Here and Now - Governor Napolitano

Governor
I think it is great that APS is starting a solar program, but why so small?
Why not think really big? why not build enough solar panels to supply power to 50 per cent of Phoenix?
the more solar panels are being built the less the cost per panel. Maybe building the aps installation could be combined with a statewide plan to put solar panels on every city and state building, and offer it at a lower cost to interested homeowners. Phoenix is becoming the bio tech city, how about also the energy tech city?
We have more opportunity here for solar than anywhere in the world- why are we below California and New Jersey in utilization by homeowners of this technology?
If you have not seen the website there is a good one called www.thebreakthrough.org which highlights some general ideas about energy. Thank you.

Governor: Too bad you can not run for a third term. Can you explain the funding sources and the purpose of the the Science Foundation of Arizona and what are the targeted benefits to the State of Arizona?

why has the Arizona Dept of Corrections, with one of the largest budget this last year has: 1, cut operational money given to complex prisons around the state almost in half. 2. spending 60 dollars a day for nearly 2000 inmates housed out of state. 3, frozen hiring of personnell since August of this year, except for security and medical personnel, 4, cut almost a 1000 positions in the deparment to show a low vacate rate of employment. 6 cut overtime almost to extinct and then operatoring prison housing units understaff and barely able to run in a proper secure matter.
were is all the money being spend?, if not on security and staff

I have a suggestion on a method to deal with the user taxes on the autos registered in the state. Instead of paying for you registration based upon the value of the auto. The new way, can produce more revenue and reduce air polllution. Tax the auto based on three factors:(1) A constant based upon the miles you drive.(2) A constant based upon your MPG.
(3) A constant based upon the amount you pollute. Combine all three contacts and this will be your tax for the year. We are owners of autos can pay more or less based upon our actions. I will to work on this idea, into a final format. Please call me at 480 832 5552 Cody.

Distressed to read that AZ Highways will ow include advertisements in the magazine to generate revenue. Must our entire economy "sell" every minute of every day?

Speaking of unintended consequences, we think of employer sanctions as only affecting construction companies, etc., but a legislator informed me that it applies to every business in Arizona. That means that APS or SRP could have their licenses revoked. What then? Also, he told me that the State discovered after the bill was passed that a janitor was illegally working in the capital. Does the State have to now revoke its own licenses??

This bill seems more like a publicity stunt than a real effort to solve the problem.

Why are you and other politicians talking about "comprehensive" immigration reform when nothing is being done to remove citizenship to babies born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants? When will the issue of "anchor babies" be addressed by you?
Thank you

Good morning Governor,
You stated earlier that immigration surges have been an issue throughout this country's history. How much has the problem really increased in the last 5 years or is it just another of Bush's attempts to divert the country's attention whenever we start complaining about the war?
Thank you and Merry Christmas!

The sub-prime loan debacle has frustrated many people that have not overextended themselves. Why should those who have made poor decisions benefit from their mistakes? Where is the personal accountability?

I have to commute 40 miles each way to work 5 days a week. My company has the technology and the money to allow all of its workers to work from home. However, the company will not allow this. I think it's madness for a multi-billion dollar company not to look at alternatives.
I would love to see State impose sanctions and tax consequences to employers, such as mine, that do not encourage telecommuting, reducing pollution in the valley. This makes sense and add additional income to the state. The money can be used to pay for metro train system. I will even help lay the tracks without pay!!!

I am a big fan of your show and the governor. She is a wonderful example of a diplomatic leader and solution seeker.
My question is about water. I recently moved here from North Carolina where we received huge quantities of precipitation compared to here. However, there (NC) we had water restrictions during drought times and penalties for overuse. I am very concerned about the water waste I see through local Municipalities and HOAs. Are you working to encourage these groups to change there rules, covenants, etc. to be better stewards of our water resources?

Governor,

As a past policy advisor for several Governors in the east, I participated on a state economic master plan commission which helped to bring together leaders from education, business, government and civic groups. Does AZ have a similar forum to help guide the state's development?

The government looks set to help sub-prime borrowers with their inability to pay their loans. Are the fiscally responsible owners who pay their bills each month on time in full getting any reward?

There is a legal idea - "poisoned fruit" - which means that any evidence found as a result of illegally obtained evidence is not allowed to be used.

Should this apply to children of illegal immigrants?

DK

Hello and thanks for all you do for our state... is there a plan for an alternative route from Phoenix to Flagstaff in the works with ADOT? I would love to have a summer home up north but will not consider it until I-17 has some relief! thank you

Many people are aware of compact fluorescent light bulbs as being more environmentally friendly. I know of nobody who understands how to dispose of them properly. Many people do not realize that they contain Mercury. Could you please have this issue addressed?
Thank You

I was born and raised in Phoenix. The population of the entire Salt River Valley including Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale etc. then was less then half a million. The culture of the valley was friendly and folks knew and trusted each other. It's not that way now.

Over the years developers and the power base in our state has eaten desert and worshiped growth to an unbeleievable extent. We have gone from being a rural state with those cultural implications to a state where no one knows each other or cares because the majority of the population came from somewhere else . That rate of growth is clearly not sustainable.

Are you thinking of mitigating growth some way or other before we are all standing on top of each other everywhere in the state, instead of just on the outer loop etc?

Thanks,

Bill

We have learned last week about a plan to convet McKemy Middle School into the the nation's first university run K-8 school. Can you give us more information about the plan?

Governor,
What are your thoughts about the proposals for I-10 bypass routes, all of which have an impact on sensitive environmental areas? How can we assure that highways are considered only after careful environment impact studies are undertaken and all alternatives (light rail, etc) are rejected?

What is the state of Arizona's bridges?

Hi,
Interestingly enough I recieved a phone call from a lender which when I called it this morning I discovered it was advertising a loan with a 1% start rate and other programs to get you out of your existing loan. I am on a do not call list and I got this call which is the type of loan that got individuals into trouble to begin with!

Dear Governor,

The last time I attended our son's college night, there were no recruiters from colleges touting any programs that would lead to graduates later working in the fields for Del Monte, or cleaning hotel rooms, etc. Why don't you take the lead in combining resources with Texas, California and New Mexico and establish a serious guest worker program that allows our country to utilize guest workers and takes the hate out of the subject? Thank you.

Thanks for all the good comments and questions! The depth and range of topics you bring to the table is amazing! Happy Holidays!