DISTRICT 8 ISSUE & CANDIDATE WATCH

 

We have a new team of volunteers to keep an eye on issues and candidates pertinent to the upcoming election.  These “reporters” will be periodically submitting updates on news items to aid canvassers and candidates as the information flow increases.  The issues that will be covered include the following: 

  • Environmental/Energy
  •  Healthcare
  • The Economy
  • Local (District 8) Issues
  • Education
  • State Legislature
  • Republican Campaigns
  • Ballot Propositions

 

Here are the first installments: 8/11/08  

 

 

Environmental/Energy:

AZ Republic, Aug. 5, 2008:  D.C. Bickering threatens solar, wind projects,

Ginger D. Richardson

         Parts of four news columns lamenting bi-partisan bickering without indicating the opposition is from the Republican side. APS, Salt River Project, a majority of the House and Senate support the bill which provides subsidies for the construction or installation of solar or wind-energy system. Kyl wants off-shore drilling, McCain was absent and adjournment will probably kill the bill in this session.  Although not mentioned, T. Boone Pickens probably supports this bill.  Two major Arizona project are affected by this bill:  a $100 million wind farm near Snowflake that would serve 15,000 homes, and the APS Solana project capable of supplying electricity to 70,000 home and that would be one of the world's largest solar power plants.

 

 

State Legislature

Arizona Republic, Aug. 10, 2008 (Section B), GOP rift spills into Senate race,

Mary Jo Pitzl

    Russell Pearce's primary campaign for a Senate seat is being strongly challenged by Kevin Gibbons principally on immigration issues.  Although a District 18 contest, Pearce is very influential, Mesa-conservative and strong advocate of the most stringent anti-immigration proposals.  Many Democrats are supporting Gibbons including Jim Pederson, former chair of the Az Dems.  Pearce is being hit hard on issues beyond immigration by Nathan Sproul of Mesa Deserves Better.

 

 

Arizona State Election Issues

Arizona Republic, Aug. 10, 2008 (Section D),Big issues await regulators,

Ryan Randazzo

    Corporation Commission (CC) will be filling 3 seats of 5.  Major issues facing CC include:  requirement that utilities get 15% of electricity from renewable sources, power plant types - coal, gas, nuclear - and sitting, APS rate hike requests, routing power lines across AZ to CA, and more.  Article contains bios on the 8 Republican and 4 Democrats vying for the 3 seats.

 

If you wish to comment or contribute to this "Current Issues" journal, contact

Laura Copple: lcopple@cox.net

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