by David Safier
I've written two posts about a phone message left on Todd Camenisch's answering machine by Rick Grinnell, who says Rosemont Copper is a "personal client," and a follow-up phone call between the two. Grinnell's basic assertion is, don't mess with Rosemont, or your political future will be over. [Note to the Star's Kelly and/or Bodfield: To me, that sounds like corporate political intimidation, not the "ho hum" portrayed in today's Political Notebook (The Star item can't be read on line, which is why I can't provide a link to it; it's only in the print edition). You can read about the phone call in the link posted above, or call the Camenisch campaign for further information.]
Camenisch has an op ed in yesterday's Green Valley News on the topic: Another reason to make a change.
Here's a paragraph from late in the op ed which establishes Camenisch's credentials:
As a University of Arizona medical researcher, I have studied the negative effects of arsenic on the formation and development of the heart. Several mines in Arizona have been linked to arsenic water contamination and, consequently, an increased chance for serious illness in the nearby communities. As your state senator, I will oppose this project based on scientific research, not on biased representation by a lobbyist for a foreign corporation.
It's almost comical to hear Grinnell try to argue with Camenisch about the potential for environmental damage as a result of an open pit copper mine. Grinnell is a PR hack for Rosemont, and Camenisch is a scientist with expertise in the subject.
Here are a few paragraphs from earlier in Camenisch's op ed.
As a first-time candidate for Legislative District 30 State Senate, I am appalled at the type of politics that is practiced in Phoenix; that is why I am running. I want to represent Southern Arizona — not a foreign corporation or Phoenix political bosses.
Recently, I was exposed to how corrupt things are with special interests and our incumbent politicians in Phoenix. I have openly opposed the proposed Rosemont mine due to its potential impact on the environment and the community — including the long-term effect on water tables and contamination of local aquifers, which puts our children’s drinking water at risk. As a result, I received a voice mail from Rick Grinnell, a lobbyist for Rosemont mine, which said, in part, “I am not sure if you’re putting yourself in a position that you will regret,” referencing my position on the mine.
In a follow-up phone conversation, Grinnell divulged that he has contributed financially to my opponent, Frank Antenori, who supports the Rosemont mine. This is the type of corrupt politics in Phoenix that must stop.
No amount of intimidation from a lobbyist or from the foreign corporation that hired him will keep me from speaking out on an issue as important to Southern Arizona as water. My opponent’s support of the mine is no surprise. He has received campaign donations of $300 from Jamie Sturgess, a vice president of the mine, and $300 from lawyer Michael Green, who works for a law firm that lobbies for Rosemont mine.