School choice advocates are taking dead aim at what’s left of the public school monopoly. In the City of Phoenix. Courtesy of a front page article in today’s Arizona Republic (“New Charter School Push In Phoenix Core”) let there be no doubt about what’s taking place. Having pillaged upper income school districts like Scottsdale’s school choicers believe their moment has … Read More
Great Tournament. Bad Fashion.
It would be like wearing Dockers to the prom. Or a wedding dress to UFC. Or a Toga to a golf tournament. Shouldn’t the ororganizers of the world’s most attended golf tournament have outfits a bit more stylish than something Jar Jar Binks might wear to a Bee Gees Party? The Master’s has green jackets. The Fiesta Bowl yellow ones. … Read More
Arizona Governor 2014: The Case For Ken Bennett
Such a case can really be found in 2004. In the form of John Kerry. Not loved but viewed as quite competent Kerry was a weak frontrunner for the 2004 Democratic nomination for President, kind of like Ken Bennett who sits atop most polls for Arizona Governor in 2014 but who most observers think we will toppled due to limited … Read More
The Case of Michele Reagan: Lady Luck Not On Her Side
Arizona State Senator Michele Reagan is one of the most likable people in all of state politics. She has her own style and compelling nature that is refreshingly authentic in an age of political clones. Reagan has been a dynamic and effective representative for her district that covers much of Scottsdale. And for years it has been known she has … Read More
In Response To Our Editorial On Charter Schools
By Frank Cuccia Public schools have several differing factors than private or charter schools; one being that they have to for the most part take everyone who wants to attend. Now, let’s assume that Scottsdale public school is leased to a private school, does this private school have to accept all comers? If not where does the refugee students go … Read More
More Mickelson. And Why Arizona Should Make A Pitch For Him
Our previous editorial focused on the wisdom of reforming tax policy to recruit the ultra-rich to Arizona like Phil Mickelson. And why shouldn’t the Grand Canyon State? After all, the competition is stiff with no income tax states like Texas and Nevada. Furthermore, the private sector constantly engages in a never ending quest to land the whales. At casinos. In … Read More
Luring Mickelson: Good PR & Policy For Arizona
At a time when Paul Ryan and others are smart to be channeling Jack Kemp and re-engineering GOP messages for the lower and middle classes, it is an appeal to the highest crust that could be a good move here in Arizona. This week Phil Mickelson is defending his Waste Management Phoenix Open. A Sun Devil, he is the most … Read More
McCain Ego vs. Kyl Example
So the Arizona Republican Party censured John McCain this past weekend. If they were hoping this would dissuade the senior senator from re-electing it may have had the opposite effect. After all, a man who withstood the Vietcong probably chuckles at the potbellies of rightward lunacy. They remind us that just because one can do something, doesn’t mean it is … Read More
All Hail Gordon James!
Can you imagine Arizona conservatives shouting such? It would be quite a turn of events after James’ wife and former John Shadegg staffer Lisa James attempted not once but twice in previous cycles to seize the Arizona Republican Party chairmanship for moderates. James lost but couple’s commitment to a leftward tilt for their party remained. No matter one’s Republican politics … Read More