Governor Napolitano is not going to call a special session to fix the budget.
She is not staying to make public appearances.
Even the Republic has said their final "Good bye."
The result is people are wondering what is keeping Governor Napolitano in the top spot until January. Are there concerns with her appointment? Is she giving her employees time to find other jobs? Is she making sure that her newest childrens book is distributed?
With Brewer waiting in the wings, it may turn out to be an uneventful beginning to the legislative session.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Jan Brewer's digital outreach
Jan Brewer announced her transition team on Friday and the launch of a new website, http://www.brewertransition.org/. What's more, a quick visit to the sight shows that Brewer is now on Facebook, Twitter, and she even launched a video page on her site called "BrewTube."
Senator Jack Harper is already on Brewer's facebook page lavinshing compliments.
Ironically, Politicker compares Brewer's transition to that of the Obama administration.
By Friday night, she had a video of her press conference on the web:
It will be interesting to see how Brewer continues to utilize these types of tools throughout the progression of the transition as well as when she takes the Governor's seat.
Senator Jack Harper is already on Brewer's facebook page lavinshing compliments.
Ironically, Politicker compares Brewer's transition to that of the Obama administration.
By Friday night, she had a video of her press conference on the web:
It will be interesting to see how Brewer continues to utilize these types of tools throughout the progression of the transition as well as when she takes the Governor's seat.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Rumor is...
Rumor is that Senator Jack Harper was seen slinking around the Secretary of State's office today around the time of the announcement of Jan Brewer's transition team. Word is that a few cameras gave him some face time on their way out.
The question is if Brewer will be willing to do the same.
The question is if Brewer will be willing to do the same.
Brewer Announces Transition Team
Secretary of State Jan Brewer named her chief of staff, the people who will serve on the transition team, and the launch of a new website: http://www.brewertransition.org/.
Her long time deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne will rise to the job of Chief of Staff in the Governor's office. There were no other positions mentioned nor any leads on Secretary of State candidates.
Her long time deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne will rise to the job of Chief of Staff in the Governor's office. There were no other positions mentioned nor any leads on Secretary of State candidates.
Here is the release that the Brewer Transition Team issued:
Brewer Announces Transition Team, Chief of Staff and Web Site
Secretary of State gathers government experts, community and business leaders to aid in gubernatorial transition
PHOENIX – Secretary of State Jan Brewer announced a diverse team of qualified individuals from both the public and private sectors to help her with her transition to Governor of Arizona today. The members of this team have pledged their expertise and time to Brewer’s commitment of ensuring a seamless transfer of authority.
Also today, Secretary Brewer named her long-time top aide, Deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne, as her gubernatorial chief of staff. Tyne will guide the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office.
“For the past six years, Kevin Tyne has served the people of Arizona as my Deputy with honor, devotion and dedication,” Brewer stated. “He is widely respected throughout state government. He enjoys my full confidence and trust in this vital position.”
Before his position as Deputy Secretary of State, Tyne served as Brewer’s Chief of Staff when she was a Maricopa County Supervisor. Tyne worked for eleven years in Washington, DC, first with Senator Bob Dole’s presidential campaign and later on Capitol Hill for eight years as the legislative director for Congresswoman Susan Molinari (R-New York).
The Director of Transition will be J. Charles Coughlin, a former gubernatorial deputy chief of staff. Jay Heiler, a former gubernatorial chief of staff, will serve as Deputy Director of Transition for Personnel. Douglas Cole, also a former gubernatorial deputy chief of staff, will be Deputy Director of Transition for Operations and Communications.
“I am looking forward to working with Governor Napolitano and her staff as we immediately face challenging tasks,” said Brewer. “Not only am I seeking input from my Transition Team, but I encourage citizen input and involvement by accessing my transition web site: www.BrewerTransition.org. I also encourage those interested in serving in my administration to contact us through this site.”
“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Transition Director Chuck Coughlin. “Secretary Brewer has charged her team with seeking and reviewing agency briefing materials; interviewing current administration officials; making personnel recommendations and making general recommendations on state government policies and operations.”
The members of the transition team announced today include:
Bas Aja, Arizona Cattlemen’s Association
Lisa Atkins, Greater Phoenix Leadership, fmr. congressional chief of staff
Richard Bark, Gallagher and Kennedy, fmr. chief of staff to House Speaker
Linda Blessing, fmr. executive director of AZ Board of Regents, fmr. AZ Dept. of Economic
Security director
Drew Brown, DMB Associates, Greater Phoenix Leadership board member
Ernie Calderon , Calderon Law Offices
Douglas Cole, HighGround, Inc., fmr. gubernatorial deputy chief of staff
J. Charles Coughlin, HighGround, Inc., fmr. gubernatorial deputy chief of staff
Lori Daniels, small businesswoman , fmr. House Majority Leader and Senator
Lisa Hauser, Gammage and Burnham , fmr. gubernatorial general counsel
Jay Heiler, educator and consultant, fmr. gubernatorial chief of staff
Eileen Klein, United Healthcare VP, fmr. chief of staff to House Speaker
Andy Kunasek, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman
Dan Lewis, Senior VP, Bank of America, fmr. US senatorial staff member
Cheryl Lombard, Nature Conservancy, fmr. congressional staff member
Alan Maguire, Economist, Maguire Company, fmr. Sr staff to 4 Senate Presidents and 4 Speakers of the House
Tom Manos, Maricopa County Chief Financial Officer
Brian McNeil, AZ Corp. Comm. executive director, fmr. gubernatorial policy advisor
Jim Pignatelli, UniSource Energy Corp. President & CEO,
Bill Post, Pinnacle West CEO
Richard Silverman, SRP General Manager
Kevin Tyne, Deputy Secretary of State and incoming Chief of Staff
Paulina Vazquez-Morris, fmr. Maricopa County Special Healthcare District Board Member, fmr.
general counsel to AZ Board of Regents
Bob Walkup, City of Tucson Mayor
Connie Wilhelm, Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona
Ted Williams, AZ Behavioral Health Corp. President, fmr. AZ Dept. of Health Services director
Steve Zabilski, St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director
The Transition Team will be divided into six issue areas headed by Assistant Transition Directors: Criminal Justice & Public Safety, Richard Bark; Natural Resources, Environment & Infrastructure, Lisa Atkins; Education, Paulina Vazquez-Morris; Health & Human Services, Brian McNeil; Economic Development, Fiscal Policy & Budget, Lori Daniels; and General Government, Andy Kunasek.
Lisa T. Hauser will serve as Legal Counsel to the Transition Team.
The Transition Office will be located in the Executive Tower of the State Capitol on the Third Floor. The office begins operations on Monday, December 8th and may be reached at (602) 542-3438.
“I thank the transition team members in advance for volunteering their time and efforts,” said Brewer. “I am truly grateful for their assistance in these economically challenged times.”
Thanks for the compliments...
Usually when the story starts, "was picked up on an open microphone," things can get juicy.
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell just happened to be wearing one of those dastardly microphones when he was heard "complimenting" President Elect Obama's pick for Homeland Security secretary. He said Janet Napolitano was perfect for the job since the job requires "no life" and that Napolitano obviously fits that bill because she has no family.
So according to the story, we've learned that Governor Rendell has not been to Napolitano's website and seen her hobbies like mountainclimbing and movies.
I wish my friends said nice things like that about me.
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell just happened to be wearing one of those dastardly microphones when he was heard "complimenting" President Elect Obama's pick for Homeland Security secretary. He said Janet Napolitano was perfect for the job since the job requires "no life" and that Napolitano obviously fits that bill because she has no family.
So according to the story, we've learned that Governor Rendell has not been to Napolitano's website and seen her hobbies like mountainclimbing and movies.
I wish my friends said nice things like that about me.
Janet Cams may speed their way to the ballot
We are still 2 years and 153,365 valid signatures away, but voters may get the chance to weigh in on whether traffic cameras will dot Arizona highways and intersections.
Two businessmen announced yesterday they are going to work towards a referendum on the 2010 ballot that would get rid of the cameras that, depending on which side you are on, are a cash cow or a safety device.
This all hinges on whether or not the group can get enough valid signatures to make the ballot. We saw how hit or miss that was this election season. Having over a year and a half to get ready surely doesn't hurt.
Two businessmen announced yesterday they are going to work towards a referendum on the 2010 ballot that would get rid of the cameras that, depending on which side you are on, are a cash cow or a safety device.
This all hinges on whether or not the group can get enough valid signatures to make the ballot. We saw how hit or miss that was this election season. Having over a year and a half to get ready surely doesn't hurt.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Napolitano staying through confirmation
The biggest question regarding the official news that Governor Napolitano is going to leave to take the post as Secretary of Homeland Security is when she is going to leave office in Arizona.
Based on her official statements, it looks as if she is going to stay until she is confirmed, leaving her as Governor until late January or early February. This would allow her to give a final state of the state speech touting her accomplishments and keep her in the middle of the budget debate. She will continue to offer her own budget solutions despite being faced with an even more conservative legislature this time around.
The fall out of this decision has raised some rancor in the conservative community:
Len Munsil: If you care about Arizona, or the Nation, resign now.
Espresso Pundit: "That selfish decision will leave make Arizona's transition much more difficult."
Sonoran Alliance: "I call Janet Napolitano irrelevant at this time."
The biggest thing to watch is how the new legislators treat the presence of Napolitano if she does indeed decide to stick around for the first few weeks of the new legislature. There are two ways that this is likely to go: they could avoid her until she leaves, or they could fire up several of the immigration of the bills of the past and take a run at passing them on to her so her immigration position is more solidified before she goes on to run Homeland Security.
Either way, it could be a very interesting January.
Based on her official statements, it looks as if she is going to stay until she is confirmed, leaving her as Governor until late January or early February. This would allow her to give a final state of the state speech touting her accomplishments and keep her in the middle of the budget debate. She will continue to offer her own budget solutions despite being faced with an even more conservative legislature this time around.
The fall out of this decision has raised some rancor in the conservative community:
Len Munsil: If you care about Arizona, or the Nation, resign now.
Espresso Pundit: "That selfish decision will leave make Arizona's transition much more difficult."
Sonoran Alliance: "I call Janet Napolitano irrelevant at this time."
The biggest thing to watch is how the new legislators treat the presence of Napolitano if she does indeed decide to stick around for the first few weeks of the new legislature. There are two ways that this is likely to go: they could avoid her until she leaves, or they could fire up several of the immigration of the bills of the past and take a run at passing them on to her so her immigration position is more solidified before she goes on to run Homeland Security.
Either way, it could be a very interesting January.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Now, its official. Napolitano is leaving.
President-Elect Obama has announced his national security team with Governor Janet Napolitano as the head of the Department of Homeland Security. There are two versions of Napolitano's official statement:
Here is the one from the Governor's office:
PHOENIX – Governor Janet Napolitano has accepted an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The Governor has released the following statement:
“I am humbled and honored by President-elect Obama’s invitation, and I am proud to accept it. I believe that when called upon to serve – particularly at such a critical time in the history of our country – it is my duty as a citizen to step forward and say, “Yes.”
“This affirmative answer was, by no means, an easy answer. Over the past six years, together, we have accomplished a great deal in Arizona. My pride in this state, my love for it and my dedication to it will never change.
“Arizona is also facing a time of challenge, and I intend to carry forward with my most important responsibilities as the leader of this state. In just a few weeks, I will deliver my State of the State address, and shortly thereafter, I will present to the Arizona Legislature a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010.
“Upon my confirmation as Secretary by the U.S. Senate, I will tender my resignation as Governor of Arizona. Secretary of State Jan Brewer will take over the challenging job as Arizona’s governor during this difficult time, without having sought this office. She will need your support, and I pledge her mine. Specific members of my staff will be designated to oversee the Arizona transition, to ensure that power and responsibility are transferred seamlessly.
“To the people of Arizona I say, “thank you.” You entrusted me to run this state to the best of my ability, and I have tried with all my being to do so. I will continue to work for Arizona and Arizonans, but from a different place and with a different charge.
“In my first inaugural speech, I said, “Our strength lies in our diversity and it lies in our heritage. And we must draw on both of these gifts in the days ahead.” Those words are still true and still useful today. We will face change together, and continue to stand together as “One Arizona.”
Here is the one from the Arizona Democratic Party:
Dear Friend,
This morning I was proud to accept an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
I believe that when called upon to serve - particularly at such a critical time in the history of our country - it is our duty to step forward and say, "yes."
This was by no means, an easy decision. Over the past six years, we have accomplished a great deal together. We moved our state in a new direction strengthening our schools with voluntary full-day kindergarten, higher teacher pay and higher standards for our students. We expanded access to children's health insurance and saved Arizonans millions of dollars with one of the largest free prescription drug discount programs in the country. And we're rebuilding Arizona's economy with a focus on high-wage, high-tech jobs of the future.
On the political front, we surpassed one million registered Democrats for the first time in history. We reached another milestone by electing four more Democrats to Congress, sending a majority to Washington this January. And we've built a Democratic Party that's stronger, smarter and better positioned for victory in 2010 than ever before.
Arizona is facing a challenging time, and I intend to carry forward with my most important responsibilities as the leader of this state. In the weeks ahead, I will deliver my State of the State address, and shortly thereafter, I will present to the Arizona Legislature a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010. Upon confirmation as Secretary by the U.S. Senate, I will tender my resignation as Governor of Arizona.
My pride in this state, my love for it and my dedication to it will never change. I will continue to work for Arizona and Arizonans, but from a different place and with a different charge. Thank you for your continued friendship and support.
Yours very truly,
Janet Napolitano
Governor
Here is the one from the Governor's office:
PHOENIX – Governor Janet Napolitano has accepted an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
The Governor has released the following statement:
“I am humbled and honored by President-elect Obama’s invitation, and I am proud to accept it. I believe that when called upon to serve – particularly at such a critical time in the history of our country – it is my duty as a citizen to step forward and say, “Yes.”
“This affirmative answer was, by no means, an easy answer. Over the past six years, together, we have accomplished a great deal in Arizona. My pride in this state, my love for it and my dedication to it will never change.
“Arizona is also facing a time of challenge, and I intend to carry forward with my most important responsibilities as the leader of this state. In just a few weeks, I will deliver my State of the State address, and shortly thereafter, I will present to the Arizona Legislature a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010.
“Upon my confirmation as Secretary by the U.S. Senate, I will tender my resignation as Governor of Arizona. Secretary of State Jan Brewer will take over the challenging job as Arizona’s governor during this difficult time, without having sought this office. She will need your support, and I pledge her mine. Specific members of my staff will be designated to oversee the Arizona transition, to ensure that power and responsibility are transferred seamlessly.
“To the people of Arizona I say, “thank you.” You entrusted me to run this state to the best of my ability, and I have tried with all my being to do so. I will continue to work for Arizona and Arizonans, but from a different place and with a different charge.
“In my first inaugural speech, I said, “Our strength lies in our diversity and it lies in our heritage. And we must draw on both of these gifts in the days ahead.” Those words are still true and still useful today. We will face change together, and continue to stand together as “One Arizona.”
Here is the one from the Arizona Democratic Party:
Dear Friend,
This morning I was proud to accept an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
I believe that when called upon to serve - particularly at such a critical time in the history of our country - it is our duty to step forward and say, "yes."
This was by no means, an easy decision. Over the past six years, we have accomplished a great deal together. We moved our state in a new direction strengthening our schools with voluntary full-day kindergarten, higher teacher pay and higher standards for our students. We expanded access to children's health insurance and saved Arizonans millions of dollars with one of the largest free prescription drug discount programs in the country. And we're rebuilding Arizona's economy with a focus on high-wage, high-tech jobs of the future.
On the political front, we surpassed one million registered Democrats for the first time in history. We reached another milestone by electing four more Democrats to Congress, sending a majority to Washington this January. And we've built a Democratic Party that's stronger, smarter and better positioned for victory in 2010 than ever before.
Arizona is facing a challenging time, and I intend to carry forward with my most important responsibilities as the leader of this state. In the weeks ahead, I will deliver my State of the State address, and shortly thereafter, I will present to the Arizona Legislature a balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010. Upon confirmation as Secretary by the U.S. Senate, I will tender my resignation as Governor of Arizona.
My pride in this state, my love for it and my dedication to it will never change. I will continue to work for Arizona and Arizonans, but from a different place and with a different charge. Thank you for your continued friendship and support.
Yours very truly,
Janet Napolitano
Governor
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