanding of the nuances and 'beyond Tempe' facets of the issue. Overall, he'll be tough to beat.


Mark Mitchell, also an incumbent, did a good job with the content of his answers, but his presentation of those answers left a lot to be desired. For example, he tended to shift his gaze over the audience while he gave his answers. However, the event was also televised on Tempe's Channel 11 and what works well with a live audience will look like hell on television. He didn't have to look at the camera, but he should have focused his answers on one of his tablemates and let the camera find him. His style works better in small group and one-on-one interactions and in forums that are more "live audience" oriented.


Julie Jakubek, a neighborhood activist and small business owner, did OK for a relative novice, but she told the audience about how she and her husband won an award for their home improvement project, and she told us four or five times. She did an excellent job at projecting her energy but should be careful not to become a single-issue candidate (neighborhoods). "Signature issue" = good; "sole issue" = not good.

Daryl Jacobson-Barnes, also a neighborhood activist and small business owner, spoke clearly but too many of her answers were of the "I need to say *something*; hope nobody notices that I don't have a lot of specifics" variety. However, she did a better job than

Joel Navarro, a Phoenix firefighter and Tempe community activist. While it was obvious that he cares deeply for Tempe, most of his answers were rambling generalities. He came across as passionate but unprepared, and that isn't a good combination with the campaign season peaking.

Rhett Wilson, former town councilor in Kearny, AZ and currently working on economic development issues for ASU, did a solid job. His answers demonstrated his knowledge of the issues (he had a few 'non-answer' answers, but not so many that he could be called 'unprepared.') His delivery was occasionally a little dry, but also occasionally showed great passion. In addition, he was the only candidate to directly challenge another candidate. He called out Hut Hutson. Hutson cited his record as a tax-cutter during some of his answers, and Wilson brought up a council vote from 2005 (I think it was 2005, anyway) that belied Hutson's claims. Not being familiar with the nuances of Tempe's recent political history, I have no idea if the barb hit the mark.


...Having said all that, everyone, even the candidates that I've criticized or complimented here, should remember that municipal elections are won on the ground. Walking neighborhoods, talking to residents, and speaking to community groups get the job done in local elections. There were less than 100 people in the live audience and an unknown (but probably very small) number watching at home. Tuesday's forum didn't lock up a win for or lock out anyone's candidacy.

There are seven candidates for the three openings that are on the ballot in March, so four of these candidates will be disappointed. However, they are all fairly young (with the exception of Hut Hutson, who's been in Tempe longer than I've been alive :) ), and I expect that, win or lose in March, most of these candidates will be staying involved in elective politics, whether in Tempe or in more regional campaigns (lege?). It will be interesting to watch their growth as campaigners.

Lastly, all of the candidates should be complimented. They're taking time out of their lives and risking public criticism and ridicule to win a job where, no matter what they do, they'll tick off someone.

At home, they'll get late night phone calls, emails, and letters. At work in the council chambers, they'll face a steady stream of people stepping up to the podium to rail against everything they do.

They know all this, and yet they're still stepping up to serve.

Thank you.

Edit to add:

In the aftermath of the forum, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce (one of the sponsors of the forum), announced their endorsements in the Tempe City Council race.

From the Arizona Republic -

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is endorsing City Council candidates Joel Navarro, Corey Woods and incumbent Mark Mitchell.

Congrats to all three...

End edit...

Barack Obama visiting Phoenix on Wednesday

Courtesy an email from the campaign -
Please join Barack Obama at a 'Stand for Change' Rally in Phoenix where he'll talk about his vision for bringing America together and bringing about the kind of change we can believe in.

'Stand for Change' Rally with Barack Obama and special guests Gov. Janet Napolitano and Caroline Kennedy

Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
at the Arizona State Fair Grounds
1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Wednesday, January 30
Doors open: 3:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is strongly recommended:

http://arizona.barackobama.com/phoenix

For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

This will be Obama's third major public appearance in the Phoenix area in the last year and a half.

Later!

Tempe City Council candidate forum tonight

Apologies for the short notice. This race is sort of slipping under the radar in the tumult of a presidential election year.

From the AZ Republic -
The seven candidates vying for three seats on the Tempe City Council will face off at Monday's candidate forum.

Voters will have a chance to hear incumbents Mark Mitchell and Hut Hutson defend their record and ideas, and challengers Darryl Jacobson-Barnes, Corey Woods, Rhett Wilson, Joel Navarro and Julie Jakubek highlight what the could do for Tempe.

The forum, sponsored by The Tempe Republic and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, is at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 31 E. Fifth St. It is open to the public and time will be provided for audience questions.
If you live in Tempe, this is a great chance to hear from your candidates for City Council.

Note: The D17 Democrats have invited the candidates to speak at its February 12th meeting; scheduling is still being worked out, but it will be an informative evening.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

2008 Legislative Loon - 1st Runner Up

In a slight change from the previously announced format, instead of four posts announcing the three finalists for the 2008 Legislative Loon Award and the winner, there will be three posts listing the final results.

State Sen. Jack Harper (R-Surprise!), the subject of my previous post on this topic (and last year's winner), is 2nd Runner Up.

Tonight's subject, State Rep. John Kavanagh (R-LD8), is 1st Runner Up.

He's a real 'up-and-comer' - as an incoming freshman legislator a year ago, he was an almost totally unknown quantity and was unranked.

What we did know a year ago was that he came from a district (north Scottsdale) that is known for sending socially moderate, pro-business Republicans to the lege (i.e. -Sen. Carolyn Allen and Rep. Michele Reagan.) In addition, it was known that he was a retired police officer and current college program head (Scottsdale Community College.)

A year ago, expectations...hopes, anyway...were that while he was a loyal Republican, his careers as a public servant and educator would give him an understanding of the damage that blind ideology can wreak upon public service and infrastructure, and that he might pass that understanding on to a couple of his caucus-mates.


What a difference a year makes.


Let's look at his 'rabid ideologue' credentials -

He hates immigrants with the passion of a Pearce or Tancredo -

He is the sponsor or cosponsor of seven anti-immigrant bills (and counting), operates an anti-immigrant website called ProtectAZBorder.com (Google it if you want to look at it; I'm not going to link to it), and he has an anti-immigrant radio show on KFHX 1620 AM airing Fridays at 8 a.m. (I think it's a low power station based in Fountain Hills, but it streams its audio. Google it if interested.)

Coverage of some of his public expressions against immigrants here.

He's anti-public education -

He's sponsored or cosponsored seven bills that undermine public education, from a bill that makes permanent the corporate tax credit for donations school tuition organizations (STOs) for private and charter schools (HB2098) to barring the assessment of development fees to pay for school construction or maintenance (SB1138).

...He's not unusual in this regard - most of the Republican caucus in the lege works against public ed; however, very few actually work in public ed at the same time. Isn't it interesting that someone who works for a publicly-funded school (SCC) is dedicated to undermining the viability of public education?

He's a fiscally irresponsible (but oh-so-fervent) anti-tax crusader -

He has sponsored or cosponsored five bills that would decrease the state's revenues when it's already laboring under a budget deficit that exceeds a billion dollars. Perhaps he believes that the state can balance its budget with a voluntary tax (HB2339).

31 other Republicans have signed on to HB2339; apparently, they hope that the average citizen will step in to pick up the revenue slack while not noticing that the state's revenue problems were exacerbated by those same Republicans when they forced through yet another huge tax cut for corporations.


Highlights of some of his recent utterings and press coverage -

He wants to balance the state's budget on the backs of needy students.

From the Sierra Vista Herald (January 10, 2008) -
The proposal Wednesday by Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, would require universities to charge students at least 40 percent of what it costs to attend the schools. Now, some students can get fullride scholarships, including room and board, while others get a major percentage of their tab picked up. Kavanagh said the current policy essentially amounts to those without a college degree subsidizing the education of those who will get one.

And if you don't already see his plan as a carefully planned attack on financially-needy poor students (in the name of the state's own financial needs, of course), his proposal would exempt students on academic or athletic scholarships.

Or how about this gem, from the AZ Republic's Political Insider (aka - Plugged In) (the entry is quoted in its entirety because the entire entry *is* a quote) -
"Can we do that to prevent the decimation of our forests, the herniation of our postal workers and the pillaging of our budget?" - Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, asking Secretary of State Jan Brewer if her office could save money by sending ballot information electronically, instead of through the U.S. mail.

In case this isn't clear (somebody should take his thesaurus away, right now! :) ), let me clarify - he wants to use the state's budget problems to disenfranchise those who aren't Web users.

Why doesn't he just say what he really means? "Elderly folks who haven't adapted to an online world yet - you don't need to know about the ballot. You've already voted enough in your lifetimes. On election day, you just get in the way of busier, more useful people anyway. Poor people who can't afford web access - Just get to work and quit wasting time on civic niceties like informed voting."


What elevates Kavanagh about the rest of the Republican caucus (and above 2nd Runner Up Jack Harper) in the race for 2008 Legislative Loon isn't that he's a raving ideologue and frothing-at-the-mouth bigot (most of them are both).

It's the fact that he *is* well-spoken, well-educated, and highly intelligent, and quite capable of crafting and pushing well-thought out and responsible bills. He can even "work across the aisle" on some good bills (i.e. - HB2396, Steve Farley's ban on texting while driving, HB2557, a bill that specifies that schools cannot reduce or eliminate PE, music, or art instruction to meet academic standards in required subjects).

He's the 1st Runner Up because he's capable of being better. He could be a dedicated and hard-working legislator who could be disagreed with on policy issues (he *is* a Republican after all :) ), yet could be respected for at least trying to bring an air of intelligence and professionalism to his job.

Instead, he's just Loon in professional attire, nothing more than a polished Kool-Aid drinker.

...Next up - the Winner!

Of course, most regular readers can guess who that's going to be... :))

Hint: Even without the rest of his resume, the whole 'guns in schools' proposal (SB1214) put him over the top.

Not that he hasn't always been "over the top..."

Later!

Memo to John McCain: You should have stuck with Brimley - even oatmeal is hotter than Rambo these days

McCain catches Huckabee in that all-important category -

"Meaningless endorsement from a washed-up Hollywood action star."

From The Swamp in the Baltimore Sun -

For a while, it seemed like Mike Huckabee had a lock on the campy tough guy vote as he toted Walker Texas Ranger star Chuck Norris around Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Then John McCain got Wilford Brimley, the gruff and tough actor turned oatmeal pitchman.

Today comes the tie break.

Sylvester Stallone of Rocky fame has come out for McCain.

Oh, the possible jokes...

"...After this message from Liberty Medical, the 2008 Republican Debate asks: 'Rambo' and 'Missing in Action' - cynically xenophobic gorefests or cathartic cultural statements?"

"...Quaker Oats, Grecian Formula or Human Growth Hormone - which helps a campaign more?"

"...Breaking news: Dr. Phil has suspended operations at his syndicated television show in order to film his newest reality series 'Psychological Babysitter To Celebrity Train Wrecks.' This week, watch Dr. Phil counsel Steven Seagal, who has threatened to cut off his pony tail unless one of the presidential campaigns calls him."


Anybody have one of their own they want to add to the list?

Later!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Sometimes hardball is the wrong game to play...

Whatthehell are they thinking?

In a move that I sort of predicted a couple of weeks ago, the Clinton campaign has requested that the DNC change the nomination rules.

From Reuters via Yahoo! News:
Sen. Hillary Clinton, in an about-face, said on Friday she wants the Democratic Party delegates in two states that were barred by the national party to be reinstated and counted in the race to determine the party's U.S. presidential nominee.

In those states, Michigan and Florida, Clinton could stake claim to nearly all the delegates to the nominating convention in question -- more than 350.

Is the Clinton campaign deliberately trying to alienate the grassroots of the party? Do they really believe they can win the general election (presuming that she wins the nomination, a possibility that stunts like this could jeopardize) without the votes of the supporters of the other primary candidates? Do they even care about the damage such a move could do to the party's (and the eventual nominee's) image?

Are they supremely arrogant, or just supremely foolish?

For the sake of the party, Governor Dean and the DNC should respond to the request with a firm and final

"No."


More coverage -

Rolling Stone (critical)

New York Times (critical)

Palm Beach Post (not so critical)

Detroit News (not so critical)


Later!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

The nominations are in...

With the WGA still on strike, this awards season has been something of a bust, but that all changes tonight... :)


It's a new year, and a new session of the legislature, and it's time to announce the finalists in the 2008 Legislative Loon award.


This year's competition has a number of contenders for the top spot, but the finalists came down to three names familiar to readers of this blog.

This is the first of a series of four posts - one for each finalist, detailing their qualifications for this year's award, followed by a fourth naming the winner. The winner will be announced next week.

On to the finalists...


State Senator Jack Harper(R-LD4), the defending champion, made a strong case to retain his title, sponsoring or cosponsoring at least 10 anti-immigrant bills, three anti-abortion measures, and a offering a number of bills and utterings of the 'unrepentant wing nut' variety.

Some of the highlights of his entries in the category -

...the previously discussed SB1064, a proposal to open up Arizona's presidential primaries - for everyone except Democrats...

...a slightly watered-down version of the infamous "guns in bars" bill. His SB1132 would allow gun owners to carry their weapons in a restaurant as long as the proprietor of the establishment specifically posted that such was allowed. (note: Believe it or not, I could actually support this bill except for the fact that the posting required under the language of this bill doesn't actually clearly state that guns are permitted. Yes, that means that patrons that aren't part of the gun culture wouldn't know that they were around people who were mixing booze and guns. An article on the bill by Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services, via the Sierra Vista Herald is here.)

...his refusal to hold re-confirmation hearings for the commander of the Arizona National Guard, Gen. David Rataczak, because he doesn't like the fact that Governor Napolitano hasn't mobilized the National Guard to patrol the border with Mexico. (EV Trib editorial here)

...his sponsorship of seven bills designed to reduce state or local revenues (i.e. - SB1002, end equalization tax for education; SB1138, bar local development fees to pay for schools in newly'built areas) or increase fiscal irresponsibility (HCR2004, creative use of federal money that isn't subject to specific encumberances).

[And all you CD8 types should remember that Tim Bee is the one who put Harper on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Just something to think about when Bee tries to portray himself as a "moderate Republican" during his campaign to unseat Gabrielle Giffords in November.]

...the reintroduction of a bill to create a state-sponsored and funded anti-immigrant vigilante force...errr..."homeland security force" (SCR1007).

...during a meeting of the Joint Appropriations Committee on January 23rd, he grilled ASU Michael Crow over university courses that "challenge the social norms." He objects to courses that discuss subjects, such as sexuality, that are "deviant from from the majority" and wants "assurance that courses that challenge the social norms will be eliminated in light of budget issues." (The lege's video archive page is here; select the longer January 23, 2008 meeting. Harper's part starts at around the 1:21:00 mark.)

Yes, in a period when the state is facing a budget shortfall in the vicinity a billion dollars, and he's concerned with a couple of individual class offerings that have a single class section. He's actually interested in turning the state universities into higher-ed versions of vocational high schools, not institutions of higher learning -

He wants his "tax money going to train someone for a career not going to push someone's social agenda."


No UFO sightings here, but Sen. Harper offers a well-rounded resume. He's petty, unprofessional, reactionary, and bigoted.

He's made a very strong statement in his campaign to retain the title.

Next up: State Rep. John Kavanagh (R-LD8).

Later!

The Three Amigos Ride Again...

Yesterday, the House of Representatives considered overriding the President's veto of H.R. 3963, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007. The Act would have renewed and expanded SCHIP, the program that provides health insurance coverage for poor children.

The attempt to override the veto failed by a 260 - 152 vote, 2/3 required to override the veto.

Naturally, being loyal Republicans all, Jeff Flake (R-AZ6), John Shadegg (R-AZ3), and Trent Franks (R-AZ2) voted to sustain the President's veto; according to the tenets of their ideology, the profits of private insurers are more important than poor children.

While none of the three could be bothered to speak on the House floor in support of children, or even to defend their support of the President's veto, the ever-consistent Trent Franks did have time to stroll to the floor of the House and insert a statement into the record bemoaning...

...the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. (p. E71 of the Congressional Record).

Nice to see that he still stops worrying about the welfare of children once they're born.


..Update - few days ago, I wrote a post noting John Shadegg's conspicuous absence while his constituents in Paradise Valley dealt with TCE-contaminated tap water.

Later, DownWithTyranny in California found him campaigning for John McCain in South Carolina. (Thanks for the update DWT!)

So, let's see where Shadegg's priorities lie -

1. Defend his conduct in circumventing campaign finance laws.

2. Traipse around South Carolina in winter.

3. Vote to screw over poor children and protect insurance company profits.

4. Join a court motion to stop a lawsuit over the 'under God' reference in the Pledge of Allegiance.

- Work for his constituents.

There's no number for that last because there's no evidence that he *ever* works for his constituents; hence, there's no way to quantify where that falls on his list of priorities.


...x4mr has a post on the SCHIP override vote here; Michael Bryan of Blog for Arizona has one here.

Later!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Scottsdale City Council and water contamination

There was a theme to Tuesday night's meeting, and that theme was "It's an election year."...

At last night's meeting of the Scottsdale City Council, the council considered an item placed on the agenda by Councilman Ron McCullagh to direct City staff to research and report back on the ramifications and impacts of a possible City "acquisition of the portion of the Arizona American Water Company that serves Scottsdale customers."

There was a few minutes of discussion, where each member of the council, especially those up for election this year, chimed in on the subject. Most took the opportunity to affirm their vigilant concern for the welfare of Scottsdale's residents.

In the end, Councilman McCullagh expressed the strongest condemnation of Arizona American Water, calling it a "poor corporate citizen" with "poor customer service."

Did I mention that Councilman McCullagh is a customer of Arizona American Water? :))

The council finally did pass a motion directing City staff to research adding Arizona American's Scottsdale customers to the City of Scottsdale water system.

I don't think this will actually go anywhere; it seemed to be more an exercise in "showing the voters that we're on top of things" than anything else. The council members seemed to hope that the staff's report will say that the problem has been dealt with and no one needs to worry any more.


Of course, the election-year posturing during the AzAmWater discussion was nothing compared to the sniping and backbiting that engulfed the Council (or at least 3 member of it) during the consideration of the item that preceded it, a request by Councilman (and more importantly, mayoral candidate) Jim Lane for an update on the progress of the protracted (and often adversarial) negotiations between the City and Barrett-Jackson for B-J's continued use of WestWorld for its annual collector car auction.

Last year, in an effort to break the logjam, Mayor Manross stepped it and took personal control of those negotiations.

The logjam remains, and many in the city have used that to criticize the Mayor (I haven't followed this particular topic all that closely, so I don't know whether or not those criticisms are justified.)

Two of the loudest critics, Lane and Tony Nelssen, sit on the City Council.

So does a third critic, Bob Littlefield, but he was remarkably silent during this discussion. Not sure why. (He is said to be mulling a run for Mayor, but he would have to resign his position on the Council to make such a run. He may decide that too many candidates could split the anti-Manross vote and just support Lane.)

Anyway, the three of them (Manross, Lane, and Nelssen) spent a big chunk of the meeting interrupting, talking over and just plain pointing the finger of blame at each other.

Lane tried to undercut Manross by proposing the formation of a blue-ribbon citizens' commission to handle the negotiations. His motion died for lack of a second, but his message was sent - he doesn't think that Manross can handle the job.

And when Lane wasn't criticizing Manross, Nelssen was.

Nelssen brought up the point that a couple of months ago, he suggested that Craig Jackson and his staff be invited to meet with the Council. Manross stated that she didn't want to turn this into "a political circus."

Nelssen responded to Manross by saying "You run these meetings. It's *your* responsibility to keep them from being a political circus."

Manross just stared at Nelssen for a "if looks could kill" moment.

More than a few of us in the gallery chuckled and whispered "yep - it's an election year."


Video of the meeting (the 'regular' meeting, dated January 22, 2008) is available on this page; the Barrett-Jackson part of the meeting starts at around the 17:00 minute mark and lasts 30 minutes or so; the AzAmWater part starts at around the 50 minute mark.

Later!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Positive voter registration trends for Democrats in CD5

The AZ Star (Tucson) ran an AP article on the Arizona Secretary of State's voter registration numbers for the presidential preference election on February 5, 2008. It inspired me to look at a more local breakdown of registration trends.

Those numbers, when compared to the registration numbers for 2006, show some very favorable trends for AZ Democrats.

Statewide, overall registration has increased 5.6%, with Democratic registrations increasing at more than twice the pace of Republican registrations. Democratic registrations are up 5.9%; Republican registrations are up 2.7%.

Of course, both major parties should take heed of the fact that Independent/non-affiliated registrations are up 9.7%.


In CD5, the numbers are even more eye-opening. (Apologies for the formatting - I haven't figured out how to set up a neat table in Blogger. :( )

Key -

Party, Jan 2008 #s, Oct 2006, Raw change, % change
Democratic Party, 92201, 86743, 5458, 6.3%

Republican Party, 139265, 139057, 208, 0.15%

Independent, 94457, 87060, 7397, 8.5%

Overall, 328145, 315185, 12960, 4.1%

To sum up - In CD5, the trends indicated by the statewide numbers are even more pronounced. Independent registrations increased at more than twice the pace of the increase in overall registrations. In addition, Democratic registrations increase at a greater pace than the overall pace.

As for the Republicans? They virtually maintained status quo, while everyone else moved up.

The short-term trends are even more encouraging.

Since October 2007, the date of the voter reg report immediately prior to the current one, in CD5, Republican registrations have decreased .19%, Independent registrations have decreased 2.53%, and overall registrations have decreased by .47%.

As for Democratic registrations? They increased by 1.48%.

:))

The indication of decreased Independent registrations is attributable to Arizona's closed primary system for the presidential preference primary election. Many independent voters registered with a party in order to vote in that party's primary. Most, but not all, will change back after February 5th,

The fact that Democratic registrations increased while the overall registration numbers decreased suggest that most of the independents registered as Democrats.

This idea is supported by the national trend of record Democratic turnout in the caucuses and primaries in New Hampshire, Iowa, and Nevada.

Simply put, average voters are far more excited by the slate of Democratic contenders for the presidency than they are by the slate of Republican contenders.

Add to that the continued voter dissatisfaction with the status quo (war without end, economy stalling, health care that doesn't care, economy tanking, immigration rhetoric founded on blind hate not substance, economy in recession) associated mostly with the Republicans, and you have a trend that should continue to favor the Democratic Party, both nationally and here in AZ.


The trends in LD8 and LD17 are similarly positive for Democrats -

In LD17, Democratic registrations are up 5.8% since October of 2006 (down .54% since October 2007), Republican registrations are up only 1.1% since 10?06 (down 1.4% since 10/07). Overall registrations are up 5.1% since 10/06 and down .5% since 10/07.

Of course, even in the slightly negative news for Democrats (down a little since October 2007), one shouldn't lose sight of the fact that they still did better than the Republicans in LD17.


Oh, and for the first time in recent memory, there are more registered Democrats in LD17, 25,530, than Republicans, 25,383!


An advantage of 147!

In October of 2006, the Republican registration advantage was 970, for a net change of 1117 more Democratic registrations than Republicans.


In LD8, the trend is even better (though the Reps still have a huge registration advantage there).

LD8 Democratic registrations are up almost 8% since October 2006, Republican registrations are up almost 1% and overall registrations are up 5.1%.

Those are pretty encouraging numbers, but the short-term numbers are even better -

Since October 2007, Republican registrations are down .5% while Democratic registrations are up 2.11%! (Overall registrations in LD8 are down almost .5.)

These numbers, both locally and statewide, won't make any difference on February 5th - that election is 'party-only.'

Come November, however, these trends could spell trouble for Republican candidates up and down the ballot.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Water company on the agenda of the Scottsdale City Council

In light of the events of the past week, it should come as no surprise that the Scottsdale City Council has changed its agenda for Tuesday's meeting to include a discussion of the Arizona American Water Company.

What is a little surprise is the wording of the agenda item itself -

***16B. Acquisition of Arizona American Water Company

Request: At the request of Councilman Ron McCullagh, discussion and direction to staff to investigate and analyze the legal and financial impacts of acquisition of the portion of the ArizonaAmerican Water Company that serves Scottsdale customers.


"Acquisition"??

That should make for an interesting discussion.

More on the water contamination situation:

As reported on Saturday, the tap water ban for AZ American Water's customers has been lifted, the facility is completely shut down and the investigation into the incident is continuing.

According to Todd Walker, spokesman for Arizona American Water, the Miller Road Treatment Facility won't be brought back online until the issue and process have been reviewed and resolved.

The EPA was closed Monday due to the MLK holiday, but I'll contact Vicki Rosen at the EPA before I head out to the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

During my talk with Walker, I asked for a comment on the Scottsdale City Council agenda item, but he demurred, saying that he didn't know enough about it to have a comment.

I should have more info tomorrow night.


An observation about the whole thing -

I've got to give credit where it is due - at the November meeting of the NIBW Community Involvement Group (post on that here) where people found out about an "incomplete remediation" incident at the MRTF, almost a month after it occurred, was marked by community anger at the lack of communication.

That failure was certainly corrected with this incident with the emails, reverse 9-1-1 calls, and media notifications, all made the day that the blower malfuntion was discovered.

Many people have complained that they didn't receive the notifications, and their anger and frustration is understandable, but under the communication plan agreed to by the EPA and all of the participants, they only had to send out a letter within 30 days.

Perhaps their communications missed some customers, but they did go above and beyond and deserve credit for that.

Save the criticisms for the apparently chronic problems at the MRTF. :)

HRC visit and other pres campaign info...

From an email courtesy of Doug Mings, chair of the LD17 Democrats -

Barack Obama for President

LD 17 (Tempe) For Obama Organizational Meeting

Where: ASU, Coor Hall, Room 195

When: Tuesday, January 22 at 7pm

What: With 2 weeks left, join Obama supporters, staff, and volunteers tohelp with the crucial final push and sign up for phone banks and canvassing to help organize Tempe for Senator Obama!

Contact: Greg Whitten, Obama Field Organizer Gwhitten@Obamaaz.com
Cell: 602-616-9017;
Office: 602-297-2008

Phoenix Headquarters
22 East Mitchell (between 3rd St and Central, just north of Osborn and southof Indian School)
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602-297-2008

Hillary Clinton for President

Hillary Clinton will visit Phoenix tomorrow, Tuesday, January 22.

She will speak at Caesar Chavez High School, which is 3921 W. Baseline in Phoenix. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. The event starts at 7:00 P.M.

Phoenix Headquarters-2845 N. Central Ave (SE Corner of Central and Thomas)
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-279-8030 (o);
602-277-5042 (f)

Contact: Tony Wagner, Arizona Field Director
602-279-8030 (o);
602-277-5042 (f)
twagner@HillaryClinton.com www.HillaryClinton.com


John Edwards for President

http://johnedwards.com
East Valley For Edwards

Come out to an event and regardless of your age, background or experience,find out how you can get involved and make a difference.
602-705-7773;

EastValleyforEdwards@gmail.com


Dennis Kucinich for President
www.dennis4president.com/home

Local CoordinatorRick Romero:
602.515.9844;
romero85008@yahoo.com

Short Attention Span Musing - Primaries Edition

...The MSM and Clinton camp are painting the results of Saturday's Nevada caucuses as a huge victory for Clinton. However, the numbers that count, the number of delegates allocated, show that the results were almost dead even. Clinton received 13 delegates; Obama 12. (MSNBC) Other say that the numbers are still 13 - 12, but favoring Obama.

Either way, not exactly an overwhelming victory.

With previously pledged superdelegates, Clinton *does* have a significant lead in delegate totals. (CNN) On the other hand, though, superdelegates are notorious front-runners. If one of the other candidates starts pulling away in the primaries, a lot of those superdelegates will throw their support to the candidate that they believe is the popular choice.


...John Edwards is easily the candidate most in need of a victory in South Carolina. He has yet to win an event, and was completely shut out of the delegate allocation in Nevada. Another showing of 3rd or worse, especially one in his home state, may just end his candidacy.


...On the Republican side, Mitt Romney's camp is painting him as the frontrunner, but he may be the weakest "frontrunner" in primary history. He has yet to win a seriously contested primary and the next major GOP test is in Florida, a state where Rudy "noun, verb, 9/11' Giuliani has been campaigning for years.

McCain has the momentum heading into Florida, Huckabee has the hardcore religious conservative vote there, Romney has the personal fortune to spend there, and it's practically a 2nd home state for Giuliani.

One of the top 4 GOP candidates will tank in Florida, and his candidacy will be history.


...A suggestion for volunteers and staffers that will be representing Democratic candidates at LD and other local groups' forums before the primary: Know your candidates' health care positions.

I've been to the LD17 and LD8 forums over the last couple of weeks, and health care was the issue that most inspired 'spirited' discussion. Expect to be grilled on this issue like no other at events like this week's forum held by the Arizona chapter of the NJDC (Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Country Inn and Suites, 10801 89th Place, Scottsdale)


...Not that I'm one given to defending John McCain (I leave that to Politico Mafioso), but when Chuck Norris criticized McCain as too old to be president, I had to laugh. Norris is almost 68 years old and is washed up as an actor (hasn't appeared in anything other than an infomercial or a Huckabee video since 2005). McCain is a few years older but is hardly washed-up. McCain's campaign schedule alone gives lie to Norris' assertion.

John McCain may not be doing his job of representing Arizona, but that's because he has chosen not to do so, not because he is incapable of doing so.

There are many things to criticize about John McCain (remember the Chelsea Clinton joke in 1998? That kind of casual meanness alone disqualifies McCain from the presidency), but his age isn't one of them.

Give it up Chuck.


...And the best news of the day, non-primary related -


We are officially in the last year of the Bush presidency.


Later!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

The tap water ban has been lifted in Scottsdale and P.V.

According to AZCentral.com -
A three-day ban on using tap water provided by the Arizona American Water Co. affecting about 5,000 Paradise Valley and Scottsdale residential and commercial customers has been lifted.


The article goes on to cite the Arizona American Water Company's latest press release advising its customers to run their taps to clean any possible contamination out of their systems, including running their hot water to clean out their hot water tanks.


In honor of this week's events, let's call it "The Great 2008 Paradise Valley/Scottsdale Cluster-Flush."


Stay tuned on this one - the Arizona Corporation Commission is expected to have hearings about this, PV (and probably Scottsdale) officials will be meeting with company officials, and Congressman Harry Mitchell is going to bring it up at the February 7, 2008 meeting of the House Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. He sits on the subcommittee.

The meeting subject is "Agency Budgets and Priorities for FY 2009."

Congressmen talking about agency budgets usually have the undivided attention of the relevant agency heads. :)

For updates, including the next NIBW Community Involvement Group (CIG) meeting time/place, contact the EPA's Vicki Rosen at rosen.vicki[at]epa.gov to be added to the email alert list.

Where's John Shadegg?

In the many articles and blog posts regarding the water contamination problems in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, many people have been quoted, from spokespeople for the various agencies and companies involved, affected residents, and even elected officials.

Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ5) has gone so far as to directly contact senior EPA officials to express his concerns with the repeated problems this particular treatement facility (MRTF).

There's a limit to what a Congressman can do here, directly anyway, but what he can do is bring to bear a level of pressure and scrutiny that a member of the general public cannot.

And two Congressmen? Twice as much pressure and scrutiny.

So why hasn't John Shadegg (R-AZ3) brought his influence to bear?

I'm sure some readers are asking "Why should Shadegg get involved? It's Mitchell's district."

Well, that's only partially true. A number of the affected customers are in Scottsdale, and that *is* in Mitchell's district.

However, the bulk of the folks who can't drink their tap water are in Paradise Valley, which is in Shadegg's district.

See the southeastern portion of this district map of Shadegg's CD3, courtesy the Maricopa County Recorder's Office.


So I ask again - Where's John Shadegg?


I know Shadegg markets himself as a "laissez-faire, Reagan-style" Republican, but who knew that "laissez-faire" was French for "let them drink poison"??

Contamination levels down, but tap water usage ban remains in effect

The Arizona Republic has the details -
A ban on drinking tap water remains in effect indefinitely for nearly 5,000 Paradise Valley and Scottsdale customers of Arizona American Water while the company works with government health officials to test water samples for a potentially toxic solvent.

The ban, which began Wednesday, urges customers not to drink tap water or use it to prepare food.

Arizona American's initial warning was to expire at 5 p.m. Friday but now is indefinite.

{snip}

After the problem was detected, a test of the water showed the level to be 22 parts per billion. 5 ppb is the maximum contaminant level allowed.

{snip}

Thursday, it had dropped to 1.9 ppb, within acceptable levels, but more checks of the system are needed.

Read the complete article (linked above) for more details, but to summarize - the affected customers in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley still shouldn't use their tap water for drinking or food preparation.

Arizona American Water's latest (18 January 2008) press release is here.

Arizona state government FAQ page on this is here.

Edit to add:

There is a blog, The TCE Blog, that is dedicated to publicizing the effects of TCE. If you are interested in learning more about TCE, it's worth a read. It's written by Neil Fischbein, who once lived in a town with a water supply that was contaminated with TCE.

End edit.

Tempe mourns - Evelyn Cahill passes away at 88


Evelyn Cahill, mother of former Tempe City Councilman Dennis Cahill and mother-in-law to State Senator Meg Burton-Cahill, passed away on January 15th.

In addition to Dennis and Meg, she leaves a sister, three other sons, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and scores of friends from her years of working in the Tempe school system and volunteering with many community organizations.

Her funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 19, at ASU's Newman Center, 230 E. University Drive, Tempe. There will be a wake immediately afterward at her home on Parkway Blvd. Burial services will be private.

Her obituary from AZCentral.com -

Evelyn Cahill, 88, passed away January 15, 2008 at her home. Born in Boyde Wisconsin to Peter and Louise Duce, Evelyn had two brothers and four sisters. Evelyn married Jim Cahill and they had had four sons. The family moved to Tempe in 1953. She was a loyal and vocal ASU football fan. Evelyn worked as a waitress and later in Tempe schools food services. She enjoyed her years working in the schools and around children very much. Evelyn is survived by her sister Florence; sons Dennis (Meg), David (Sonja), Donald (Sue) and Dwight (Rebecca); 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Evelyn was a talented, beautiful, eclectic and strong woman. She was a lifelong Catholic. Evelyn loved to travel, garden and play cards. She enjoyed volunteering, especially enjoying serving meals at the Escalante Center and volunteering at the Tempe Sister Cities' Hackett House. Evelyn's home hosted a young Chinese piano student who attended ASU. Evelyn was passionate about life and her family. She loved being the mother of four sons, and loved that to this day they are referred to as "The Cahill Boys." She was never happier than when surrounded by her family. In her retirement years, Evelyn enjoyed the recreational, craft and social activities available though the various Tempe Community Centers. She was a member of the District 17 Democrats, but always believed in supporting the person she felt best for the position regardless of political party. Evelyn especially enjoyed sharing her opinions about local politics, always having a flock of political signs in her yard and a button or two on her blouse for those she supported. Evelyn was much loved by family and friends and we will miss her humor and charm. The funeral service will be held January 19th, 3:30pm at the Old Mount Carmel Church located at the Newman Center: 230 East University Drive, Tempe. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in Evelyn's name to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014.

An article from the AZ Rep's Tempe community edition can be found here.
My deepest condolences go out to Dennis, Meg, her family, and her many friends on their loss.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Treatment facility shut down; investigation continuing

Vicki Rosen, the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator, sent out another email today with more info concerning this week's drinking water contamination incident in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

From the email -
Hello CIG,

I learned a few more bits of information regarding the failure(s) at the MRTF. Specifically, this deals with the legal relationships between EPA, the State of Arizona, the County, the Participating Companies (PCs) and the AZ American Water Co.

EPA and the State of Arizona signed a Consent Decree (CD) with the PCs, not the water company. The PCs are responsible for extracting and treating groundwater contaminated with TCE. The PCs chose the water company to do this, but the PCs are not responsible for the operation & maintenance of the plant. EPA has no direct authority over the water company under the CD.

The AZ American Water Co. is subject to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) which EPA has delegated to the State and the State has delegated to the County. All three entities (fed, state, county) may take enforcement action against the water company. The PCs are not subject to the SDWA.

She went on to explain that the affected treatment facility (Miller Road Treatment Facility, or MRTF) has been shut down until further notice while an investigation is conducted. It will not be brought back online until the various regulatory agencies involved (federal, state, and local) believe that the plant will be operated safely.

In addition, depending on the outcome of the investigation, the operator, Arizona American Water, and the "PCs", or participating companies (Motorola, Siemans, and GlaxoSmithKline) could face financial penalties arising from the incident.

Note: The PCs are the companies responsible for the groundwater contamination, either because they dumped the solvents improperly, or they acquired the companies that did.

Later!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Signs of improvement in Scottsdale/P.V. water contamination levels

Really quick update on the water contamination issue affecting Paradise Valley and parts of Scottsdale -

According to a news report on Channel 12's ten o'clock news, test results show that the TCE contamination levels are down to acceptable levels, however, customers shouldn't drink or prepare food with tap water until they have been told by EPA, state, and Arizona America Water officials that the tap water is safe for consumption.

The system still needs to be flushed.

Channel 12's report from their 5 o'clock news - Water company leaked contaminated water before (no mention of test results in this particular report)

Arizona American Water's press release of 17 January here.

The Three Amigos vote against HOPE

Coming soon to an upscale multiplex near you (no poor people allowed, other than those working there for minimum wage)...Jeff Flake, Trent Franks, and John Shadegg in "Three Amigos." Watch as these three soon-to-be out of work actors pretending to be public servants fight against public works projects that help the poor and middle classes...


Today, the U.S. House of Representatives considered and passed H.R. 3524, the HOPE VI Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2008. The Act authorizes grants to housing agencies to "revitalize severely distressed public housing developments." (CBO analysis)

Well, the House, except for Jeff Flake (R-AZ6), Trent Franks (R-AZ2), John Shadegg (R-AZ3), and 127 other Republicans.

Note - the final vote for passage was 271 - 130. All of the Democratic members of the AZ delegation and Rick Renzi voted in favor; the aforementioned Flake, Shadegg, and Franks voted against.

Before voting against HOPE, the three amigos supported four failed amendments that would have gutted or at least weakened the impact of the underlying bill. They voted for -

...the Neugebauer Amendment, which would have change the requirement that housing units demolished under a HOPE grant be replaced on a one for one basis to requiring the one-for-one match only if the units were occupied immediately prior to demolition. This is important in places like New Orleans where there are efforts to condemn public housing facilities and replace them with fewer, but larger, for-profit units. With a single stroke, this plan both inhibits the return to N.O. of poor black residents and generates greater profits for developer. (failed 181 - 227)

...the Sessions Amendment, which would have maintained HUD's authority to issue "demolition only" grants. Hmm..."demolition only"...that's an interesting concept for a bill that is supposed to be about renewing and revitalizing public housing. (Failed 186 - 221)

...the King Amendment, which would have barred using HOPE funds to pay for wages mandated by the Davis-Bacon Act (aka - prevailing wage.) I suppose this could be something of an improvement for Rep. King (R-IA). Normally, he spends his time railing about foreign immigrants. It seems that he is setting his sights a little higher now - the American skilled worker. (Failed 136 - 268)

Did I mention that King called the prevailing wage law "racist"?? What a schmuck.

...and the Capito Amendment, which would have removed the mandatory 'green' building standards and made them optional. (Failed 169 - 240)


It's obvious that these three have given up any pretense that they represent the interests of their constituents.

People don't matter to them as much as ideology does.

...OK, OK - Shadegg represents Paradise Valley, which doesn't need HOPE as much as it does clean drinking water. :)

Final note: to those of you who object to the appellation "Three Amigos" for Flake, Franks, and Shadegg, that perhaps that's a little to harshly partisan, keep this in mind -

I could very easily have nicknamed them the "Three Stooges."

Later!

Update on the contaminated water in Scottsdale and P.V.

Edit to update the update:

As stated toward the end of Ms. Rosen's email, Congressman Mitchell *was* briefed by the EPA on this matter and learned the following -

- TCE levels were four times the maximum contaminant level (approximately 20 parts per billion; 5 ppb is the maximum contaminant level), and

- Arizona American Water Co. customers in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley may have been exposed to those levels for up to 16 hours.

After learning these facts, Mitchell said “I have urged the EPA to conduct a full investigation. This is the second TCE incident at the same facility in three months. That’s not normal, and that’s not acceptable.”

Stayed tuned for more updates...

End edit...

Vicki Rosen, the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator for the North Indian Bend Wash Superfund site just sent out this email to the NIBW Community Involvement Group (CIG). It has some of the details on what happened at the treatment facility in Scottsdale.

The email -
Hello CIG members,

You may have already read about this week's failure at the MRTF in the newspapers, but this note is to let you know what EPA knows so far about what happened.

Yesterday (Wed. Jan. 16), Jamey received a call from Dennis Shirley, consultant to the Participating Companies (PCs), advising that there had been another release. Jamey immediately informed all the appropriate people at EPA, but it was late in the day so that's why this message wasn't sent sooner.

This is what we got from Dennis:

The release was discovered yesterday by Arizona American Water at 6:30 am. A blower on Tower 3 (which treats water from well PCX-1) had shut off. That shutoff could have happened as early as the day before (Tues, Jan. 15) at 2:30 pm. There may have been 16 hours when untreated water entered the system.

Athough controls were supposed to be in place that would shut down the system in such an event, this did not happen. Untreated water containing TCE was discharged into the drinking water system. Sampling has found that levels of TCE at approximately 20 parts per billion (ppb) were distributed into the system. Sampling continues at the point of entry and throughout the system.

The MRTF was immediately shut down as soon as the failure was discovered. It is currently not operating.

AZ American Water and the PCs went into response mode and notified all customers who would have gotten that water; this was done through a reverse-911 system of phone calls to each household telling people to not drink the water. People were also told that free bottled water would be available at a particular location.

Top managers at AZ American Water have supposedly already briefed Congressman Harry Mitchell directly.

This is what we know so far. EPA is consulting with a number of parties to assess the situation and what should be done. In the meantime, almost all of our NIBW team is out of the office until at least next Tues (Jan. 22). Jamey is spending time with his brand new baby boy (their first), so it may be a while before you hear directly from him. I'm actually out of the office today having just had minor surgery, and I will not be in tomorrow either. If I get any emails from any of you, you may not get a response until next week. Monday is a federal holiday.

I will be back in touch with everyone as we learn more. We will also start to look at when we can get together in person to discuss these important issues.

Vicki

Note: I've got a call out to AZ American Water, but since my workweek starts tomorrow, I may not be able to follow up until Monday (or Tuesday because of the holiday.) Check the news, the City of Scottsdale's website, the Town of Paradise Valley's website, or AZ American Water's website for updates.

Later!

Harry Mitchell contacts the EPA regarding the latest TCE/drinking water issue in Scottsdale

The letter that Congressman Mitchell has sent to Wayne Nastri, EPA Regional Administrator in San Francisco (which covers AZ) [typo corrected by me]:
Mr. Wayne Nastri
Regional Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-3901

Dear Regional Administrator Nastri:

I am seriously concerned about the continued failure to protect against the emission of trichloroethylene (TCE), a suspected cancer causing chemical, into the drinking water that serves portions of Scottsdale.

According to local media reports, residents were alerted yesterday about a malfunction at a water-treatment plant on Tuesday, January 15, 200[8] that may have sent elevated levels of TCE into certain drinking water supplies.

I first brought the TCE emission issue to your attention in November, when, after a previous TCE emission, the EPA failed to notify the public until weeks afterwards.

You assured me then, both by letter and by phone, that steps were being taken to guard against TCE emissions. Attached, for your convenience, are copies of our previous correspondence.

I would appreciate an opportunity to speak with you about this by phone as soon as possible.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Sincerely,

Harry E. Mitchell
Member of Congress

Note: the text of Harry Mitchell's earlier letter can be found here.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Don't drink the tap water in certain parts of Scottsdale and P.V.

...It's deja vu all over again, but they seem to have worked out the whole "communicate in a timely manner" problem, anyway...

The number of hits on this blog exploded today, and most of the hits were on the posts I wrote on contaminated drinking water in Scottsdale (here, here, and here).

The vast majority of the hits were from the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, though a few came from much farther away.

My curiousity was piqued, to say the least, but had no idea why so many people were suddenly interested those (relatively) old posts.

Then I came across this article from the Arizona Republic's website -
Tap-water ban hits parts of P.V., Scottsdale

Residents in Paradise Valley and parts of Scottsdale were told Wednesday not to drink their tap water.

A water treatment plant for Arizona American Water malfunctioned Tuesday possibly sending elevated levels of TCE or trichloroethylene into the water supply, said Arizona American Water spokesman Todd Walker.

As the article noted, the problem occurred at the same treatment facility as October's problem, the treatment facility at Miller and McDonald in Scottsdale.

From the City of Scottsdale's press release on today's malfunction -
Water company's notice has no link to Scottsdale municipal water system

A private water company serving about 4,700 businesses and households in Paradise Valley and a portion of Scottsdale notified customers Wednesday evening not to drink tap water until 5 p.m. Friday.

The company is not associated with the City of Scottsdale system, and its system is separate from the Scottsdale municipal system serving about 88,000 customers.

The company’s service area within Scottsdale is generally north of Jackrabbit Road, south of Indian Bend Road and west of the Arizona Canal. It also serves some neighborhoods north of Camelback Road and west of the Arizona Canal. Arizona American serves about 1,200 Scottsdale customers. (Map of service area withinScottsdale, pdf/313kb/1p)

The Arizona American Water press release can be found here.

...Not the kind of press coverage that Scottsdale's elected leaders and their 'friends' in the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce want to see with the Super Bowl (and the thousands of tourists spending millions of dollars that come with it) two and a half weeks away...

Housekeeping note

I've added the blog of my coworker, Michael. He's a musician from Tempe and writes a blog about his music, specifically his work on the drums.

It's called "Michael's Prog Drum Blog".

Don't worry, his music is more creative than his title. :))

Anyway, his latest project is learning an exceptionally complex piece by Frank Zappa, The Black Page.

I've read all of his posts, and given my lack of musical talent/training, I still understand almost all of the prepositions and definite articles. :)

However, he's a good guy, and Zappa was, to use a normally misused word, a genius. Michael's blog is worth a read, though it will help if you have something of a musical background.

Later!

Ahhh...Congress is back in session...

...and the House Republicans are already in mid-session form...

They're already hard at work safeguarding the interests of big business and blaming workers for everything.

Today, they were "fighting the good fight" for mine owners as House Democrats worked to address mine safety in the aftermath of the recent spate of deadly mine disasters, such as Crandall Canyon in Utah and Sago in West Virginia.

During consideration of H.R. 2768, the S-MINER Act (Supplemental Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response), House Republicans, led by Buck McKeon (R-CA), opposed every safety improvement as too onerous for mine owners and operators. In fact, the only 'safety improvement' that they supported (and supported strongly, at that) was an intensive drug testing requirement for mine workers.

Guess it's more fun to play "blame the victims" than it is to "govern responsibly."

Many of the Republican opponents of increased mine safety cited this Washington Post article from Sunday that chronicles a growing trend in West Virginia's mine country - painkiller addiction.

The Republicans so strongly favored increased drug testing they twice tried to wedge it into the bill, once in this amendment proposed by Joe Wilson (R-SC) (starting on page 2 of the .pdf) and in their standard 'motion to recommit with instructions', proposed by Mark Souder (R-IN).

The Wilson amendment also sought to water-down implementation of safety measures, substituting secrecy, studies and commissions for refuge chambers with emergency air supplies, flame-resistant conveyor belts, and transparency.

Note: The Wilson amendment failed by a vote of 188 - 229; the motion to recommit failed by a vote of 197 - 217, with the AZ delegation splitting along party lines for each vote.

In the end, the House passed the S-Miner bill by a vote of 214 - 199, with the AZ delegation again splitting along party lines.

As could be expected, the White House has threatened to veto the bill.

AP coverage here.

...I know that in this election year, the presidential campaigns are getting most of the attention from voters and the MSM (hey, even I think it's easier to focus on 10 or so candidates for 1 office than it is to focus on more than 900 candidates for the 468 House and Senate seats up for grab this year), we all need to remember that those seats are just as important as the Presidency, and those races are far more easily affected by local activists.

Whether it's for Harry Mitchell, Gabrielle Giffords, Raul Grijalva, Ed Pastor, Bob Lord, John Thrasher, or one of the Democrats looking to replace Rick Renzi (R-Mantech) in CD1, volunteer where you can, contribute where you can.