Boss Tweed’s plan to do away with the civil service merit selection system

February 10, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Apparently Jeremy Duda at the Arizona Capitol Times thinks I am overstating the case by giving Jan Brewer the moniker the "Scott Walker of the West" (See The GOP war on organized labor: Jan Brewer's bid to be the Scott Walker of the West begins Wednesday) for the reasons that she has not endorsed the package of anti-union bills, and that the Arizona Police Association, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police and Phoenix Law Enforcement Association endorsed Brewer in 2010, while the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona stayed neutral. Brewer precedent may spell doom for union bills – Arizona Capitol Times.

First, Brewer rarely discloses her position on a bill before the legislature completes its work. Her spokesman's statement on the package of anti-union bills was about laying down a marker for her priority, her so-called "personnel reform," not any opposition to union busting. Boss Tweed: destroy civil service system before destroying public employee unions.

Second, Brewer may show favoritism towards corrections officers, police officers, and firefighters – just as Scott Walker did by exempting them from his collective bargaining bill in Wisconsin – but when push comes to shove against other public sector employee unions the public safety unions will come to the aid of their brothers and sisters just as they did in Wisconsin. They fully understand that if they do not defend these unions they will be next.

As pastor Martin Niemöller observed in "First They Came"…"Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist… Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me."

So if the "Scott Walker of the West" moniker is only a bit premature, there should be no disagreement that the "Boss Tweed" moniker aptly applies to Jan Brewer's so-called "personnel reforms."

Brewer wants to do away with civil service merit selection system protection and return to the political Spoils system of political patronage and the days of Tamanny Hall. Brewer’s personnel plan seeks to ease firing, hiring state workers – Arizona Capitol Times (subscription required):

Gov. Jan Brewer is seeking to fundamentally alter the way state employees are hired, fired and managed.

In short, the governor wants to make it easier for administrators to hire and fire workers.

Dr. Word says: Newt once again demonstrates, he is the master

February 10, 2012

by David Safier Dr. Word noticed a beautifully turned phrase in Newt Gingrich's CPAC speech. Newt Gingrich, hitting Obama in his CPAC speech, said the president will "wage war on the Catholic church the morning after he is reelected." Any Republican could have made the same point, but who else would have the command of … Read more

AIRC Update: The clock is running on new congressional districts

February 10, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) says its submission of the congressional map and supporting documentation will start the 60-day period for the Justice Department to either approve or reject the map or request more information. Arizona submits congressional map to US for review – Arizona Capitol Times (subscription required). The commission says its … Read more

Update: Downtown developers, ‘crony capitalism’ and the Arizona legislature’s Rio Nuevo Board

February 10, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie: I provided a breakdown of HB2647, a "Rio Nuevo bill" in Downtown developers, 'crony capitalism' and the Arizona legislature's Rio Nuevo Board. It is essentially tax abatement subsidies (incentives) for favored developers in Downtown Tucson. As I alluded to in the post, the Arizona legislature banned tax abatement subsidies (incentives) for retail development in Maricopa … Read more

Reminder: Saguaro Eastside Democrats 8th annual ‘I Love Liberty Party’ Saturday

February 10, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie: This is the first "must attend" event of the campaign season for candidates running for office in Pima County. This meet & greet is your chance to introduce yourself to Democratic Party activists and donors.

Congressman Grijalva’s campaign kickoff announcements

February 10, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Arizona: Together We Stand Friday, February 10th, 6:00pmSan Miguel High School Gymnasium6601 S. San Fernando Rd. Stand for families, stand for justice stand for Arizona. Special Guests: Rep. Grijalva (AZ), Rep. Gutierrez (IL), Rep. Honda (CA) Sponsored by: Border Action Network, BorderLinks, Coalicion Derechos Humanos, Samaritans, Southside Presbyterian Church A Whole Lot … Read more

Ron Barber for Congress petition walks this weekend

February 10, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie: It's time to go to work, people! All hands on deck. Announcement from the Ron Barber for Congress campaign: Lifelong Tucsonan and longtime staffer to Congresswoman Giffords,Ron Barber has announced that he will run in the special election for Gabby's seat! This is great news for all of us in Southern Arizona … Read more