Elections 2012 - August 21, 2012

PRIMARY PRIMARY ELECTION ELECTION VOTE AUGUST 28

A PAYSON ROUNDUP SPECIAL SECTION • AUGUST 2012 • 24 PAGES • FREE

Vital choices confront Rim Country voters

BY PETE ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

Home values fall, as property taxes rise.

You call the sheriff and no one shows up for an hour.

The economy collapses, but no one can build because of the impact fees.

The Arizona Legislature balances its budget — but cuts $2 billion from schools.

Residents of northern Gila County pay 70 percent of the taxes, but must drive to Globe to get basic services.

The school board closes schools and increases class sizes mumbling regretfully that they have no choice.

The board of supervisors approves wildcat subdivisions with asphalt shingle roofs in the midst of thick forests that firefighters must somehow protect for the next 30 years.

But hey. Elections don’t matter.

Right?

No, actually. We think they do.

Especially this year.

That’s why we’ve prepared this special section on the Aug. 28 primary election, the crucial curtain-raiser to the November general election.

Mostly, we’re focused on the vital, local races no one else tracks. But you’ll also find some stories on the U.S. Congress and state legislative races — some with bitterly contested primaries and some with unopposed slates in the primary getting ready for a general election campaign that will offer some stark and crucial choices.

Meanwhile, local voters will face more choices in the primary and general election campaigns than they have in years.

The choices start with the county offices — some of them contested for the first time in years. Partly, that reflects the impact of redistricting in the wake of the population shift from southern Gila County to the north in the course of the past decade. For the first time, the district lines for the board of supervisors make it possible to elect a board that’s well balanced between north and south — providing northern Gila County voters go to the polls.

Moreover, voters must make an absolutely essential choice among a host of candidates to replace retiring Sheriff John Armer. The sheriff’s office remains the most important elective office in the county, since the department provides police protection for a vast sprawl of territory and even for incorporated communities like Star Valley.

Meanwhile, normally uncontested offices like treasurer, assessor and recorder have energetic campaigns in both the primary and general elections.

Knowing the stakes, we’ve done our best to identify the issues and offer some insights into the candidates.

This section will not only help you sort things out for next Tuesday’s primary, it also effectively launches our effort to cover the general election. So we’ll put all the articles in this section on our Web site, where we’ll create a section to track the candidates and their

evolving positions right on through Nov. 4, when it’s all on the line. Of course, we’ll stick to our mission — focusing on the local candidates and issues. But we’ll keep adding to that election site with new articles.

Moreover, we’ll work on adding extra features. For instance, we submitted questionnaires to many of the candidates. We didn’t end up with room in the special section to offer their full answers — but we can post that on the Web site.

We’re also hoping to get the candidates to offer a series of point-counterpoint positions on key issues.

We’ll put as much of that as we can fit in the newspaper for the next six weeks — but we’ll put more stuff on our election site on the Web. We’ll also try to provide links to Web sites and coverage in other publications, to help you gather the information you need to make the choices that will determine so much.

So we hope this helps.

We think it will. After all, we’ve gotten to know you — our beloved readers. And one thing we’ve learned: When it comes to making a great community and making the hard choices, there’s no one better qualified than you folks.

Gila County Sheriff candidates (clockwise): So here you are.

It’s your country.

Darrell Stubbs, Adam Shepherd and Ray Van Buskirk You decide.

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Republican sheriff candidates square off

BY ALEXIS BECHMAN ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

Four years ago, Darrell Stubbs, then a Democrat, retired from the Gila County Sheriff’s Office and set his sights on taking his boss’ job.

John Armer then had held the sheriff’s position for eight years, continuing a long tradition of Democratic sheriffs.

Armer’s defeat was not to be in 2008. Despite aggressive campaigning, Stubbs lost by 640 votes.

Four years later, Armer is retiring and Stubbs has a new party affiliation.

Stubbs takes on Adam Shepherd, who Armer is endorsing, in the Aug. 28 Republican primary for Gila County Sheriff.

The race for Gila County Sheriff remains one of the most contested this election. You can hardly attend a community meeting without hearing a candidate push their message or drive down the street without seeing a campaign poster.

In one corner, Stubbs takes on Shepherd. For the Democrats, Craig Jones is up against Ray Van Buskirk.

While Stubbs was making his bid for the top job four years ago, Shepherd was quietly etching his own path, serving as undersheriff — the second highest official under Armer.

“As my record shows, I have not been just sitting around wishing to be your sheriff and planning to run if the opportunity arose,” Shepherd said. “I have made it a career goal and have worked diligently over many years to prepare myself both in experience and education to ensure that I am absolutely the best qualified candidate to serve in this position.”

brings his own ideas to the job.

While Stubbs and Shepherd started their careers at the sheriff’s office only years apart in the 1980s, their paths quickly divided.

Shepherd rose in the ranks, from deputy to detective, sergeant, lieutenant and eventually undersheriff in 2005 until his retirement in February.

In all those years, Shepherd maintained a near-perfect record. He has never been the subject of an internal investigation or formal reprimand.

His personnel file is weighed instead with employee of the quarter nominations, thank you cards and training certifications.

STUBBS: FRONT-LINE EXPERIENCE

STUBBS: COMPLAINTS IN FILE

While Stubbs lacks Shepherd’s administrative experience, he says he makes up for it with front-line policing.

A deputy for nearly his entire 25year law enforcement career, Stubbs said he worked the streets, not behind a desk. He says his interaction with residents, at both the jail, on the streets and the lake, garnered him respect from both supervisors and constituents. He also says he cultivated a common sense tact to problem solving – a skill vital for a sheriff.

“I am respected as a leader amongst law enforcement peers and other law enforcement officials within the state,” he said.

Stubbs said it is time for change in the sheriff’s office – time to “take back” the county from criminals and the old way of doing things.

Stubbs’ file, also filled with accolades and course certificates, has a few scratches.

The sheriff’s office formally disciplined Stubbs for time card fraud.

Various supervisors also wrote Stubbs up for rude or aggressive language and behavior.

Many also praised Stubbs’ work with the public.

SHEPHERD: ENDORSED BY SHERIFF

Shepherd worked closely with Armer as undersheriff, but he says he

Darrell Stubbs

BUDGET

The results of the election will not only affect how resources are split between northern and southern Gila County, but who manages one of the largest budgets in the county. The sheriff is in charge of an annual budget of $11 million, the largest expenditure in the county’s $37 million general fund.

The budget, however, barely covers jail and patrol operations — forcing deputies to do more with less.

The budget challenges are not lost on either Republican candidate.

Adam Shepherd

“Manpower and whether or not the county is financially equipped to take care of the crime is the biggest issue facing the county,” Stubbs said.

To fight crime, the sheriff’s office needs more deputies, he said.

Shepherd said a loss in officers would lead to an increase in crime, especially that fueled by drug users and distributors.

“In the case of narcotics, it is my belief that a great deal of criminal activity is related to illegal drug use and trafficking, and the diligent attention to the problem by law enforcement is the only deterrent that keeps it in check,” he said.

But beyond deputies, the office needs Narcotics Task Force members and school resource officers to help fight these crimes, Shepherd said.

In the past, grants fueled these positions, but state and federal cuts have drastically stunted or ended these programs.

Shepherd said he would make sure these vital programs continue by either shuffling funding or looking for new grants.

“Even though the funding for these programs has diminished, they have proven to be of great value to the citizens themselves, and the community as a whole,” he said.

COMMUNITY POLICING

To deter crime, Stubbs said he would like to switch to a communitypolicing schedule, where deputies work in the same communities they live.

“Community policing is a cost effective approach that stations deputies in the areas where they live and spend

their daily lives,” Stubbs said. “They have an investment in the community – schools, churches, businesses, (where) people are their friends and neighbors.”

Stubbs said he would like to “maximize” county finances to get more officers on the street.

Shepherd said budget constraints likely limit adding new officers.

Therefore, deputies need to work in central locations where they can travel in any direction, he said.

Shepherd proposes offering deputies who relocate to these areas an incentive.

Shepherd would also like to see the office ramp up its volunteer programs, adding more posse and reserve deputies.

“It is my belief that a strong command presence of the sheriff’s office in all of the communities that it serves is one of the best deterrents to criminal activity and as sheriff I will strive to provide that coverage,” he said.

“There are opportunities in some cases to augment coverage in certain areas by placing deputies in communities and leveraging volunteer programs, and as sheriff, I will take advantage of every one of them.”

DIFFERENT EMPHASIS ON FINANCES

Stubbs said he plans to run the sheriff’s office under the three C’scommunication, community policing and cash flow.

“The sheriff’s office needs to be a conduit of information for law enforcement organizations, the community and public officials for successful crime prevention,” he said.

“I have mentioned that I want an independent audit when I take office so that I can determine where your tax dollars are currently being spent and to assure you that your tax dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently,” he added.

In terms of managing an $11 million budget, Stubbs said while he has not managed a budget of that scope, he has always run his personal and small business finances responsibly.

Stubbs said he would surround himself with a team that “believes we are stewards of the taxpayer’s money.”

Shepherd said he has been making decisions that affect the office’s budget since he was promoted to sergeant in 1998.

When he was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, he gave more input on the budgeting process.

“My job then was to submit the needs of my entire northern district field staff and work within pre-determined financial boundaries so that the officers were properly equipped to CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

SADIE JO

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

PAYSON ROUNDUP

Vigorous battle in Sheriff’s race FROM PAGE 2

do their job without overspending the budget for those items,” he said.

“Upon my appointment as undersheriff, this responsibility, was expanded further by having to make the decisions on where the money went on the scale of all field operations within the county.”

Shepherd said he has also been in charge of grants, developing communication contracts with local fire departments and the Tonto Apache Tribe and law enforcement coverage for the Town of Star Valley.

“Because of this experience in budget management and training, as sheriff, I would not have to hire someone to direct me in the budgetary affairs of the sheriff’s office,” he said.

NORTH VS. SOUTH

Asked about the perception in North County that the county spends far more in the south although more than half the population and most county revenues come from the north, both men said that is a tricky question to answer.

Because Globe is the county seat, a number of sheriff’s office operations must be close to other county offices, including administration and jail operations.

Patrol coverage, however, should be based on criminal activity, not geographic area, both said.

“It should be about need,” Stubbs said.

Shepherd said he would put officers where they are needed most in the county. As undersheriff, he analyzed crime trends and recommended where to put resources.

“This analysis with allocations and reallocations was a primary contributing factor in the reduction of crime rates in unincorporated Gila County over the last seven years,” he said.

DEBATE ABOUT CRIME TRENDS

While Shepherd maintains crime is down for the last seven years, Stubbs says it is up.

“The Armer/Shepherd administration would lead you to believe that crime has gone down,” he said. “But that is because these statistics don’t include cities, towns, and Native American reservations that provide their own law enforcement. That means Globe, Miami, Hayden, Payson, San Carlos Apache, White Mountain Apache and the Tonto Apache nations. Don’t think for a minute that crime in incorporated areas and on the reservations don’t affect the areas that are solely the GCSO’s responsibility.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

Stubbs said he is the best man for the job because he has the passion.

As sheriff, he would be visible, working in both ends of the county and not behind a desk.

Shepherd says he has the experience and a big picture perspective.

“In my view, the position of sheriff is so much more than simply a glorified deputy,” he said. “The sheriff must make informed decisions in such complicated areas as the budget, patrol operations, jail operations, serving the Superior Court, civil process and personnel issues.”

Voters have until 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 to turn in ballots.

CANDIDATE RESUME DARRELL STUBBS

ADAM SHEPHERD

• More than 25 years in county law enforcement.

• More than 28 years in county law enforcement.

• Held several positions with the sheriff’s office, from detention officer at both Globe and Payson Jails, patrol deputy, member of the Gila County Task Force and school resource officer. Currently a reserve police officer for the Miami Police Department.

• Started with Payson Police Department as a dispatcher and reserve patrol officer. Joined the sheriff’s office in 1984 as a patrol deputy. Moved up through the ranks from detective, sergeant, lieutenant to undersheriff.

• Education: 1979 graduate of Miami High School. Two credits shy of earning an associate degree from Gila Pueblo College. Various law enforcement related certifications and trainings.

• Education: 1979 graduate of Payson High School. Associate degree from Gila Pueblo College, graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and bachelor’s degree in public agency service from Northern Arizona University. More than 1,600 training hours in law enforcement topics.

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TOMERLIN RE-ELECT for

SADIE JO RECORDER TOMERLIN for

RECORDER • Implemented e-recording to save tax payers money • Oversaw rural addressing changes to the voters in Gila County for 911 • Implemented the Permanent Early Voting List • Made early voting available to ALL areas of Gila county • Converted 100+ years of documents on CD’s to preserve the historic documents and books • Developed strong working relationships with Cities/Towns throughout the County • Have staff cross trained and Election certified • Under budget by at least $40,000 for the last three years • Worked with all of the school districts to register students who are 18 years old • State of Arizona Certified Election Officer and Certified Handwriting Analysis

I ask for your support August 28, 2012.

With your support we can continue to make Gila County better!

Sadie Jo Jo Tomerlin Tomerlin is is the the sixth sixth generation generation in in Gila Gila County County by by choice choice and and chance. chance. Her Her Sadie family the DalMolin and Tomerlinʼs have been in Gila County since the 1880ʼs. Sadie family the DalMolin and Tomerlinʼs have beenin inFebruary Gila County the elected 1880ʼs. inSadie was appointed as the Gila County Recorder 2008 since and was November of 2008.

She currently serves as the President of the Arizona Recorderʼs was appointed as the Gila County Recorder in February 2008 and was elected inAssoNociation. vember of 2008. She currently serves as the President of the Arizona Recorderʼs AssoSadie has overseen the implementation of all-mail ballot elections and the developciation. ment of the Permanent Early Voter List. She also oversaw the 911/Rural addressing changes, which changedthe theimplementation mailing addresses of mostballot of theelections 40,000+ and County Sadie has overseen of all-mail the residents developand affected their ability to receive mail ballots. This was followed by the re-districting ment of the also Permanent Early Voter List. Sheand also oversaw the 911/Rural addressing plan, which impacted voter registration required a review of all voter registrachanges, changed mailing addresses of most of the 40,000+ County residents tions and which the new districtthe maps to ensure the registration information contained up-todate precinct information. and affected their ability to receive mail ballots. This was followed by the re-districting She has implemented and staffed voter registration drives and early voting stations, plan, which also impacted voterthat registration and required a review votertheir registraworking tirelessly to make sure everyone eligible to vote is ableoftoallcast ballot and have voices heard.

Sadie has developed strong working relationships the tions and their the new district maps to ensure the registration information containedwith up-tovarious Towns and Cities and keeps the communication lines with her counterparts open, date precinct information. always willing to advise or assist with their requirements.

She implemented staffed votereach registration drives and early voting stations, Sadiehas has instituted a and policy of having member of the Recorderʼs staff attend training with the Secretary Stateʼs and receive certification necessary hanworking tirelessly to makeofsure that office everyone eligible the to vote is able to cast theirtoballot dle and distribute ballots. The staff is kept current on all new and pending legislation reand haveboth theirelection voices heard. has developed strong working withbest the garding issues Sadie and recording requirements in orderrelationships to provide the various and and keeps the communication lines with her counterparts open, possibleTowns service to Cities the residents of Gila County.

Another example of her commitment to the Gila County always willing to advise or assist with their requirements. residents is the institution of electronic recording (“e-filing”) of documents, bringing the Recorderʼs office up to date on Sadietechnologies. has institutedThis a policy of having each member of the Recorderʼs staff attend current was done while keeping spending below the budget amounts in the last training with3 years! the Secretary of Stateʼs office and receive the certification necessary to hanThese accomplishments, and many more, are a result of her strong work ethic and a dle and distribute ballots. The staff is kept current on all new and pending legislation resincere desire to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible costs. She is garding both election issues and recording inare order to provide thesports best heavily vested in Gila County, her children gorequirements to school here, involved in local teams (which she helps coach).

This area is dear to her heart, this is where her roots lie possible service to the residents of Gila County. and her desire to provide the best possible service to her fellow residentʼs shows in Another she example everything does.of her commitment to the Gila County residents is the institution of

electronic recording (“e-filing”) of documents,Paid bringing theCommittee Recorderʼs officeSadie up toJodate on for by the to Re-elect Tomerlin current technologies. This was done while keeping spending below the budget amounts in the last 3 years!

These accomplishments, and many more, are a result of her strong work ethic and a sincere desire to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible costs. She is heavily vested in Gila County, her children go to school here, are involved in local sports teams (which she helps coach). This area is dear to her heart, this is where her roots lie and her desire to provide the best possible service to her fellow residentʼs shows in everything she does.

Paid for by the Committee to Re-elect Sadie Jo Tomerlin

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Democrat sheriff candidates want to boost morale, overhaul budget Van Buskirk, Jones disagree sharply with Republican rivals, only rarely with each other

BY ALEXIS BECHMAN ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

Democratic candidates for the job of Gila County Sheriff Ray Van Buskirk and Craig Jones have taken nearly opposite policy viewpoints over their Republican challengers Darrell Stubbs and Adam Shepherd – but disagree with one another about very little.

Both Democrats cite morale as the biggest issue facing the sheriff’s office. The Republican candidates cite the budget.

Van Buskirk and Jones say they want to swap out the jail’s commander Major Jim Eskew. Shepherd said he would “absolutely” keep Eskew.

Moreover, Van Buskirk and Jones say they do not believe resources are split evenly between and northern and southern county communities – while the Republican candidates have not directly addressed that question.

Not all of the Democratic candidate’s beliefs run parallel.

Van Buskirk says he plans to clean house once he is sheriff, replacing all exempted command staff and vacating the administrative assistants position. He also has decisive plans on what needs to change to run the office more smoothly.

Jones, on the other hand, has taken a more wait-and-see approach.

Voters have until Aug. 28 to cast ballots for the primary election. The general election follows on Nov. 4.

MORALE, MORALE, MORALE

Both Van Buskirk and Jones say employee morale is lagging in the sheriff’s office.

Van Buskirk also believes the public has a low opinion of the office.

“I feel that both of these go hand in hand,” he said. “In order to improve the public perception of the sheriff’s office, we must simultaneously improve employee morale. Once morale improves, employees will feel good about themselves and the job they do, which translates into better service for the taxpayer and improves the public’s perception of the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.”

Jones mirrored this sentiment.

“I believe the biggest issue at the office is morale,” he said. “I will address this by giving the deputies and civil personnel the training that they need to do the job well. I will also reward for a job well done when

Ray Van Buskirk

an employee deserves a pat on the back.”

The budget can have a big impact on morale.

Both Democrats admit they do not have experience managing an $11 million budget, yet neither plans to hire someone from the outside to help.

Both plan to utilize staff, such as the undersheriff and finance officer.

“I won’t run outside for help, but rather work closely with experienced personnel I have in the office and work hard with the county finance officer to get a budget that will allow the sheriff’s office to run efficiently,” Jones said.

Once an assistant fire chief, Van Buskirk has more experience with large budgets “ I will not need to hire outside the agency because I expect my undersheriff to assist in the performance of those duties,” he said.

While they might lack large budget experience, both men plan to restructure finances –Van Buskirk more vocally than any other candidate.

“I have plans to make sweeping changes across the board in the Gila County jails, criminal investigation units, narcotics task force, K-9 program, lake operations, rural area coverage and patrol deputies traveling great distances from their residence to their patrol area,” he said. “I do not anticipate any budget cuts, unless I can eliminate positions in the administration division that are redundant.”

Jones said he would like to make

Craig Jones

cuts in the number of contracted employees, but beyond that, “I will have to be elected to determine what we can and cannot cut.”

NORTH VS. SOUTH

Neither Republican candidate would say resources are not split evenly around the county; instead, they stressed putting resources where they are needed most, regardless of geographic location.

Van Buskirk was more direct.

“No, I do not currently feel that the finances are split evenly between Payson and Globe,” he said. “My opinion on this may change once further

information is obtained.”

Jones said he did not know enough to say resources are split equally.

“As far as personnel, I believe the budget is used where the personnel are needed most,” he said.

A large part of the sheriff’s $11 million budget goes toward jail operations.

Van Buskirk said he would like to replace Jail Commander Jim Eskew with a person that has more than 20 years experience in the Arizona Department of Corrections.

“I would task the new jail commander to improve morale of detention staff,” he said. “I would encourage my jail commander to implement programs to reduce recidivism and to educate inmates and prisoners. I would also like to see programs that allow the inmates to serve our county and communities by participating in work crews throughout Gila County supervised by detention officers.”

Programs include forming a brush abatement/wildfire crew to help rural communities with fire suppression.

Again, Jones said he would decide if the jail is running efficiently once elected.

Jones, however, said he would also do away with Eskew.

“I feel he has done a job to the best of his ability,” he said. “This is one change I feel is due.”

Neither Democrat would say who they plan to bring in as their second in command or chief deputy, but Van Buskirk said he would eliminate the administrative secretary position to save taxpayer dollars.

He also plans to replace almost all of the current exempted command staff.

CANDIDATE RESUME RAY VAN BUSKIRK

CRAIG JONES

• Roughly 14 years in law enforcement.

• 23 years in law enforcement.

• Served two years a U.S. Army Military Police patrol officer, seven years with the Arizona Department of Corrections and five years Gila County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and narcotics agent with the Gila County Drug Gang and Violent Crimes Task Force.

• Worked seven years with Globe Police Department, a year with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and four years with Department of Public Safety. With the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Jones worked three years as a reserve and eight years as a full-time deputy.

• Education: More than 200 college credits in general studies, drafting, criminal justice and firefighting.

Certificate in Corrections Technology from Rio Salado College and Certificate in Law Enforcement Technology from Central Arizona College.

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

PAYSON ROUNDUP

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Contested races for Gila County supervisor could shift balance of power to the north Several vigorous primary battles to determine lineup for November general election

BY TERESA MCQUERREY ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

All three seats on the Gila County Board of Supervisors are open targets this election season, however, two of the three incumbents are seeking re-election. The season has two parts – the primary race to be decided Aug. 28 and the general race, to be decided Nov. 6.

For the primary season, Rim Country voters will have two supervisor races to navigate – the two-man Republican toss-up for the District Two nomination and the three-man tussle among Democrats for District Three.

The Republican primary in the Globe-based District, which includes a slice of Northern Gila County, features David Cook and Tim Humphrey. The winner will face incumbent Democrat Mike Pastor in November. Pastor faces no opposition in the Democratic primary.

The District Three seat turned into a free-for-all when Supervisor Shirley Dawson decided not to seek reelection. No Republicans threw their hats into the ring, but three Democrats want the seat John D. Marcanti, Ronnie O. McDaniel and Marvin Mull Jr. The boundaries of the revised districts make District 3 a swing district, almost equally balanced between north and south.

The outcome of that race could well shift the balance of power on the three-member board of supervisors from south county to north county, reflecting the shift in county population centers in the past decade.

The race for Gila County District 1 Supervisor won’t come before voters until the November election. That seat includes most of North County. Incumbent Tommie Cline Martin, a Republican, has no opposition in the Aug. 28 primary. Challenger Hallie Overman-Jackman is an Independent, so has no primary.

no photo available

David Cook District 2

Tim Humphrey

John D. Marcanti

Ronnie O. McDaniel

Marvin Mull Jr.

District 2

District 3

District 3

District 3

District 2 Republican primary only DAVID COOK

“I am running for Gila County Supervisor in District 2 because I love our county and the people in it. I have worked for five years for this. I am the best man for the job,” Cook said.

He said he believes the county must have elected leaders that have a vision for the community and the ability to propose and implement workable solutions with citizens, organizations, and other governments.

“I have a long record of successful problem solving with the federal government and will significantly improve the county’s operation,” Cook said.

Among his priorities is the economy.

“With Southern Gila County’s mines expected to be depleted in five years, we need to start the county moving in a direction that will not only maintain, but also grow our economy in the future. I have an economic development plan that would bring in an estimated $500,000 a year for infrastructure and development. I have another plan to build a racetrack and create a structure of governance for that track. Neither of these plans would cost the taxpayers a dime. No past or current supervisor has proposed a similar plan.”

Cook said he has advanced concrete proposals on some of the biggest issues recently faced in Gila County.

“I presented to the Board of Supervisors a solution that met all redistricting legal requirements that had the smallest impact to the residents of Gila County. The supervisors rejected my plan and instead approved one that has left citizens unsure of voting areas, district lines and more.”

Cook has concerns about more

recent actions taken by the supervisors.

• The supervisors recently selected an out-of-county supplier of fuel that cost taxpayers a minimum of $125,000 more than the cost of the existing incounty supplier who would’ve completely met the county’s needs, he said.

He added he will make sure county dollars stay within the county whenever possible to protect our jobs.

• “As supervisor, I would put a stop to the current practice of allowing county staff to present supervisors with a budget at 8 a.m. for formal approval at 10 a.m. that included an estimated $1.25 million in pay raises and expenses for a proposed study of job classifications.”

Cook said he wants to bring his abilities and contacts to work for the residents of the county.

He has been a Republican all his voting life. He and his wife Diana own and operate DC Cattle Company, are local ranchers and have two children.

TIM HUMPHREY

Tim Humphrey has been a resident of Gila County most of his life and was a county employee for a number of years. He worked in the road department, for the fair grounds and as a rabies control officer.

Humphrey listed the reasons he’s running for office.

• He is concerned county government is not opening entry-level positions that could provide employment for the area’s young people. Instead, most of the entry-level work is being done by the county’s prisoners, he said.

• None of the county’s departments

seem to be working together. “Our roads are not being taken care of, but office after office keeps springing up.

Where is the constituent service with more buildings?”

• Too many contracts are leaving Gila County when they should be kept in Gila County as much as possible, so the profits can be spent in Gila County.

• As a supervisor, he said he would live in the district he represents and said all county workers should also live in the county.

While working for the county, he started Dream Pole Construction, which he has owned and operated for 14 years. He now has a construction yard in downtown Globe with several trucks and employees.

“From this I have built my business and my reputation by helping and taking care of my customers and employees. My customers are happy or I don’t get a check.”

He said he will carry this attitude of satisfactory service to the constituents of Gila County when elected Gila County Supervisor District 2. He said his success in business is a clear demonstration of his skills.

“My leadership ability and communication skills would directly benefit the residents of Gila County. I care about Gila County. I have been at most functions and fund raisers for the community. I show my support as an individual and as a business person.”

Humphrey said he supports both ranchers and the mining industry; he also supports job growth and giving the youth of the community a hand up for they are the future.

“I think Gila County needs a supervisor with hands-on experience and proven business experience. I would like to see the county run more like a business.”

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

District 3 primary race among Democrats only FROM PAGE 5 JOHN D. MARCANTI

Marcanti is a lifetime resident of Gila County and seeks to bring his years of business experience to the residents of Gila County. His business, Marcanti Electric, has been a successful family operated company since 1960.

“I feel with my years of business experience, my honesty, integrity and sincerity to help people makes me the best candidate for the office of District 3 Supervisor,” Marcanti said when asked why he is the best man for the job.

Marcanti said the top issues residents of his district are facing include the unemployment rate, public safety and economic hardship.

“After meeting and talking with people in District 3, I have found that their biggest concern is the unemployment rate.

People need jobs and I want to actively persuade new industry and economic development for new jobs and work to support our mining industry.

“Another concern brought up to me is a concern for public safety and the prosecution of criminals in Gila County. I plan to work to do whatever it takes to assist the Gila County Sheriff and county attorney’s office to protect the residents of Gila County.”

Marcanti added cities and towns in Gila County have been facing hardship during this recession.

“The state has been cutting funding to many programs due to budget shortfalls, funding that has been cut to cities, towns and school districts has put a large burden on tax rates with some of the largest in Arizona. I intend to work with the cities and towns helping them with any assistance that can be done through intergovernmental agreements, we will all have to work together through these tough times.”

RONNIE O. MCDANIEL

When asked why he wants to serve as District 3 Supervisor, McDaniel said he wants to work for the residents of Gila County and ensure they receive the best return on their tax dollar investment. McDaniel added he wants to try and bring together the county. “I will be fair to every community in the district and represent the whole county. I can do a good job,” he said.

He will promote business, economic development and resource indus-

tries (mining, ranching and timber) to secure jobs throughout the county and seek quality education opportunities at all levels.

He believes some of his greatest strengths are his ability to communicate, listen and he believes his constituents deserve this service.

Because of his varied background his allegiance is to all the people of Gila County.

He said while his two opponents are good men, he believes he is the better-qualified candidate.

“I will have an open door policy. I believe in communication. I’ll be fair,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel has resided in Gila County all of his life.

Beginning at age 13, when not in school, he worked for the ranchers in Gisela during spring roundup and would then progress to the hay fields in Tonto Basin for the summer. Later, he worked for Owens Brothers Lumber in Payson. Right out of high school, he joined the Laborer’s Union and for the next eight years worked all types of construction.

In 1965 he began his life’s work in public service when he joined the Gila County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy under Sheriff Elton Jones and then worked for the next three elected sheriffs (Lewis, Peace and Rodriquez), leaving GCSO in 1986 with the rank of major and area commander.

During this time, McDaniel ran for his first public office and was elected to the Payson School Board for two terms.

After he retired from the GCSO, McDaniel ran for the Northern Gila County Justice of the Peace position in 1986, which he won, and re-won, serving until 2004 when he retired as both JP and Town of Payson Magistrate. During his time as Payson JP, McDaniel was selected by the Arizona Supreme Court to serve as a Mentor Judge for other justices of the peace.

His next calling came as the first Mayor of Star Valley, followed by serving a judge pro tem for both the Globe and Payson JP Courts and then as Chief Tribal Judge for the Tonto Apache Tribe.

MARVIN MULL JR.

Mull also wants Shirley Dawson’s seat on the Gila County Board of Supervisors. Attempts to contact him for this publication were unsuccessful.

Bradley Beauchamp for Gila County Attorney As Gila County voters, you will soon elect a new County Attorney, and it likely will be one of your most consequential votes in years. As the number of crime victims continues to rise and drugs flow freely into Gila County, it is difficult to overstate the importance of choosing the right candidate to restore law and order to our communities. As Gila County residents, you deserve a County Attorney who will effectively partner with police agencies and the Sheriff’s Office to keep you safe, while at the same time embracing reform and ensuring stringent and uncompromising prosecution for crimes committed in Gila County. My name is Bradley Beauchamp; I am a Republican candidate running for Gila County Attorney. I believe that I am the candidate best equipped to fulfill those demands.

The last ten years in Gila County have seen a steady deterioration in the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the County Attorney’s Office. Rather than working closely with law enforcement to ensure that officers are aware of ever changing standards in the law that require them to make adjustments to criminal investigations, my opponent has made it common practice to cast blame on officers for cases that fall apart on legal technicalities. Law enforcement officers have committed themselves to place community before self. As County Attorney, I will work vigilantly to restore an effective partnership with law enforcement, rather than using them as scapegoats. My first objective will be to develop a cohesive system of cooperation between officers in the field, prosecutors who are proactive in training officers and assisting to guide investigations, and victims’ advocates who ensure that no victim’s voice is ever drowned out by the drum of government bureaucracy or political gainsaying.

As I have visited other counties in our State, I have been concerned to hear from other criminal lawyers, both prosecution and defense, that the Gila County Attorney’s Office has come to have a reputation of being soft on crime, letting violent offenders and drug dealers go uncharged or walk with lenient plea offers. I pledge that such a reputation and those policies would cease under my stewardship. Each day I serve the citizens of Gila County, I will make it my foremost objective to hold those accountable who would sell drugs to our children, steal from the unsuspecting innocent or commit any act of violence against the people in our communities. The goals that I have are aggressive, however, remain realistic and well thought out for delivering justice. Unlike my opponent, who refuses to even acknowledge that there are problems with crime in Gila County, I plan to face our mounting troubles head on. I am confident that we have officers and prosecutors who are capable and committed to combating crime; we just need leadership that is more effective. I am prepared to provide that leadership and to accept accountability for the mantle of Gila County Attorney.

I have focused my campaign on making crime victims whole emotionally as well as financially whenever possible and uniting prosecutors with law enforcement to crack down on the drug crimes that are devastating our communities. I believe it is the right emphasis at the right time.

I am determined and believe that I have the knowledge and perspective to effectuate a change.

There are many reasons that I am running for this office, but perhaps the event that tipped the scales was the tragic murder of Scott Johnson. The greater tragedy, however, is that Scott Johnson’s story was not an anomaly. It was not an isolated incident. There are many other victims and victim’s families that have not been given justice or closure during these last ten years. That is unacceptable. These families deserve justice. As citizens of Gila County, we must all demand justice. As Gila County Attorney, I will not become complacent. I will tirelessly pursue the justice victims and their families are entitled to.

Finally, the residents of Gila County deserve a County Attorney who stands for honesty, integrity, accountability, and justice. As a public school teacher and coach in this community, I have proven myself as a man who stands for these principles and who will not compromise them regardless of who or what opposition I am confronted with. As your County Attorney, I will fairly and ethically pursue justice against those who commit violent crimes, crimes against property, and drug crimes that corrupt our entire community. I have the experience and leadership necessary to ensure that the cases the County Attorney’s Office pursues are properly investigated and prosecuted, and to make sure that the guilty are tried aggressively but fairly, within the bounds of the Constitution and the laws of Arizona.

Paid for by Beauchamp for Gila County Attorney

(928) 425-0886

beauchampforgilacounty@gmail.com

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

PAYSON ROUNDUP

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Incumbent supervisors get free ride in primary but face general election opposition

BY TERESA MCQUERREY ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

Three of the eight candidates seeking election to the Gila County Board of Supervisors will be on the sidelines until after the primary. Their races will be decided in November.

In District One, Republican incumbent Tommie Cline Martin has no opposition in the Aug. 28 primary. But she’ll face unopposed Independent challenger Hallie Overman-Jackman in the primary.

Incumbent District Two Supervisor Mike Pastor is a Democrat and has no primary opposition. His race will be run in the November general election against the victor in the Republican primary that pits David Cook against Tim Humphrey.

DISTRICT ONE TOMMIE MARTIN:

Martin is running for reelection because she believes she can provide direction and leadership.

Martin said she feels the top issues facing the district are: • The poor economy and the significant loss of real wealth from the depressed housing market; • Long term, major unemployment; • Natural disasters; • Public safety; • and a fiscally irresponsible state legislature.

Martin has lived in Gila County all of her life and comes from pioneer stock on both sides of her family.

She has served on the board of supervisors for eight years. Before her election, she worked for 24 years as a natural resource management educator, facilitator, consultant and advocate on both the national and international level. She also served as a legislative aide to the Arizona House Rules Committee chairman and rules attorneys and worked as a state and Congressional lobbyist for the Arizona Cattlegrowers Association and Center for Holistic Management.

HALLIE OVERMAN-JACKMAN

Overman-Jackman is running to increase county policy transparency, county fiscal responsibility and to address issues concerning the use of National Forest lands.

The most important issues she sees for the district are: • county transparency; • county fiscal responsibility; • National Forest Service issues related to being a better and more responsible partner; • and professional oversight on county building construction (to

Tommie Martin

Hallie Overman-Jackman

Mike Pastor

avoid) the waste of funds on an unusable women’s jail.

Overman-Jackman has lived in District One of Gila County for 13 years. She owned Total Business Solutions, a payroll and tax preparation company, from 2000 to 2007 and still provides tax preparation services. She is owner and president of Hurlburt Development and Overman Land Company, through which she oversaw the engineering and development of subdivisions. Hurlburt Development was the developer on the Chilson Project on Main Street, which was put on hold in 2007 when the real estate market slumped.

Overman-Jackman has worked on several local, county and state election campaigns. She was appointed to the Town of Payson Zoning Commission, she was a board member of the Arizona Planning Association (an elected positions) from 2004 to 2007. She has also served on the boards of Payson Community Kids, Arizonans for Kids, Rim Country Rotary (she is a past president), co-chair of the Payson Electric Light Christmas Parade, Magic on the Mountain (holiday lighting for Green Valley Park) for three years, chair for the Heritage Festival in 2008 and 2009 and Payson’s 125th Rodeo Committee.

and the Corps of Engineers to make sure recreationalists, ranchers, mining and constituents’ voices are heard. He continues to support community issues such as transportation and infrastructure development and economic opportunities within the district. He has provided leadership and direction for improving the efficiency of county government and has provided sound representation.

“The citizens of Gila County are entitled to a full-time working county supervisor in District Two, someone who will give his total commitment and time to improving our county and quality of life for all constituents. In these economically challenging times, we must remain innovative and accountable. I will continue to make the office of Gila County District Two both responsive and transparent,” Pastor said.

Pastor’s record of public service includes support to bring back costeffective post-secondary education and relevant workforce training to Gila County by serving on the Gila/Pinal Workforce Investment Board. He has served on the Gila Community College District Board of Governors, nine years as an elected member of the Globe Unified School District Board, and volunteered for more than 30 years with youth organizations in Gila County.

The fallout from redistricting Gila County, forest health and flooding, plus the Legislature’s continuing cost shifts to counties are among the issues that concern him.

“With all the redistricting, Gila County will be represented by six dif-

ferent representatives and three different state senators, so that will be interesting. It could be a benefit, in fact I think it might be a positive,” Pastor said.

He said work with the U.S. Forest Service and Army Corps of Engineers on flooding and fire matters will continue to need to be addressed since these are ongoing issues in the county.

“Depending on what the Legislature does, we could still be dealing with shifts in costs to the county. So far we have been able to maintain the level of service residents expect, but the state legislature is always an unknown in regard to our finances,” he said.

Pastor was born and raised in Miami, Ariz., the son of Miguel H. Pastor and Josephine C. Pastor. He has been married to the former Linda DeAnda for 38 years. They have three children, Lorinda, Marcus and Joseph and eight grandchildren.

Mike and his wife, Linda, currently own and operate a successful business, Linda’s Beauty Salon, in Globe.

Mike graduated from Miami High School in 1966. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, he attended the local community college, graduating in 1979. As a life-long learner, he later attended Northern Arizona University graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1997 in Elementary Education and has completed course work at the graduate level at Northern Arizona University and the University of Phoenix. He worked in the local copper industry for 34 years.

DISTRICT TWO MIKE PASTOR

Since first being elected in 2008, Pastor said he has worked tirelessly to represent Gila County at both the state and federal level, making himself available to discuss issues that affect the taxpayers of Gila County such as cost shifts to the county by the state, flood mitigation and land use issues with the Forest Service

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Dale Hom

Deborah Hughes

Nathan Morris

For first time in a quarter century – there’s a race for the assessor’s office Two Republicans vie in August primary to challenge longtime Democratic incumbent in the November general election

BY MICHELE NELSON ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

For nearly a quarter of a century, voters have quietly re-elected incumbent Dale Hom to the Gila County assessor’s office.

With the change in the county’s fortunes, this quiet little office remains quiet no longer.

Hom will face a challenger in the general election. He runs unopposed in the primary.

Why the sudden interest in the assessor’s office?

The assessor’s office handles the following duties according to the Web site (http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/ government/assessor/index.php): it locates and identifies taxable property in Gila County. Values the property according to home sales in neighborhoods and property tax statues from the Department of Revenue. Maintains a list of property and notifies property owners of estimated values.

And analyzes requests to revaluate property, then posting the results.

The assessor’s office will answer questions about properties based on parcel numbers and walk through a property tax bill to explain the values.

But as the real estate market has dropped, the assessor’s office has increasingly come under attack.

Last year, residents in the Christopher Creek - Kohl’s Ranch

area held a public meeting with Supervisor Tommie Martin to figure out why their tax bill increased when their neighbors’ houses were selling at dirt-cheap prices. Surely, they felt, their property taxes would go down since values went down.

They didn’t.

“I live in Mead Ranch,” said Sherry Duncan, “Only one home has sold in the last two years. It originally listed at $195,000 and sold for $74,000. None of our homes are worth the full cash value.”

Hom admits that the values of homes have fluctuated over the last three years.

By statute, a property owner will not see a difference in the assessed value used for property tax purposes for three years, unless they appeal, said assessor’s office staff.

Those working in real estate disagree.

Realtor Cliff Potts recently wrote a letter to the editor explaining why he felt the assessor’s office political race has gained attention, “Our properties have not been properly assessed by the county assessor’s office in years,” he wrote.

CHALLENGERS IN REAL ESTATE

The two Republican candidates, Deborah Hughes and Nathan Morris agree with Potts.

Both work in the real estate world, Hughes as a Realtor and Morris as an appraiser.

Hughes said that she often feels frustrated with the assessor’s office

because they don’t keep accurate records.

“I just found a property with a home that the assessor didn’t list on the property,” said Hughes.

She says the Web site frustrates her because of the lack of information.

She believes the Web site should have assessment information on parcels available with every line explained.

“Other assessors’ offices are doing that,” she said.

As an appraiser for real estate, Morris intimately understands the values of property around Gila County.

“I’ve been to every corner of this county as an appraiser,” he said, “I concentrate on making sure the value is correct for the owner and the lender.”

In the last couple of years, he has dipped into helping with property tax evaluation appeals.

He’s found errors.

“Example: the square footage being wrong. If it’s too high then the value is too high and the owner is taxed too much,” said Morris.

He believes as Potts does that the assessor’s office lags behind in updating assessments.

“All the values... should be within the year,” said Morris, “They need to make sure their data is more accurate.”

Morris also believes the Gila County Assessor needs to put more information online, as other counties do.

“Check out Coconino County’s Web

site,” said Morris, “All documents are available, everything we need (for the appraisal business) is online.”

INCUMBENT DEFENDS SYSTEM

Hom said the economy has changed everything.

“Obviously for us and for America, it’s the economy,” he said, “The economy tells us how to value property – sales and sale prices.”

One property owner said when times were good and the values of homes kept going up and up, he appreciated the lag time in evaluating his property because he would have had to pay more taxes based on the increase value of his property.

Now, he said, local governments are raising property tax rates, while the value of the home remains high because readjusted assessments have not yet taken effect so he pays more in property taxes.

This scenario is what brought out the Christopher Creek/Kohl’s Ranch property owners last year.

It is also the reason Hughes and Morris seek to challenge Hom. Hom said housing prices have stopped fluctuating so wildly in recent months.

“They seem to have some kind of rhyme or reason,” he said, “They’ve leveled off.”

Hom said the voters have trusted him for six terms. He believes he has done a good job for Gila County and he trusts his staff.

“I think we’ve done a good job in the office,” he said, “I’m pretty proud of our employees for their care and understanding of the public.”

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

PAYSON ROUNDUP

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Ascoli challenges Savage in treasurer’s race

BY MICHELE NELSON ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

Don Ascoli decided to run for Gila County Treasurer after sitting in a Board of Supervisor’s meeting in 2011 as the supervisors voted on the tax rates for the year.

“Even though the (property) tax rates went down, the school district raised the rates,” he said to explain his decision to run in the Republican primary for a chance to challenge long-time incumbent Democrat Deborah Savage in the November general election.

He listened as the supervisors predicted the public would be in an uproar because their assessed values went down, while their tax bill increased by 20 percent.

And he knew he was part of the public that would see his tax bill increase.

An hour after the supervisors’ meeting, Ascoli sat in then Payson Unified School District Superintendent Casey O’Brien’s office, grilling him and the business manager, Kathie Manning, on why the rate had jumped so much.

They explained to him that the increase stemmed from an error in calculation at the district level plus a

Don Ascoli

Deborah Savage

drop in assessed values statewide that affected the state school tax rate.

Ascoli realized after the two meetings that his tax bill did not give him enough information.

“People don’t understand their tax bill,” he said, “It’s a combination of taxing authorities.”

PUTTING TAX BILLS ONLINE

Ascoli would like to see the treasurer’s office take tax bills online. Each line item that correlates with a taxing authority would have a link explaining who the taxing authority is, how it decided the amount to tax, and contact information.

“I want to have people understand

Deborah

HUGHES

for GILA COUNTY ASSESSOR My name is Deborah Hughes and I’m asking for your vote for Gila County Assessor in the upcoming election.

I have been a Realtor in Gila County since 1996. In the performance of my responsibilities, whether I was representing a buyer or a seller, a critical part of my job was to conduct a thorough investigation of the subject property, and one of the first resources I would check would be the official Gila County Assessor’s public information. Over the years I began to notice many discrepancies in the public record, fairly significant factors like the square footage of the property, whether there was a garage or not, and other items that could have considerable impact on the property’s assessed value.

To be honest, I never really questioned the assessed value - that was not my job. I just made a note of what was available in the public record and worked on the assumption that it was correct, as did all the rest of my colleagues in the real estate, banking, finance and appraisal professions.

Recently, many of you received a “Notice of Value” in the mail from the Gila County Assessor’s Office.

I spent a considerable amount of time searching for an explanation or any other information that would help me understand the data contained in that notice. I’m sorry to say that it is simply not there. I believe that the valuation of our property and the method that the county uses to arrive at it is valuable information. I further believe that it is our right as taxpayers to have this information easily accessible and readily understandable, and I believe that it is the responsibility of the office of the County Assessor to provide it.

I have decided to take it upon myself to make that my job... with your confidence and your vote.

One of my first priorities when elected, will be to ensure that the property valuation information that is made available to the public is easily accessible, current, accurate and understandable. And, in the event there are legitimate questions, there shall be made available all the information necessary to provide the public with access directly to the staff responsible for providing answers. In comparing our county assessor’s public website with those of other jurisdictions, I can see many changes and updates that can and should be made immediately to simplify the process for the public, making use of existing technology to become as paperless as possible, ultimately saving time, money and immeasurable frustration.

With my Real Estate background, plus my leadership and business skills, I look forward to the opportunity - again, with your trust and your vote - to move the office of the Gila County Assessor toward fairness, accuracy, and modern efficiency.

NOTE: For those of you who are registered “Independent” or “Party Undecided” you may still vote for me in the Republican primary without changing your current registration status.

www.deborah-hughes4gilacountyassessor.com

their tax bill,” said Ascoli.

He feels the treasurer’s office does not have enough of a public presence.

He would like to put an education program together and hold public meetings in communities across the county to explain tax bills and the purpose of the treasurer’s office.

Ascoli would work with the taxing districts to tell the public where their tax dollars go.

“I want to be in front of the people paying taxes,” said Ascoli, “I’m going to put a pair of fresh eyes on the office.”

As an engineer, he would like to put his technology capabilities to work to connect the recorder’s and assessor’s offices with the treasurer’s office.

And he would like to open a satellite office in Northern Gila County, since the treasurer’s office is the only office that has no presence in the northern part of the county.

Ascoli and Savage will not face off until the general election. Ascoli is running as a Republican and Savage is a Democrat.

INCUMBENT DEFENDS PERFORMANCE

Savage believes that the economy has made people tired of how things

are run in government, but she said the treasurer’s office has little wiggle room for innovation.

“We are the bank for the county,” she said, “Our duties are laid out by statute. I don’t see how a person can walk in the door and re-do everything.”

Savage, who has been in the office for 20 years, knows the ins and outs of the treasurer’s duties. Her office takes the time to research “downwinders,” those who suffered physical disease due to the nuclear tests done in New Mexico or agent orange tests on Pinal Mountain, because they are eligible for tax write-off benefits.

And Savage loves to help the public.

She just wishes more of them would call to receive help it they need it on their tax bills.

“We will create a payment plan,” she said, “We want to keep homeowners on their property.”

Savage does agree that the office should offer more services online, but that takes time in the world of county politics.

“My general ledger system just got changed (and) we have budgeted for a new tax system,” she said, “The one we use now is currently owned by Navajo County.”

For Change!

“I need all Democrats and Independents to vote for me in the Democratic Primary August 28th.”

Ronnie O.

McDaniel

Gila County Supervisor Dist. 3

Honest # Fair # Experienced Paid for by the R.O. McDaniel Campaign Fund 2012

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Race is on for Rim Country school boards Nine candidates jostling for three seats on the board

BY MICHELE NELSON ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

Nine Rim Country School board candidates have collected all necessary signatures, had their nomination papers notarized and turned everything into the Gila County Superintendent’s office.

Let the contest begin!

The Payson school board has three seats open and nine candidates running.

Each candidate had to gather 70 signatures.

But voters won’t actually make their choice in the non-partisan school board race until November.

Incumbent and sitting president Barbara Underwood will seek her second four-year term, the only returning incumbent.

Payson school board members may only serve a total of three four-year terms.

Underwood has seen the best of times and the worst of times. Her tenure covers the end of the housing boom in Payson through the economic crash. She has had to let principals, teachers and staff go to balance the budget, but through it all she continues to move forward. As a grandparent of students, she has a vested interest in making Payson schools the best.

Two other candidates have children currently in the school district, Lynette Brouwer and Devin Wala.

Brouwer has a daughter in the high school and another daughter in elementary school. Both of Brouwer’s children face challenges with language and culture as they were adopted from outside the country.

Wala has two students, one in high school and the other in the junior high school. Both of his children participate

Lynette Brouwer

Shirley Dye

Barbara Underwood

in extracurricular activities. Wala and his wife joined with other parents in the district to create the Payson Association for Advanced Learners.

The slate of candidates includes many former Payson Unified School District teachers.

James Quinlan used to teach English. He now works full time for Gila Community College. His wife has retired, but the district hired her as a consultant in the junior high science department.

Carmelita Locke worked the majority of her teaching career in Payson.

She retired two years ago, but still volunteers to help children with their education.

Ron Silverman taught social studies, government and economics at Payson High School. He has since taken a job with the White Mountain district after falling as a casualty of

Carmelita Locke

Gerald Rutz

Devin Wala

the reduction in force enforced this past spring. He maintained that he was laid off mostly because he maintained high standards and administrators objected to his willingness to flunk students who didn’t finish their work. Silverman is still a resident in the Payson district.

Gerald Rutz worked in the Valley for years as an educator. He has retired to Payson and hopes to give back to the community.

Shirley Dye has volunteered for hours both tutoring children at her church and with politics. She serves as the vice president of the Payson Tea Party. She has also thrown her hat into the sanitary district board election.

Jim Muhr serves at the president of the Payson Tea Party. He served his country in the Vietnam War and hopes to help his community through serving

Jim Muhr

James Quinlan

Ron Silverman

on the school board.

Meanwhile, the Pine-Strawberry school district has three seats open for its board election and four candidates. Each candidate had to collect 11 signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Jessica Barnette and Margaret Parker, both former school board members will try again for a seat on the board.

Melissa McNeeley, a longtime resident of the Pine-Strawberry area, is making her first bid.

Rick Weiss is new to the district. He designs Web sites. His wife has recently joined the Pine Library Board In the Tonto Basin school district, only one candidate completed the paperwork to qualify for the ballot.

Dottie France gathered five signatures. Her husband works as a Gila County sheriff’s deputy and they have a child in the district.

Complaints about impact fees spur rare sanitary district races For the first time in years, incumbent members of the Northern Gila County Sanitary District face spirited opposition.

Incumbents LaRon Garrett, Guy Pfister and Patrick Underwood have all filed for another term on the board that provides sewage treatment services for communities throughout Rim Country.

For the past several election cycles, incumbents have been routinely reelected – often without opposition – to the crucial but low-key board.

But this year, Gary Bedsworth; Shirley Dye; Gregory Freistad; and

Frank La Spisa all filed on Aug. 8 to challenge the incumbents.

At press time, the Gila County Elections office staff was still verifying signatures on the nominating petitions submitted for the NGCSD board contests.

The Northern Gila County Sanitary District provides sewage treatment services for Payson and other, smaller communities, although many of the smaller, unincorporated subdivisions rely on individual

septic tanks and aren’t within the district boundaries. That includes Star Valley, where residents rely almost entirely on individual septic systems.

That makes the sanitary district crucial for the region’s future growth plans, particularly the development of commercial and industrial uses.

The district has sometimes spurred controversy in the development community as a result of steep impact fees on new construction, especially com-

mercial construction like new restaurants.

The district charges homeowners an impact fee of about $5,500 to hook up to the system. The fee for commercial users can often run to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, the district has reportedly accumulated more than $10 million in its infrastructure fund from the imposition of those impact fees. Some of the challengers have argued that the district ought to lower the impact fee or reconsider the amount to help restart the nearly dead construction industry in Rim Country.

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Sadie Jo Tomerlin

PAYSON ROUNDUP

Mac Feezor

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Mickie Nye

Hard times, new technology spur startling challenge for recorder race

BY MICHELE NELSON ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

The Gila County recorder’s office — generally a boring office no one thinks about, especially around election time.

But not this year.

The incumbent, Sadie Jo Tomerlin, faces challenger Mac Feezor in the Republican primary. If she wins the primary, she will face Democrat Mickie Nye in the general election.

Feezor is challenging Tomerlin in the Republican primary. Feezor maintains the recorder’s office could save money and improve service by basing a supervisor in the county satellite offices in Payson. Currently, all of the recorder’s employees work in Globe, with frequent trips to Payson. Feezor also maintains that the recorder’s office has lagged in using up-to-date technology to cut costs and make official documents more easily available.

Nye, a Globe businessman, is running unopposed in the Democratic Primary. He has raised questions about whether Tomerlin has focused on purging Democrats from the voter roles and making it harder for the heavily Democratic San Carlos Apache reservation to participate in early balloting.

FLOOD OF CAMPAIGNING

The vigorous challenges have produced a flood of campaigning for an office to which voters usually just return the incumbent year after year after year.

Tomerlin has been re-elected repeatedly since 2008. She is the

youngest recorder in Arizona history to be elected, but the economy has changed everything.

The recorder’s office does just that – records documents the law requires the government to archive for reference. According to the Gila County Recorder’s Office website (http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/government/recorder/index.php), documents Tomerlin’s office handles include: real estate transactions, mortgages, deeds of trust, family trusts, personal property, tax liens, mining locations, subdivision plats, records of survey, military discharges, official appointments of office, business ownership documents and other documents required to be made of public record – except marriage, birth and death certificates.

Those may be requested of the Arizona Department of Health Services or the Clerk of the Superior Court.

The office also functions as the Registrar of Voters. The duties include: maintaining the county register, conducting early voting, verifying petition signatures, keeping lists of political parties and candidates, and jury lists.

COMPLAINTS SPUR CHALLENGES

Why the challenge to an office that just files a lot of paperwork?

Real estate agents particularly express frustration with the recorder’s office because for every

sale they facilitate, they must research the title, liens, deeds, and foreclosures of the property. All of this information resides at the recorder’s office.

Business owners must record their business name, location of business, and the name and address of the business owner or corporation. Any changes in ownership must go through the recorder’s office.

Real estate agents and business owners have complained that the recorder’s office lacks customer service; they cite frustration that documents are not available electronically, and they feel the office does not have enough representation in the north part of the county, even though most of the business and real estate transactions happen in the north.

In a letter to the editor, Rim Country realtor Cliff Potts wrote, “The county recorder admits that county records are not available in electronic format because her department has not performed the statutorily required steps to make them available.”

In an email, Tomerlin replied to this accusation, “The recorder’s office has moved into the 21st century as much as statutes will allow us to…We have an IT department that keeps our office up to date with the technology we need.”

In a speech given to the Tea Party in Payson, Tomerlin discussed the various technological advances the

candidates and public were interested in seeing enacted at the recorder’s office.

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS

The first technology issue that has become an issue in the campaign involves e-records, which involves scanning and submitting them to the recorder’s office digitally.

“E-recording - it was very scary,” said Tomerlin. “We weren’t sure if we wanted to do that. We wanted to make sure that these were legit good documents that were coming into us.

What e-recording is, instead of walking into the recorder’s office to record your document, the title companies, or yourself, can get a contract with Simplefile or Indigo, which are the erecording companies and you can submit it on-line to us. It saves the county a lot of money. We don’t have to mail back the documents (and) we don’t have to have the manpower to scan them all in and do that.

Currently we’re doing between 30 and 40 percent e-recording and we only started on Aug. 1st (2011). Aug. 1st was our first day doing e-recording.

So it’s a really good turn out so far.”

She went on to say that other counties are doing between 60 to 70 percent of their recording transactions via e-recording.

Nye agreed with Potts and offered a suggestion, “I agree that the Gila County Recorder’s Office has not moved into the 21st century. There are other counties in Arizona who have. We can partner with the larger CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

North versus south division of services FROM PAGE 11

counties and save our taxpayers time and money.”

ARCHIVING RECORDS DIGITALLY

Another issue that concerns new technology centers on the archiving of historical documents.

Feezor noticed that the recorder’s office listed as one of its accomplishments converting 100 years of documents into digital format. After he discovered the county had paid $55,000 to US Imaging in 2009 to convert those historical documents to digital format, he decided he wanted to see the results.

So, when he went to file with for the election this year, he dropped into the recorder’s office and asked Chief Deputy Recorder Dawn Caldera if he could see the CD’s. What he told him surprised him.

“She told me, ‘We have just let out the contract,’” said Feezor.

However, in the Tea Party meeting, Tomerlin said of digitizing the historical information: “One thing that I’m really proud of is that we have been working on the historical documents from 1881 to present…. (but) it’s not something that we can just upload and

put onto our system right away and have everybody look at them.

“My office manager Jane Smrdel she came to me and she goes, ‘Sadie look at this document it’s from 2005.’”

And we’re looking through it - there were 32 pages in which a gentleman decided to list his bank account numbers, his safety deposit box numbers, his Social Security number.

Now, that’s just kinda strange to me – but we get documents like that all the time. So we can’t just throw these historical documents online for everybody. We have to redact this information. Because I know if I did that - if an attorney had prepared that document for me - I would hope the county recorder would redact that information. So, we signed a contract with US imaging, which is a microfilm CD company. That they transfer everything onto CD’s – in 2009. In April of 2010, they came to the office, and they scanned in all old documents, the brand books, the lien books, all of ‘em.

Amazing work they did. But we cannot give these CD’s out to people and we cannot put them on the Internet

because of the Arizona revised statutes.

“You cannot put online unless these documents have been redacted, and proofed, and indexed,” she continued.

“They have to be. If you put ‘em online, and you just see all these pages, how do you know whose they are? Unless you go one by one.”

Feezor said he believes the recorder’s office has only just started to index these documents so they can find them to redact the information.

In a speech to the Democratic Party in Payson, Nye said he has heard many business people complain about the lack of customer service from the recorder’s office. In a subsequent email, Nye wrote, “Go to San Carlos, Canyon Day, Hayden/Winkelman and ask the community leaders if they have been treated equitably or fairly.

They tell me they have not.”

IMPROVING CUSTOMER SERVICE

Nye believes the citizens of Gila County deserve to be treated with respect. If elected, he said he would start a customer service survey to

reward those in the office with excellent customer service skills.

Feezor visited numerous real estate offices and heard that it can take up to two months to receive the deed for a property.

Tomerlin responded to the lack of customer service accusation in an email, “They (the other candidates) need to fabricate things to create a platform for their bid for the position.

I have received a couple complaints but that is because they do not understand the process – once we explain the process and statutes they have no problem. We do receive complaints regarding other departments such as their tax billing. Many times people do not understand the regulations and state statues we are governed by. So for anyone that says they would do things different either does not understand what they are saying or they are downright being untruthful to the public about what they actually are capable of doing.”

EXPLAINS 50 PERCENT ANNUAL STAFF TURNOVER

Feezor said the complaints of customer service might result from high staff turn over.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Re-Elect Daisy Flores Gila County Attorney • Successful hands-on County Attorney - managing personal criminal caseload and duties • Recognized state-wide as authority on prosecution and ethics • Nationally recognized department-the number 1 Child Support Enforcement Division in the nation with $5.3 million in child support collected last year.

• Fiscally responsible in management of annual budget of over $4 million ensured an average 12% savings of tax payer money for each of the last 3 years.

• Active in supporting the community - obtained $1 million grant for local educational project.

Experience, Knowledge and Commitment since 2002 Editorial Citizens of Gila County: You will be voting and thereby hiring the attorney for the county on August 28th - this is one job where experience, knowledge, and commitment truly matter. I am running for re-election on my merits and I refuse to bow to or join the political rhetoric of others. I believe our community deserves a prosecutor - not a politician.

A Constitutional CONSERVATIVE

For years I have fought to protect this county and all her citizens. Even as your elected County Attorney I personally prosecuted all level of offenses including convicting at trial numerous drug dealers and murderers. Hard work pays off, last year we had a 16% county-wide reduction in drug offenses and we provided over 31,000 notifications to victims. Daily I make the hard decisions to ensure that justice is served for you and in the last decade over 40,000 criminal offenses were prosecuted under my watch.

I am committed to you - commit to me and vote for Daisy Flores on August 28th.

Sincerely, Daisy Flores

Ascoli

Vote Vote Don

I was born and raised in Gila County - this is my home. I have 17 years of experience in the criminal justice system serving as a probation officer, law clerk, deputy county attorney, defense attorney and since 2002 as the elected County Attorney. I successfully manage a staff of over 50 employees, an annual budget of over $4,000,000, and my fiscal conservatism saved an average of $350,000 each of the last 3 years - even while we annually collected over $5,000,000 in child support for our Gila County children.

for GILA

COUNTY TREASURER

A Citizen-Servant REPUBLICAN •

Business and Financial Background - A small business owner as well as having worked in Fortune 500 companies. My financial training and expertise along with corporate savvy will insure best business practices are used in the Treasurer’s office.

Focus - Gila County still has no efficient, computer integration of financial services, an • Technology improvement my technological background has prepared me to help implement.

• Experience - Serving as Treasurer of multiple non-profits means I have a lifetime of the practical knowledge required for the office.

Service - A County Treasurer must be personally accessible, especially in rural areas away • Public from the county seat. As with my service as Chairman of the Gila County Planning and Zoning Commission, I will continue to be present across the county for all taxpayers and citizens.

Paid for by Re-Elect Daisy Flores County Attorney Committee / daisyjoflores@gmail.com

Paidforfor Ascoli4Treasurer Committee Paid by by the the Ascoli4Treasurer Committee

928-478-8196 ascoli4treasurer@gmail.com

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Rare challenge in recorder race FROM PAGE 12

In the four years Tomerlin has run the Recorder’s office, 20 people have left.

Feezor requested statistics on Tomerlin’s staff over the last four years and discovered, 60 percent resigned, 20 percent retired, 10 percent transferred to another department, 5 percent were fired and 5 percent declined an offer of employment.

Tomerlin currently has a staff of 10 people and on average loses half of them each year. Learning the ropes takes time, which could make customer service difficult, said Feezor.

NORTH VERSUS SOUTH IN STAFFING

Now that the 2010 census data shows that most of the population resides in Northern Gila County and the supervisor redistricting maps have changed to reflect that population difference, a debate rages over the distribution of resources between the North and South of Gila County.

Both Tomerlin and Nye reside in Globe, which is the county seat. When asked why the recorder’s office had only two staff people in Payson and eight in Globe, including the office supervisor for Payson, Tomerlin responded, “Of course, there are more staff at the county headquarters for the recorder’s office as that is where the county seat. The staff located at the office in Payson, or the satellite facility, is adequate to handle any workload that is necessary. This thought of moving more staff to Payson for work that is non-existent is a fabricated issue only for a stump speech. The majority of real estate documents do NOT come through the Payson office. The majority of the documents come through the mail or erecording.

We receive approximately 40 documents per day in the mail and approximately 30 e-recordings a day. As for the walk-ins, the Globe office records approximately 25 documents a day and the Payson Office records approximately 15 documents a day.”

Nye said, “We need to shift the staff to the office that truly needs the resources.

Assessing staffing needs by location should not be that difficult.

Staff will need to adjust to the fact that they may have to travel to other sites as demand dictates.”

Feezor, a Payson resident, said that when he asked Tomerlin about the discrepancy, she told him that she and Judy Smrdel (the Payson supervisor) travel to Payson twice per week.

Curious to prove what Tomerlin said, Feezor requested either the logs on the county vehicle Tomerlin and Smrdel used to travel or expense reports on fuel charges. The reply for this information came back: “Nothing responsive to your requests,” said Feezor.

He decided to guesstimate how much these trips cost Gila County taxpayers for the roughly 104 trips Tomerlin and Smrdel say they make each year. His estimate came to $28,800, which includes 51 cents a mile for gas and car expenses, Tomerlin’s $30-an-hour pay, and mrdel’s $18-an-hour rate.

Feezor believes that moving the Payson supervisor to Payson would improve the budget and customer service.

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Republican Senate primary provokes bitter confrontation Flake, Cardon dominate race with struggle to win title of ‘most conservative’ candidate

BY PETER ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

Only in an Arizona Republican primary could you base a campaign on the assertion that Rep. Jeff Flake isn’t conservative enough.

But that’s exactly the argument Mesa investor Wil Cardon has made in his attempt to deny six-term Mesa Congressman Jeff Flake the nomination to succeed retiring Sen. Jon Kyl. Cardon has put about $7.5 million of his own money into the campaign.

He has poured about $4 million into an advertising blitz mostly criticizing Flake for previous support of comprehensive immigration reform, backpeddling on a promise to serve only two terms, his lobbying efforts for a mining company and his vote to continue making payments on the national debt.

Flake has raised about $5 million, but also benefitted from independent expenditures by the Club for Growth political action committee, a Super PAC that has spent most of its money helping conservative Republicans kill off moderates in primaries across the country. Founded by wealthy Wall Street investors, the Club for Growth has contributed $583,000 to Flake’s campaign and made additional independent expenditures.

Other major corporate contributors to Flake’s campaign include FreeportMcMoRan Copper & Gold, ($50,500), US Airways ($41,500), Knight Transportation ($30,500) and Marriott International ($27,250), according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which maintains a Web site that publishes campaign finance reports.

The Center’s report on Flake lists the top industries contributing to his campaign as party and conservative organizations, retirees, congressional leadership PACS, the mining industry and the real estate industry. All told, PACs have contributed 13 percent of his fund and small contributions account for about 11 percent.

However, those campaign statements provide less insight than in the past, since recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have cleared the way for unlimited, undisclosed campaigns to support individual candidates by corporations and political action commit-

tees, so long as they don’t directly coordinate with the candidate. Many campaigns have done end runs around those requirements by holding political retreats, hiring shared consulting firms and other approaches that have usually allowed for easy overlap.

The other candidates in the race on the Republican side haven’t so far made much of an impression. That includes former Youngtown Mayor Bryan Hackbarth, who has only raised about $27,000 and conservative radio talk show host Clair Van Steenwyk, who has raised about $17,000.

The contest has focused mostly on Cardon’s effort to prevent what initially looked like a Republican coronation of Flake. Both come from pioneering Mormon families with deep roots.

Cardon drew sharp criticism from the Republican establishment for his self-funded challenge, for fear he would damage the presumptive nominee for the general-election campaign against the sole Democratic candidate – former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, also a Tucson trauma surgeon and a decorated medic, SWAT team officer.

The Republican establishment has lined up behind Flake, who has collected endorsements from Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl to Tea Party darling former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

But Cardon has run his maverick campaign, drawing support from the Tea Party wing of the Republican grass roots, with his outspoken stance on sealing the border and drastic cuts in federal spending.

The former head of the Goldwater Institute conservative think tank in Phoenix, Flake spent a decade in congress crusading against congressional earmarks – the practice of slipping pork barrel projects for the home district into big spending bills. The practice grew session by session as it evolved into a way for the leadership in both parties to round up votes for crucial bills. The price tag grew to about $50 billion annually — a drop in the federal spending bucket — but a source of embarrassing highways like the Alaskan “Bridge to Nowhere,” a $400 million bridge to connect an island with 50 residents to the mainland. For years, Flake took to the floor of the house to object to earmarks, often to the embarrassment and irri-

Jeff Flake

Wil Cardon

tation of colleagues on both sides of the aisle. He also refused to ask for earmarks to benefit his district, to the sometimes-intense irritation of his constituents.

But in part as a result of years of effort by both Flake and Sen. McCain, Congress eventually eschewed earmarks – which some political observers has contributed to the current state of deadlock – since House and Senate leaders no longer can easily slip pet projects into key bills to enlist support.

Cardon has dismissed Flake’s antispending crusade by pointing out that Flake has spent heavily on congressional travel – and that he voted along with the House leadership to raise the ceiling on the national debt.

But mostly, Cardon has blasted Flake for abandoning a pledge to serve only two terms in the House and for four years ago supporting a comprehensive immigration reform plan embraced by both McCain and Kyl that would have substantially increased spending on border security, but also established a guest worker program and some means for people living here illegally with jobs and clean records to legalize their status.

A revolt by the Republican rank and file killed the plan, which also had the support of then-President George Bush.

In speeches in Payson, Flake advocated additional deep cuts in taxes and spending and the wholesale repeal of federal regulations. He has strongly supported Republican Vice

Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan’s budget, adopted by House Republicans without any Democratic support and repeatedly buried in the Democratic-controlled Senate. That budget includes some $6 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years focused on domestic programs like Medicaid, Medicare, welfare, education and other domestic programs. The impact on the deficit was cushioned in the proposal by some $4 trillion in tax cuts, which included lowering the top rate from about 36 percent to 25 percent and collapsing other lower rates down to 10 percent. The plan would have raised the retirement age to 67 and turned Medicare into an insurance premium subsidy with a cap well below the current rate of medical inflation for future retirees. The Medicaid program (known as AHCCCS in Arizona) would become a block grant to the states, with deep reductions in federal support. The budget assumes the repeal of almost all of the provisions of the Affordable Health Care Act, which would provide subsidized insurance to an estimated 34 million Americans and impose fines on people who don’t buy insurance.

The House budget Flake supported would have reduced federal spending as a share of the Gross National Product from 23 percent to 14 percent, with dramatic reductions in almost all federal programs except the military.

Flake has also opposed any restrictions on guns, ammunition or magazines, despite a string of recent shootings. He also favors the eliminating both the federal Department of Energy and the Department of Education.

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Gloves off in Republican Senate primary FROM PAGE 14

In one appearance in Payson, he also agreed with a questioner who wanted a return to state legislatures picking U.S. senators instead of the voters at large, a system that changed in 1912 with the adoption of the 17th Amendment. Flake said he preferred that system, but that he had no plans to push for it and couldn’t imagine congress, the states and the voters approving a repeal of the 17th Amendment.

Flake has also sharply criticized federal bureaucracy and environmental laws, blaming Forest Service inaction for the devastation of events like the Wallow Fire last summer, the largest fire in state history. He recalled touring the area burned and driving a long a road that divided an area thinned to reduce fire danger on one said and an area left unthinned to provide thick, forested habitat for the endangered Mexican Spotted Owl. “On the left side where they had thinned, the fire had dropped to the ground. On the right side they left for the spotted owl — it was a moonscape. No trees and no spotted owls,” said Flake. “It was the starkest reminder of what forest management really needs.”

Flake said the federal government continues to smother the private sector, squander taxpayer money and suppress economic growth with regulations.

As one example, he cited the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to require the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station and other power plants in the Southwest to adopt expensive new technology to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, soot and nitrogen oxides. Power plants that could face costly new requirements include the Cholla, Coronado and Apache generating stations.

The regulations are intended to reduce the haze that cuts by 30 percent visibility at recreation sites like the Grand Canyon. Visitors to the Grand Canyon pump an estimated $721 million into local economies annually. However, Flake said the EPA’s own estimates say that the $1.1 billion worth of pollution control upgrades might not make a visible dent in the problem.

“These federal agencies aren’t responsible to anyone. They’re currently not beholden to Congress because we’re not passing a budget that allows us to direct those agencies how to spend those funds,” said Flake.

“We’re closer to the edge of the cliff than we’ve ever been,” said Flake.

“Unfortunately, Congress tends to not act only when we’re halfway over the edge staring into the abyss. I don’t think we know where that edge of the cliff is. We could have a treasury auction and there are just no buyers —

Voters gather at Tiny’s Restaurant to ask questions of candidates. and China says, ‘we have enough of your debt.’” He said the nation’s $16 trillion deficit will soon reach the “point of no return” that will produce an economic meltdown.

“Pretty soon we’re going to be where Greece is,” he said.

Flake said Republicans and Democrats alike created the problem by letting federal spending spin out of control and promising benefits for Medicaid, Social Security and Medicare the nation could not afford to keep.

“We were headed for this fiscal cliff long before the Democrats took the wheel, but they hit the accelerator,” said Flake. “This is a problem both parties got us into.”

Although Cardon has criticized Flake as one of the professional politicians and Washington insiders who has created the current economic crisis – he hasn’t laid out very many sharply contrasting positions with Flake, beyond his opponent’s sincerenounced support for term limits and comprehensive immigration reform.

Instead, Cardon has stressed his background in investment and business, which he says is shared by only 15 of the 100 U.S. senators.

“We have to change the composition of Congress. You can’t send the same people back there and get a different result. We need outsiders, not insiders. I’m not running for the endorsement of the establishment — I’m running to replace them. I want them gone.”

He wants to eliminate the federal Department of Education, use U.S.

Special Forces to seal the border with Mexico and eliminate congressional pensions and medical benefits. He also is collecting signatures for a petition drive opposing any U.S. involvement with “Agenda 21,” which is a non-binding United Nations plan to promote sustainable development signed by 178 nations since 1992.

Cardon said it’s not enough for Republicans to elect Mitt Romney as president and take control of the U.S. Senate from the Democrats. They must also elect the right sort of Republicans.

“Imagine that 51-seat Republican majority in the Senate that includes faces like Kyl and Flake and McCain.

Then picture that same 51 with businessmen. Do you think you’ll get a different result?” he asked.

Cardon said Flake’s shift in position makes him a “flip-flopper” and a professional politician. “We have to stop illegal immigration because it will destroy this country,” said Cardon.

The solution includes building a fence on the border, deploying troops, enlisting local police to enforce immigration laws and to strictly enforce laws against hiring illegal immigrants, he said.

“Look how far experienced politicians have gotten us: $16 trillion in debt. You can’t be a successful member of a failed organization,” said the Mesa businessman. “Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is to do the same thing over again and expect a different result. We need outsiders, not insiders.”

Cardon, whose grandfather started a chain of gas stations including one in Payson, recalls summers at the family cabin in Christopher Creek. Cardon’s platform calls for tax cuts, a balanced budget, no military cuts, fewer regulations, more federal projects in Arizona, the repeal of recent health care reforms, free trade, outlawing abortions, banning gay marriage and tough restrictions on immigration.

But Cardon insists Flake neglected the bread and butter needs of his district and shifted back toward the Republican center on issues like immigration reform to run for senate.

“Jeff Flake is a nice guy — but no one knows where he is on immigration. He’s for open borders and amnesty and now he’s running for senate so he’s not for that after all. He’s for lower taxes, but proposes an energy tax. Some Republican candidates have lost their way,” said Cardon.

“Your actions have to match your rhetoric.”

Cardon has headed the family business for the past 10 years, which includes buying and selling land for development, gas stations and other businesses. A Mormon and father of five, Cardon played football at Brigham Young University and Stanford University before going on to get his MBA from Harvard.

“I’m with Vince Lombardi: Get back to basics. We need people who are consistent and reliable and principled. We don’t need a U.S. Senator — we need an Arizona senator. We need people who will pay attention to the state and at the end of the day are willing to lead and fight for the state. Jeff Flake has been anything but someone who will fight for the state.”

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PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Former surgeon general and war hero launches long-shot bid for U.S. Senate Richard Carmona hopes bitter Republican primary will give him an opening with voters in the general election

BY PETE ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

Like a race horse hugging the rail and hanging back, former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona hopes to win Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat in spite of the long odds.

Arizonans have not elected a Democratic U.S. Senator since Sen. Dennis DeConcini retired in 1995. However, Carmona’s resume and the disarray in the Republican ranks have given the Independent turned Democrat a rare opening.

Carmona has one of those resumes political consultants drool over, including his service as the nation’s chief public health officer under President George Bush. As surgeon general, he clashed repeatedly with the Bush Administration – usually when disagreeing with directives to water down science-based policies that came with political complications.

The race will likely attract a rush of outside money between now and the general election, since the Republican’s odds of winning control of the U.S. Senate will take a body blow if Carmona can capitalize on Republican Senator Jon Kyl’s retirement and swing the seat to the Democrats.

Carmona has played a careful hand through the primaries, often criticizing both parties and following the old political adage to stay out of the way when your opponents are destroying one another.

For instance, Flake and Cardon have insisted they will make the repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act a top priority and sharply criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision upholding the key elements of the plan to fine people who don’t get health insurance after providing premium subsidies expected to extend coverage to 34 million Americans. By contrast, Carmona cautiously supported the ruling – while pointing out that the Democratic-backed package of health care reforms won’t address the most important problem with the U.S. medical system – its spiraling cost.

Likewise, Flake and Cardon have supported SB 1070 and called for ever-more stringent controls on the boarder and immigration, including opposition to any hint of “amnesty” to legalize the status of people already in the country. Flake has abandoned his support for a comprehensive set of reforms and Cardon has hammered him for flip-flopping.

Carmona, on the other hand, has warmly supported reforms like the Obama administration’s decision this week to offer work permits and a path to citizenship for youngsters brought to the country without papers that have served in the military or received an education. However, Carmona has also insisted that securing the border to crack down on drug and human smuggling and penalizing compa-

Richard Carmona nies that knowingly hire illegals remains a top priority. In essence, he has taken over the position that Flake started with four years ago, but abandoned under pressure from his party’s right wing.

Carmona has quietly raised money and drawn a bead on targets of opportunity as the leading Republican contenders – Rep. Jeff Flake and investor Wil Cardon – have bloodied one another.

Carmona has so far raised about $2.5 million and spent about $1 million, according to a compilation of federal campaign spending reports posted on the Web site of the Center for Responsive Politics. About 11 percent of his money has come in small donations and 12 percent from Political Action Committees.

Early polls showed Flake with a huge lead in the Republican primary and a substantial lead over Carmona in a general-election matchup. But the Republican race has tightened considerably, although Flake remains the clear front-runner.

However, recent polls show him only about 5 percent ahead of Carmona in a general-election matchup.

He has steered to the middle on most issues, as the Republican primary has driven his likely opponents further to the right.

Carmona hopes that his glittering resumé that includes his stint as U.S. Surgeon General, two Bronze Stars as a combat medic in Vietnam, two Purple Hearts, his decorated service as a Pima County SWAT member and his launch of the trauma care system in Tucson will propel him to victory over Flake, a six-term congressman who formerly headed the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank in Phoenix.

Born in New York of Puerto Rican descent and

raised in Harlem, Carmona ranks as one of the leading Hispanic candidates in the country – in a state with a rapidly growing Hispanic population driven increasingly into the Democratic camp by harsh rhetoric and policies embraced by Arizona Republicans, especially SB 1070 which alarmed many Hispanic residents with the specter of finding themselves repeatedly stopped, frisked and retained by local police officers enforcing federal immigration laws.

Hispanics comprise 30 percent of the state’s population but only 18 percent of the registered voters.

Four years ago, Barack Obama won 56 percent of the Latino vote in Arizona compared to 41 percent for home-state rival Sen. John McCain.

Carmona dropped out of high school at 16 and enlisted in the United States Army Special Forces.

He finished high school in the Army and became a combat medic, winning several decorations in combat in Vietnam.

After leaving the service, he obtained a nursing degree from Bronx Community College then a medical degree from the University of California at San Francisco, where he was the top graduate. He later also earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Arizona.

Carmona worked for a time with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a deputy sheriff and on the SWAT team. In 1999, he interrupted an assault involving a mentally ill man who had earlier that day killed his father. The man shot at Carmona and wounded him, but Carmona returned fire and killed the suspect.

He also later worked as a paramedic, registered nurse and doctor before completing a surgical residency in trauma, burns and critical care. As chief executive officer of the Pima County health care system, he helped establish a trauma system, however, when the county medical system racked up millions in losses, he was forced to resign. He then became a professor of medicine at the University of Arizona.

In 2002, President George Bush nominated him to serve as U.S. Surgeon General and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a 98-0 vote.

However, as surgeon general he soon came into conflict with the Bush administration, mostly as a result of his refusal to withhold or edit scientific reports. In 2006, he issued a landmark report on the deadly effects of second-hand smoke, which he later testified administration officials repeatedly tried to get him to “water down.”

He also later testified before Congress that Bush administration officials also tried to prevent him from speaking about scientific evidence bearing on health issues that included embryonic stem cell research, global climate change, emergency contraception and abstinence-only sex education.

Carmona also testified that he was ordered not to attend the Special Olympics because of its sponsorship by the Kennedy family and directed to mention President Bush at least three times on every page of any speech.

He returned to Tucson and the University of Arizona medical school faculty and rejected an effort by Republicans to recruit him to run for Congress, before changing his party registration and making his long-shot run for the U.S. Senate.

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

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Republican congressional race brings conservative principles under scrutiny Incumbent faces primary battle in redrawn district

BY PETE ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

Did Rep. Paul Gosar betray his conservative principles when he followed the urgings of House Republican leaders and voted to raise the debt ceiling?

That’s the question on which state Senator Ron Gould has bet his initially long-shot, and now increasingly competitive effort to deny the freshman Tea Party Republican dentist turned politician a second term in Congress.

Known for his brash, anti-abortion, anti-taxes, pro-gun stances even in the far-right Arizona legislature, the Lake Havasu City businessman has capitalized on all-out support from the Club for Growth’s Political Action Committee to force the workaholic, fiercely anti-Democrat Gosar into a costly fight in a redrawn congressional district.

The sprawling Congressional District 4 includes all of Northern Gila County, but also scoops up Prescott, the Verde Valley, Sedona and the entire western third of the state – from the outskirts of Yuma to the Utah border.

The district tilts heavily Republican and only 11 percent of the district’s residents live in Rim Country, the scrawny tail on the sprawling shaggy dog of a district.

The demographic of the district’s 710,000 residents includes 18 percent Hispanic, 2 percent Native American, 2 percent black and 76 percent nonHispanic white. Republicans account for 42 percent of registered voters, Democrats for 23 percent and Independents about 35 percent.

However, based on past elections in the districts the bulk of the Independents generally vote Republican – which gives Republicans a two-to-one advantage in a normal race, according to an analysis conducted by consultants for the Independent Redistricting Commission.

The Redistricting Commission split Gila County between District 4 and District 1, mostly to unite the White Mountain and San Carlos Apache Reservations with the Hopi and Navajo Reservations – creating a new District 1 that’s almost evenly split between Republicans and Democrats

and a population that’s 24 percent Native American and 22 percent Hispanic.

Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick – who Gosar ousted two years ago in the old District 1 – is making a strong bid to regain that seat, which means she would once again represent southern Gila County.

Gosar opted to move to Prescott rather than risk a re-match with Kirkpatrick in the redrawn District 1.

Instead, he found himself facing two strong Republican challengers – Gould and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Initially, the anti-immigrant crusading Babeu pulled ahead in the polls, but then his campaign selfdestructed in a series of outlandish scandals involving Babeu’s reported gay boyfriend, who turned out to be an illegal immigrant. After the boyfriend claimed Babeu threatened to deport him if he revealed their relationship.

Babeu denied the claims, but ultimately dropped out – leaving the fight to Gould and Gosar.

Gould got off to a slow start, but then gained traction with a huge infusion of money from the Club for Growth’s Super PAC. Started by a small group of wealthy Wall Street investors, the Club for Growth has sunk millions into Republican primaries – mostly supporting far-right conservatives in struggles with Republican moderates.

Gosar has made an issue of some $619,000 the Club for Growth has spent on behalf of Gould.

However, Gosar’s campaign spending reports show that he has raised nearly $1 million, a third of it from Political Action Committees.

Small donors have contributed only 8 percent of Gosar’s money, undercutting his indignation with Gould’s reliance mostly on out-of-state donors.

Unregulated “Super PACS” have increasingly dominated campaigns since the U.S. Supreme Court trashed core campaign finance reforms and ruled that such groups can spend as much as they want with minimal disclosure of their sources so long as they don’t directly coordinate expenditures with the candidate they’re supporting.

However, in Gould’s case, his campaign finance reports show that he has paid substantial sums to a political consulting group also used by the Club for Growth, making it easy to effectively coordinate campaign

Paul Gosar

Ron Gould

through the shared consultants.

The Democratic candidates in the lopsidedly Republican District have kept a low profile. That includes Mikel Weisser, a teacher, poet, performer and political activist and Johnnie Elbert Robinson, whose Web site says he has run a mentoring program for troubled teens and worked in congressional offices.

The campaign has revolved largely around Gould’s effort to play up his credentials as one of the most conservative members of the Arizona legislature and support for gun rights so fierce that he pushed through a bill in the last session that would have prevented colleges from banning guns on campus.

With the help of the Club for Growth, he has attacked Gosar for his vote earlier this year to raise the debt ceiling by $1 trillion.

The Gould campaign has characterized that vote as a tax increase, but it simply authorized the government to pay debts already owed based on spending previously approved by Congress. The final vote was 269 to 161 to raise the debt ceiling to avoid defaulting on the nation’s debt. Many economists warned that defaulting on the debt could trigger a disastrous chain of events that would have raised the government’s borrowing costs, forced the shut down of government and perhaps thrown the economy back into recession.

However, a core of Republican lawmakers ignored the pleas of the House Republican leadership and voted against the debt ceiling increase.

Gosar sided with the leadership, although he was among a group of freshmen lawmakers who pushed hard for trillions in spending cuts and tax cuts. That included many freshmen supported by the Tea Party.

The House and Democratic leadership struck a deal to raise the ceiling only if a legislative Super Committee was set up to find ways to trim the deficit by about $1.4 trillion over 10 years, split evenly between defense and domestic programs. However, that committee failed to reach a deal with set in motion a series of automatic cuts starting next year that economists warn may cripple the struggling economy. Sen. John McCain has warned that one estimate shows the automatic cuts could cost Arizona’s struggling economy 50,000 jobs.

Generally, Gosar has supported most spending and tax cuts considered by Congress in the past two years. He has strongly supported the House Republican Budget authored

by Congressman Paul Ryan, now the Republican vice presidential nominee.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that over 10 years that budget would cut federal spending by about $6 trillion and federal taxes by about $4 trillion. Among other things, the program would turn Medicare into an insurance support plan for younger workers that would increase their out-of-pocket costs in retirement by an estimated 40 percent. The plan would also turn Medicaid (in Arizona known as AHCCCS) into a no-strings-attached block grant to the states, with substantially less federal support.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Two Democrats tilting windmills

BY PETE ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

Don Quixote had it better.

Sure, he tilted windmills with a tin pot on his head in a hopeless quest for glory.

But at least he had a horse and a trusted sidekick.

By contrast, the two Democrats vying for the nomination in the newly drawn U.S. Congressional District 6 face long and lonely odds – with too many spinning windmills to last.

The contest pits teacher/activist/performer Mikel Weisser, 54, against former congressional aid Johnnie Robinson.

Whoever wins the Republican primary – most likely either Congressman Paul Gosar (R-Prescott) or former state Sen. Ron Gould (R-Lake Havasu City).

Republicans have a roughly 10 percent registration advantage in the district and the registered independents generally lean Republican based on past election history, according to an analysis preformed by the Independent Redistricting Commission.

Northern Gila County accounts for about 11 percent of the district’s population. The district stretches from Rim Country, through Prescott, Sedona and the Verde Valley, then spreads out along the entire western one-third of the state – from the outskirts of Yuma all the way up to the Utah border.

Despite the long odds, Weisser has campaigned exuberantly, criss-crossing the state and firing off e-mails and cell phone messages.

The native Texan has accumulated an odd resumé for a would-be politician. The son of a nightclub singer, he worked as a plumber and homeless shelter manager before going to college at the age of

30. He got an degree in education from the University of Illinois at Springfield and then a masters in education from the University of Northern Arizona. He currently teachers social studies and language arts to middle school students, writes

poetry, reads poetry and performs in coffee houses and other venues.

As a political activist he has worked for Occupy Kingman, Amnesty International, Code Pink, Move On.org and the Phoenix End the War coalition.

His platform includes a call for more prosecutions for financial crimes, an end to government no-bid contracts, a citizenship program for all undocumented immigrants, an expanded program to allow the immigration of “economic refugees,” legalization of marijuana, elimination of private prisons, establishment of universal, government sponsored health care and a large-scale shift to alternative forms of energy.

He’s contending for the nomination with Johnnie Robinson, another Texas native and the son of a welder and stone mason. He did volunteer work for the Special Olympics and soup kitchens in Maryland where he grew up.

As an adult he moved to Arizona, started a mentor program, work with public agencies in Pinal County and organized community neighborhood cleanups.

After graduating from Central Arizona College with AA degrees in business and political science, he worked with congressional offices and youth mentoring programs.

His campaign platform includes support for increased federal support for education and the development of a standardized curriculum, tax incentives to encourage U.S Corporations to bring jobs back to this country and broader access to affordable health care, expanded benefits for veterans.

Two Republicans squabble in District 4 FROM PAGE 17 Roughly 30 percent of Gila County residents rely on AHCCCS for their health coverage.

Gosar also won praise from Payson Mayor Kenny Evans and others for moving through Congress last session a bill that would make the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation – not the U.S. Forest Service – primarily responsible for supervising the construction of the Blue Ridge Pipeline. Payson officials said the bill was essential in clearing away bureaucratic tangles that could otherwise stall completion of the $34-million pipeline that will more than double the town’s long-term water supply.

Gosar has piled up endorsements, including U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, State Rep. Brenda Barton, who currently represents Rim Country, anti-abortion-crusading Congressman Trent Franks, the National Rifle Association and the Arizona Republic.

Gosar’s Web site also claims an endorsement by Star Valley Mayor Bill Rappaport, but Rappaport – a Democrat –

says he never endorsed Gosar.

Gould has mounted an unexpectedly strong challenge to Gosar, with his improbable flanking move to the far right.

Gould is an ultra-conservative lawmaker best known in the last legislative session for introducing a bill to require colleges to allow students and faculty to carry guns on campus. He also walked out of the Senate to protest the Republican decision to put a temporary one-cent sales tax on the ballot to avert more than $1 billion in cuts, mostly to education.

Criticized by even some Republican colleagues for his fierce criticisms and independent stances, the Club for Growth’s profile of him on its Web site pointed out that the Goldwater Institute rated Gould as the most conservative Arizona State Senator. By contrast, the Club for Growth said Gosar supported the bills the Club backed only 63 percent of the time.

That profile also says that Gosar voted to support the left-leaning, community organizing and voter registration group

ACORN. However, Gosar said that ACORN lost its federal funding as a result of questions about its voter registration tactics before Gosar even took office.

Both Gosar and Gould have supported drastic restrictions on abortion, repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act, deep reductions in federal spending and adherence to the immigration control provisions of SB 1070.

One of Gould’s early campaign ads pictured him loading a copy of the Affordable Health Care Act into a skeet shooter and blasting it on the wing with a shotgun.

The Center for Responsive Politics Web site reported that Gould has raised $187,995, but that tally doesn’t count the independent expenditures by the Club for Growth. Of the money raised by Gould directly, 24 percent has come from small contributors, 74 percent from large contributors and 2 percent from PACs. Rick Murphy, a Lake Havasu City businessman also running for the seat, has raised no money but donated $9,600 to his own campaign.

He has repeated sponsored legislation

to oppose any form of gun control, favors making all abortions illegal, sponsored a bill to oppose gay marriage, opposes any immigration reforms that would offer any version of “amnesty” to people here illegally and says he would vote against any tax increases and any future increase in the debt limit.

Although Gosar has accumulated endorsements from federal lawmakers like Sen. John McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl, Gould has countered with endorsements from state lawmakers – including Republican state Sen. Sylvia Allen, who currently represents Rim Country. Gould has the endorsement of state Senate President Steve Pierce.

Gould was first elected to the state senate in 2004, then re-elected in 2006 and 2008, but left this year as term limits took hold. The owner of an air conditioning and heating company, he also served on the Lake Havasu City Council. In the State Senate, he sat on the appropriations, finance, government reform, judiciary and water, land use and rural development committees.

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

PAYSON ROUNDUP

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Many ballot measures before voters in November Unofficially, voters will have nine measures to decide in November’s general election in addition to selecting the men and women they wish to represent them at the national, state and local levels and fill a variety of public service offices. Signatures on petitions to place several measures on the ballot are still being verified by the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.

Among the measures listed on the Secretary of State’s Web site are: 114, Crime Victim Protection from Liability for Damages: This measure protects victims of crimes from being sued for damages from the person who committed the crime against them.

115, The Judicial Department: This initiative expands the term of a Superior Court judge from four to eight years, if their term started after Jan. 1, 2013 and they sat on the bench in a county with a population of 250,000 or more, according to the latest census. It raised the required retirement age of judges from 70 to 75.

It also modifies who will serve on the commissions appointed to select the persons to fill vacancies on in the trial and appellate courts.

116, Property Tax Exemptions:

The initiative give a tax break to businesses on newly acquired equipment, according Ballotpedia.

117, Property Tax Assessed Valuation:If approved, the initiative would limit the value of property assessed for property tax purposes.

The language to make the change, “For the purposes of taxes levied beginning in Tax year 2015, the value of real property and improvements, including mobile homes, used for all ad valorem taxes shall be the lesser of the full cash value of the property or an amount five percent greater than the value of property determined pursuant to this subsection for the prior year.”

118, Establishment of Permanent Funds: The initiative would modify the Arizona Constitution to allow the yearly distribution of funds raised from state land trust to 2.5 percent of the average market values of the fund from the previous five years. The fund pays for schools, colleges, prisons, etc.

119, State Trust Lands: Lets Legislature enact a process to

exchange trust land if related to protecting military installations. Existing state law requires the state to maximize the financial return on any state land sold or exchanged.

120, State Sovereignty: Would declare state sovereignty over state natural resources based on the argument of “equal footing”. The language in the proposed ballot measure states, “The State of Arizona declares its sovereign and exclusive authority and jurisdiction over the air, water, public lands, minerals, wildlife and other natural resources within its boundaries except for territory established as Indian Reservations by the government of the United States; lands of the United States or lands over which jurisdiction has been ceded … to the United States…” In effect, the proposition would revoke the state’s agreement to the terms of its statehood in 1912, allowing the state legislature to assume effective control of state lands.

204, the Quality Education and Jobs Initiative: The citizen initiated measure to renew the state sales tax implemented in 2010 was rejected by

Secretary of State Ken Bennett on the grounds that two versions of the initiative were submitted to his office. The supporters of the measure successfully challenged that ruling in the courts.

The proposal renews a 2010 voterapproved one-cent sales tax to provide funding for education, scholarships for college students and reinvestment in vocational education and new jobs.

The Arizona Federal Action Rejection Amendment is an initiated constitutional amendment. The measure would allow state voters to reject federal action by way of veto referendum. The measure was filed by the group Checks and Balances In Government.

The Arizona “Open Government Act” Initiative is also a constitutional amendment. The measure would implement a top-two style open primary system. In a top-two open primary, candidates for a government position run on the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation. All registered voters can cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. The two candidates with the most votes are then placed on the November general election ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson introduced the proposal.

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

Veteran prosecutor faces fierce challenge

BY ALEXIS BECHMAN

friends of defendants and the public in general will often resolve their concerns after speaking with me or my staff,” she said. “There are times that the prosecutor cannot bow to the will of the victim or criticisms of the public, our job is to see that justice is done and sometimes that means someone will be unhappy with us.”

Still, Flores admits there are cases she could have handled differently.

“Any attorney worth their salt recognizes there are cases that could have been resolved in a different manner or that reached a better outcome for their client.”

ROUNDUP STAFF REPORTER

The Republican primary contest for the Gila County Attorney’s post pits a veteran prosecutor against a challenger who maintains that the incumbent has been “soft on crime,” offered too many easy plea deals for drug dealers and violent offenders and let relationships deteriorate between prosecutors and police departments throughout the county.

Incumbent Daisy Flores is proud of her 10-year record as Gila County’s attorney, citing some 40,000 cases prosecuted under her watch, including 40 homicide cases she personally handled. But she says her work is far from finished. While the county has seen a recent drop in drug-related cases, domestic violence has spiked.

“Some may assume that our biggest problem is drugs, but we saw a 16 percent decrease countywide in drug offenses last year and in the second quarter of this year, a decrease of 30 percent,” she said. “Countywide, in a two-year period, we had more than 1,200 domestic violence-related arrests and in 2011 alone, the Payson shelter had 1,170 hotline calls.”

Opponent Bradley Beauchamp, a lawyer, teacher and coach, did not return calls seeking comment for this article. However, in an ad placed in the Roundup, he said “the last 10 years in Gila County have seen a steady deterioration in the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the County Attorney’s Office.

As county attorney I will work vigilantly to restore an effective partnership with law enforcement, rather than using them as scapegoats.”

He also said that “the Gila County Attorney’s Office has come to have a reputation of being soft on crime, letting violent offenders and drug dealers go uncharged or walk with lenient plea offer. I pledge that such a reputation and those policies would cease under my stewardship.”

However, Flores maintains she has vigorously prosecuted criminals throughout her decade in the office.

Beyond prosecution, said Flores, education is key to slowing this growing trend, she said.

Later this year, Flores will introduce a new domestic violence curriculum to county schools in conjunction with local law enforcement.

The curriculum grew from the Gila County Domestic Violence Roundtable, a group Flores founded earlier this year.

Flores says it takes a community effort to fight domestic violence, starting in the classroom, through shelters and up to county offices.

“We have just begun and we have lots of work ahead of us.”

But Flores can’t implement any

PLEA BARGAINS

Daisy Flores

Bradley Beauchamp

program before she defeats Beauchamp in the August Republican primary for county attorney. No one is running on the Democratic ticket.

Beauchamp’s ad in the Roundup said “there are many reasons that I am running for this office,e but perhaps the event that tipped the scales was the tragic murder of Scott Johnson. The greater tragedy, however, is that Scott Johnson’s story was not an anomaly. There are many other victims and victim’s families that have not been given justice or closure during these last 10 years.”

Johnson was stabbed to death in 2010. Although a suspect was initially arrested, he was later released. To date, no one has been charged with the murder.

However, Flores prides herself on tackling issues headon, much like she did as a competitive fencer. She doesn’t shy away from questions about the election, public criticism, staffing, plea deals her office made or the budget.

In fact, Flores reports her fiscal conservatism has saved the office an average of $350,000 in each of the last three years. All the while, she has managed a staff of more than 50.

“I am proud of the work my office and I have done for the last decade and I intend to keep working hard for my county,” she said. “This job is for someone who is experienced, committed and fiscally responsible. The county attorney position is not for someone who has never prosecuted a case, never advised an elected county official, nor managed an office.”

Flores said voters are hiring an attorney that not only prosecutes crimes, but protects the assets of the county in civil court and manages a

$4 million budget.

As county attorney, Flores said she continually evaluates what her office is doing well and how they can improve.

In the last year, Flores required all supervisory staff participate in a leadership development program.

She is also hiring a new prosecutor for the Payson office to help with the increased workload in northern Gila County.

The office’s team includes 12 attorneys, making it the largest law firm in the county.

To find the right prosecutors, Flores has a panel of attorneys and staff members interview each candidate along with her. She looks for attorneys with strong academic backgrounds, upstanding character and a desire to litigate cases through to trial.

Every new prosecutor trains for six months to a year and then co-chairs a trial.

This due diligence is critical to avoid case acquittals. It is difficult when a judge throws out a case because a prosecutor makes a mistake at trial.

To address this, five years ago, Flores revised how pre-trial work is handled.

“I require all prosecutors follow a detailed pre-trial preparation process and I personally meet with the prosecution team six weeks before trial to ensure all are ready for trial.”

Still, Flores is not immune to criticism.

Talking about a case, however, often calms victim and family concerns.

“Many times, victims, family and

One area that often faces criticism is plea deals. Some may feel a deal is too lenient, while others say it is too harsh.

Critics include Beauchamp, whose printed ad focused on plea bargains agreed to by Flores’ office. “Unlike my opponent, who refuses to even acknowledge that there are problems with crime in Gila County, I plan to face our mounting troubles head on,” wrote Beauchamp.

However, Flores says usually plea agreements justly resolve criminal cases.

There are only rare exceptions when a plea agreement should have been crafted differently.

In 96 percent of cases across the United States, the court accepts plea agreements.

A plea guarantees the certainty of a conviction, restitution to the victim and limited appellate rights for the accused. “This is why it is a plea bargain – the defendant bargains with the state and there are benefits to both sides,” she said.

OVERCROWDED JAILS

The county has room to house 172 inmates.

Last year, total bookings were 3,814 – the highest per capita in Arizona.

“The math is simple – we have more people arrested than we have space,” she said.

To staunch the flow, non-violent offenders are normally released and summoned to court – a decision Flores supports.

Those that that pose the greatest risk to the community are kept in custody (those accused of murder, serious aggravated assault, repeat offenders and drug dealers).

“I knew from reports and earlier visits to the jail how challenging it is to be a detention officer in an outdated and overcrowded jail,” she said.

On Aug. 13, Flores participated in the Spend the Night in Jail in Globe and said she garnered an even greater appreciation for jail staff.

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

PAYSON ROUNDUP

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State Senate poses sharp contrast

BY PETE ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

The primaries for the state senate seat representing Rim Country qualified as boring – with one candidate from each party in the running.

But the general election campaign will produce one of the most striking contrasts in the state – in a redrawn district where either candidate could win.

The race in the redrawn state legislative District 6 pits Republican State House Rep. Chester Crandell (R-Heber) against State Sen. Tom Chabin (D-Flagstaff).

Chabin has proposed an ambitious plan to close enough loopholes in the state income tax and sales tax to generate the billions of dollars needed to boost state spending on education from among the lowest in the nation to the middle of the pack.

Meanwhile, Crandell has proposed a radical change in state school financing to pay districts based on student outcomes rather than attendance. For instance, under his proposal districts wouldn’t get paid for students who failed to graduate or couldn’t pass tests of basic skills.

However, Crandell has gotten the most attention for sponsoring a bill that will put on the ballot a proposal to essentially revoke the terms under which Arizona entered the union in 1912, so that the state legislature could essentially assume control of federal lands.

Both lawmakers face the challenge of running in a district that was dramatically changed this year by the Independent Redistricting Commission, established by the voters to take the politically explosive task of drawing new district lines to reflect population changes documented by the once-a-decade census.

The redrawn district splits Gila County in two.

The heavily Republican northern end of the county ended up in District 6, which includes Sedona, the Verde Valley,

Chester Crandell

Tom Chabin

Flagstaff and Heber. The population of the redrawn district is 16 percent Hispanic, 74 percent white and 6 percent Native American. The voter registration breaks down to 38 percent Republican, 29 percent Democratic and 33 percent Independent.

Despite the Republican edge, the district remains much more of a tossup than Rim Country’s old district, dominated by a vast sprawl of rural counties to the east. Now, Flagstaff has become the demographic epicenter of the district, which should help Chabin balance out Crandell’s edge in registration.

Chabin’s long record of public service includes a stint on the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and the Tuba City School Board.

Crandell has just completed his first term in the Legislature and previously worked in a regional school district that funneled funding to local districts for vocational programs.

Chabin has stressed providing more money for education in several appearances in Payson and has decried some $2 billion in education cuts made by the Legislature in the

past several years.

Chabin said he would push for the systematic overhaul of the state tax code to remove the various exemptions enacted by the legislature over the years. He cited an independent study that estimated that repealing all existing sales tax exemptions would effectively double state revenues.

Chabin said he would use that money to lower tax rates overall, creating a broader tax code not riddled with exceptions.

Chabin said he would devote $2-$3 billion of that added revenue to boosting per-student spending in the state from 48th to 24th. That would increase total per-student spending from state, federal and local sources in Arizona by about a third.

In addition, he would cap university tuition at about $1,500 per semester – compared to about $5,000 at present.

Finally, he would cap community college tuition at about $500 annually, between one half and one third of current levels at most colleges.

“Republicans are good and decent people,” said the longtime Democrat.

“They’re not crazy. But they’re trapped in ideology. Their ideology is that if you cut taxes, you’re gonna generate more taxes. Ask students whose tuition has doubled if that theory works. Ask teachers who have so many kids in their classroom they can’t teach if that theory works. Ask the Town of Payson that has lost a million dollars in state-shared revenue if that system works. Ask your school board that had to close a school and increase class sizes if that system works.”

Crandell, on the other hand, favors a dramatic change in the way the state funds school districts.

Currently, he says, the state pays school districts based on “seat time.”

The state provides about $3,400 for each student that attends school a certain number of days, with deductions from the state payment if the attendance rate dips.

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As a result, he said, schools get the same amount of money whether students learn anything or not – so they don’t have a strong financial incentive to improve. In fact, the system discourages schools from advancing students as rapidly as possible. So instead of moving the best students along quickly, so that they could finish high school and start college a year or two sooner – schools get more money if they keep students plodding along.

“We’re not allowing students to progress at their own rates. We can turn that around if we pay on outcomes,” said Crandell in one appearance in Payson.

Critics have objected that such an out-comes based financing system could well punish students with many low-income, minority or non-Englishspeaking student.

Crandell has also gained attention for his push for the state to renounce the terms of its 1912 statehood in order to effectively assume control of federal lands in the state. He sponsored a law that gained enough votes in the Legislature to make it onto the November ballot.

He argues that the state must take over federal lands in order to better manage the fire-prone forests, citing the dramatic increase in catastrophic wildfires in the past decade as the result of a more than 10-fold increase in tree densities on millions of acres of forested land in the past century.

He also maintains that the state could then sell off federal land to provide development and economic opportunity for rural communities like Payson.

Crandell’s push for a modern version of nullification of federal laws through the assertion of state’s rights harks back to the Civil War and more recently to the Sage Brush Rebellion, a movement by a group in western states to challenge federal control of vast tracks to land. The federal government, for instance, controls about 95 percent of the land in Gila County.

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YARD SALES/ AUCTIONS YARD SALES 1. 4946 Spruce Trail (Strawberry), Fri. Sat. & Sun. Aug. 24, 25 & 26 from 7am to ?; Moving Sale - Furniture, Large Vinal Sofa, Like New Kenmore Washer/Dryer, Large Book Case/TV Cabinet, Very Nice Bar Stools, Patio Table & Chairs, Xtra Large Storage Cabinet and Misc. 928-476-2231 2. Yard sale at Space 129, Lamplighter RV Resort, 3933 E. Hwy 260, Star Valley, on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 24-26, from 9am to 4pm. Household goods, sheds, golf cart, gazebo and other good stuff. 928-472-4346.

3. 600 N. Tyler Park Way (Tyler Parkway Near the Rim Cuntry Feed Store) Watch for Signs; Sat. Only Aug. 25 from 10am to 4pm Furniture, Tools, RV Accessories, Music Equipment, Paintings, Animal Mounts, Collectibles, 5000 Wt Generator, and Lots More; No Clothes or Toys.

4. 1016 W. Summit St. Sat. Aug. 25 from 7am to ?; Futon, Baby Items, Mountain Bike, Sewing Machine & Serger, Stained Glass, Freezer Chest, 4 Bar Stools, Fire Pits, Side Table and Much More; Don’t Miss Out! 5. 371 W. Round Valley Rd. (Upper Round Valley) Fri. & Sat. Aug. 24 & 25 from 8am to 2pm; Five Family Yard Sale, Antique Furniture, Tools, Lots of Guy Stuff, Women’s Clothes, Household Items & More; Something For Everybody! 928-978-8010 6. 1003 N. Matterhorn, Fri. & Sat. Aug. 24 & 25 from 8am to 3pm; Moving Sale: Everything Must Go! Lots Of Stuff...Don’t Miss Out!

ADMINISTRATIVE/ PROFESSIONAL

Front Office Receptionist On server

FRONT OFFICE RECEPTIONIST

Dog Nail Clipping in the comfort and convenience of your home by Tracy. Local professional groomer of 23 years. $12.00 928-978-4959 Lhasa Apso: Adorable, AKC Pups,Potty/pad trained, Shots, $475. Call 928-243-2378

ADMINISTRATIVE/ PROFESSIONAL

2009 Artic Cat Side-By-Side Prowler 700, 1057 miles, Street Legal, $2,600 of Extras, Kept Inside, $10,000. 928-474-1640 or 928-978-1640

BOATS

12’ Valco Aluminum Boat 3.5HP Mercury or 9.8HP Evinrude, 2 Bass Seats, Trailer 2/Spare $1,200. Firm; 928-477-2028 or 602-300-9557 12ft Aluminum Fishing Boat, 15-HP Merc. HD Elect. Trolling Motor Depth Finder, Tilt Trailer, $1795. Call 928-468-6560 Nissan 9.8HP 4-Stroke, Electric Start Motor, Like New, 928-478-6061

New Price: $11,500: 1994 Fleetwood Southwind, 32ft, Very Good Condition, 2 New Tires, Only 49K Miles, 928-472-4799 or 928-951-3963

SUVS 1999 Ford Expedition, Call for Appointment, 172K Miles, $3500.

2000 Nissan Xterra 119K, 4WD, Runs Great, 3.3.Litre, Michelin Tires, Front Brakes, AC, Towing Pkg, Asking $5,200.obo 928-472-4530 or 928-595-1106

TRUCKS 1997 F-250 Diesel, New Tires, New Battery, Asking $5,500. call 928-479-2191 or 602-881-6968

1986 Corvette, 928-474-4000

2004 Dodge PU, 4WD, 4 Door, 49K Miles, Cruse Control, Tow Package, $13,000. 928-476-2802

2008 Harley Anniv. Road King, Mint Condition, 6000 Miles, Must Sell due to Health, $14,900. Has Saddlebags & Windshield 928-472-7077

2005 8ft Cab over Slide in Camper, Excellent Condition, Self Contained, Stove, Microwave, Toilet, AC, Queen Bed, Sleeps 4, $4200. 928-210-8046

2005 Dodge Ram Quad cab Hemi. 76k miles, full power, trailer tow, loaded, looks great, runs great, $13,850; Call 928-978-5271 Beautiful 1966 GMC 3/4 ton, w/camper, two gas tanks, positraction all four wheels, only 80K original miles, one owner, all original. Tailgate, bed cover. KBB-19K, only $15K obo. Please call Gena at 602-696-4647 or 928-474-3435. or 928-474-2686

EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATIVE/ PROFESSIONAL 30ft Furnished Layton, Enclosed Patio, Storage, Great Get-Away or Fishing & Hunting, Located East of Payson, $3,800.obo 623-465-7784 New Double R.V. Recliner Sofa Tan, Vinal (Ultra Leather) Center Fold Down Arm Rest Cup Holder, Paid $1100. Sell $800. obo, H-928-476-3827 C-928-830-0055

GET RESULTS with an ad in our

Classifieds!

474-5251

with an ad in our

Classifieds!

474-5251

HEAVY LINE/LIGHT LINE

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN

Experience required • Drivers License required • ASE Certified

100 N. Beeline Hwy.

1981 Honda Excell 250, 6K Miles, Excellent Condition, $950.obo 928-978-2411

RVS

GET RESULTS

Contact Ernest Saldana ernestsaldana@chapmanchoice.com

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING, LOCAL: Will Pick Up, Good Prices, DAVE’S AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING, Parts for Sale, M-F, 9-5, Sat 9-1, 928-474-4440

1984 Ford Tioga Class-B 19ft, Fully Self Contained, Good Tires, No Leaks, $750. Clean AZ Title, Moving Must Sell; 928-978-3124

Order: 10060106 Cust: -Chapman Auto Center Keywords: Light Line Tech art#: 20103771 Class: Mechanical Size: 2.00 X 2.00

For info http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/g overnment/human_resources/ employment/employment_opp ortunities.php or call 928-425-7971 x11.

EOE

LIGHT LINE SUSPENSION TECH CAPABLE OF FRONT END ALIGNMENTS Paid Vacations • 401K Retirement Plan • Medical & Dental Benefits.

CARS

MOTORCYCLES

Busy dental office is seeking a responsible, experienced Front Office Receptionist for a temporary opening (with possibility of permanent part-time position).

Great customer service and excellent phone and computer skills are a must.

Please fax resume to (928)472-8300

DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER position is available at Gila County Probation in Payson.

F/T, $39,104/yr (certified), $35,422/yr (non-certified).

ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK SENIOR position is available at Gila County Probation in Payson.

F/T, $22,152/yr, with benefits.

For info see http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/ government/human_resource s/employment/employment_o pportunities.php or call 928-425-7971 x11. EOE OFFICE SUPERVISOR position is available at Gila County Probation in Payson.

F/T, $31,304/yr, with benefits.

For info see http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/g overnment/human_resources/ employment/employment_opp ortunities.php or call 928-425-7971 x11. EOE

928-596-6514

Order: 10060244 Cust: -CPES Keywords: Hiring Event art#: 20103977 Class: Healthcare Size: 2.00 X 6.00

CPES Hiring Event Payson/Star Valley Please join us at our hiring event for experienced and entry level caregivers:

When: Saturday August 25, 2012 10AM -2PM Where: 806A N Beeline Hwy, Payson, AZ 85541 We are hiring for the following positions: Support Supervisor: at least 2 years related work experience in field of Developmental Disabilities or Behavioral Health and knowledge of DDD regulations. Must be a self starter and possess excellent team building skills. Salary 22K-24K DOE Direct Support Providers all shifts: Full-time, part-time and on call available for entry level and experienced caregivers. $8.25hrly Interviews will be held the same day!

Minimum Requirements for all positions: • 21 years of age, Valid AZ driver’s license & clean driving record.

• Qualify for a DPS fingerprint clearance card • Attend 1 week paid training in Tempe, AZ.

CPES offers: medical, dental, vision, paid time off, opportunities for advancement 401K and ESOP. For more information or to apply now call: 928-595-1886

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

ADMINISTRATIVE/ PROFESSIONAL Position: Bailiff/Interpreter Location: Payson, Arizona Hourly Salary: $12.05 (part-time/35 hrs. per week) Closing Date: August 23, 2012 High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one (1) year Bailiff/Interpreter experience and experience in dealing with the public; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must be fluent in English and Spanish. Valid Arizona Driver’s License.

Please visit our website: http://www.gilacountyaz.gov/personnel/employment/default. html to fill out an application.

Applications may be emailed, faxed to 928-402-4252, or mailed to 1400 E. Ash St., Globe, AZ 85501 Email address: employment@co.gila.az.us

GENERAL A Reliable Housekeeper needed for Cabin Resort in Strawberry. PT Employment, Must be able to work Sundays. $10/HR. 928-476-4252 Ask for Amanda:

HANDYMAN A Dependable Handyman Service

Excavation Work, Carpentry, Painting, Masonry, Electric, Yard Work, Wood Splitting, Hauling Payson License #P08226, Not Licensed Contractor: Barney Branstetter: 928-595-0236 or 928-595-0435

New Homes, Remodels, Decks, Tile and Wood Floors, Screened Porches, Painting, Reasonable Rates, 35-yrs Experience, Quality Workmanship, Free Estimates, Call 928-978-1996

HOME SERVICES

New Construction, Remodels, Home Services From concrete topaint to roofing. Over thirty years experience. Licensed and bonded.

IMMEDIATE OPENING: F/T Administrative & Personal Assistant needed for global alternative healthcare business. MUST HAVE experience in fast paced office environment and possess advanced communications skills.

Experience with Microsoft office suite and other office software a must. Experience in making travel arrangements a plus.

Flexibility & multi-tasking a must. Please ATTACH your resume to an email and send to: info@longevityplus.com.

SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE.

SERVICES MISCELLANEOUS Banjo Lessons

or Stringed Instrument repair and intonation. Call Dale 928-978-0132 Bookkeeping/Clerical Services, Done in my home or your office, 30 plus years experience, reasonable rates, Diane 520-720-8332 Get local news delivered to your home twice a week. Subscribe to the Payson Roundup, 474-5251.

For Sale “$330,000.”

One of a Kind Property 1301 E. Bolivar St. Payson 3Br/2Ba Home, 2208+/-sf 1Bd/Guest Cottage 816+/-sf 1.96+/-Acres w/Views, Horses OK-Well/Septic RV Garage Taxes $2266.42/2011 Open House Sat./Sun. 9am to 2pm Year Built 1978-updated 2004-2011 Please Call Lee 928-595-1164 Lovely Cabin in Gated Area, Excellent Pure Well Water, 2Br/1Ba, , Quiet, Tall Pines, 13 Miles N. of Payson, $150K OWC w/$50K Down; 928-474-3435 or 928-474-2686

Privately Gated, 1.5 Acres, 3700sf, 4Br/4Ba, Horses Ok, Close In, $479,000. Details at 480-216-2960 Riverfront Paradise

For free consultation and estimates, call Tom or Ron at 928-468-2016.

PRIVATE HOUSEKEEPER 15 Years Experience - Payson “I’ll Do YOUR Dirty Work and WINDOWS TOO!” Solid References Available!

Jill: 928-595-1233.

LANDSCAPING

IRIS GARDEN SVCE: COMPLETE SUMMER CLEAN-UP, FIREWISE, REASONABLE, DEBRIS DUMPED, PAYSON LIC. 928-474-5932, Cell 928-951-3734 not.lic.contr.

Sit on the front porch of this 2,000 square foot,3B/2B Home with a 600sf detached studio/officer on nearly 2 acres Overlooking the East Verde River. The river flows past the front porch and limestone formations tower out the back porch. Gigantic master bedroom suite with a fireplace and a walk-in closet. Pine paneling, giant living room, big picture windows, two fireplaces, 1.82 acres of boulders and oaks.

Plenty of room for kids and visitors. Listed at $329,000 for one of the few riverfront properties in Arizona. 548 W. Eleanor Dr, East Verde Estates. Call Deborah Rose-Ellis (928) 978-0063 or Deborah@sellspayson.com

MOBILES FOR SALE 1996 CAVCO 14X60, 55 Plus Park, 2Br/2Ba, Green House, Storage Shed, Large Garden w/Fruit Trees, Log Cabin Facade; $18,000. 928-978-3557 Foreclosures: 30 Homes, both New and PreOwned to Choose From, Free Delivery, Call Bronco Homes, 1-800-487-0712

Now accepting applications for Crew and Management positions. Please apply in person today at the Sonic Drive-In of Payson

HEALTH CARE

HOMES FOR SALE

Payson’s Best View: 3Br, 2Ba 119 E. Pine St. $74.9K 928-474-4000

HOUSEKEEPING Get a Head Start on Your Career! We are looking for hardworking, dependable people to fill the following position(s): Payson “ Kitchen Aide “ Special Services Aide Visit our website at: www.pgccs.org to see our updated employment listings and for information on PGCCS Pay Schedules per position or call 520-723-1211 for more information or to request an employment application. Please submit application by (August 24, 2012) Program is 83% federally funded.

EOE/AA.

PAYSON ROUNDUP

REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE

Fully Furnished Park Model, (Star Valley-Houston Creek RV Park), Backed Open Area, Excellent Condition, Call Don at 480-236-3459

RENTALS APARTMENTS FOR RENT 1Bdr Duplex, Quiet-Area, W/D, Carport, Fenced Yard, All Utilities Paid, $750.p/m, 1st Month Rent + Cleaning Dep. $300.

Smoking/Pets-No! Avail. Oct. 1st 928-468-8185

Custom 3Bd/2Ba, 2364sf Home, Spectacular Views Throughout, Spacious Master Suite, Large Deck; Bonus: 1800+sf Unfinished, Walk-out Basement, $449,900.

Open Saturdays 10am-4pm, 707 E. Phoenix St., Cell 623-271-4476, 55+ Park, 705 E. Miller #35, 14x68 2Br/2Ba, Covered Patio, New Cooler, Insulated Metal Roof, Vacant, $7,000. 928-978-2658 12x65 2Br/1Ba, New W/D-Fridge-Furnished Space 14, $3,000.

REPOS: 2, 3, & 4 Bedrooms, Starting from $9,989. Call Bronco Homes: 1-800-487-0712 Twin Lakes Mobile Home Park (55 Adult Park) 903 E. Granite Dells, Payson, 2Bd/2Ba, well maintained Palm Harbor Home Call 928-479-2329 for appointment

APARTMENTS FOR RENT 2Br/1Ba, Newer Carpet & Paint, New Range, Includes: Water, Sewer &Trash, Avail Now. $550.mo Call Sharon 928-478-6188 1Br/1Ba, Newly Remodeled w/Wood Flooring & Furniture, Covered Parking, W/D, Water,Garbage,Sewer,Included $500.p/m, Call for Information 928-472-8564 or 928-978-1444 Large, Clean, Quiet: 2BD/1BA Apartment In Nice, North East Area, Back Patio, Pets-No, $650.mo Call Dennis @ 928-978-1385

COMMERCIAL FOR RENT Fully Equiped Restaurant In Punkin Center for Lease: Established 2005, Great Location 10 Min. to Roosevelt Lake, Sandra, 928-474-3830 www.punkincenterrvcorral.com

Office or Retail Space Lowest Rates In Payson Private Bath,500 sq.ft.

On Upgraded Remodeled Units, 1 Month Rent Free 602-616-3558

Rim View OFFICE PARK, Executive Suites, Payson’s Premier Office Space, 708 E. Hwy 260, 928-472-7035.

Apt Rental CD

Summer’s hot, and the Savings are Hotter at ASPEN COVE! Come in today, look and lease and we’ll waive your application fee + take 1/2 OFF your first full month move-in!

NO DEPOSIT OAC!!!!

ASPEN COVE

810 E. FRONTIER ST. #46, PAYSON, AZ 85541

(928) 474-8042

Cornerstone Property Services

www.cornerstone-mgt.com

2BDR/2BATH HOME Dining Room, Large (450sq.ft.) Family Room, w/Fireplace, Stove, Refrigerator, Evap Cooler, W/D, 8150 Barranca,Mesa Del, $690/month 928-474-8833 2Br/1.5Ba w/partially fenced yard.

950sf. in Strawberry. Washer/dryer hookup. Front/Back covered patios. $600.mo Contact by phone or text, James 480-208-1562 or Brandy 928-595-0638.

2Br/1Ba, Stove & Refrig, Fenced Yard, Wood Stove, Carport, (Trash, Water-Well, Washer & Dryer Included) 700 Rear South Oak, $600.

928-474-8833 2Br/2Ba Gisela 928-472-9085 3Bd/2Ba Carport, Fenced, RV Parking, Pets-Ok, $950.mo; 2Bd/2Ba Carport, Screened Porch, $750.mo; 2Bd/1Ba Carport, RV Parking, $650.mo; Owner/Agent, 928-978-2373 3Bd/2Ba/3Car, new carpet, Smoking NO, Pets NO, 1 yr lease. $1175/mo. 602-909-2824 3BR/1BA, FREE ELECTRIC & WATER! DUPLEX, PINE Private Yard, Kitchen, D/R, Living Rm, Garage. $975. + Security Deposit.

Owner/Agent 480-248-6144 3Br/2Ba, W/D Hookup, Fence Yard, 1500+sf, Smoking-No, Pets-?, $875.mo + Dep. 928-474-0009 3Br+Office/3Ba, Custom Home in Town, 2-Car Garage/RV Parking, Fenced Yard, Covered Decks, Pets-?, Smoking-No, $1,200.mo 928-472-7353 Beautiful, Cozy Home, 3Br/2.5Ba Avail, Payson., Beautiful Views, Very Reasonable Price Please Call Flavio, Se Abla Espaniol: 602-384-7177

SKY PARK INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: 1305 W. Red Baron Rd. 1600sf Suite’s 5 Suites Avail. 928-468-6320.

HOMES FOR RENT 1500sf 3Br/2Ba 2004 Manufactured Home in MesaDel, Vaulted Ceilings, Split Floorplan, Fenced, Gated, $850.mo + Dep. 928-472-2176 or 602-717-3355 1Br/1Ba All Electric & Covered Deck, $375. and 1Br/Ba + Edition, W/D, $475.

Water/Sewer/Trash Included, Move-in Ready, 928-595-1227 or 928-595-1864 1Br/1Ba w/Bonus Room Log Cabin in Payson, Good Size Kitchen, Carport, Wood Floors, $635.p/m + Dep. Call 602-670-1430 2BD/2BA w/Garage, W/D Hookup, 1 Acre, $700.month + Deposit!

597 Moonlight Drive, Star Valley, References, 928-474-8126 Lease a Lifestyle

1Br Apt. Recently remodeled, w/New Applicance and AC, Great S. Beeline Location, $500.p/m 928-978-3994 2BD/1BA, W/D Hookup, Includes Water/Trash/Sewer, Available Now $595/mo + $595.dep, 208 E. Jura Circle: 480-695-1338

HOMES FOR RENT

Rent this Riverfront Paradise The huge front porch overlooks the East Verde River. The back porch overlooks an acre of boulders and oaks. The 2,000-square-foot house has a gigantic master bedroom suite with a fireplace. Guest bedroom has its own bathroom, with two bonus rooms downstairs. Huge living room/dining room off hickory paneled kitchen. Fish the stocked stream out front or stroll downstream to swimming holes on Forest Service land. Asking $1,400 a month. Come by and check it out at 548 W. Eleanor Dr, East Verde Estates. Call Deborah Rose-Ellis (928) 978-0063 or deborah@sellspayson.com

Charming 1Br/1Ba Home, Partially furnished, Newly Remodeled, Air-Conditioning, Washer/Dryer, $825.m + $800.Dep. Includes All Utilities and Subscription to Dish-TV. 928-472-2176 Completely Remodeled: 3Br/2Ba/2-Car Garage, Fenced Yard/RV Gate, Central AC/Heat, Wood/Tile Floors, Gas Fire Place/Stove, All Appliances, $1,100.mo Jim 602-367-8897 IN PAYSON GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD: Large Very Clean, 3Br/2Ba, Family Room, Decks, Storage Was $950.mo Reduced $795.mo for Right Tennat 602-647-2014 or 928-468-1068 MAIN HOUSE ON ESTATE: Spacious 1,800sf. Furnished Fenced yard, Garage, In Town, Pets-Ok, Horse Stall, $1,250.

Lease Available 602-290-7282

HOMES FOR RENT NEWER 3BR/2BA Home In Woodhill Subdivision.

Available Now, All Appliances, Fenced Yard, Covered Patio.

No Smoking, $1000. Owner/Agent 928-474-4417 2 Large Master Bd w/Split Floor Plan, Office, Eat-in-Kitchen, 2 Car Garage, Decks, Views, Pets/Smoking-No, $900.mo Lease, 928-474-1162 or 928-978-5300 2Bd/2Ba, (Master w/Jaccuzi), 2 Car Garage, Clean, Attractive Payson Pines, All Appliances, Pets-Neg. Avail 8/15, $950. w/Lease 1-970-219-7497 or 928-517-1011 New Home, Private Bathroom, Cable TV, Internet, Share Kitchen, Laundry Room, Pets/Smoking-No, Must Be Clean Living Person-30+!, $330.p/m Ken 928-474-3675

MOBILES FOR RENT 1Br or 2Br: Security Dep. Plus First Months Rent Pets-No, $325. to $600 928-978-3775 Deer Creek, 2bd/1ba, Great Room, W/D,Storage, Fenced Yard, Small Pet-OK, Nice View, Quiet Neighborhood, $595.p/m + Dep, 928-595-4412 or 928-472-6463 MANUFACTURED HOME 1Bdrm/1Bath Park Model, Storage, Smoking/Pets-No, $450 Month + Deposit, Located in Cedar Grove MHP Call 480-390-8901

PAYSON TRAILER RANCH 1 & 2 Bdrms, 1st Mo + Deposit!

Starting @ $435.00 Cable/Water/Sewer/Trash Included, Discount for 6-12/mo.lease. 928-517-1368

MOBILE/RV SPACES Rye RV Park: 1 Bedroom, $275. - $450. Per Month, Laundry on Site, Water/Trash Included.

Spaces $200. Mo. 602-502-0020 Space Available in Quiet Serene Surrounding, Close in Payson at Cedar Grove Mobile Home Park, $295.p/m + Water, Sewer, & Trash, Call 480-390-8901

ROOMS FOR RENT 3 bedrooms available. 2 bd. share bath. 1 bd. has private bath.

Ladies only. Call Sharon 928-978-0527.

CONDOMINIUMS 2Br/2Ba W/D, D/W, Wood FP, Pool, Store Shed, Deck, Smoking-No, Pets-Neg. Avail. Now $750.p/m First/Last + $375 Dep. 928-468-8204

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PAYSON ROUNDUP

PRIMARY ELECTION • AUGUST 2012

State House: Uncontested primaries, sharp differences

BY PETE ALESHIRE ROUNDUP EDITOR

Republicans and Democrats each recruited an uncontested slate of candidates for the dramatically redrawn state House District 6, which includes all of Rim Country.

That makes for a quiet primary election, but a general election matchup that will present voters with starkly contrasting positions.

The Republican lineup includes Rep. Brenda Barton, who moved to Payson after redistricting shifted her former residence in Heber into a strongly Democratic district. Joining her ticket is Bob Thorpe, chairman of the Flagstaff Tea Party.

The Republican pair has lauded the legislature for not only balancing the budget when the economy crashed, but for setting aside nearly $1 billion in reserves. In campaigning, they have focused much of their fire on federal regulations and management of public lands. They have supported a move to essentially revoke the terms of Arizona’s statehood so the legislature could take over federal lands in Arizona.

The Democratic “jobs team” includes Doug Ballard, former development director for the City of Chandler and Angela LeFevre, an economist, business woman, teacher and now mentor for children in the criminal justice system.

The Democrats have urged systematically closing exemptions and loopholes in the states sales and income tax code and using the money to lower rates overall and boost education spending sufficiently to lift Arizona from 48th in per-student spending nationally to at least 25th. They maintain the state should focus on bolstering education and core social services to attract businesses.

The reconfigured district now includes Northern Gila County, the Verde Valley, Sedona, Flagstaff and a portion of the White Mountains.

Republicans have an edge in registration, but Democrats have a fighting chance in the right year and running on the right issues, according to an analysis by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.

REP. BRENDA BARTON:

Barton, who worked for the City of Safford before she retired, has harshly criticized the federal government, saying it has infringed on state’s rights and individual liberties so much that citizens should invoke the language of the Declaration of Independence, which held government can only rule with the consent of the governed.

“I really want to withdraw my consent,” she said. “This is not a democracy. It is a constitutional republic. If it

were a democracy, all the wolves would decide which lambs they want to have for dinner.”

Barton first got into politics years ago when she worked on the “Sagebrush Rebellion,” a grassroots group that enlisted the support of many public officials in the west to resist federal rules and land management.

BOB THORPE:

Thorpe, who has for years worked as a grass-roots activist pushing for a federal balanced budget amendment, has also called for state’s to resist federal management and mandates. “It’s time for another shot heard ’round the world,” said Thorpe. “Liberty-loving patriots will lose a battle or two, but what we’re concerned about is whether we win the war or not — and we’re at war with the federal government.”

Author of “Reclaimed Liberty,” Thorpe said, “It’s time the states reminded the federal government it was the states that created the federal government — federalism is a relationship between the states and the central government. The Founders were afraid of democracy and a powerful federal government — and that’s exactly what we have today.”

ANGELA LEFEVRE:

The English born LeFevre got a degree in economics from the London School of Economics and worked as a teacher and manager in a Fortune 500 company. She then started her own small business and now also mentors at-risk teens. She lives in Sedona.

Her platform includes significantly increasing spending on schools, broadening access to healthcare, bolstering the tourism industry and ensuring that mining, clear cutting and other environmental problems don’t undercut that industry.

DOUG BALLARD:

After 31 years in public service, Ballard retired to Flagstaff. His main issue in the campaign revolves around bolstering the Arizona economy. He cites his success in luring to Chandler Intel and Motorola. He worked three jobs to get through college and ultimately earned a master’s degree.

His key issues include restoring the $2 billion the legislature has cut from schools in the past three years and dampening the hyper-partisanship in the legislature. He said the Republican supermajority in the legislature has rammed through immigration laws, restrictions on women’s reproductive rights and laws to force schools to allow guns on campus.

“They have been wasting our time and wasting our future.”

Flagstaff

State House District 6 Payson