Guest Editorial: Don’t Be Fooled

By Scottsdale Pinetop

Once again the radical fringes of political dishonesty and misinformation are attempting to confuse the voters and sway elections. APS is the champion at doing that. While on my way home, I passed a political yard sign saying “No on Prop 127 – Protect Arizona Schools.” The message attempts to convince Arizona voters to reject the Renewable Energy Standards Initiative saying that it is bad for teachers. This couldn’t be more false.

For those who have not yet become informed on the propositions for the November ballot, Proposition 127 would require electric utility companies like APS to acquire a certain percentage of electricity from renewable resources. These percentages would increase annually from 12 percent in 2020 to 50 percent in 2030.

Its initiative has nothing to do with public education or Arizona’s schools.

The anti-Prop 127 supporters have attempted to capitalize on the #RedforEd movement in Arizona by conflating the education crisis with renewable energy sources. At a time when increasing funding to teachers and public education has dominated the political landscape, it’s not surprising that APS is looking to align themselves as an ally to teachers.

APS argues that the initiative would cause electricity rates to rise which would then harm schools. When in reality, it’s just the opposite. In fact, the Arizona Education Association (AEA) endorsed Prop. 127 early on in the campaign saying the initiative, if passed, would help lower utility bills for schools. But the initiative itself doesn’t impact funding to schools or protect teachers.
This is a blatant misrepresentation of Prop. 127 and undermines the progress of the teacher’s movement.  We hope voters understand that.