Here and Now - Governor Napolitano
No sooner does the governor receive an award for championing education and early child development than a report surfaces that the governor's office helped broker a deal to keep opposition to a new transportation tax to a minimum.
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document leaked to the East Valley Tribune shows a behind the scene's quid pro quo: a homebuilders association agreeing not to contest a transportation tax if a development impact fee is removed from the proposed transportation plan. The deal also calls for homebuilders not to oppose a state trust land measure that will be on the November ballot.
The governor is still awaiting a budget for the next fiscal year. Some lawmakers predict a new budget will soon be done--one that makes up for a $1.8 billion revenue shortfall.
Governor Napolitano vetoed a DUI bill that would have lessened the length of time breathalyser ignition locks would remain on cars of first time offenders. She also rejected a bill that would have local police enforce immigration law.
Have a question for the governor? Post it below. It might not appear right away as we moderate comments to keep spammers from posting inappropriate material.
Posted by
Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
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Comments (0)
With talks of an added tax for transportation - what about the East Valley. The buses don't run an further east than Power Road and I probably don't expect to see any rail service in the far east valley for 20 years. Why isn't this area more of a focus - or any focus, at all. There are so many people that would benefit from bus/rail, etc. There are alot of people that don't/can't drive and with gas prices the way they are, I would like to see something happen between Power Road and Meridian.
Any speculation on who Barak Obama might pick as a running mate, and would you be interested?
Don't weasel on this.
What are your plans for life after term limits?
Previously on this program you were asked about a proposed passenger rail between Phoenix and Tucson that would also provide a commuter transportation alternative for people who live in between. You did not seem to support the idea at the time (specifically I believe you mentioned that you thought there "were better alternatives". But now both the State (ADOT) and Maricopa County (MAG) are planning such a rail alternative. Are you now in support of that idea?
Dear Governor:
How do you feel about calling for a National ID?
I think it would remove the burden of proof on anyone that
may fit a certain profile, eliminate false detainments and cries of unlawfulness by our Sheriff's department.
To be clear, I am a U.S. born Hispanic citizen that is against illegal immigration because I believe it is bad for the state and the actual people. However, the current system is very subjective and the average citizen will have to decide what to carry in the event they are in the wrong place, too brown or whatever basis is being used to determine status. I have heard of people who were here legally but didn't have documentation that satisfied the Sheriff and they had a miserable time waiting for proof to arrive.
A national ID would bring about a uniform, systematic method of establishing citizenship.
I appreciate your thoughts,
Julie
Good idea Governor. Catching a known felon would have a big impact on crime. Time to think about how to address public safety rather than enhance the personality cult of "Sheriff Joe."
I want to thank Governor Napolitano for her Leadership on this issue and for taking a tough stand.
Everybody knows this transportation initiative is needed, but Governor Napolitano is the only one who is doing anything about it.
i JUST CALLED THE ARIZONA DEPT OF REVENUE TO ASK A QUESTION ABOUT AN ADOR NOTICE INDICATING THAT AN INCOME TAX PAYMENT WAS NOT RECEIVED. AFTER NAVIGATING TO THE POINT OF WAITING FOR THE NEXT AVAILABLE AGENT I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE "WE ARE RECIEVING A LARGE VOLUME OF CALLS PLEASE CALL BACK LATER" NOT HELPFUL OR GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. IF YOU CAN'T FULLY STAFF THE ADOR HOW ARE YOU GOING TO COLLECT THE TAX REVENUE YOU NEED TO RUN THE STATE PROPERLY?
The city of Phoenix just increased sales taxes by .02%.As a small business in Arizona we have more and more customers shopping our wares here and then making purchases in the internet without taxation. This puts all Arizona retailers at a disadvantage. How can you say tha teveryone in Arizona will benefit from this new tax?
Is the Governor concerned about the ramifications of a merger between US Airways and United Airlines? The only way it makes economic sense is if there are massive layoffs. The hdq will likely be in Chicago with enormous job loss in Tempe. And with the loss of a major competitor it could also spell higher prices for AZ pax.
I'm looking forward to new transportation systems in AZ, but I am concerned about wildlife habitat fragmentation. Could we use any of the funds from the new state tax to develop and build wildlife crossings?
Governor Napolitano,
You've discussed the TIME Coalition's efforts and struggles of obtaining signatures for the sales tax initiative for increased funding for transportation.
How are these signatures being collected?
How can I sign my support for this?
Thank you.
Governor Napolitano,
Thanks for taking the brave but necessary step to make a better use of our money by getting DPS to do Sheriff Joe's job for him. Is it frustrating that it is taking a State agency to do the job the Sheriff should be doing?
Volunteers with Arizonans for Responsible Healthcare has been developing a voter initiative to create a public private partnered healthplan as a public alternative to the declining arrangements cureently driven by the commercial HMOs. Does the governor believe the people of AZ support a goverment paid private health plan competitor to the commercial insurance arrangements that are destoying access and affordability of healthcare for millions of arizonans.
Why do you feel that law abiding holders of Concealed Weapons Permits are safe to walk the streets of our communities, but not safe to step across the boundries of our schools and universities? Don't you trust the citizens?
As an aspiring teacher, in the ASU Special eduction program, I want to know how you feel about the recent budget cutbacks at the Board of Regents that now will affect Math, Science, and Special ed teacher loan forgiveness program? How would you continue to fund this program? and How Important do you feel programs like this are, in keeping good teachers in AZ?
Re: Lottery Money
Some might find Mr. Edward Ugel's insights and opinions interesting in his book: "Money for Nothing".
http://www.edwardugel.com/
Teresa
Sorry we couldn't get to all the questions and comments, we just ran out of time.
Thanks for the reply Governor. You stated "our hands our tied" as far as non taxable internet purchases are concerned. Do you mean that only uneducated or uninformed will purchase goods in Arizona?
