Well, I'm sure it took some wrangling but for two short hours, there was living proof that the Governor, Legislative Leadership, and business and leaders could be in the same room to talk about the budget problems.
Brewer has been out and about talking about her 5 Point Plan. The business community seems to be doing their own educating. The education community seems to want to plan a lot of protests.
The solutions are all different though. Legislative leadership seem to be the only ones giving in on some of their plans...a little. Holding steadfast to the no tax pledges, the reality that cuts aren't going to do it have caught up to them.
While they were against the idea before the were for it, borrowing is back on the table. I will reserve judgment and comments until I research it a little more but something doesn't sit well with this one. I guess memories of blog posts and outrage against Napolitano and Obama for doing the same thing are still fresh in my mind.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Brewer announces DES Director
Neil Young was named Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security. By all accounts, this seems like a good hire. Release is below along with a few other news items related to the announcement.
Governor Jan Brewer Announces
Director of Department of Economic Security
PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Neal Young as the Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“Mr. Young has numerous years of experience at DES and a strong understanding of the importance of efficiency in government which will serve the state well,” stated Brewer. “He is an extremely capable and highly respected public servant who will provide a unique skill set to this critically important position.”
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Young served the City of Phoenix as Assistant Housing Director, where he was involved in several public housing and capital improvement projects. Prior to that, he served as Lead Deputy Director and Assistant Human Services Director for the City of Phoenix, where he was primarily responsible for the programmatic divisions of the department, including the Youth Services Division and the Senior Services Division. During his time in this position he developed new service delivery models and strategic plans for programs for Phoenix youth and seniors.
Prior to his time with the City of Phoenix, Mr. Young worked for several years in state government. He spent 10 years serving at DES in various capacities, including Assistant Director of the Division of Children, Youth and Families and Deputy Assistant Director and Assistant Director of the Division of Business and Finance. Most recently, he worked as Associate Director of the Division of Business and Technology Services, serving as the Department’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. Prior to his time with DES, Mr. Young managed the daily operations of the Tucson Office of the Arizona Auditor General. Serving as Financial Audit Senior and Manager, Mr. Young supervised staff in reviewing audits of various educational institutions, health plans and government entities.
Mr. Young received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University, where he also earned his Masters in Business Administration.
“I would also like to recognize Acting Director Linda Blessing for her outstanding work and accomplishments throughout her service as my Interim Director of DES, and indeed throughout her career as a public servant,” said Brewer. “I deeply appreciate Dr. Blessing’s willingness to graciously serve temporarily throughout this transition process. Her experience and steady leadership was a calming and engaging force at the Department in an extremely turbulent budget period.”
Full Release Here.
Governor Jan Brewer Announces
Director of Department of Economic Security
PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today named Neal Young as the Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
“Mr. Young has numerous years of experience at DES and a strong understanding of the importance of efficiency in government which will serve the state well,” stated Brewer. “He is an extremely capable and highly respected public servant who will provide a unique skill set to this critically important position.”
Prior to his appointment, Mr. Young served the City of Phoenix as Assistant Housing Director, where he was involved in several public housing and capital improvement projects. Prior to that, he served as Lead Deputy Director and Assistant Human Services Director for the City of Phoenix, where he was primarily responsible for the programmatic divisions of the department, including the Youth Services Division and the Senior Services Division. During his time in this position he developed new service delivery models and strategic plans for programs for Phoenix youth and seniors.
Prior to his time with the City of Phoenix, Mr. Young worked for several years in state government. He spent 10 years serving at DES in various capacities, including Assistant Director of the Division of Children, Youth and Families and Deputy Assistant Director and Assistant Director of the Division of Business and Finance. Most recently, he worked as Associate Director of the Division of Business and Technology Services, serving as the Department’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. Prior to his time with DES, Mr. Young managed the daily operations of the Tucson Office of the Arizona Auditor General. Serving as Financial Audit Senior and Manager, Mr. Young supervised staff in reviewing audits of various educational institutions, health plans and government entities.
Mr. Young received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University, where he also earned his Masters in Business Administration.
“I would also like to recognize Acting Director Linda Blessing for her outstanding work and accomplishments throughout her service as my Interim Director of DES, and indeed throughout her career as a public servant,” said Brewer. “I deeply appreciate Dr. Blessing’s willingness to graciously serve temporarily throughout this transition process. Her experience and steady leadership was a calming and engaging force at the Department in an extremely turbulent budget period.”
###
Full Release Here.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Watch Brewer's Address Live
12 News is streaming the Governors Economic Address live.
Click here to watch it.
Click here to watch it.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Brewer takes on Goddard
Is this round one of the 2010 Governor's Race? Governor Jan Brewer struck out at Attorney General Terry Goddard this week over his refusal to file a brief supporting the state's stance on a court ruling. The ruling deals with a 2006 state law on funding for programs for students learning English.
I'm glad to see Brewer being a leader and taking a stance on issues. One question was whether Brewer would get into office and hand out for the next 2 years. I'm glad to see that whether popular or not, she isn't afraid to voice her opinion.
Republic Story Here.
I'm glad to see Brewer being a leader and taking a stance on issues. One question was whether Brewer would get into office and hand out for the next 2 years. I'm glad to see that whether popular or not, she isn't afraid to voice her opinion.
Republic Story Here.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Brewer picks up big endorsement from the East Valley Partnership
The East Valley Partnership Board of Directors voted yesterday to endorse and support Governor Brewer's Building a Better Arizona Plan. Notch one up in the win column for Brewer with this one as they are a highly influential business group, especially in the Republican dominant East Valley.
It will be interesting to see which groups follow in backing her plan and if this is the beginning of the momentum she'll need if a sales tax and Prop 105 initiative go to the ballot.
It will be interesting to see which groups follow in backing her plan and if this is the beginning of the momentum she'll need if a sales tax and Prop 105 initiative go to the ballot.
Brewer Convening the Community with GPEC
Governor Brewer announced this morning that she will participate in a special summit to discuss the critical economic situation that the state faces.
I had an opportunity this week to hear a presentation regarding the budget situation. Let me say, it is not pretty. Regardless of what happens with the budget, our state government will not be the same this time next year.
I had an opportunity this week to hear a presentation regarding the budget situation. Let me say, it is not pretty. Regardless of what happens with the budget, our state government will not be the same this time next year.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Governor Jan Brewer Joins Leaders in Unprecedented
Community Discussion on Arizona’s Budget Crisis
Community Discussion on Arizona’s Budget Crisis
WHAT: Arizona is facing a record budget deficit that will impact our state’s economic future. In response to this critical situation, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council will hold a special summit on April 9 entitled Convening the Community.
WHY: The goal is to bring government, business and the public together to frame the budget problem, and its magnitude, in terms the community can understand.
WHO: Among the presentations:
• Gov. Brewer and her top advisors on budget recommendations
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council on improving Arizona’s economic competitiveness
WHERE: Tempe Center for the Arts
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 2009
9-11 a.m. (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
Release Here.
Gov. makes Game and Fish Appointment
Governor Jan Brewer Announces
Appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
Appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission
PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today announced the appointment of Jack Husted to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
“Mr. Husted is very well-versed in wildlife issues,” stated Brewer. “His deep roots in this state and his commitment to public service will prove vital to Arizona’s wildlife management.”
Mr. Husted has a broad background in both the public and private sectors. He has experience and expertise in local government and law enforcement, having served as a Deputy County Sheriff in Pima County, as a Reserve Game Ranger for the Arizona Game and Fish Department and as a Town Councilman for the Town of Eagar. Beyond his public service, he is a successful small business owner.
Throughout his adult life, Mr. Husted has been very active in his community. He has served on several boards, including the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, the Arizona State Transportation Board and the Springerville-Eagar Chamber. He also offers his time as a Deacon/Elder of the Community Presbyterian Church in Springerville, Arizona.
A third-generation Arizonan and lifelong hunter and sportsman, Mr. Husted is affiliated with several wildlife organizations. His family also has long-standing ties to ranching in the State of Arizona. Mr. Husted resides in Springerville with his wife and has two grown children.
###
Full Release Here.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Brewer's first Napolitano Overturn
Unless I missed one, we just experienced Governor Jan Brewer's first Napolitano policy reversal.
Brewer issued two Executive orders (one here), (second here) today that reverse the "meet and confer" requirements put in place before Janet left (but after we knew she was leaving). This was widely seen as payback by Napolitano for union support during last years election.
This is a good move. The fact is, Arizona is a "right to work" state. The orders Napolitano signed are unconstitutional and there are better ways to approach "meet and confer". This was Janet's thank you to the unions for her support. If you don't agree, make sure you saw the last few pages from Howie Fischer's article.
Brewer issued two Executive orders (one here), (second here) today that reverse the "meet and confer" requirements put in place before Janet left (but after we knew she was leaving). This was widely seen as payback by Napolitano for union support during last years election.
This is a good move. The fact is, Arizona is a "right to work" state. The orders Napolitano signed are unconstitutional and there are better ways to approach "meet and confer". This was Janet's thank you to the unions for her support. If you don't agree, make sure you saw the last few pages from Howie Fischer's article.
Press Release Here.Republicans had blasted Napolitano's lame-duck order. State party Chairman Randy Pullen called it nothing short of a "thank you to the unions for their campaign cash."
The Arizona Democratic Party reported receiving more than $200,000 for state races from Service Employees International Union during the 2008 campaign, with another $250,000 from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees which already represents more than 5,000 workers.
The party also got $205,000 from the Communication Workers of America which represents Corrections Department employees. A committee set up to help Democrats collected $147,000 from the Firefighters Union and $31,000 from United Food and Commercial Workers.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Road Trip Time
According to a Media Advisory, Governor Brewer is going on a road trip to Pima and Pinal Counties.
Events Open to the Media:
WHAT: National Constables Association Meeting
Governor to provide remarks
WHERE: Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa
2727 West Club Drive, Tucson
WHEN: 9 a.m.
___________________________________________________________
WHAT: Pima County Social Host Ordinance Press Conference
Governor to provide remarks
WHERE: Pima County Board of Supervisors Office
130 West Congress Street, Tucson
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
___________________________________________________________
WHAT: Cenpatico & Linkages Kick-Off Event
Governor to provide remarks
WHERE: Mission Royale Golf Resort
11 South Mission Boulevard, Casa Grande
WHEN: 3:00 p.m.
Full Release Here.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Governor Brewer to Visit Pima and Pinal Counties
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Governor Brewer to Visit Pima and Pinal Counties
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Events Open to the Media:
WHAT: National Constables Association Meeting
Governor to provide remarks
WHERE: Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa
2727 West Club Drive, Tucson
WHEN: 9 a.m.
___________________________________________________________
WHAT: Pima County Social Host Ordinance Press Conference
Governor to provide remarks
WHERE: Pima County Board of Supervisors Office
130 West Congress Street, Tucson
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
___________________________________________________________
WHAT: Cenpatico & Linkages Kick-Off Event
Governor to provide remarks
WHERE: Mission Royale Golf Resort
11 South Mission Boulevard, Casa Grande
WHEN: 3:00 p.m.
###
Full Release Here.
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