Monthly Archives: January 2012

Wikiprotest may have had an effect

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By Glen Davis

In an interesting protest against the SOPA and PIPA bills in Congress, the English version of Wikipedia went dark at midnight today. Some report being able to access the online encyclopedia through certain smartphones according to CNN.

The protest is over concerns that these bill would allow the United States to take down domains for virtually any excuse. Proponents say the bills are necessary to protect intellectual property available on the Internet. Thefts and piracy do present a problem, but industry estimates of the dollar loss could be inflated.

Read more at the Williams TEA Party Blog

State Senate second readings

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The Arizona State Senate conducted a second reading of several bills on January 12 for the fiftieth legislative session. A bill is required to be read three times before being considered for passage. The brief descriptions given here are from reading the legislation and the authors of the legislation have not been contacted for clarification.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 1007 introduced by Senator Gallardo would allow Arizona voters to amend Article IV, Part 2, Section 6 of the Arizona Constitution relating to the arrest of members of the legislature. It would amend that section to read, “Members of the legislature shall not be subject to any civil process during the session of the legislature, nor for fifteen days next before the commencement of each session.” This strikes the privilege from arrest which Senator Scott Bundgaard evoked amidst charges of domestic disturbance some months ago. He resigned shortly before he was to testify before the ethics committee.

SCR 1008 would declare, “…an emergency within the borders of the State of Arizona and, in order to protect the health, welfare and safety of Arizona’s citizens, notifies all federal agencies with implied de facto authority that due to lack of congressional oversight and the violations of trust with their disregard for strict compliance with the acts of Congress, the State of Arizona will be exercising its right of sovereignty over soil within its boundaries.” The measure is an intent to declare State sovereignty due to the ineptness shown by federal government agencies. They cite the Bear Wallow Fire as an example of the problem. Residents of Williams still recall the frightening events surrounding the Twin Fires of a few years ago when portions of the City had to be evacuated.

In addition, SB 1081 would allow county board of supervisors to take actions to clear the forest of fuel wood and thin trees upon consultation with the State Forester. The job of the State Forester is further empowered by changes that would be enacted if SB 1075 passes.
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Your $2 investment

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If you are one of those who have been sinking your retirement into the $1 investments hoping for a return of $20-million or more, tomorrow your payments will increase. The price of the Powerball ticket will rise to two-dollars. The price of the Mega-millions, The Pick and other games remains the same.

The Arizona Lottery urges you to play responsibly, just pay more.

Senate confirms appointment of Kurt Davis to Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate on Jan. 11 confirmed Gov. Jan Brewer’s appointment of Kurt R. Davis as the newest member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

“Kurt possesses a wealth of expertise in government, communications and business,” said Gov. Brewer at the time she made the appointment on Dec. 8. “In addition to an eclectic professional background, Kurt is both well-liked and well-versed in issues affecting the Arizona outdoors. He will be a tremendous asset to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.”

An avid hunter and angler, Davis is currently a founding partner at FirstStrategic Communications & Public Affairs, where he specializes in strategic public policy development for nonprofit clients, issues relating to rural Arizona, and government relations. He also is on the board of directors of Great Hearts Academies, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, and ASU’s Ramsey Executive Program for Public Policy.
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Slight chance of snow predicted

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The weather will be beautiful through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Sunday turns to a 20% chance of rain turning to snow Sunday night. The week-long forecast shows that the chance of snow will persist on Monday, the day we celebrate the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Travelers are urged to consider that snow during the night could mean icy road conditions and take the appropriate precautions.

Arizona State Guard bill introduced in the Senate

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The Arizona Senate has introduced S.B. 1083 to form the Arizona State Guard after the authorization passed last year. Senate President Pro Tempore Sylvia Allen, and republicans Steve Smith, Gail Griffin, Lori Klein, Al Melvin, Rick Murphy introduced the bill. Republican representative David Gowan and Terri Proud added their names to the legislation.

Title 26-174 subsection A of the Arizona Revise Statute—originally amended to authorize a guard—would be replaced with Subsections A and B to read:

A. An armed force, known as the Arizona state guard, is established for the purpose of securing the safety and protection of the lives and property of the citizens of this state. The intent of the Arizona state guard is to provide a mission-ready volunteer military force for use by this state in homeland security and community service activities as a supplement to the national guard of Arizona and state and local law enforcement agencies. The Arizona state guard exists as part of the militia under article XVI, section 2, Constitution of Arizona, and a defense force under 32 United States Code section 109.

B. The mission of the state guard is:

1. To support this state in securing the border with Mexico and supplement the efforts of law enforcement and state agencies.
2. Augment the national guard.
3. Support county and municipal leaders in combating international criminal activity.
4. Respond to natural and manmade disasters.
5. Search and rescue efforts.
6. Support community activities.
7. Other missions directed by the governor.

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Sunday Sermon

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I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.—Will Rogers

While walking down the street one day a Corrupt Senator (that may be redundant) was tragically hit by a car and died.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

“Welcome to heaven,” says St.. Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.”

“No problem, just let me in,” says the Senator.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.”

“Really?, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,” says the Senator.

“I’m sorry, but we have our rules.”
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Coconino County Parks and Recreation to Automate Services

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Coconino County residents waiting until the New Year to reserve picnic ramadas at County parks can make their reservations beginning March 1.

Traditionally, visitors to parks managed by the County Parks and Recreation Department could reserve ramadas beginning Jan. 1, but the County is in the process of switching over to a new recreation-management system to assist in managing the parks.

When up and running within the coming months, the Internet-based system will allow visitors to reserve campsites for the summer season at Fort Tuthill Park between May 1 and Sept. 30. The public can receive information on the entire County Park system at www.coconino.az.gov/parks.

Ramada reservations will begin March 1 and can be done Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ramadas can only be reserved by calling the County Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 679-8000 or in person at Fort Tuthill County Park at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop.

Coconino County Supt. of Schools Seeks Applicants to Fill Void on Maine School Board

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Coconino County Supt. of Schools Seeks Applicants to Fill Void on Maine School Board

PARKS, Ariz. – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Robert Kelty is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Maine Consolidated Unified School District Governing Board.

A vacancy was left after Board Member Scott Pomeroy resigned with one year left on his term. In an effort to meet the needs of the community and the District, Kelty is seeking applications for those interested in serving the remainder of the term, which runs from January to Dec.31, 2012.

To be eligible to serve on a school district governing board:

• A candidate must be a registered voter of the State of Arizona;

• A candidate must be a resident of the school district for at least one year prior to  the appointment;

• A candidate or their spouse may not be an employee of the district.

Those interested in serving on the MCUSD Governing Board should mail a letter of interest to Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Robert Kelty at 2384 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ  86004; e-mail at Email; or fax to 928-679-8077.

The candidate’s email, telephone number and home address must be included in the letter. Once a letter of interest is received, an application for appointment will be sent to the candidate. All letters of interest and applications should be received no later than 4:00 p.m. Jan. 12.

An advisory committee consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Kelty on the appointment.

APS asks for rate increase for July 1

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Perrin Ranch wind farm

The windmills where not even built at the Perrin Ranch wind farm before the Arizona Public Service utility company asked for a raise. A June 1 press release asked the Arizona Corporation Commission for a rate increase of 6.6% effective July 1 of this year. For a customer using 1100 kilowatts, that translates to $135.61 a month, according to their press release.

“Two years ago, we came together with the ACC and 21 other stakeholders to create a long-term vision for Arizona’s energy future. That shared vision includes continued upgrades to our power grid, ambitious goals for a cleaner energy supply and new energy efficiency programs for our customers,” said Don Robinson, APS President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are meeting those goals and spending about $1 billion each year to create a cleaner, reliable and more efficient energy future for Arizona. Now we are asking the ACC to continue its support of this plan.”

“The rate request also would enable the company to incorporate more smart technology into Arizona’s electric grid and enhance control for customers over their energy use and bills,” according to the press release. “Smart technology” translates, most likely, to “smart meters” which not only monitors your electrical use, but phone, Internet and other uses of electricity. Opponents of the smart meter technology claim that it is essentially an invasion of your Fourth Amendment rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. One video shows how to opt out of the program.
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