Here and Now: Governor Napolitano
You have to admit, Janet Napolitano has enjoyed her share of success as a governor without much disapproving reporting by those of us in the media. Sure, she's made a couple missteps, including the way she got Squaw Peak renamed and being unaware of problems at the veteran's nursing home, but otherwise, Governor Napolitano could do no wrong.
She advocated fully funded all day kindergarten and she got it. She wanted more case workers at Child Protective Services and got that. When push came to shove over the recent budget, Republican leaders recommended more budget cuts, but Governor Napolitano was able to preserve many of her spending increases thanks to a Democratic led budget proposal that got the support of a few Republicans--even if it cost their seats in the election.
Time magazine named her one of the top governors in the nation. Napolitano was the first woman elected to chair the National Governor's Association. After saying she would stand by in the Democratic primary, she endorsed Barack Obama, who went on to win the Democratic nomination. Seems Napolitano could do no wrong.
She was able to delay the findings of a tranportation needs study and was able to get business leaders to support a comprehensive ballot measure to fund billions in needed transportation infrastructure. Napolitano even strong armed the powerful homebuilders' lobby and got them to donate to the cause. Was there nothing she couldn't do?
Then the transportation initiative--pushed on this show by the governor--had trouble with invalid petition signatures. It was disqualified as was an initiative to preserve state trust land. Reports of declining state revenues cast suspicion on whether lawmakers and the governor adequately dealt with the funding crisis. Then key staffers begin leaving the Napolitano administration. It caused the Arizona Republic to put two and two together and question, although perhaps not that seriously, if the governor had lost her mojo. You can read the story here.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
Posted by
Paul Atkinson - Here and Now Producer at
11:00
|
Comments (15)
Re: healthcare
I think Janet Napolitano has been good for the state of Arizona, but I have one question.
I heard her agree with Obama on Universal Healthcare. I also heard Obama (or his wife) say that would include mental health.
I have my own graphic design business here in Arizona so thankfully I qualified for Janet Napolitano's state -small business healthcare program. Being bipolar, absolutely no other health insurance company will cover me. However, Janet's state plan will-- with one exeption. It DOES NOT cover mental health.
I am having a hard time paying the $15,000 I owe this year in mental health bills.
I know so many others struggle with this problem.
Can you offer any help for us now or in the future?
Governor - Aren't The Sherriff's "Illegal Alien Crime Sweeps" just code for ethnic cleansing targeted at Latinos?
Thank you. We appreciate the opportunity to communicate with the Goverenor. Thanks KJZZ.
Drue Bates
Scottsdale
(480) 483-3109
My son is a student at ASU and recently rented an apartment with a friend. He first visited the complex on the 16th of August, saw a "model" of the unit, and signed a lease. He signed a lease for 10 months, and was given the keys to the rented unit on the 22nd of August, 2008. At that point, he hadn't even been given a chance to see the unit.
When I reviewed the lease, I discovered he was actually paying for the apartment starting from the 1st of August, which was 2 weeks prior to even walking into the complex. The lease was not prorated from the date of recieving keys/move-in, which was the 22nd of August.He had to pay a full months rent to get his keys, and his next months rent was due 8 days later.The lease is really for 9 months and a week, and yet they are charging him for 10 full months.
We went to the the main office and complained, but the staff gave us the run around. While there, we heard many people complaining about this major deception, many of them the parents of students.
Gov Napolitano:
I'm worried that today's actions by the House, while considered by many as dodging a bullet, may in fact have helped rally the "Drain Here, Drain Now, Drain America First" crowd and inadvertantly handed the election to Senator McCain.
Your comments?
Along the same vein, you have made the comment numerous times that your goal is to make Arizona the "Saudi Arabia of Solar". But so far our legislative body has failed to do much if anything toward encouraging solar power facilities or solar technology research in our state. Instead, states like Oregon, where there are only 60 clear days a year, draw far more of these companies than we do where there are only 60 days a year of precipitation.
Is there some way to get this ball rolling from the Governor's office?
As the governor of Arizona, do you feel that Sarah Palin is qualified to be VP, and possibly President, of the United States?
What, specifically, is AZ doing to promote and encourage AMERICAN solar energy companies here in AZ? I read recently that a foreign company was expanding here in the state. This state is uniquely situated to lead the way in this field!
Governor Napolitano,
How will the economic policies of an Obama administration benefit Arizona's economy?
Thanks!
Megan
I am an Independent who is a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton--even now after the convention.
I never gave it any serious thought to vote for John McCain and his selection of Sarah Palin certainly would not sway me in that direction. That is a ludicrous and laughable premise. Hillary's ideas are 180 degrees away from Palin's.
I applaud your efforts to get Sen. Obama elected. We all need to get behind him.
You do Arizona proud--always.
if only 2.9% of housing are in default, why then so many banks are having trouble to the tune of billions?
Gov,Jonh McCain has missed 8 votes for renewable energy,tax benefits,the largest solar project here in az,the last time it failed by 1 vote and he was in D.C.How can he say he is for wind ,solar,renewable enegry,he won't even vote for this project that is in his own state.thanks Randy
Governor Napolitano,
The US House of Reps just passed the Energy Bill. The Senate will now take up the issue. Have you been talking with anyone in the Senate about renewing the Renewable Energy tax incentives for 10 or 20 years like Gemany has done, in order to create a reliable price point structure to develop renewables, such as Solar. The Solar Industry exploded in Germany when they did this.
Why in a time when Water is so limited do developements still have artificial lakes that are using a large supply of water.
Hello Gov. Napolitano,
As a teacher and graduate student, I want to thank you for consistently placing education high on your political agenda.
I hear very little from the presidential candidates regarding education. How would an Obama presidency address education policy, specifically the No Child Left Behind Act?
Good morning, Governor. I am 76 years old and have been concerned throughout the campaign that Obama has neglected to appeal to seniors for their votes. In fact, both candidates have! I'd like to work for the Obama campaigan to solicit the senior votes Please tell me whom to contact.
Evelyn, here's the info you need:
Arizona Obama Headquarters
922 N. 6th St. (corner of Roosevelt and 6th Street)
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602) 689-8326
arizona@barackobama.com
