by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Legislative Republicans have joined the crescendo of voices pushing back against an impending consent decree from the federal government.
This week, Arizona State Representative David Marshall and 20 of his colleagues in the chamber sent a letter to City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the council, asking them to “swiftly reject any consent decree proposed by the DOJ and challenge the findings in the forthcoming DOJ report.”
The coalition of lawmakers warned that “the DOJ has used consent decrees to remove local control from police departments in metropolitan cities across the United States,” and that “relinquishing local control of these critical agencies to the federal government has been disastrous for both the public safety of the residents in those cities and for taxpayers.” They pointed to the experience of the state’s largest county, Maricopa, writing, “Arizonans have already suffered the drastic consequences of the DOJ consent decree over the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department for the past decade.”
In their letter to City of Phoenix officials, the lawmakers also appealed to both the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions about how an enacted consent decree would violate both documents. The legislators stated, “The Arizona Constitution prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from ‘using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer or cooperate’ with any federal action or program that does not protect the checks and balances of the United States Constitution… To preserve Arizona’s sovereignty consistent with our state constitution, you must reject the DOJ’s coercive consent decree.”
The request from these representatives follows other petitions from Arizona officials who oppose the imposition of a consent decree upon the city’s police department. Earlier this fall, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell posted her displeasure with the principle of federal monitoring of law enforcement departments, writing, “Look no further than MCSO to see what ‘federal monitoring’ does to agencies. Monitors (people paid to determine whether an agency is in compliance) have ZERO incentive to find compliance. It will cost the taxpayers MILLIONS and crime will increase.”
City of Phoenix Councilmember Ann O’Brien also wrote an op-ed for the Arizona Republic, voicing her sentiments regarding any arrangement handed down from the DOJ. In her piece, O’Brien wrote, “I have no intention of signing anything given to us by the Department of Justice without getting to read their findings first. That’s the thing: the DOJ gets agencies to sign an agreement in principle before ever releasing their findings, which essentially means that agency will negotiate a consent decree in good faith. Not Phoenix.”
On August 5, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a “pattern or practice investigation into the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD)” to “assess all types of use of force by PhxPD officers, including deadly force.” The DOJ highlighted that its investigation would “include a comprehensive review of PhxPD’s systems of accountability, including misconduct complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition, and discipline.”
At the time of the announcement, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “When we conduct pattern or practice investigations to determine whether the Constitution or federal law has been violated, our aim is to promote transparency and accountability. This increases public trust, which in turn increases public safety. We know that law enforcement shares these goals.”
The City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department have updated people on the progress of the investigation, alerting readers that “city and police leaders have provided the DOJ with documents, videos, interviews, ride-a-longs, and access to training sessions with the department.” The City’s bulletin revealed that the DOJ investigation “has come with challenges, as it took several months to negotiate a method for sharing sensitive law enforcement information which complied with FBI standards.”
Per the City of Phoenix’s information, the DOJ’s Civil Pattern or Practice investigation into the Phoenix Police Department “is the 71st investigation of its kind since the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.” If DOJ finds “patterns or practices of misconduct,” then Phoenix will likely find itself with a federal monitor.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2023 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
More Arizonans are saving for their children’s education and benefiting from the stewardship of the state’s treasurer.
This week, the “X” account for the Arizona Education Savings Plan announced that “under the leadership of Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee, 33,632 529 accounts have been opened in the last 37 months,” and that “assets are up 16.6% in that same time frame to $1.89 billion.”
Yee serves as the Chairwoman of the AZ529 Plan Advisory Committee. According to its website, this committee “assists the Treasurer’s Office in promoting and raising awareness of the AZ529 Plan in accordance with A.R.S. § 41-179.” The Arizona 529 Plan “is a college savings plan named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code sponsored by the State of Arizona,” and “is designed to provide a parent, grandparent, or anyone else an opportunity to save for a child’s educational dreams within a tax-deferred savings vehicle.”
Last month, the Arizona Education Savings Plan was upgraded to a ‘silver’ rating by Morningstar, which “reflected a superior investment team and/or investment process that should benefit the participants.”
Joining Treasurer Yee on this advisory committee are the following appointees:
- Rural Community College District Representative: Keith Alexander, Special Assistant to the President for Community and Government Relations, Eastern Arizona College
- ABOR Public University Representative: Dr. James Rund, Senior Vice President for Educational Outreach and Student Services, Arizona State University
- Private Educational Institution Offering Advanced Degrees Representative: Brian Mueller, President, Grand Canyon University
- Private Vocational Training Institution Representative: David Eaker, Campus President, The Refrigeration School
- Apprenticeship Program Representative: Gary Schleuger, Vice President of State Government Affairs and Relations, University of Phoenix
- Private School or Organization offering K-12 Instruction Representative: Chris Schoenleb, Head of School, North Valley Christian Academy
- Teacher Representative: Karen Mensing, Technology Integration Facilitator, Paradise Valley Unified School District
- Tribal Representative: Honorable Shaandiin Parrish, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation
- Public Member: Maria Baier, Vice President of External Affairs, Great Hearts America
- Public Member: Christine Burton, Co-Founder, Burton Family Foundation
- Public Member Representing an Arizona-Based Nonprofit Organization: Susan Ciardullo, Executive Director, Life Long Learning Inc.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 7, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Many Arizona officials sent tributes for the passing of an inspirational leader of the state and nation.
Last week, former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died at the age of 93. O’Connor grew up in Arizona and paved a way for women in the highest levels of government as she served in the Arizona Legislature and as a Judge on the Maricopa County Superior Court. Following this already historic rise, former President Ronald Reagan nominated O’Connor to the nation’s high court, where she would become the first female Justice on the bench.
“Sandra Day O’Connor was an impactful conservative and a trailblazer who displayed the epitome of a hardworking public servant, a dedicated mother, and inspired many women to pursue leadership roles within the legislative and judicial branches of government,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “She broke barriers throughout her career, becoming the first woman to serve as Majority Leader for Republicans at the Arizona State Senate and setting the stage for others to follow in her footsteps. The example she set on civil discourse is to be admired. We’re saddened by the loss of this icon, and our hearts go out to O’Connor’s family, but we take comfort in knowing she’ll have lasting positive impacts on our state and nation for generations to come.”
Senate Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Very saddened to hear the news about fmr. United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor today. Before President Reagan nominated her to became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, this legendary Arizonan was our state’s first female Senate Majority Leader, in charge of the State Senate’s Republican Caucus for two terms. I was honored to meet her on several occasions but the most recent was about a handful of years ago on the Floor of the AZ House of Representatives. We offer her family our condolences during this time.”
Governor Katie Hobbs communicated her own sentiments, writing, “Throughout her entire career, as an Arizona legislator, judge, and Supreme Court Justice, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor embodied the humility and civility that is at the core of what it means to be a public servant. Justice O’Connor first broke barriers when she was elected the Arizona Senate Majority Leader, becoming the first woman to ever serve in that role in the United States. Her trailblazing career continued when she became the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court, where she was the decisive vote in some of the most critical court cases in our nation’s history. Justice O’Connor’s impact continued far beyond the bench, with a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and civil discourse, which is more important than ever. Her legacy will forever be ingrained in the fibers of our state and nation’s history. The hearts of every Arizonan are with her and her family today as we mourn the loss of a true trailblazer.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes stated, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. She set a powerful example of leadership for so many to follow. Even before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice O’Connor’s trailblazing leadership here in Arizona cemented her place in the history of our state. Her humble beginnings on the Lazy B Ranch near Duncan, Arizona was just the start. It was something I always admired about her: how she went from my own beloved rural Arizona, to the marbled halls of the Supreme Court. Justice O’Connor exemplified service leadership throughout her career: Arizona Assistant Attorney General, first woman State Senate majority leader in the country, Maricopa County Superior Court judge, Arizona Court of Appeals judge, and first woman Supreme Court Justice. An icon. My thoughts are with Justice O’Connor’s family and loved ones during this time.”
Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who followed in O’Connor’s footsteps as a state senate majority leader, said, “Sandra Day O’Connor was the 1st female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona in 1973. I became the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader 44 years later. She was a trailblazer, worked across the aisle and believed in civil discourse. She was an inspiration to me and women around the world.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 6, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
An Arizona Republican lawmaker is speaking out after the state’s Democrat governor eliminated a contract with a private prison contractor.
Last week, Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration revealed that the state’s contract with Management & Training Corporation (MTC), a private prison contractor, would be terminating on December 31, 2023. According to the Governor’s Office, MTC “operates the Arizona State Prison – Marana, a minimum security prison with capacity for 500 male inmates.”
Both Hobbs and Ryan Thornell, the Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) expressed enthusiasm over the decision that was announced just days after the Thanksgiving holiday. Hobbs said, “I applaud Director Thornell for his good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Because of the Director’s leadership, we are cutting down on government waste and saving Arizona taxpayers $15 million over two years while improving public safety. I look forward to ADCRR’s continued work to build a correctional system that is efficient and effective, and keeps Arizonans safe.”
Thornell added, “This is more than just good fiscal sense. It’s about using the totality of ADCRR’s state resources more effectively. The ADCRR is able to absorb the inmates from ASP–Marana, into other prisons here in Arizona. So not only are we demonstrating significant savings, we’re demonstrating, with actions, our ability to be more efficient with the resources already provided to us. The ADCRR is as committed to supporting and developing staff, ensuring inmates have access to quality programming that lends itself to rehabilitation and public safety, as much as we are committed to improved fiscal management.”
The action wasn’t received well by at least one Republican at the State Legislature. Arizona State Senator Justine Wadsack issued a statement to call out the governor for her decision, asserting that the looming closure of the prison “is crushing the Community of Marana during the holidays.”
Wadsack said, “For nearly 30 years, ASP—Marana has been a positive aspect of the community. Through its educational and rehabilitation programs, as well as community services, the facility has helped both inmates and Marana residents. Shame on our Governor for giving them only a few weeks’ notice around the holidays. Although employees will have opportunities to transfer to another facility, many do not have the resources or financial means to relocate or make the long commute. My heart goes out to all the families who are impacted by how poorly this move was implemented. I’d also like to know what the plan is moving forward for the state-owned building that housed this facility.”
The freshman legislator also included a quote from Marana Mayor Ed Honea, who said, “This came as a real shock and really hurts our community. Half of these workers will be completely out of a job. Nearly 90 families were notified just days after Thanksgiving that they won’t have a job at the end of December. What do you tell them? You can’t buy your kids Christmas presents because you have to worry about keeping the lights on? If I was shutting down or merging a department in town, I would give notice three to four months in advance. This is entirely unacceptable.”
The Governor’s Office, perhaps anticipating political attacks over the loss of jobs for Marana, stated that “ADCRR will prioritize employment opportunities for ASP-Marana staff, at other prisons, including Arizona State Prison Complex in Tucson, the closest to the town of Marana.” Hobbs’ press release indicated that there were over 50 employees at the MTC facility.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 5, 2023 | Economy, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Another economic boon is coming to Arizona.
On Thursday, it was announced that Amkor Technology would be bringing a multi-billion-dollar campus to Peoria in the next few years. The company will be partnering with Apple to package and test silicon.
The new Amkor campus is expected be a $2 billion investment and create 2,000 jobs. The Peoria City Council will have to approve the development agreement in 2024.
The Chief Operating Officer for Apple, Jeff Williams, also noted the announcement in a press release for his company. Williams said, “Apple is deeply committed to the future of American manufacturing, and we’ll continue to expand our investment here in the United States. Apple silicon has unlocked new levels of performance for our users, enabling them to do things they could never do before, and we are thrilled that Apple silicon will soon be produced and packaged in Arizona.”
Governor Katie Hobbs weighed in on the news for her state, stating that this project would “be one of the most significant semiconductor investments in the U.S.” and that it would “solidify our state’s leadership in the semiconductor industry – reshoring an essential part of our supply chain to the United States.”
“Expansion of a US semiconductor supply chain is underway, and as the largest US-headquartered advanced packaging company, we are excited to lead the charge in bolstering America’s advanced packaging capabilities,” said Giel Rutten, Amkor’s president and chief executive officer. “Semiconductor companies, foundries, and other supply chain partners understand the need to strategically broaden their geographic footprint. The announcement of our new advanced packaging and test facility in Arizona is a clear signal of our intent to help our customers ensure resilient supply chains and be a part of a strong American semiconductor ecosystem.”
According to Amkor’s press release, the company has “secured approximately 55 acres of land with intent to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing campus with more than 500,000 square feet of clean room space.”
The announcement from Amkor follows a years-in-the-making project for the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) construction of a facility in north Phoenix, just outside of Peoria. TSMC’s investment is $40 billion and is expected to create thousands of additional jobs for the area. The facility is expected to start production of the semiconductor chips, that will be then tested and packaged by Amkor, in 2025, providing the company fills its quota of workers.
Peoria Mayor Jason Beck welcomed the announcement from Amkor and Apple, saying, “It is no secret that our nation is reshoring its advanced manufacturing industries. We are proud of Peoria’s global leadership in this movement, and the significant capital investment and quality jobs that it brings to our community. This tremendous announcement is a credit to the City Council’s commitment to economic development, and staff’s hard work and dedication on this project.”
This facility won’t likely be the last significant business and investment coming to Beck’s city. The Mayor’s TYR Tactical is one of Peoria’s largest employers, and he used that experience to shape his economic development vision for Peoria’s future. He campaigned on the construction of a city owned airport “that will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic impact” for Peoria, as well as the “creation of culture that is not only Pro Business but moves at the speed and efficiency of business.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
