Don’t make a move. . .Sheriff Joe

Yesterday Sheriff Joe decided with his better judgment n o t to run for Governor of Arizona. This was quite a suprise as the buzz from several credential sources was expecting him to throw his hat into the ring. Even the “Rasmussen” poll was showing a “favorab”le” response had he thrown his hat in the ring. Perhaps the 500 “likely voters” that they poll “telephoned” is only effective for media foder. . .not actually using such data to surrender his sheriff post.

Don’t Boycott Arizona Campaign Launched

Today, Mayor Gordon is requesting that the boycott cease due to economic harm to Arizona and California. It kind of rings loudly that the government is willing to dismiss the desires of various segments of its population due to their lack of voting record, but wants them to continue to vote with their dollars. Perhaps the Arizona Senate and House can float these businesses or simply over turn the law.

9500 Liberty

A new documentary called 9500 Liberty was shown in Arizona tonight. It is about a similar law that was passed in Virginia that divided the community and resulted in the law being overturned. Businesses were hurt economically, the community was divided and filled with tension and the ultimate decision was to get a vote to have the law repealed. Arizona activist are utilizing this as a potential method to replicate the strategy and have SB1070 overturned.

After watching 9500 Liberty, I am curious as to why we as citizens are not paying attention to all bills being passed by our legislative bodies to be certain that our rights are not diminished without cause, warning or regard to unanticipated outcomes.

Joe Arpaio; Arizona Gubernatorial Candidate

Word on the street is Sheriff Joe Arpaio is going to run for governor in Arizona.  Joe has been on nearly every political television show in the last week, praising and defending SB 1070.  Joe is a champion of the bill and other bills that the Arizona legislature continues to pass that expands the options each police officer has in his/her “tool set.”  Joe has reportedly raised over $2 million dollars in campaign funds and is set to declare his candidacy on Monday, May 3, 2010.

SB 1070 Senate Fact Sheet

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the SB 1070 bill. The Arizona State Senate put together a “fact sheet” for the bill that is entitled “Immigration, Law Enforcement, Safe Neighborhoods.” Here is a link http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/summary/s.1070pshs.doc.htm

SB1070

I’ve been tracking SB1070 since before it was signed into law by APPOINTED governor jan brewer on April 23, 2010. Since, the state of Arizona has become a hot topic and very toxic environment to reside in. I’ve been attending strategic meetings, debates, rallys, grassroots meetings and city council meetings for the past week. In a surprising move, the Arizona Legislature amended SB1070 yesterday evening. The impact of those revisions, after have been signed into law by brewer is still unknown. Tomorrow, I will attend a meeting in an effort to get a referendum movement. The goal is to obtain 70k+ signatures and move SB1070 onto the November ballot. The attendance for this meeting has begun to exceed original numbers, as such the original date and location has been revised more than twice. I will begin blogging here and updating this site with relevant news, from a native Arizonan, on the ground and in the mix. Stay tuned!

Walk Away Mortgages

So the other day, I received a call from a great, long time friend.  This friend is a Certified Public Accountant and married to a professional athlete.  The high power couple has seen their fair share of 5 star hotels, as well as down time during this economic recession.  We talk nearly once a week or so and it has been well known that due to a lingering disability things have become financially challenging for them to continue to pay for medical expenses and medication.  It came as little surprise to me that she was calling to obtain more information and moral support to walk away from her underwater mortgage.

After a very candid assessment, it became clear, while likely not the “morally” correct option, walking away from the home loan was a financially responsible thing to do. In fact, even under a “what would the banks do” assessment, the short and long term financial loss far exceed the repercussions of leaving the nearly $100k gap between the value of the home and the balance due on the loan.  After verifying the banking foreclosure/intentional foreclosure and abandonment procedures, the walk away option appears to be (i) a viable option, (ii) long-term better than a bankruptcy legacy and (iii) the most seamless transition for this couple.  After months and months of attempting to negotiate in good faith a home loan modification, that resulted in the bank increasing their monthly payments and did nothing on their HELOC interest rate or payment, leaves much more to be desired.

Collectively, we as a society must begin to signal to banks our power, our presence, our need for good faith work out options.  A truly believe a financial revolution is emerging.

Taj Oladrian strikes again

Taj Oladiran has filed another complaint against judges in maricopa county.  This time the plaintiff is not Mr. Oladiran himself, but rather a Mr. Okonkwo.  See the complaint entitled “Verified Complaint Alleging: (1) Violation of Plaintiff’s Civil Rights; and/or (2) Civil Conspiracy to Violate Plaintiff’s Civil Rights; and (3) Intentional or Neligent Infliction of Emotional Distress” demands a trial by jury.

A copy of the motion will be reproduced shortly.

Queen Creek Politics

It has been reported that during a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 30, the Queen Creek Town Council unanimously voted to appoint resident Robin Benning to replace Gail Barney’s the Town Council seat.  Barney recent quit the town council to launch a campaign for mayor, Barney is the cousin of the current Queen Creek mayor, prior to quitting he completed only two years of the four year town council term.

According to the announcement Robin Benning, is a 5 year resident, a graduate of the Town’s Leadership Institute and currently serves on the Transportation Advisory Committee.

Other applicants names have not been released, however the unanimous vote for the Bennings, begs the question of how much consideration was given to the “other” applicants.

Arizona 2010 Election Cycle

Today was a rainy cold day in Arizona. However in the political arena, things are heating up!

Today I met with State Senator Rebecca Rios (District 23).  We discussed the political landscape and the upcoming 2010 elections.  Here is D23, things seem to be simmering with several individuals already declaring their intention to run. At the moment, incumbents Barbara McGuire, a local Democrat, as well as Frank Pratt, are seeking re-election!

In addition, Ernest Bustmonte and Ralph Valera are intended to run. I personally suspect that John Fillmore will run in District 23.  These players have been in various elections cycles since 2000, atleast.   In previous years, all candidates ran on Clean Elections funds. 

It remains unclear whether any Independents will declare until, well until next year.  I personally have to give more thought to the prospect of running.  Eager as I may be, there are several considerations to think over before finally deciding.  Having done my research, I do feel that the name id is saturated for each of the above referenced candidates.

Rios, is seeking re-election in the Senate. She is an amazing politican, beautiful and gracious woman.  I had a wonderful encounter with her this morning and learned so much about the election cycle, campaign finance and nuiances that are involved in launching and successfully executing a campaign.