"Union owned" signs planted next to Speaker Andy Tobin campaign signs

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Sunday, August 26, 2012 

Tea Parties and conservatives tired of Tobin caving in to unions Tobin killed four bills due to pressure by the unions 

Special interest lobbyist dupe Legislature! (again)

A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona
Friday, August 3, 2012

Special interest lobbyist dupe Legislature! (again)

A proposition will be on the November ballot that will change the way property is taxed, but it doesn’t appear to do anything worthy of changing our constitution. The first thing that quickly becomes obvious is that this proposition, identified as Prop 117, does not reduce property taxes or limit the ability of taxing districts to levy taxes. If it passes it will require all taxes, both primary and secondary, to be levied against the limited property value (LPV), and increases in the LPV would be limited to five percent per year.
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, an internationally recognized private institution, published a comprehensive study in 2008 of the problems associated with limiting property values. Their study not only makes a strong case that this is a deeply flawed means to counter rising property taxes, but can result in shifting higher taxes to residential property. You can read excerpts of the report at: http://www.lincolninst.edu/pubs/1412_Property-Tax-Assessment-Limits

Based on a recent Capitol Media Services article by Howard Fischer, The driving force behind this proposition is the Arizona Tax Research Association (ATRA). ATRA acknowledges in the article that this proposition does not reduce property taxes. This excellent article by Mr. Fischer can be found at: http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=48703
Prop 117 began in the State Senate as Senate Concurrent Resolution 1025 sponsored by Senator Steve Yarbrough. You may recall Yarbrough was taken to task earlier this year in an Arizona Republic editorial for “lining his pockets with taxpayer money”. You can find the editorial at: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2012/03/05/20120305taxpayer-money-senate-finance.html
That editorial pointed out that Yarbrough has sponsored many revisions to the state’s tuition tax credit law that created middle-man organizations to manage the flow of $43 million from taxpayers to students. These middle-men are called School Tuition Organizations (STO), and the good senator runs the second largest STO in the state. STOs are allowed to take 10 percent of the money it channels to students as administrative cost. Guess who put that provision in the law. Another Yarbrough law passed this year doubled the amount individuals can direct toward tuition scholarships thereby doubling his salary that is reported in the editorial at $96,000.
Knowing how the system works, Senator Yarbrough had to have lots of help from ATRA to pass all of his pocket-lining STO laws. Why does ATRA care about Prop 117? Well, if the Lincoln Institute is correct that value limits will cause taxes to shift to homeowners then the property taxes on ATRA members will be less as they are all owners of high value properties. Therefore, they are happy to help Senator Yarbrough line his pockets with his STO legislative changes and he likely returned the favor by sponsoring this sneaky tax shift that could benefit ATRA members.
ATRA and their many lobbyists are masters at “helping” legislators accomplish their goals especially if they are self-serving. They know that somewhere down the road they can call in the chips when they see an opportunity to benefit their members. No doubt that a comprehensive audit of ATRA would reveal that their members have received billions in tax breaks as a result of their influence in the state legislature. Where does a large chunk of ATRA members tax saving go – out of state. What we have is an organization that effectively moves homeowner property taxes to out of state investors.
Any homeowner who thinks Prop 117 will reduce their taxes might want to reconsider. On the one hand you have ATRA and Yarbrough, with records of self interest and enrichment, saying it will help homeowners and on the other hand you have an internationally recognized independent organization saying the opposite is likely. So, take your pick and cast your vote.

SHOWTIME: TOM HORNE SET TO RESIGN

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Wednesday, July 18, 2012

As the Maricopa County Attorney's Office nears going public with its charges against Tom Horne and his co-conspirators, behind the scene deals and plea deals are being cut. Horne's troupe is striving mightily to hold onto roles in the yet unknown incoming Attorney General's cast. While doing his best to avoid the spotlight and for obvious reasons, not the least of which is his total lack of trial experience, Horne's criminal chief Andrew Pacheco is keeping his fingers crossed for McCain to have enough clout with the replacement AG to keep Pacheco in his spot. That would allow Pacheco and McCain to cling to their pipe dream of Pacheco running for AG in 2014. Sadly for the hopeful Pacheco, Horne must still work out the terms of his guilty plea, which will undoubtedly require Horne to admit to and identify the people he utilized when orchestrating coordination with Kathleen Winn's independent expenditure committee. This is the campaign finance fraud case the FBI has presented to the County Attorney. The soon to be publicized list of Horne's bad actors who played a part in the campaign money scheme will be no surprise to those who have been following Showtime's coverage of this scandal. While Mr. A. G. Hopeful, wants so, so badly to be part of Horne's resignation deal, so he could stick around until 2014, he can't have his treat and eat it too. This is a classic example of the kid spilling his candy in the lobby.

Maricopa County better not settle expensive lawsuits of cronies

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Friday, February 3, 2012 

Maricopa County manager David Smith proposing to settle million dollar lawsuits of cronies Greedy county officials should be forced to litigate their claims fully to reveal how worthless they are, instead of receiving million dollar settlements 

Maricopa County manager David Smith, the hatchet man for the County Supervisors, is proposing that the county settle the million dollar lawsuits filed by the Supervisors' cronies against Maricopa County and its taxpayers for amounts of several hundred thousand dollars up to $15 million each. This is a bad, bad idea that will end up very costly to taxpayers. The greedy county bureacrats, who are suing the county over nothing more than "stress" from being prosecuted by Sheriff Arpaio and former County Attorney Andrew Thomas, should be forced to plead their cases in a court of law, so taxpayers can see how sketchy their lawsuits are. The Supervisors better do the right thing and not award their cronies million dollar settlements. Two of the lawsuits are from their fellow Supervisors Mary Rose Wilcox and Don Stapley! This is a blatant conflict of interest for them to award them huge amounts of money. The Supervisors have already paid Judge Fields $100,000 of your taxpayer dollars for his lawsuit against the county. He received that money for his claims that he was stressed over Arpaio and Thomas attempting to prosecute him. That prosecution went nowhere since he was able to thwart it. None of his assertions of stress were ever heard and tried in a court of law, the county simply $100,000 at him in a settlement. Next, Judge Baca received a $100,00 settlement for her stress over being sued by Arpaio and Thomas. Stephen Wetzel, the county director of IT, received an undisclosed settlement amount. This is not right. These officials should be forced to go through the regular court system like the rest of us. They should not be awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars for "stress" based on their claims that they were wrongly prosecuted. We will never know if they were wrongly prosecuted, because they were able to successfully thwart Arpaio's and Thomas's attempts to prosecute them. It is despicable that they they are being awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars for successfully avoiding prosecution!!! David Smith claims that the county is saving money by settling the claims, but the claims are so groundless the county would end up not paying any money if they were fully litigated. He knows this but wants to guarantee his cronies are vindicated, which in turn vindicates his legal attacks against Arpaio and Thomas. This sets a bad, bad precedent for future bureaucrats down the road to sue over "stress" and receive millions of dollars too. If the greedy bureaucrats are awarded these lavish amounts of money, taxpayers will consider a citizens' lawsuit against them. Tea Parties and organizations like the Goldwater Institute and Americans for Prosperity have grounds to sue them based on abuse of our tax dollars. The Arizona Republic has coverage. ACTION ITEM: Contact the Supervisors who will be deciding whether or not to award these outrageous settlements and let them know that you disapprove of them awarding large settlements to the other two supervisors and their cronies. Tell them these speculative claims need to be heard in a court of law where they will inevitably be DISMISSED. Supervisor Andrew Kunasek (602) 506-7562 akunasek@mail.maricopa.gov Supervisor Max Wilson (602) 506-7642 mwwilson@mail.maricopa.gov Supervisor Fulton Brock (602) 506-1776 fbrock@mail.maricopa.gov

Quayle's Silver Lining Around IRC Cloud

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Quayle's Silver Lining Around IRC Cloud The political operatives in the inaptly-named Independent Redistricting Commission may very well have maneuvered themselves into a dilemma of unintended consequences with their boundary shifting chicanery. When gerrymandering the Congressional District lines, the five-member Commission made the mistake of drawing Congressman Ben Quayle into the new CD9. Faced with the choice of running a primary contest against the well financed, Tea Party supported incumbent David Schweickert in CD6 or opposing in the general election a Democrat and communist sympathizing Kirsten Synema, it's a no brainer. Arizona simply cannot afford (literally) to send an avowed Leftist to Washington and thus Ben Quayle will emerge a hero for defeating her. Quayle is guaranteed a high-profile race with national media attention, a situation that makes most politicians salavate in anticipation. Because the Maricopa County Republican Party is dominated - yes, owned - by Tea Party conservatives, he is likely to win with very respectable numbers. His current incumbency - albeit in the old district - is a plus, as is his connection to campaign financial resources. Word on the street is that the Republican National Committee wants Quayle and CD9 in the red column together next November. Is there any doubt that Quayle will be positioned well for his future national political ambitions with this victory in his back pocket and a Tea Party feather in his cap? The only remaing question is whether Ben Quayle will announce in time to head off a primary challenge from other rumored formidable contenders. Tick tock. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

State GOP Chair Tom Morrissey endorses Pearce for 1st Vice-Chair

A m e r i c a n P o s t – G a z e t t e

Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

On Saturday, January 28, Arizona State Republican Committeemen will elect their officers for the next two years. Those offices are First Vice-Chair, Second Vice-Chair, Third Vice-Chair, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, Sergeant-At-Arms and Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms. The Honorable Russell Pearce, author of the nationally emulated SB 1070, is running for First Vice Chair. Pearce has the strong endorsement of State Party Chairman, Tom Morrissey. The position of First Vice Chair is vital to the party structure because that person is key to the successful administration of the chairman, facilitating a smooth, coordinated team effort. Pearce’s favorable contacts, earned over years, will enhance the chairman’s efforts in this vital election year. Pearce and Morrissey have worked closely together in advocating the conservative agenda along with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Pearce’s challenger lacks comparable credentials on the national, as well as the local scene. The choice is clear. Check out Russell Pearce’s new radio show Ban Amnesty NOW, Tuesday nights from 7-8pm on KPNX 1100am. Beginning a week from tonight.

SB 1070 rally at the State Capitol Monday

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Sunday, January 22, 2012 

Need a show of support for SB 1070 Sen. Gallardo will be holding a press conference to announce his bill to repeal SB 1070 

RALLY AT STATE CAPITOL MONDAY AT NOON (ARRIVE AT 11:30AM) ALERT!!! - SUPPORTERS OF SB1070 NEED TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT THIS MONDAY AT OUR CAPITOL!!! Sen. Sylvia Allen and Arizona Border Security Arizona State Senator Sylvia Allen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Border Security State Sovereignty will be responding to a public Press Conference being held this Monday, at the Arizona State Capitol approximately 12noon. Sen. Allen will be responding to Sen. Gallardo (Friend of Randy Parazz)who is a publicly proclaimed advocate for Open Borders and severely opposesthe development of the Arizona State Guard to secure Arizona's Border, and provide protection to the citizens of Arizona who continue to fight off the assault of illegal's and drugs coming into Arizona. Sen. Allen is requesting citizen support from fellow Arizonans who are willing to stand for a secure border. Arizonans willing to stand with Sen. Allen, Sen. Stevens, Sen. Griffin, Sen. Antenori, and Sen. Melvin. Please show your public support for these elected officials who are willing to stand and fight the good fight to preserve the welfare of Arizona. Come to the Arizona State Capitol this Monday by 11:30am. Come and bring your voices and your determination to preserve our Great Grand Canyon State

SHOWTIME: TOM HORNE GIVES AID AND COMFORT TO THE ENEMY

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Friday, January 20, 2012

My enemy's friend is not my friend. Horne is harboring Andrew Pacheco on his payroll while Pacheco rehearses for his next audition for political office. So let's give him the spotlight. Recall the earlier review by this journal that exposed Pacheco for hosting a fundraiser at his home in 2008 for Democrat candidate for Maricopa County Attorney, Tim Nelson. That gathering of Democrat elites in Pacheco's home says it all. Pacheco is a disciple of John McCain, having pledged his allegiance to the Roman Senator in McCain's first failed Presidential bid back in 2000. Since then Pacheco has been vying for public office by propping himself up at various law firms and prosecutors' offices, mostly as a do nothing tag along under Rick Romley. Now Horne is about to give Pacheco a big stage to rehearse on. It is widely known that Horne's Criminal Division Chief, James Keppel, is leaving soon. None too soon. Keppel was a Romley staffer who should have exited the stage when the voters yanked Romley with the bad actor hook. Instead, Horne picked Keppel up off the cutting room floor. Now Pacheco wants the starring role of Criminal Division Chief and Horne is dangerously close to handing him the script. This production is going on with the unwitting approval of Horne's Chief Deputy Rick Bistrow. The affable Bistrow is Horne's long-time friend and law partner, but clueless in his current position. This makes Bistrow the perfect choice for former Democrat heads of the Attorney General's office, who still run the box office. Bistrow is a lefty and showing signs of having stars in his eyes after the mention of a possible federal judgeship under an Obama II administration. While Keppel clears out his dressing room, Pacheco is already painting the set. From all appearances, Horne is just weeks away from endorsing Pacheco for Attorney General in 2014 by foolishly promoting him, without giving it a second thought. Or maybe, as it seems, not even giving it a first thought for a smart guy like Horne who did not carry Maricopa County in his last primary election. If this turns out to be Horne's first B movie, the re-runs will ruin him.

Explosive new evidence AZ judge ruling is illegal

A m e r i c a n P o s t - G a z e t t e Distributed by C O M M O N S E N S E , in Arizona Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Anthony Martin Conservative Examiner

In a stunning development that could potentially send the nation into a Constitutional crisis, an astute attorney who is well-versed in Constitutional law states that the ruling against the state of Arizona by Judge Susan Bolton concerning its new immigration law is illegal. The attorney in question submitted her assertionin a special article in the Canada Free Press. Her argument states in part, "Does anyone read the U.S. Constitution these days? American lawyers don't read it. Federal Judge Susan R. Bolton apparently has never read it. Same goes for our illustrious Attorney General Eric Holder. But this lawyer has read it and she is going to show you something in Our Constitution which is as plain as the nose on your face. "Article III, Sec. 2, clause 2 says: "In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction." In other words, the Judge in the Arizona case has absolutely no Constitutional jurisdiction over the matter upon which she ruled. As the Constitution makes abundantly clear, only the U.S. Supreme Court can issue rulings that involve a state. This means that neither Judge Bolton nor the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, to which the case is being appealed, have any legal standing whatsoever to rule on the issue. Thus, U.S. Attorney-General Eric Holder filed the federal government's lawsuit against the state of Arizona in a court that has no authority to hear the case. The attorney whose heads-up thinking concerning the Constitution provides the legal remedy for dealing with this blatant disregard for Constitutional law in the article at Canada Free Press, which can be accessed at the link above. In a related development, another explosive discovery was made by those who actually take the Constitution seriously. The Constitution specifically allows an individual state to wage war against a neighboring country in the event of an invasion, should there be a dangerous delay or inaction on the part of the federal government. This information was cited byUnited Patriots of America. From Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, we find these words: "No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay." No one who is actually familiar with the crisis at the southern border can deny that Arizona is endangered by the relentless assault of lawless Mexican invaders who ignore our laws, inundate our schools and medical facilities with unpaid bills, and even endanger the very lives of citizens with criminal drug cartels that engage in kidnapping, murder, human trafficking, and other mayhem, including aiming missile and grenade launchers directly at U.S. border cities from just across the Mexican border. This is every bit as much of an invasion as the nation of Iran sending in a fleet of warships to the Port of Charleston. The Constitution that forms the basis of the rule of law in this country says that Arizona has legal right to protect itself in the case of inaction or delay on the part of the federal government, including waging war in its self-defense. This, when coupled with the clear Constitutional mandate that only the Supreme Court hear cases involving the states, should be ample legal basis for attorneys representing Arizona to go after the federal government with a vengeance. Governor Jan Brewer and the stalwart members of the Arizona legislature have ample legal reason to stand firm against the illegal bullying of an arrogant, lawless federal government.