Michael Bryan By Michael Bryan The voters specifically took away the Arizona Governor’s veto over redistricting maps when they passed Prop 106 in 2000, establishing the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). The voters didn’t want the redistricting process to be held hostage by the political powers-that-be; Arizonans want an open and bi-partisan process governed by the public interest. … Read more
The recent summary 'execution' of the Independent Chairperson of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) by the Governor and State Senate is not only a test of whether the Independence of the Commission will survive, it is test of the constitutional separation of powers in Arizona government. Governor Brewer and the Arizona Legislature have recklessly thrown … Read more
By Karl Reiner In 2008, the western economies were saved from a major depression by desperate and costly plans to prop up banks in the U.S. and Europe. Although it could have been much worse, the recession that followed has been devastating. Its effects continue to linger, taking a savage toll on the nation’s economic … Read more
By Karl Reiner Americans have suddenly become enamored with the U.S. national debt. Perhaps it is because it keeps climbing. Tax cuts, two wars and a colossal recession triggered by the collapse of the housing sector have all done their part to make it worse. Although Congress has raised the debt ceiling 39 times since … Read more
By Karl Reiner It is approximately 360 miles from the New Mexico state line across Arizona to the border with California. On the south side of the line is the Mexican state of Sonora, part of the territory of a foreign country. Arizona is one of four U.S. states sharing the international border with Mexico. … Read more