Local journalists discuss Gov. Doug Ducey’s plan to address gun control, the student protest at the capitol, the extension of the education sales tax and the energy initiative override.
Governor to Address Gun Control
High school students from across the state showed up to the capitol and Ducey’s office on Wednesday to demand gun reform laws. The governor ignored their request to meet, but the next day spoke about what needs to be changed. The timing is extraordinary if the kids had nothing to do with it, Jeremy Duda of the Arizona Capitol Times says.
In the governor’s words, this will not be a discussion on gun control, but a discussion on a school safety plan. It’s easy to lose Republican votes when you start using the term ‘gun control,'” Duda says.
“I would not expect the governor to close the huge loophole – the gun show loophole, the private sale loophole,” Bob Christie of Associated Press says. “The governor has hinted he is not interested in that. What he is interested in is making sure that the background checks that are in place are accurate.”
Ducey is also pushing for this to be a nonpartisan deal. That is a possibility, but it will depend on what’s in it, Duda says. He says it will be similar to the opioid deal where everyone had a small something that they didn’t agree with, but no one wants to be the name on the paper as the one voting against it.
The right is pushing toward more school resource officers (SROs) on campus. Christie says at the moment Arizona spends $12 million on SROs which only pays for about 120 out of 1,900 schools. In order to have one at every school, the money being spent will have to quintuple. Democrats, on the other hand, are suggesting paying for more school counselors to help identify kids who could be potential threats.
Christie says it’s a safe bet that Ducey will stay away from any hard-hitting, controversial aspects of the issue.
Students Protest Gun Violence
The day after the students showed up at Ducey’s office, the governor received a lot of bad press for not meeting with any of the kids.
“Well, the governor got a little extra pressure as well when he was disappointed that the Cardinals lost one of their free safeties,” Steve Goldstein of KJZZ-FM.
Goldstein is talking about the tweet the governor sent out regarding Tyrann Mathieu leaving the Cardinals while students were outside his office chanting “We call BS.”
“Somebody made a big mistake [by tweeting that out],” Christie says. “The governor should’ve called four or five students into his office. They were there all day. They’re high school students, they’re going to find their way to the ninth floor.”
Education Sales Tax Extension
Prop 301 increased sales tax by 0.6 percent and directed the extra revenue toward education. The proposition is set to expire at the end of 2020 unless it is extended. There is also talk about increasing the sales tax.
The sales tax can increase in two ways. There can be a vote from the legislature which would require two thirds of voters to say yes in order to pass. They can change and adjust the tax in the future if it is passed by legislature. The extension can also be put in the ballot to allow the public to vote. If the public decides on it, the legislature will never be allowed to go into the plan and change or adjust anything.
For the so-called education governor, Christie says it’s not as big of a win as some may think, it just takes it off the table.
Energy Initiative Override
The goal for Arizona at the moment is to have 15 percent renewable energy by 2020.
Christie says the bottom line is utilities want to decide what type of power generation they have in Arizona: coal, natural gas, solar, nuclear. Any business, including utilities, want to look 20 years down the road and see that they are doing the best for their profit margin, he says.
“If this thing passes, it’s probably not going to be the end of this thing,” Duda says. “Corporation Commission staff has already concluded this will probably violate the Arizona constitution because the Arizona constitution gives the Corporation Commission exclusive rate-making authority.”
Ted Simons-COMING UP NEXT ON ARIZONA HORIZON'S JOURNALISTS' ROUNDTABLE, THE GOVERNOR SAYS HE'S READY TO ADDRESS A NUMBER OF GUN SAFETY ISSUES. AND THE LEGISLATURE LOOKS TO BE READY TO ADDRESS AN EXTENSION OF THE STATE SALES TAX FOR EDUCATION. THOSE STORIES AND MORE, NEXT, ON THE JOURNALISTS' ROUNDTABLE.
"ARIZONA HORIZON" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE FRIENDS OF ARIZONA PBS, MEMBERS OF YOUR PBS STATION. THANK YOU.
Ted Simons-GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO ARIZONA HORIZON'S JOURNALISTS' ROUNDTABLE. I'M TED SIMONS. JOINING US TONIGHT, JEREMY DUDA OF THE ARIZONA CAPITOL TIMES, BOB CHRISTIE OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, AND STEVE GOLSTEIN OF KJZZ RADIO. GOVERNOR DUCEY IS INDICATING THAT HE'S READY TO TAKE ON A VARIETY OF GUN AND MENTAL HEALTH REGULATIONS AS A WAY TO INCREASE SCHOOL SAFETY. JUST DO NOT CALL IT GUN CONTROL.
JEREMY DUDA- NOT AT ALL. IT'S NOT A GUN PLAN. IT'S A SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN. YOU KNOW HOW MANY REPUBLIC VOTES YOU LOSE IF YOU CALL IT A GUN PLAN? LOOKS LIKE WE'LL SEE IF IT'S FAR SHORT OF GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES WOULD LIKE TO SEE, BUT AN OMNIBUS MEASURES, MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT IN SCHOOLS, MORE COUNSELORS, GREATER LAW ENFORCEMENT. PRISON TIME, PENALTIES FOR PARENTS OF KIDS ILLEGALLY IN POSSESSION OF GUNS. RED FLAG WARNINGS FOR THOSE THOUGHT TO BE HARM TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS.
Ted Simons- ONE WAS INTERESTING, ONE WAS CLOSING LOOPHOLES AND THE OTHER, ENHANCING BACKGROUND CHECKS. HOW SERIOUS WAS HE ABOUT THOSE TWO?
BOB CHRISTIE- I WOULD NOT EXPECT HIM TO CLOSE THE GUN SALE LOOPHOLE. IF YOU GO TO A GUN SHOW AND THERE IS A FEDERALLY LICENSED GUN SHOP, YOU HAVE TO DO A BACKGROUND CHECK, BUT YOU CAN GO TO SOMEONE'S GARAGE AND GET A PISTOL WITHOUT A BACKGROUND CHECK. THE GOVERNOR HINTED HE IS NOT INTERESTED IN THAT. HE'S INTERESTED IN MAKING SURE THE BACKGROUND CHECKS IN PLACE ARE ACCURATE. I TALKED TO THE ATTORNEY LAST WEEK ONE OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PEOPLE THAT MET WITH THE GOVERNOR. SHE RECOMMENDED THE JUSTICE COMMISSION HAS A PLAN TO CLOSE A LOOPHOLE IN REPORTING. COUNTIES RIGHT NOW, IF YOU HAVE A FELONY, THEY HAVE A BACKLOG GETTING THE NAMES INTO THE SYSTEM. I SUSPECT WHAT HE WILL DO IS USE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLAN TO CLOSE THAT AND GET PEOPLE INTO THE SYSTEM FASTER. THAT LOOPHOLE IS CLOSED.
STEVE GOLSTEIN- WHAT STRUCK ME, I'M LOOKING AT THE RAW NUMBERS OF THINGS. SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS ARE COSTING MONEY. THE GOVERNOR IS UNDER FIRE FOR NOT SPENDING ENOUGH ON EDUCATION. I'M CURIOUS TO SEE IF THE GOVERNOR WILL PUT MONEY WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE.
Ted Simons-CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL WEAPON POSSESSION, BETTER MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AT SCHOOLS, CLOSING THE LOOPHOLES, THE WHOLE NINE YARDS. THERE WERE A BUNCH OF TWEETS FROM THE GOVERNOR YESTERDAY. IN ONE YESTERDAY HE MENTIONS THAT WE ARE BUILDING AN AGGRESSIVE PLAN AROUND SCHOOL SAFETY. ARIZONA CAN LEAD THE NATION IN TACKLING THIS AND IN A WAY THAT'S NONPARTISAN. JEREMY, WILL THIS BE A NONPARTISAN EFFORT?
JEREMY DUDA- IT DEPENDS ON WHAT'S IN IT. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A LOT OF STUFF IN HERE -- THE GUN CONTROL STUFF SEEMS FAIRLY INOFFENSIVE TO GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES. YOU GO TOO HARD YOU WILL LOSE REPUBLICS BY THE HAND FULL. IF YOU DON'T GO FAR ENOUGH, DO YOU GET DEMOCRATIC VOTES? ONE THING IS A PROBLEM, THE CONCERNS ABOUT INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT AT THE SCHOOL, CALLED THE PRISON PIPELINE. ARE PEOPLE REALLY GOING TO VOTE AGAINST IT FOR THAT? IT HAS SHADES OF THE RECENT OPIOID PLAN. NOBODY WANTED TO BE THE NAME ON PAPER THAT VOTED FOR IT.
Ted Simons- IF EVERYONE HAS A PROBLEM WITH IT, IT'S A GOOD THING.
BOB CHRISTIE- WELL, IT SHOWS YOU ARE SCRATCHING BOTH SIDES EQUALLY. IF YOU WERE TO PUT A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER JUST IN EVERY HIGH SCHOOL, YOU WOULD HAVE TO COME UP WITH 30 OR 40 OR $50 MILLION A YEAR. WHAT THE DEMOCRATS ARE SAYING, AND WHAT THE KIDS AT THE CAPITOL THIS WEEK ARE SAYING WAS, LISTEN, IT'S BETTER TO GET A COUNSELOR IN THERE TO FIND THE KID WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS NO SUPPORT BECAUSE IN HIGH SCHOOLS IN THIS STATE, THERE IS ONE COUNSELOR FOR EVERY THOUSAND OR 900 KIDS.
Ted Simons- CAN ARIZONA LEAD THE NATION IN THIS?
STEVE GOLSTEIN- I THINK GOVERNOR DUCEY WANTS TO ACT LIKE HE'S DOING. THERE SEEM TO BEING BITTER FEELINGS FROM DEMOCRATS NOT GETTING A HEARING ON THEIR BILLS THAT SOUND LIKE WHAT GOVERNOR DUCEY IS PROPOSING. I THINK THERE HAS TO BE MORE BEHIND IT BECAUSE THERE IS THE FEELING THAT THE GOVERNOR IS STEALING THIS FROM US.
Ted Simons- WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVE RANDY FREEZE ON THE PROGRAM LAST NIGHT. ALL OF THESE IDEAS, NO HEARINGS AT ALL. THE GOVERNOR EMPHASIZED NONPARTISAN. HE'S PUSHING THAT IDEA TO GET SORE FEELINGS PUSHED ASIDE.
BOB CHRISTIE- IT’S THAT AND WHAT THE GOVERNOR IS TELEGRAPHING WITH THAT IS HE'S DOING NONCONTROVERSIAL STUFF. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS, WHICH WILL GET THE VOTES. HE IS TRYING TO PLAY IT CLOSE TO THE MIDDLE AS A STRONG REPUBLIC GOVERNOR IS GOING TO.
STEVE GOLSTEIN- THIS HAS BEEN A GOVENOR WHEN WE LOOK BACK AT THE STATE OF THE SATE IN ELECTION YEAR EVEN IN THE CENTER RIGHT STATE MOST PEEOPLE EXPECT HIM EVEN WITH SOME EDECUATION FUNDING ISSUES TO WIN REELECTION. HE IS TRYING TO PLAY IT CLOSE AS A STRONG REPUBLICAN GOES.
Ted Simons-WE'LL FIND OUT MONDAY WHAT HIS IDEAS ARE. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS AND THINGS. HOW MUCH DID THAT INFLUENCE THE GOVERNOR INTO MOVING IN THIS DIRECTION?
JEREMY DUDA- HE'S BEEN HINTING AT SOME OF THE STUFF HE WANTS TO DO FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW. YOU HAD A BUNCH OF KIDS ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR CHANTING, ANGRY THE GOVERNOR WON'T MEET THEM. THURSDAY, WE SEE TWEET STORMS, IDEAS PUT DOWN ON PAPER BY THE GOVERNOR. LOTS OF MEDIA HAVING MEETINGS, PROMISES OF THE BILL BEING UNVEILED SOON. THE TIMING IS EXTRAORDINARY IF THE KIDS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THE DAY AFTER HE GETS A TON OF BAD PRESS, THAT IS WHEN THE DETAILS START TO COME OUT.
Ted Simons-THEY WERE CHANTING, SHAME ON DUCEY, VOTE THEM OUT, WE CALL B.S.
STEVE GOLSTEIN- AND HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THE CARDINALS LOST ONE OF THEIR SAFETIES.
Ted Simons-HE WAS UPSET ABOUT THE CARDINALS, APPARENTLY.
JEREMY DUDA- THE KIDS WERE TOLD BY GOVERNOR DUCEY'S STAFF, HE DOESN'T HAVE TIME TO BE HERE. HE'S TWEETING ABOUT TYRONE MATTHEW. WE WERE ALL UPSET TO SEE HIM GO. ELECTED OFFICIALS LIKE THE GOVERNOR ARE NOT THE ONES TYPING OUT THE TWITTER FEEDS. WHETHER IT'S HIM OR SOMEONE ELSE, THE TONE DEAFNESS OF DOING IT AT THAT MOMENT, THAT MAY BE SOMETHING THEY WANTED TO BE ON TOP OF.
BOB CHRISTIE- THAT'S A MAJOR UNFORCED ERROR. SOMEBODY MADE A BIG MISTAKE. FIRST OFF, I THINK THE GOVERNOR SHOULD HAVE CALLED FOUR OR FIVE OF THE KIDS INTO HIS OFFICE. THEY WERE THERE ALL DAY. HE KNEW THEY WERE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS. THEY ARE GOING TO THE NINTH GRADE. WHERE WOULD YOU GO IF YOU WERE MAD?
JEREMY DUDA- ALL THE COOL KIDS GO.
BOB CHRISTIE- THEY WERE GOING TO GO. THE FACT THAT THEY IGNORED THEM, AND THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN PLAYING THIS A COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW. A LOT OF IT WAS PROMPTED BY KIDS IN SCHOOLS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES ARE DEMANDING ACTION ON THIS, HE KNOWS IT'S A HOT POLITICAL ISSUE BECAUSE THEY HAVE MOMS AND DADS, AND THEY VOTE.
Ted Simons-THEY WERE VISITING THE HOUSE AND THERE WERE REPORTS OF LAUGHTER AND DEROGATORY COMMENTS. IS THAT A GOOD LOOK?
STEVE GOLSTEIN- IT'S NOT. IF IN FACT THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED, IT'S NOT A GOOD LOOK. IT LOOKS LIKE A DISCONNECT WHICH IS WHAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SAYING, THEY ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND THEIR PARENTS VOTE.
BOB CHRISTIE-THE DEMOCRATS, SINCE THE FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING HAVE BEEN STANDING UP EVERYDAY IN THE SENATE READING THE OBITUARIES OF THE DEAD STUDENTS FROM FLORIDA. THEY HAVE PULLED MANEUVERS IN THE HOUSE. EVERYDAY SOMEONE IN THE HOUSE STANDS UP TO SAY, THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THIS BILL. THE REPUBLIC IN THE SENATE AND HOUSE GOT UP YESTERDAY SAYING, YOU GUYS ARE GRANDSTANDING. THAT SET OFF THE DEMOCRATS SAYING WE HAVE UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS, RED FLAG, MENTAL HEALTH STUFF, COUPLE OF OTHER ISSUES. ALL WE HAVE IS TO STAND UP ON THE FLOOR TO SAY SOMETHING. THIS IS HOW OUR VOICE IS HEARD BECAUSE YOU WON'T HEAR OUR BILLS.
Ted Simons-WE'LL FIND OUT MONDAY HOW FAR THIS GOES, WHERE IT GOES AND HOW IT'S APPROACHED. HERE'S A SURPRISE, THE EDUCATION SALES TAX, THE ONE THAT'S GOING TO VOTERS AND HAS TO BE RENEWED BEFORE $644 MILLION GOES AWAY. WE THOUGHT HE WOULDN'T WANT THIS ON THE BALLOT AT THE SAME TIME HE'S RUNNING FOR ELECTION. COULD THIS GET ON THE BALLOT?
JEREMY DUDA- SPONSOR DOUG COLEMAN IN THE HOUSE, IT WAS DOUBLE ASSIGNED, NOT A GOOD SIGN TO PASS ONE COMMITTEE BOTTLED UP BY THE OTHER, SPEAKER J.D. MEZ NARD AGREED TO PASSAGE OF A POSSIBLE MOVEMENT ON THIS. IT COULD GO TO THE FULL HOUSE FLOOR IF IT GETS THE VOTES IT NEEDS.
Ted Simons- WHY THE MOVEMENT?
JEREMY DUDA-THERE IS SO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE ISSUE RIGHT NOW. IT HAD BEEN A GIVEN AT THIS POINT THAT THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP DIDN'T WANT IT ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR. PASSING IT SEEMED TO BE ALMOST AN IMPOSSIBILITY. THIS SIGNIFIES MAYBE IT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE AS WE THOUGHT.
BOB CHRISTIE-IT'S NO A REFERRAL. IT'S AN EXTENSION OF THE TAX BY THE LEGISLATURE. IT EXPIRES 2021 OR SO. IT HAS 2/3 VOTE IT CAN BE EXTENDED. WE TALK ABOUT IT GOING TO THE BALLOT. THE LEGISLATURE CAN RAISE TAXES. 2/3 VOTE, BUT THEY CAN RAISE TAXES. IF IT GOES AWAY, THERE IS A HUGE FISCAL CLIFF.
Ted Simons-THIS IS ONE WAY TO KEEP IT OFF OF THE BALLOT WHEN GOVERNOR DUCEY IS RUNNING FOR REELECTION.
STEVE GOLSTEIN-YOU MENTIONED 2/3, THOUGH. THERE ARE FEW MODERATE REPUBLICS LEFT. MCGEHEE IS ONE EXAMPLE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT GO THROUGH. I WOULD EXPECT THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HEARING LOUDER AND LOUDER VOICES. SOME MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY WANT TO EXPAND IT WAY BEYOND. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP IT WHERE IT IS, YOU LEAVE IT WHERE IT IS.
JEREMY DUDA- IF YOU LET IT GO TO THE BALLOT, LET IT REUP, THEY CAN'T TOUCH IT. THINGS MIGHT GET WORSE BECAUSE YOU HAVE A LOT OF FOLKS IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY SAYING .6/10 OF A CENT ISN'T ENOUGH. THEY WANT A FULL CENT, CENT AND A HALF, PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT INCOME TAXES. IF YOU SEND THAT TO THE BALLOT AND THE OTHER ONE PASSES, IT'S PERMANENT. TAX CUTS GO UP AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO.
BOB CHRISTIE-PROBABLY NOT A BIG WIN FOR THE GOVERNOR. IT TAKES IT OFF THE TABLE. WHEN IT WAS INTRODUCED BY DOUG COLEMAN IN THE HOUSE, IT HAD TWO SPONSORS. I WROTE A STORY ABOUT IT. IT HAD LIKE 59 COSPONSORS. 60 IS 2/3 OF THE LEGISLATURE. THERE IS A BIG PUSH AMONG THE LAWMAKER, REPUBLICS AND DEMOCRATS TO EXTEND THE SALES TAX TO TAKE THE FISCAL CLIFF AWAY. THEY ARE RUNNING UP AGAINST IT. SPEAKER MES NAR SAID, I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH IT THIS YEAR. YOU HAVE A STATE BUDGET COMING UP, WHAT THIS SMELLS LIKE TO ME, A LOT OF PEOPLE SAYING, WE ARE NOT GOING TO VOTE ON THE BUDGET UNLESS WE GET THIS. MY EXPERIENCE TELLS ME THIS MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BUDGET.
Ted Simons-THERE IS AN ENERGY INITIATIVE OVERRIDE, GIVES UTILITIES AN OUT SHOULD SOMETHING COME ALONG DOWN THE PIKE THAT SAYS YOU MUST HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT FROM RENEWABLES OR ELSE.
STEVE GOLSTEIN-A BIT OF A FINE. FOR ARIZONA RIGHT NOW, WE ARE HEADING FOR 15% RENEWABLE ENERGY 2020. A LOT OF REPUBLICS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE DON'T LIKE IT AND THIS IS A WAY TO COUNTER IT. YOU CAN PAY A FINE.
Ted Simons-A CIVIL PENALTY, A HUNDRED DOLLARS? I THINK APS CAN AFFORD THAT.
JEREMY DUDA-MAX FINE OF $5,000. THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE PENALTY OR REMEDY. THERE IS LANGUAGE IN STATUTE LAYING THAT OUT AS THE MAXIMUM MONETARY FINE. YOU CAN GIVE THE PUBLIC SERVICE CORPORATION. THAT'S SMALL POTATOES WHEN IT COMES TO THE OTHER REMEDIES THEY HAVE. YOU CAN TAKE AWAY THE CERTIFICATE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO WORK THE SERVICE AREA. THERE ARE SEVERE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IF APS WAS TO SAY WE ARE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW THE PROVISION. AT LEAST IN THEORY, THIS WOULD ALLOW THEM TO PAY A SINGLE $5,000 FINE AND IN PERPETUITY CAN IGNORE THIS.
BOB CHRISTIE- THIS PROPOSAL WOULD SPRING UP THIS WEEK IS AN ARIZONA PUBLIC SERVICE PROPOSAL. THE LOBBYIST WAS GRILLED FOR AN HOUR AND ADMITTED, YEAH, THIS IS WHAT WE WANT. THE UTILITIES WANT TO DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF POWER GENERATION THEY HAVE IN ARIZONA, THE MIX, COAL, NATURAL GAS -- THEY DON'T WANT TO BE SHACKLED. THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS. THEY WANT TO LOOK DOWN THE ROAD AND SAY, ECONOMICALLY, THIS IS BEST FOR OUR PROFIT MARGIN. THEY DON'T THINK BASED ON WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, THEY DON'T THINK PUTTING 40 OR 50% SOLAR IS BEST FOR THEM ECONOMICALLY.
Ted Simons- THEY DON'T THINK VOTERS UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUE.
STEVE GOLSTEIN-PEOPLE ARE EMOTIONAL ABOUT THESE THINGS. I DON'T WANT TO BEAT ON APS, THERE IS A SITUATION WHERE THEY ARE NOT SURE IF SOME OF YOUR MONEY YOU ARE PAYING FOR YOUR ENERGY BILL FOR EXAMPLE, NO, IT'S YOUR MONEY. IF VOTERS FEEL INSULTED, YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP IT UNDER WRAPS.
Ted Simons-HOW FAR DOES THIS GO?
JEREMY DUDA- IT COULD ABSOLUTELY PASS. THERE ARE THOSE IN THE CAPITAL THAT OWE ELECTS TO APS, PEOPLE THAT I HAD LOGICALLY OPPOSE WHAT TOM IS TRYING TO DO HERE. IF IT PASSES, IT'S PROBABLY NOT THE END OF THIS THING. EXPECT A COURT BATTLE. THEY HAVE CONCLUDED IT WILL PROBABLY VIOLATE THE ARIZONA CONSTITUTION BECAUSE THE ARIZONA CONSTITUTION GIVES THEM EXCLUSIVE RATE MAKING AUTHORITY AND THIS ALL EMANATES FROM THAT, SO THIS IS A SEPARATION OF POWERS, A VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY.
Ted Simons- AND IT'S AN INITIATIVE.
BOB CHRISTIE-IT'S IN THE FIELD, RIGHT? THEY PROBABLY HAVEN'T COLLECTED A LOT OF SIGNATURES. THEY CAN HAVE THE LAWYERS NEGATE IT. I CAN REFILE IT AND START OVER.
Ted Simons- YET THE LEGISLATORS ARE REFILING WHATEVER THEY WANT.
BOB CHRISTIE- BUT A GOOD LAWYER --
Ted Simons-JEFF DEWITT?
STEVE GOLSTEIN-HE'S HEADED TO SPACE. HE AND ELON MUSK ARE USING THE TESLA. JEFF DEWITT, A NASA INSTRUCTOR, ONE THING THAT CAME TO MIND, HE WAS ELECTED TREASURER, LAST YEAR, PLUS. YOU ARE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOU ARE KIND OF IN THE OFFICE, KIND OF NOT.
Ted Simons-HE CAME OUT OF NOWHERE, AND NOW OFF HE GOES.
BOB CHRISTIE-HE HITCHED HIS -- WHATEVER THE METAPHOR IS, TO THE PRESIDENT. HOLY COW, AS SOON AS HE DID, TWO YEARS AGO EVERYBODY THOUGHT HE WILL BE A SENATOR, RUN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT -- SOME MAJOR -- HE FINALLY GOT HIS JOB --
Ted Simons-HITCHED HIS BOOSTER ROCKET. YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?
BOB CHRISTIE-I DID.
Ted Simons-MONDAY ON ARIZONA HORIZON, PHOENIX POLICE CHIEF JERI WILLIAMS WILL JOIN US TO TALK ABOUT RECENT POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTINGS. AND A NEW REPORT TAKES A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE FINANCES OF ARIZONA CHARTER SCHOOLS. THAT IS IT FOR NOW. I'M TED SIMONS. THANKS FOR JOINING US. YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.
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Jeremy Duda: Arizona Capitol Times
Bob Christie: Associated Press
Steve Goldstein: KJZZ-FM
