District 7 City Council Forum

Tom Jenney: Provided taxpayers with a hero at this forum

The last soirée of the council forums, this one drew the largest crowd. The event was again sponsored by the Valley Citizen’s League, the ASU School of Public Affairs and the Arizona Republic. Moderator Richard de Uriarte, editorial writer for the Republic, has perfected his repetitive and inane “lightening round,” down to somewhat of a science, asking candidates such probing posers as their favorite book and restaurant. The panel of questioners included Norris Nordvold, longtime lobbyist for the City of Phoenix, James Svara, an ASU Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Director of the Center for Urban Innovation and Casey Newton, City Hall reporter for the Arizona Republic.

The stifling room at the Irish Cultural Center seemed an odd place to hold the event which often appeared to center on issues resonating with the Hispanic community. For example, one question dealt with how best to encourage the undercounted Hispanic populace within the district to cooperate with the upcoming census so accompanying federal dollars will be increased.  Discussion also centered on crime and safety, preserving historic neighborhoods, transportation and increasing revenue.

Candidates included:

Art Harding :  Deputy Associate Superintendent with the AZ Department of Education. Involvement in English Language Learner’s Task Force, helping students learn English to be more competitive in society. “Current city council is disconnected from us.” Small businesses in district need to thrive to invigorate community. Opposes sanctuary city policies in Phoenix, saying it is a simple matter for police to check status of those they stop and turn offenders over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Harding said he would reconnect with the voters, have more face-to-face meetings.” Advocates reduction of property taxes.

Ruth Ann Marston :  Former school principal and community activist. Reelected to school board. Prioritizes affordable housing. On the question of undercounted Hispanics, she said it works well to go into the schools, adding” have the children talk to their parents about the importance of the census.” (This raises the ethical question of whether schoolchildren should be approached to assist in providing any family information to authorities.) Marston twice gave out her home telephone number, which she said is listed, inviting people to call her, saying “You need direct access to council persons.” Advocates allowing more people to work from home to alleviate traffic congestion. Would lower taxes for small businesses. To lower crime, she suggests “more mediators out on the street, where people are violent toward each other and in their own homes.”

Michael Nowakowski :   Former Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Phoenix Diocese, now General Manager KNAI Radio Campesina. Family of Cesar Chavez volunteered to assist campaign. Endorsed by Sierra Club and various police and fire unions. “It’s time for me to give back” to community. Concerned about “kids on skateboards and bikes hurting themselves.” Census question was answered, “I’m a person who actually speaks Spanish—I run Spanish media.”  As to implementing changes if elected, “We have a great system, but we need to overhaul it.”  Wants to “streamline process to help minority businesses.”

Laura Pastor : Training coordinator AZ Department of Economic Security and former teacher.  Endorsed by Mayor Phil Gordon. “I’m a consensus builder and we need to make an investment in our community,” are her repeated themes. Referring to her father US Rep. Ed Pastor, she said, “I have a relationship that will enable me to hit the ground running.” On census count: I can build consensus in the neighborhoods, encourage outreach….I know your neighborhood,….we need to involve the unions.” “We need funding….we need to invest in our community….developers will pay for infrastructure such as water and sewers.” Wants continuation of light rail to South Mountain.

There were the expected presentations by the proponents of the ballot Propositions, reminding the audience that 2/10 of 1 percent sales tax generated by Prop. 1, would be a “sustainable revenue” for increased police and fire fighters.

A vote for Prop. 3, innocuously called Home Rule, authorizes expansion of taxing authority and was described as being “in the interest of our future.” The Republic’s de Uriarte, has not remained neutral at any of the forums he has moderated, speaking in favor of the expansion, saying, ”Our water, our very quality of life will be sliced by one third.”

Tom Jenney, Executive Director of the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers, made compelling arguments to vote against Propositions 1 and 3, calling them “fiscally irresponsible.

”Prop.1:

“If Mayor Gordon and the members of the Phoenix City Council really think police and fire need an additional $60 million a year, why have they voted to spend over $300 million on programs other than police and fire during each of the past two years?” he asked. His question was greeted with applause. “It’s a scam,” he added.

Prop. 3

Jenney said the proposition, “relies on threats and scare tactics. Politicians who tell Phoenicians that the defeat of Prop 3 would mean cuts in basic services, police and fire, are dishonest. Passage of Prop 3 will prevent Phoenix from making significant tax reductions.” He said, “a funny thing happens with politicians if they are allowed to spend every dollar they can get their hands on—they WILL!”

Proliferation of payday loan businesses are an issue within the district, generating calls to constituents. Pastor called Nowakowski’s tactics, “mudslinging,” saying she is not a supporter of such businesses. Nowakowski countered by saying “telling the truth is not mudslinging…payday loan establishments are charging 300 percent interest.”  Marston said it was a legislative issue, but the businesses could be kept out of neighborhoods. Nowakowski said the city was “stuck,” agreeing that action must be taken on the “state level.”