by Corinne Murdock | Aug 27, 2021 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
On Thursday, Attorney General Mark Bnrovich determined that the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (MCBOS) were in violation of the law for ignoring the State Senate’s subpoena for the ongoing election audit.
Brnovich stated that MCBOS was notified that it must comply with the law. If the election officials still refuse within 30 days, the Arizona Treasurer will withhold state revenue from the county. According to county officials, that would total nearly $700 million.
MCBOS has refused to comply with the Senate’s latest subpoena for reports, findings, and other documents concerning any breaches to the voter registration server, the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office systems, or any other aspect of the Maricopa County elections systems within six months of the general election; all ballot envelopes; all user names, passwords, pins, and/or security keys or tokens required to access or otherwise related to any and all ballot tabulation devices; all Maricopa County registered voter records to date and all change histories; routers; and splunk logs, network logs, net flows, or similar data.
MCBOS objected on multiple grounds to the Senate’s subpoena. They argued that the subpoena was unlawful because it was issued when the Senate was out of session; they weren’t given adequate notice; it was overly broad and unduly burdensome; it included records already in the Senate’s custody and control, records the election officials aren’t in possession of, records protected by attorney-client privilege, and records that may not lawfully be produced; wasn’t backed by a Senate vote or Arizona Senate Committee.
The election officials also argued that this subpoena was an abuse of power, or designed merely to harass, and was already mooted by the Senate’s actions.
Brnovich disagreed, concurring with a previous opinion held by the Maricopa County Superior Court.
“Our courts have spoken. The rule of law must be followed,” said Brnovich.
The issue will now go before the Arizona Supreme Court.
The attorney general’s full report is available here.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by AZ Free News | Aug 27, 2021 | News
Governor Doug Ducey ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff through August 30, 2021 in honor of the U.S. service members killed during the terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The governor encouraged his fellow Arizonans to participate in this tribute.
“Today is a tragic day for our nation. I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the loved ones of the U.S. forces killed and wounded in today’s terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. I am horrified by this attack on our brave service members as well as other innocent civilians in the area.
“Arizona joins all Americans in condemning this attack in the strongest possible terms. There are no words to express the depth of Americans’ sorrow and anger for this loss of life.
“As we mourn the dead, we must also recognize the context for this terrible attack. American troops have fought, bled and died in Afghanistan for two decades to keep this country from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorists. We are now seeing in real time how the recent action to withdraw from Afghanistan has made America and the world less safe.”
by Corinne Murdock | Aug 27, 2021 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
After months advocating for school mask mandates, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman neglected to mask up for an indoors baby shower this past weekend. Hoffman has been a staunch advocate for universal masking.
Just one month ago, Hoffman issued a formal statement decrying Governor Doug Ducey’s ban on K-12 mask mandates. Hoffman sided with CDC guidance, which asks that all individuals wear masks – even those who’ve been fully vaccinated.
“We know masks work and, with rising cases, they’re a vital part of our effort to reduce everyone’s COVID-19 risks,” wrote Hoffman. “I encourage teachers, administrators, and families to listen to the CDC and take individual action to keep themselves and each other safe by wearing a mask during in-person school. Students, teachers, and parents are ready to get back to in-person learning, but it takes all of us.”
All of us, that is, except Hoffman. It appears that Hoffman’s personal life doesn’t align with the version she offers the public eye – even Hoffman’s Twitter and Facebook profiles have her wearing a mask.
The same weekend of Hoffman’s maskless party, another prominent politician and masking advocate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was seen on video maskless at a fundraiser luncheon. Like Hoffman’s experience at the “Bee Tea” baby shower, neither Pelosi or any of the other guests caught on camera wore masks or were socially distant.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Corinne Murdock | Aug 26, 2021 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Brophy College Preparatory (Brophy), a private all-boys Catholic school in Arizona, admitted in an email to segregating students based on race. In lieu of attending a class period, students of color were given the exclusive opportunity to gather together for a “healing” discussion on race. The email cited a previous email from a “Mr. Fisko” that discussed this race-based segregation.
“[S]tudents who identify as persons of color may choose to attend an affinity space – with other students of color – for their workshop day reflection instead of joining their regular 5th period class,” read the email. “What is an affinity space? Affinity spaces offer a useful, practical space for communities of color to lead their own conversations on race in their own terms. Doing so allows for healing and understanding to take place in a contextual and relevant way. Conversations in affinity spaces can help students of color develop the consciousness and tools to have more meaningful and constructive conversations on race in non-affinity spaces in the future.”
The “Mr. Fisko” cited in the email may refer to the religious studies faculty member, Paul Fisko. He once served as the assistant principal for ministry.
Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters revealed this information after it was shared with him by concerned parents. Masters also reported receiving pictures of controversial political posters inside one civics classroom. Several of the posters read “Protect Trans Youth,” “Stay Woke,” and “Sanctuary Cities Now.”
Brophy is one of the more expensive private schools in the nation. The national average for private school tuition hovers around $11,600; Arizona’s average cost for private high schools sits at just over $15,500. Brophy’s tuition reached nearly $17,000 this year.
While segregation is optional for Brophy students, certain COVID-19 measures aren’t. On top of requiring masks, the private school recently issued a version of a vaccine mandate that mirrored President Joe Biden’s – if students and faculty don’t get the vaccine, then they are required to undergo frequent testing and are limited from participating in certain school functions.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Corinne Murdock | Aug 26, 2021 | Education, News
By Corinne Murdock |
Litchfield Elementary School District (LESD) Governing Board member Dr. Tara Armstead announced her resignation during Tuesday’s special meeting. Armstead’s total time at LESD lasted five months. The only Black board member alluded to her frustrations with resistance to the district’s equity work.
Armstead’s resignation wasn’t originally a part of the meeting agenda. The ex-board member noted that she’d submitted her resignation on Monday, officially. She said it was her intention when she became a board member this spring to take her advocacy to another level on behalf of students and their families. Instead, Armstead said she’d faced many hurdles: slander against her character and intentions, court battles, and a general lack of support from the very community that purportedly requested her help.
However, Armstead insisted she wasn’t leaving due to these outside pressures. Rather, Armstead said the district was a “sinking ship” she could no longer help.
“I am not leaving because people are running me away, because of people scaring me, because of people pushing me in a position of fear where I feel like I can’t go on any longer, or because I’ve been asked. I am leaving because, even when I’m trying to fight for what is righteous and what is uncomfortably true, I am being treated as though I’m trying to destroy the entity with the intention of serving students,” said Armstead. “I was never here to be served, and I wasn’t here to serve adults. I was here to serve children. So after five months of constant, continuous situations letting me know exactly what they really want to have happen here in this district and in this community, I can no longer be a part of this sinking ship.”
Armstead emphasized that she wouldn’t show any thanks, gratitude, or appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the board. She expressed hope that the district would hire more people of color; she clarified that these hires shouldn’t be for the color of their skin, but for their ability.
“[I] will not say thank you for the time that I’ve served here, or express any gratitude or appreciation, because for the five months that I have been here, I have been treated as though I am not an expert in the field, like I have no idea what I’m talking about, and it’s sad that even a person who is invested in the field of education cannot come and help to improve education,” said Armstead.
Board President Danielle Clymer thanked Armstead for her service as a member, and for getting LESD where they are today.
No other members issued responses to Armstead’s resignation during the meeting.
On Wednesday, Armstead appeared on a “Wednesday Chat” episode with Jeanne Casteen, a failed candidate for Maricopa County Superintendent. Armstead clarified that the final straw had to do with reception to her stance on COVID restrictions. She said she took issue with people challenging her as a professional.
Armstead added that she was tired of her attempts to help falling on deaf ears.
Tuesday’s meeting, starting from Armstrong’s resignation, can be viewed here.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com
by AZ Free News | Aug 26, 2021 | News
Changes to state law mean that drivers who purchase alternative fuel vehicles will pay the same vehicle license tax (VLT) rate as other drivers by 2023. The change in VLT rates is phased-in, starting Jan. 1, 2022.
The VLT is paid during vehicle registration and is assessed in place of a personal property tax often charged in other states. The VLT funds transportation infrastructure in Arizona, including highways, bridges and local roads, and contributes to the general funds of cities/towns and counties.
In 2019, the Legislature amended Arizona Revised Statute 28-5805 (link is external) . This implemented a phased-in approach for making the VLT formula used for alternative fuel vehicles the same one used currently for traditional cars and trucks, bringing fairness to VLT assessments. The changes in the formula will begin taking effect this coming January and be completely phased-in by 2023. The changes ensure that drivers of alternative fuel vehicles contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the state’s 7,000-mile highway system at the same rate as drivers of traditional vehicles. Bringing parity to VLT assessments is especially important for the continued maintenance and expansion of Arizona’s infrastructure as alternative fuel vehicles continue to increase in popularity in Arizona.
Under current state law, an alternative fuel vehicle registered before Jan. 1, 2022, will have its VLT calculated using 1% of the manufacturer’s base retail price of the vehicle. For an alternative fuel vehicle registered between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, the VLT will be calculated using 20% of the manufacturer’s base retail price of the vehicle. After Dec. 31, 2022, the formula used to calculate VLT for alternative fuel vehicles will be the same one used for other vehicles, as determined by ARS 28-5801 (link is external) .
What potential buyers of alternative fuel vehicles need to know
- It’s important to note that the VLT formula attached to an alternative fuel vehicle is determined by vehicle registration date, which can be different from the purchase date. A temporary registration permit issued by a vehicle dealer qualifies as the registration date and must be issued before Jan. 1, 2022, for a vehicle to have its VLT calculated using the 1% formula.
- For private party sales, new title documentation must be processed by an MVD or an Authorized Third Party office before Jan. 1, 2022, for the alternative fuel vehicle to have its VLT calculated using the 1% formula. Note: Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.
What current owners of alternative fuel vehicles need to know
- A current owner of an Arizona-registered alternative fuel vehicle who makes no changes to their vehicle title will continue to have their car’s VLT calculated with the 1% formula. The VLT rate changes won’t affect these vehicles until a change is made to the vehicle title, triggering a new registration cycle.
- The VLT formula attached to the alternative fuel vehicle will be changed to the current formula in use if a new registration cycle is established. Examples of this include but are not limited to: selling the car, transferring ownership, adding or removing an owner from the title, and a lease buy-out.
- Paying off a vehicle loan and the lender’s name being removed from the title will not trigger a new registration cycle.
