This man should run for governor
From today’s daily newspaper comes this priceless gem:
Talking Turkish
House Concurrent Memorial 2009 is one of many “postcards” or messages the Arizona legislature sends each year to governments. The memorial, introduced by Rep. Mark Anderson, (R- Dist.18) urges the Turkish government to recognize and stop its persecution of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew 1, head of the Eastern Orthodox Church. When the senate took up the memorial last week, a humorous exchange ensued:
Sen. Ron Gould (R-Dist.3): “I think most of you have realized it’s even futile to send postcards to our own Congress, but now we’re taking up time and taxpayer dollars faxing postcards to the Turkish government. And, I’m sure at this very moment, the Turkish government is quaking in fear that the Arizona legislature is sending them postcards. Thank you, I vote no.”
May 25, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Is this the same Mark Anderson that is running for CD5 Congressional seat? Primary voters take note!
May 25, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Yes, indeed. Kate. This is the very same Mark Anderson. What a snappy congressman he would make!
May 25, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Those are lucky folks in his Lake Havasu City district. I could only hope for a state rep like Sen. Gould–er–GOLD!!! I think he’s going to have a new and well deserved nickname.
May 25, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Oh, I don’t know… maybe if they sent them postage due…
May 25, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Senator Gould is a man who shoots straight from the hip, does not mince words and has the courage to say what a lot of us are thinking. He stands strong for that in which he believes and I am so thankful that he is not only my colleague and seatmate, but a true friend.
May 25, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Rep. Groe:
How fortunate you are to have this gentleman for both a friend and colleague.
Best wishes to you, also. Many of us are in your corner.
District 3 has a superb legislative contingent.
May 25, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Can we get someone like him from Gilbert instead of the gutless wonders we are presetnly stuck with?
May 25, 2008 at 7:54 pm
SherriAZ,
Regardless of where in the state we reside, Sen. Gould would be either a great addition or welcome change of pace. This guy is absolutely top flight, no-nonsense and a true conservative–both fiscal and social. Top that off with a good dose of humility, a dash of humor and a lot of intellect, and you have one great package. Ron Gould is truly golden.
May 25, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I like Rep. Mark Anderson, however Sen. Gould is right on about this bill…
May 26, 2008 at 3:00 pm
For those of you not so familiar with the legislative process, let me explain. I was asked to run this bill by the Speaker because members of the Greek Orthodox church nationally–and a group here in Arizona–are requesting this legislation in order to try to protect their ancient religious heritage in the nation of Turkey. There are 50,000 Greek Orthodox American citizens in Arizona asking their elected representatives to help on this human rights and religious liberties issue. As their elected officials, we try to be responsive. This legislation did not cost the taxpayers, and when combined with the other 10 states so far who have also passed similar legislation–it may have an effect on governmental leaders in Turkey. It may not. But, since America stands for religious freedom, this memorial was one I was happy to sponsor. It is easy to make fun of this when you don’t take time to really understand why citizens in Arizona wanted this legislation.
Sen. Gould sponsored his own memorial–to the US Congress. Senate Concurrent Memorial 1009 requests the United States Congress to enact legislation to either end the current Federal Highway Transportation System or to allow states to opt out of it. An interesting idea. Do you think Congress will end the Federal Highway System due to a postcard from the Arizona Legislature? Not likely. I guess we will never know because unlike my bill, his didn’t pass.
Rep. Mark Anderson
May 26, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Thank you for comments, Rep. Anderson.
May 26, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I’m not sure I understand Rep. Anderson’s explaination. He wrote of his “bill” and the “bill” of Sen. Gould.
I was under the impression that Concurrent Memorials were called “postcards” because they “sent a message” to the recipient, whereas actual bills are the vehcile to pass legislation into law.
I would appreciate some clarification of this.