The Goldwater Institute is criticizing the financial incentives behind Phoenix’s revived photo radar program, pointing to vendor payments and surcharges supporting Arizona’s public campaign financing system as voters consider Proposition 319.
In a recent analysis, Goldwater Senior Attorney Scott Day Freeman argues that the program creates financial incentives for collecting traffic fines and raises questions about motorists’ ability to contest alleged violations. Goldwater supports Prop 319, which would require local voter approval for continued operation of qualifying photo enforcement programs.
Phoenix began issuing photo enforcement citations March 25, following a 30-day warning period. The city reported that nine corridor cameras recorded more than 70,000 speeding events during that warning period.
The broader program includes 17 speed-monitoring cameras. The mayor and City Council approved it in October 2024 as part of Phoenix’s Vision Zero Road Safety Action Plan. The city contracts with third-party vendor Verra Mobility to operate the equipment.
The payment arrangement includes $3,000 per camera per month and $20 for each paid ticket. For 17 cameras, the monthly equipment payments would total $51,000, or $612,000 over a full year, before per-ticket payments.
Goldwater argues that tying part of the contractor’s compensation to collected citations creates an incentive to increase ticket volume and pursue payment.
Phoenix describes the program as a cost-recovery operation, with citation revenue covering city personnel and vendor expenses. Its published guidance says remaining funds will support the Vision Zero plan. The city also says Phoenix police review recorded events and determine whether citations should be issued.
Where the Surcharges Go
Goldwater’s criticism also focuses prominently on where the court surcharges go.
Under A.R.S. § 16-954, Arizona imposes an additional 10% surcharge on covered civil and criminal fines and penalties and deposits the proceeds into the Citizens Clean Elections Fund. The statute also addresses funding available to qualifying participating candidates and requires transfers of money designated as excess to the state’s general fund.
A separate statute, A.R.S. § 16-976, establishes an additional 1% surcharge deposited into a separate account within the Clean Elections Fund. That account supports implementation and enforcement of campaign finance disclosure requirements, with unused money available for other commission-approved purposes. The law requires suspension of the surcharge for one to three years if the commission determines it can perform the required functions during that period without the additional revenue.
“A safety tool that also subsidizes campaigns is not a neutral safety tool. It’s a political campaign financing tool,” Freeman said.
Freeman also questioned whether the revived cameras have produced a measurable reduction in traffic deaths and argued that delayed notices can make it harder for drivers to reconstruct road conditions or preserve evidence relevant to their defense.
Proposition 319, a legislative referral addressing photo enforcement, could change the legal landscape for similar future programs. The official ballot description says the measure would prohibit state agencies and local governments from using the systems unless provided for by contract as of Dec. 31, 2026, and require local voter approval for continued operation.
The text of the corresponding Senate Concurrent Resolution 1004 specifies that a signed operating contract must be in place on or before that date. Local authorities with qualifying contracts would have to seek voter approval at the next general election immediately following the provision’s effective date.
If voters reject continued operation, the local authority would have to stop using the system within 90 days of that election. Approval would allow operation for 10 years, with subsequent voter approval required every decade.
Approval of Proposition 319 would therefore establish a separate local decision point on existing programs. Phoenix’s cameras would not automatically shut down if the statewide measure passed.
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap announced Friday that his office restored 24 voters to active status after a court reviewed citizenship documentation during mediation. The move resolves a dispute with Attorney General Kris Mayes over the voters’ eligibility to vote in the Nov. 3 general election.
Heap’s office said in a press release that ballots had been issued to the affected voters on the Active Early Voting List, and Mayes had agreed to dismiss her complaint.
RECORDER HEAP: FOUR-WEEK DPOC DISPUTE RESOLVED AFTER CITIZENSHIP DOCUMENTATION PRESENTED TO COURT, AG DISMISSES COMPLAINT
Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap announced today the resolution of Attorney General Kris Mayes' lawsuit concerning 24 voters placed in pending… pic.twitter.com/UbruQ2f4Fh
— Maricopa County Recorder's Office (@RecordersOffice) October 24, 2026
According to the recorder’s office, the Attorney General’s Office presented citizenship documentation to the court during mediation. The court reviewed the records and issued a minute entry affirming their sufficiency, which Heap’s office said supplied the verification needed to restore the voters.
“This entire dispute could have been resolved weeks ago with the very verification ultimately presented to the Court,” Heap said. “Our position never changed. We needed legally sufficient documentation of citizenship, we received it, and we immediately restored the voters.”
Heap thanked Judge Christopher T. Whitten for resolving the matter and obtaining verification that the recorder said his office had sought from Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell’s office for four weeks.
Mayes also announced the resolution Friday, attributing the restoration of voting eligibility to her office’s legal action.
“It should not have taken litigation to make Justin Heap follow the law,” Mayes said.
The complaint, filed Oct. 21 by Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, originally identified 25 voters whose registrations remained designated “Not Eligible” after state and county investigators determined they were U.S. citizens.
At a hearing on Friday before the mediation, Heap’s attorney, James Rogers of America First Legal, said one of those voters had already supplied proof of citizenship and been restored, leaving 24 at issue. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Adele Ponce arranged settlement discussions that afternoon.
The dispute centered on the documentation required to restore the voters and whether Heap had authority to place their registrations in an ineligible category.
Heap said Arizona motor vehicle records identified the individuals as noncitizens and federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) records could not confirm their citizenship. His office referred the cases to prosecutors and placed the registrations in what he described as “Pending DPOC” status while requesting documentary proof of citizenship.
Heap maintained that his office needed legally sufficient verification before restoring full-ballot eligibility. He cited A.R.S. § 16-166, which identifies acceptable citizenship evidence and requires the recorder to indicate in a voter’s permanent file when satisfactory evidence has been submitted.
Mayes and Fontes argued in their complaint that Heap lacked affirmative evidence that the affected voters were noncitizens and had improperly restricted their voting eligibility.
According to the complaint, the individuals were among 207 registered voters referred for investigation. Investigators examined 60 who had previously cast ballots and determined that 52 were citizens and eight were noncitizens. The complaint said Heap had restored 27 of the 52 citizens to active status before the lawsuit was filed.
The plaintiffs sought restoration of the remaining voters’ previous registration status and delivery of early ballots to 17 participants in the Active Early Voting List and one military or overseas voter.
During Friday’s hearing, Assistant Attorney General Kara Karlson said her office was willing to provide citizenship information. She disputed Heap’s account of requests for the records and maintained that the voters should not have been placed in an ineligible status.
Mitchell had also challenged Heap’s handling of the registrations. She denied that her office had advised him to cancel the voters’ registrations and said state law did not authorize a suspended category under the circumstances.
“We are now in a place where there is no reason to question the citizenship of 52 voters. And there certainly is no confirmation that they are not citizens – quite the contrary – they are American citizens,” Mitchell wrote. “The law demands that they be allowed to vote.”
A.R.S. § 16-165(A)(10) requires a recorder to confirm that a registered voter is not a U.S. citizen before initiating its notice-and-cancellation process. The provision gives the voter 35 days to supply satisfactory citizenship evidence before cancellation and referral to prosecutors.
Heap’s Friday evening announcement said all 24 remaining voters had been restored following the court’s review.
“Our office fulfilled its duty to protect eligible voters while upholding Arizona law,” he said.
Republican attorney general nominee and Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is highlighting endorsements from seven law enforcement organizations as he challenges Democratic incumbent Attorney General Kris Mayes.
In a press release, Petersen’s campaign listed endorsements from the Arizona Police Association, Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, Arizona State Troopers Association, Arizona Conference of Police & Sheriffs, Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona, Maricopa County Colleges Police Officers Association, and Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association.
For the first time in AZ history, a challenger to the sitting AG has the overwhelming support from law enforcement. As your next attorney general I will fight crime, defend the laws and the Constitution and root out fraud, waste and corruption. pic.twitter.com/wDXRHpFDom
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect our families, neighborhoods, and communities, and they deserve an Attorney General who will always have their backs,” Petersen said. “I am deeply honored to have earned the trust and support of the men and women who know firsthand what it takes to keep Arizona safe.”
The campaign emphasized the endorsements of Arizona’s six largest police organizations and called Petersen the first challenger to a sitting Arizona attorney general to receive all six endorsements in the same election cycle.
The announcement follows endorsements made earlier in the election cycle from the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs (AZCOPS) and the Maricopa County Colleges Police Officers Association.
AZCOPS Executive Director David Stone said at the time that the organization considered candidates’ records, commitment to public safety, and willingness to work with the leadership of its member organizations when determining endorsements.
The Arizona State Troopers Association’s endorsed Petersen in June. Association President Jeff Hawkins cited Petersen’s relationship with troopers and other law enforcement personnel during his legislative service.
“Throughout his time in the Arizona Legislature, Warren Petersen has always been a friend to the Troopers and to law enforcement around the state,” Hawkins said.
Petersen has also received endorsements from Republican attorneys general in other states, including Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey, and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.
“Their endorsement sends an unmistakable message: It is time to restore integrity to the Attorney General’s Office, take politics out of law enforcement, and put the safety of Arizonans first,” Petersen said.
The campaign also pointed to recent polling that placed Petersen and Mayes at 45% each among likely voters. Those results came from an Equis Research survey conducted Sept. 1–9 and released in an Oct. 6 memo.
The survey interviewed 1,214 registered Arizona voters through live telephone interviews and text-to-web responses. Equis reported a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points for the full sample. Its candidate results were reported for likely voters, whose sample size and margin of error were not separately identified in the memo. The interviews preceded the campaign’s October advertising and its latest announcement highlighting the endorsements.
Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) announced on Tuesday that he is personally offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men suspected in the reported sexual assault of his Democratic challenger, Bernadette Greene-Placentia.
The announcement said the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office investigation remains ongoing and no suspects have been identified.
Greene-Placentia, who is challenging Hamadeh in Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District, reported that two men attacked her while she was repairing campaign signs in Sun City in the early morning hours of Aug. 14.
“Nothing is more important to me than the safety and security of my constituents. As a former prosecutor who has fought for survivors of sexual assault, I am offering a reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of the two individuals responsible for this crime,” Hamadeh said.
PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Abe Hamadeh Offers $10,000 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Suspects in Reported Sexual Assault pic.twitter.com/7qrawEUvJb
“Sexual assault is a serious violent offense. Survivors deserve justice, and those who commit these acts must be held accountable,” he added.
Asked by AZ Free News about Hamadeh’s reward during Tuesday’s Phoenix press conference supporting Greene-Placentia, her campaign manager, Isaiah Lopez, said he hoped those responsible would be caught while questioning how the offer would help.
“I’m not sure how a public bounty supports that personally,” Lopez said. “But we appreciate the congressman’s attempts to support that.”
Greene-Placentia had been scheduled to attend the press conference but did not appear. Speaking on her behalf, Lopez said publicly sharing her experience and repeatedly revisiting it had been difficult.
“Today, she needs some privacy and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and compassion,” he said.
Bernadette Greene-Placentia, the Democratic candidate for Arizona's 8th Congressional District, had planned to appear Tuesday at an event hosted by U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari and the Democratic Women's Caucus condemning the sexual assault Greene-Placentia said she experienced… pic.twitter.com/E4nspzWKrP
Lopez said Greene-Placentia wanted other survivors to know they had support and remained committed to advocating for safer communities.
“Survivors deserve the space to heal at their own pace and the freedom to decide when and how they share their experiences,” he said.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ03) organized the event with Reps. Maxine Dexter of Oregon and Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico and representatives of organizations serving survivors of sexual violence.
Stansbury condemned public attempts to discredit Greene-Placentia’s account and said the gathering was intended to support survivors of sexual violence.
“And that is why we are here to stand with all women, all survivors, to say that your voice matters, your story matters. We see you. We know what you have been through,” Stansbury said.
She said shame, disbelief, and the potential consequences of speaking publicly can discourage survivors from sharing their experiences.
Stansbury also invoked survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, encouraging women to share their experiences and pursue public service.
“The Epstein survivors’ stories have toppled a prince. They’ve toppled British officials. They have the potential to topple a presidency here in the United States,” Stansbury said. “Tell your stories. Do not be afraid. And let this fuel your fire to serve.”
Stansbury also discussed potential changes to congressional disciplinary rules and cited Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio in calling for swifter action involving allegations of serious misconduct. Miller has denied domestic-abuse allegations made by his former wife.
Dana Martinez, director of domestic and sexual violence services at A New Leaf, discussed the organization’s support services and urged the public to recognize that people respond differently to trauma.
“Survivors should not have to prove that they are worthy of compassion before accessing support and services,” Martinez said.
She described services including emotional support, advocacy, support groups, and connections to resources, emphasizing that assistance is tailored to individual needs.
According to a police report, Greene-Placentia told investigators she was struck in the head while returning to her vehicle near 99th Avenue and Bell Road. She reported losing consciousness and being sexually assaulted by two men.
Hamadeh previously called for investigators to examine the allegations thoroughly, including seeking available camera footage from the area.
Greene-Placentia said that she initially hesitated to report the assault but decided speaking publicly could help other survivors. She said people had contacted her to share their experiences and offer support.
She also told the outlet that she did not know whether the reported attack was politically motivated and thought it could have been a crime of opportunity. She said she intended to continue her campaign.
Hamadeh’s announcement urged anyone with information to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office at 602-876-TIPS (8477) or 602-876-1011. It specifies that information leading to the suspects’ arrest and conviction would qualify for the $10,000 reward.
Fountain Hills Unified School District (FHUSD) imposed a 10-day unpaid suspension on an art teacher after determining that her classroom remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death violated district policies, according to disciplinary records provided to Councilman Allen Skillicorn through a public records request.
The records identify Marisa Colon as an art teacher at Fountain Hills Middle School and Fountain Hills High School. In a Sept. 22, 2025, formal reprimand, Principal Dr. Kimberly Weeldreyer wrote that Colon acknowledged telling students, “If you live by the sword, you die by the sword,” during a Sept. 11 art class, one day after the assassination of Kirk.
The district’s account states that a student reported interpreting Colon’s remarks as expressing support for Kirk’s death. Colon denied intending to condone his death and told administrators that a student had misinterpreted her words.
In a Sept. 12 email responding to questions from Human Resources Coordinator Kailey Brown, Colon explained that she intended to point out what she considered irony between Kirk’s advocacy for bearing arms and the circumstances of his death.
The final reprimand acknowledged Colon’s explanation while finding that the impact of her remarks was unprofessional and inappropriate in a school setting.
“It was confirmed through investigation that you made statements that were interpreted as expressing support for the death of an individual, Charlie Kirk, when students inquired about him. Specifically, you acknowledged, stating, ‘If you live by the sword, you die by the sword,’” Weeldreyer wrote.
“While you clarified that your intent was not to condone such a viewpoint and indicated these conversations are more appropriately addressed with parents rather than in the classroom, the impact of your remarks was deemed unprofessional and inappropriate in the school setting.”
“Following the investigation, including student interviews and consultation with legal counsel, it was determined that disciplinary action is warranted,” Weeldreyer wrote. “In accordance with District Policy GCQF, you are hereby issued a ten-day unpaid suspension due to this breach of professional conduct.”
The district set the suspension period from Sept. 23 through Oct. 15, 2025. The reprimand directed Colon to stop the conduct immediately, warned that repetition could result in dismissal, and stated that the letter would be placed in her personnel file. It gave her until Sept. 29 to submit a written appeal to Dr. Cain Jagodzinski.
In his September 2025 post to X, he wrote, “Fountain Hills Unified School District middle and high school art teacher Marisa Colon is on leave for saying ‘Live by the sword, die by the sword’ in reference to Charlie’s assassination in a classroom full of students. It’s disgusting she has not been fired yet.”
Fountain Hills Unified School District middle and high school art teacher Marisa Colon is on leave for saying “Live by the sword, die by the sword” in reference to Charlie’s assassination in a classroom full of students. It’s disgusting she has not been fired yet. pic.twitter.com/3o1ww9Boqm
The district’s account describes an investigation that initially resulted in Colon being cleared to return to work before additional concerns prompted administrators to reopen it.
After the initial student report, an administrator identified in the records as “Dr. J” contacted Colon. She acknowledged the remark and was directed to meet with HR. In a written statement described in the district’s account, Colon denied that she intended to condone Kirk’s death and said such conversations should be addressed with parents rather than at school.
The district stated that the primary student was absent Sept. 12 and could not immediately be interviewed. After that interview and consultation with legal counsel, administrators initially cleared Colon to return Sept. 16. Additional concerns from students and parents subsequently prompted further investigation.
A Sept. 16 email and accompanying form placed Colon on paid administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome. Brown directed her to remain off district property and refrain from accessing district systems or files unless authorized by administrators.
On Sept. 18, Brown issued notice of the proposed unpaid suspension and scheduled a Sept. 22 meeting at which Colon could provide information or context. The final reprimand was dated Sept. 22.
The district cited violations of Policy IMB, governing instruction on controversial or sensitive issues, and Policy GBEBB, governing staff conduct with students.
IMB permits instruction on controversial issues while requiring fairness, objectivity, and professionalism. The policy, adopted Nov. 9, 2022, says personal views are not part of the instructional program and calls for an atmosphere in which differing opinions can be voiced without fear or hostility. It also expressly recognizes due process and freedom of speech for students and teachers.
GBEBB requires employees to treat students with dignity and respect and maintain acceptable professional conduct. It states that violations are serious and may result in severe disciplinary action.
The records production also included two earlier conduct notices.
In a Sept. 12, 2023, written warning, then-Principal Chris Hartmann stated that Colon had used an expletive to refer to a student on Sept. 7 and that students heard it. Hartmann identified violations of policies on staff ethics, conduct, and interactions with students, and warned that further or repeated conduct could result in discipline up to termination. The warning did not identify the expletive.
On April 19, 2024, Hartmann issued Colon a letter of direction for “encouraging students to throw objects at students standing in front of your classroom.” He identified violations of staff ethics and staff conduct policies, ordered the behavior to cease, and warned that repetition could lead to dismissal.
In an email the previous day, Colon described an action-portrait exercise in which students could choose whether to have tape thrown at them while posing. She said students could select alternative poses, an aide was present, and she instructed students against throwing the tape hard enough to hurt anyone.
The April letter stated that it would be placed in her personnel file. The September 2025 reprimand does not state whether either earlier conduct notice influenced the suspension decision.
In response to a request from AZ Free News, the district defended the suspension as the highest level of discipline permissible under state law and said the incident prompted changes to staff training and curriculum oversight. Its full statement appears below.
The district’s statement reads:
“Fountain Hills Unified School District is committed to fostering an environment of respect, civility, and care. Our students look to us as role models for appropriate language and behavior. Any language or actions that demonstrate insensitivity or indifference are unacceptable.
“In September of 2025 following the death of Charlie Kirk, Fountain Hills Unified School District received reports of an alleged inappropriate personal statement made by a faculty member. The statement was made as part of a student-initiated classroom discussion of Mr. Kirk’s death.
“Mr. Kirk’s death was a sad situation that deeply affected so many people across the country. With that understanding, the district conducted an investigation at that time in consultation with its personnel attorneys and the Fountain Hills School District Governing Board. The investigation included conversations with all directly involved parties to hear their perspectives.
“An initial determination was made to allow Ms. Colon to return to work after hearing from the identified parties involved. As a fluid investigation, the school administration and its governing board determined that same day to keep the teacher on leave pending investigation of others who may have had knowledge of the incident.
“Based on its findings of no new information beyond what was initially reported, the district took the highest level of disciplinary actions permissible under state law and in full compliance with the district’s personnel policies and protocols. The district then ensured it communicated the corrective actions it was taking to the parties involved.
“One of the policy changes made as a result of this incident was to require principal approval to ensure alignment with mandated curriculum boundaries and implemented required annual professional development for all faculty and staff to clarify legal and policy restrictions on classroom content and provide tools for navigating complex discussions safely and appropriately.”
Arizona law limits unpaid suspensions to ten school days for teacher misconduct that violates district policy but does not constitute cause for dismissal or certificate revocation. A separate statutory process governs longer unpaid suspensions and dismissal. The district did not specify which statutory provision it relied upon or explain why it concluded that a longer suspension or dismissal was unavailable in this case.
Colon did not respond by publication to a request for comment sent to her district email account.
