Republic endorses in City council races, propositions
If the Republic’s left-leaning stance on myriad social and political issues might have convinced you otherwise, let us remind you, that at its core, it is just a family oriented publication.
The evidence of such familial bent becomes crystal clear in their council selections. For example, in the District 3 race, the paper recommends, Maria Baier, the sister of the Phoenix Fire Chief, Bob Khan. You might recall her name prominently displayed on the Republicans for Janet (Napolitano) listing. We recommend Jon Altmann.
The Baier/Khan connection is a cozy fit, since many of the issues before the council will impact the sole focus of her brother and his union. Will Baier recuse herself from such considerations, rendering herself useless to the same unions promoting her? Since she has not addressed this issue, we can assume her votes in favor of her brother’s union are a lock.
The paper’s endorsement in District 7 goes to Laura Pastor. Who would have guessed that she is, coincidently, the daughter of Democrat U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor? These family ties are reminiscent of Arizona’s other Democrat political dynasties: Babbitt, Goddard, Udall and DeConcini. The concept of hereditary reign is not unique to the east coast Kennedy’s. We recommend Art Harding. He is the only District 7 candidate opposing Phil Gordon’s sanctuary city policies.
Thelda Williams in District 1 has no consanguinial or blood ties to give her a boost. She does have the support of her former boss, Joe Arpaio. And like the others on this list, she has been endorsed by Mayor Phil Gordon, pushing his own slate of toadies. We recommend Stacey O’Connell.
In District 5 the Republic’s endorsement warmly goes to Claude Mattox–although he is running unopposed. This could be to provide cover, since legislative endorsements made by the daily often tank. The editorial board can then point proudly to Mattox as one of their successes.
All of the ballot propositions receive the editorial nod. These measures include another sales tax increase and a raise for Mayor Phil Gordon and his council members. We recommend all No votes.
Incidentally, the endorsing editorial curiously omitted the mayor—up for relection. Since he’s sitting on a campaign war chest of approximately $1 million dollars, they probably figure his win is assured.
We recommend Republican Steve Lory for mayor.
