Slow news week or anything to take a shot?

The Gila Courier had a good post today commenting on the fact that The Arizona Republic Capitol Team is bored writing about trying to fix the disastrous budget left by Napolitano; or they've shown they'll take any chance to take a shot at Governor Brewer.

Click on the link and check out what they had to say. http://www.gilacourier.com/?p=981

Cutting 5% at a time

Governor Brewer asked all agency directors today to recommend an additional 20% in cuts to help deal with the massive budget deficit the state is facing. The directors were asked to prioritize the cuts in 5% increments and must do so by March 6th.

While this will be a drop in the $3 billion 2010 deficit bucket, it's wise to begin planning and at least have the ability to wrap her arms around some solutions in regards to state agencies.

Lets just hope things get better and we don't have to get too far into those 5% ideas.

New Director of Weights and Measures Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 20, 2009

Governor Jan Brewer Announces Director of the Department of Weights and Measures

PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today added to her cabinet, naming Gene Palma as Director of the Department of Weights and Measures.

“I am thrilled to include Mr. Palma in my new administration,” stated Brewer. “He is a highly respected professional in his field, and his extensive knowledge and management skills will serve the citizens of Arizona well.”

Mr. Palma has a broad background in business management and law. He most recently served for six years as Director of the Business Services Divisions in the Secretary of State’s Office. During his time there, Mr. Palma oversaw the processing of commercial liens, intergovernmental agreements, trade names and trademarks. In addition, he developed and administered the Division’s budget, served as a registered lobbyist and legislative liaison for the Secretary of State, helped to develop the State’s first public-private advance directives registry (living wills) and took part in initiating a successful electronic notary pilot program.

Prior to his time in the Secretary of State’s Office, Mr. Palma worked as an attorney at Lieberman, Dodge, Gerding & Anderson, Ltd., where he represented private sector management in the areas of business contracts, dispute resolution, arbitration, mediation and litigation, as well as human resource and labor matters. He also represented several Fortune 500 companies, as well as local entities, as co-counsel for such corporations as Walgreens, Baxter International, Harkins Theaters and the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. He began his legal career as a Law Clerk at Jaburg & Wilk, P.C., assisting attorneys in trial preparation, court filings and preparing deposition summaries.

Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Palma served as Regional Manager for Primeria Financial Services, directing the management of more than 200 personal trust and investment management accounts. He conducted quarterly sales meetings for Primeria, developed goals, and coordinated all statewide training efforts. Throughout his career, he has been an active member of several organizations, including the Arizona State Bar, the Federalist Society and the National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade. He also serves as a volunteer at the Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Mr. Palma received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University, where he later earned his Masters of Public Administration, Masters of Business Administration and Juris Doctor, with an emphasis in business law. He resides in Scottsdale with his wife and three children.

“I want to thank the outgoing Director of Weights and Measures, Mr. Seth Mones, for his courtesy and professionalism throughout the transition process,” said Governor Brewer.

Brewer vs. Goddard in 2010?

The latest O'Neill Poll shows that Governor Jan Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard have the top spots to challenge for the Governor's seat in 2010. According to the survey:

Arizona small businesses were asked about their support for various possible candidates for Governor of Arizona. Each group was only asked the possible primary candidates for their own party.

Among the 69% of Arizona small businesses who are Republicans, Governor-apparent Jan Brewer would appear to be the default choice. Fifty-eight percent (58%) indicated support for nominating her for an elected term as governor. This proportion dwarfed that given to any other potential candidate: Andrew Thomas (13%), Tom Horne (11%), Hugh Hallman (9%), Mary Peters (8%), Dean Martin (1%). This suggests to us at this point that the nomination is Jan Brewers' to lose.

Among Democrats, more than three-fourths (77%) of Arizona small businesses expressed a preferences for Terry Goddard over Mayor Phil Gordon (23%). While 2010 is a long way off, this strikes us as a formidable starting point for Goddard.

What is not clear at this point is if either candidate can make it to 2010 unscathed. Goddard has made several high profile hirings in the midst of the current round of layoffs in the AG's office. Brewer is having to make dramatic cuts to the state budget and is being blamed for the education cuts that had to be made when Napolitano left her holding the bag.

So long Arizona Guardian

A month ago, we welcomed the Arizona Guardian to the scene. We touted them saying:

"Congratulations to them on filling a niche that is much needed in covering the Capitol in a meaningful way without having to pay an arm and a leg for The Capitol Times or being stuck solely with Howie Fischer."

Well, it looks like we'll be going back to Howie Fischer because the Guardian announced that after a month of operation, they are going to a subscription format. With so much free competition from blogs, AZCentral political insider, and others, we are not sure how long they are going to last, but we give them kudos for trying to take on the Capitol Times monopoly. Its just that we won't be shelling out, especially not in this economy.

When their site launched, we accepted the fact that they were going to have advertisers on there. In fact, we were a little surprised that after a month, they still only had ads for Sam Coppersmith's Law firm. We thought certainly some of the sine dine places would want to put up an ad. We understand that they have to make a living and we don't begrudge them this fact, but we can also choose not to subscribe.

Anyway, we are bummed to see them go the paid route as we certainly do appreciate their professional experience and their ability to break news. The guardian angel's word games were already a little played out, but it was probably still better than "railbirds."

$3 Billion

Governor Brewer joined leaders (Republic here) from the City of Chandler and Intel today to announce that Intel will be investing $3 Billion in it's Chandler facilities to update them. This will allow Intel to maintain their 5,000 employees at this site along with creating 1,500 construction jobs.

To maintain permanent jobs and create new ones is an amazing opportunity and this is great news for Chandler and the State of Arizona.

The Tribune agrees that this is a huge sign of confidence in the region.

Congrats to everyone involved!

The smart kind of bailout??

Governor Jan Brewer just put out a Media Advisory announcing a significant, new business investment in Arizona's economy. It's scheduled for 9:00 AM. We'll be posting about it as soon as we hear what it is.

Media Advisory

Governor Brewer to Announce 

Significant Investment in Arizona’s Economy

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer will hold a press conference tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10th to announce a significant, new business investment in Arizona’s economy. The press conference is scheduled to take place at the Arizona State Capitol, Executive Tower, 2nd Floor Conference Room at 9:00 a.m.


WHO: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer

WHAT: Business Investment Announcement

WHERE: Arizona State Capitol
Executive Tower
2nd Floor Conference Room
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, Arizona 85007


WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
9:00 a.m.

###