Pima County Courthouse

Pima County Bond Issue: ‘Web of Debt’ or Investment for the Future? (video)

Pima County CourthouseIn a month, Pima County voters will be asked to vote on a $816 million, seven-part bond issue that includes construction of multiple buildings and roads to benefit existing corporations or attract new businesses to Southern Arizona. Sprinkled amongst the corporate-giveaways are improvements or construction of libraries, community centers, parks, neighborhoods, and other perks that benefit the rest of us.

With 99 separate projects over a 27-year period, this bond issue is far-reaching in its scope and cost. The big question is: Is taking on this amount of debt sustainable and affordable?

If you have heard a public banking presentation by Arizonans for a New Economy, you know that co-directors Jim Hannley and myself strongly advise against borrowing from Wall Street. Wall Street banks have one goal: To make money for their shareholders; they couldn’t care less about local economic development or investing for the public good. Arizonans for a New Economy and the Public Banking Insitute support bringing taxpayer dollars back home from Wall Street and using that money on Main Street to self-finance infrastructure projects, education, low-cost loans for local small business, and much more through establishment of a public bank whose charter specifies “banking in the public interest” (not in the interest of Wall Street shareholders).

Risky Wall Street deals have entrapped many local governments in a web of debt and have caused disastrous consequences for cities like Detroit and Chicago. There is evidence that Wall Street actually targets economically depressed areas like ours…

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Pima County Board of Supervisors appoint attorney Patrick Moran to Justice of the Peace (updated)

Pima County Consolidated Justice Court Justice of the Peace Luis Castillo retired from JP Precinct 2 on August 31, 2015.  A process was set up for applicants to apply for that position, be interviewed at a League of Women Voters forum on Sept. 10, then be appointed by the Pima County Bd. of Supervisors at their 9/15/15 meeting.

More info on the process: https://blogforarizona.net/justice-of-the-peace-candidates-sought-in-precinct-2/

Names of individuals who applied by the August 28 deadline, all apparently residents of Precinct 2:

Patrick Alan Moran
Alfonso G. Ramirez
Richard S. Madril
Chris T. Holguin
Arlene D. Leoni
Henry Atha (not listed on final applicant list to the Board for consideration)

The Board appointed Patrick Moran to the position today. District 2 Supervisor Ramon Valadez made the nomination over the 4 other candidates. The vote was unanimous, 5-0.

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Justice of the Peace applicants sought in Precinct 2 – updated

From Pima County Clerk of the Board:

Pima County seeking Justice of the Peace applicants

 PIMA COUNTY – Pima County Justice of the Peace José Luis Castillo is retiring effective Aug. 30 and as a result, the county is seeking a replacement for Precinct Two.

Applicants for the position need to meet the following requirements:

  • 18 years of age or older at the time of the appointment
  • Registered to vote in the precinct
  • Resident of the precinct
  • Same political party at the person vacating the office (Democrat)

Interested parties should file the following with the Clerk of the Board:

  • Letter of Interest
  • Resume
  • Financial disclosure statement

The submission deadline is 5 p.m., Aug. 28.

The League of Women Voters will be conducting a public forum to introduce and interview the candidates on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Eckstrom-Columbus Library, 4350 E. 22nd St..

The Board of Supervisors will make the appointment at their meeting on Sept. 15.

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Navy Veteran Marla Closen to challenge Supervisor Ray Carroll in District 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Marla Closen
Marla Closen

 

“Tired of potholes, increasing taxes and debt?  It is time for a new direction!

Marla Closen, who is running for District 4 Pima County Supervisor, believes we can do better. Marla, a Republican, is running to change the ineffective and stagnant policies the current Republican supports.  When questioned about challenging a decades – old incumbent she said, “I believe Pima County’s success depends upon decreasing debt and taxes, eliminating non-essential spending and prioritizing our spending on roads and county necessities, and implementing pro-business policies.  If I thought the current Supervisor – Ray Carroll – supported any of those principles, I would be voting for him, not running against him. “

Marla is living proof the combination of personal initiative, a fiscally conservative mindset and pro-business attitude equals success, and she intends to apply this formula to Pima County as Supervisor.  As a former small business owner and engineer, she knows how high taxes, over regulation, and even complicated and expensive zoning requirements can crush the dream of creating a small business.

When asked about her additional qualifications for improving Pima County, she said, “I owned a construction management business, so I know how to run a small business, and I know contracting and construction, procurement and project management.  I worked for the Department of Defense as an Intelligence Analyst, so I know the discipline of researching and connecting the dots until I find a solution. I was a Chief Intelligence Specialist and combat veteran in the Navy Reserve, so I know how to develop strategies that have to work, in an environment that does not allow failure.”

It is time. Time for Marla’s leadership and experience to provide the new direction Pima County needs.

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Deputy Chief Chris Nanos appointed to replace retiring Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik

new Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos
new Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos

The Pima County Board of Supervisors today appointed Pima County Chief Deputy Chris Nanos as the new Pima County Sheriff, effective August 1, 2015. Sheriff Dupnik’s resignation was accepted by the Board and he will serve until the end of July. Dupnik was first appointed to his job in Feb. 1980 and had been elected every four years since then, for 35 years.

The motion to appoint Nanos was made by District 2 Supervisor Ramon Valadez, seconded by District 4 Supervisor Ray Carroll.

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