Jablow Interview – Podcast June 12, 2023

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Making City Government Work. Steve Williamson welcomes Scott Jablow, Mayor of Sedona, to discuss the latest issues and developments in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. They begin by talking about problems caused by OHVs (Off Highway Vehicles). The very name of these vehicles reveals the problems faced by the city – under Arizona law, they are permitted to be driven on Sedona’s streets and public roads.

But, as Jablow explains, “…none of the manufacturers that build OHVs ever designed them or ever tested them and had them approved by the federal government to be on paved and public roads. Because of the way they were designed, they don’t respond to crash avoidance or general driving the same as a sedan or a truck. The biggest issue I have is that they don’t have anti-lock brakes, they don’t have air bags, they don’t have crumple zones…and directional signals.”

Asked what the city is going to do about it, he says there are several things. “We believe we have the right to do this – we’re going to be doing an ordinance to restrict them on state roads as well as our city roads. What I’ve been trying to do is work with the rental companies to find something that will work for everybody. All may not be happy, but we’re trying to work together.”

In addition to dealing with the problem of OHVs, Jablow says the city is currently working on an all hazards safety bill designed to educate the public on what to do in an emergency as well as creating a pedestrian crossing under the Tlaquepaque bridge.

As to criticism he receives, Jablow says, “I try to engage as much as I possibly can. Remember we’re a small town. I think it’s great where me as the mayor can be out engaging people. I don’t mind taking the heat.”

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Posted in Civic Renewal, Community, Democratic Governance, Environmental Issues, Federal Lands, Government, Infrastructure Investment, Interviews, Local Politics, Public Policy, Tourism | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Jablow Interview – Podcast June 12, 2023

Post Interview – Podcast June 5, 2023

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Arizona Legislature’s Anti-Democratic Gamesmanship. Steve and Karen welcome Dianne Post back to the show. Post is an attorney currently working with the AZ Secular Coalition.

The discussion regards the unusual reconvening of the AZ legislature from vacation following its passage of a budget. “The first rumor I heard is that they wanted to prevent Katie Hobbs from making any executive orders while they were gone. So, if she were to issue an executive order for something they didn’t like, if they are not in session, there’s nothing they can do about it,” says Post. “If they’re still in session they can meet and try to overturn the executive orders. But now I’ve heard a second reason: To prevent her from appointing directors to the state agencies. If they can prevent her from appointing directors, that will stymie her from being able to run the government the way she wants to.”

Post says there are other reasons for the GOP-led legislature to remain in session: It can delay any bills signed by the Democratic governor from going into effect. In addition, legislators cannot start working on next year’s bills while the legislature is still in session. Finally, legislators cannot fundraise or campaign until the session ends. All of this is more likely to negatively impact Democrats than Republicans. And next year is likely to be a repeat of the Republican’s reckless behavior of this year with the governor being forced to veto many more crazy bills.

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Posted in Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Budget Negotiations, Dark Money, Interviews, Private Prisons, Water Policy, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Post Interview – Podcast June 5, 2023

Podcast May 29, 2023

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Assessing GOP Presidential Candidates For 2024. Steve Williamson, Karen McClelland and Gary LaMaster analyze the GOP candidates who have announced their run for president against the Democratic incumbent Joe Biden. In many ways, it’s a rogue’s list headed by twice impeached, indicted felon and sexual assaulter, former president Donald J. Trump.

In many ways, the dilemma facing Republican primary voters is choosing which of the candidates is most cruel.

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Posted in Abortion, Bigotry, Civil Liberties, Climate Change, Conservative Paranoia, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Constitutional Issues, Cultural Change, Democratic Governance, Domestic Extremism, Elections, Government, Human Rights, Immigration, Justice System, LGBT Issues, Mass Shootings, Morality, National Politics, National Security, Political Candidacy, Political Lies, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Presidential Elections, Public Accountability, Racism, Religion, Social Security, Special Counsel Investigation, Supreme Court, Taxation, Theocracy, Voting, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Podcast May 29, 2023

Epstein Interview – Podcast May 22, 2023

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Good News And Bad News From The Arizona State Capitol. Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Senator Mitzy Epstein, minority leader of AZ State Senate, to report on this year’s legislative session.

Epstein begins by detailing the nearly $18 billion budget that Democratic Governor Hobbs recently signed into law, saying, “The good news is that there are a lot of good projects that will be funded. And the bad news is that they’re all just one time. So, on the one hand there will be a lot of bridges and roads that will be built in various parts across the state. And we will make sure…I personally made sure…that our K12 schools have some inflation funding.  The bad news is we don’t have anything next year.”

Despite the giveaways and pet projects the Republican majority included in the budget, Epstein says, “There are some wonderful points of pride in this budget. In addition to the K12 funding for ongoing covering inflation we have another $200 million for school buildings. There’s also unprecedented, historically large amounts of funding invested for affordable housing and homelessness.”

Responding to a question about Governor Hobb’s record-setting number of vetoes, Epstein says, “There was a reporter who said that Governor Hobbs was the veto queen. But I maintain only because our [Republican] Speaker and [Senate] President are the bad bill kings.” She adds, ““As you may know, the House passed 95 bills in one day before we broke for recess. The real tragedy of that is, not only were obviously many of those bills very controversial and…full of hate. In addition to that, 95 bills in just a few hours means that none of them got a full debate. Going through 95 bills all in one day was irresponsible.”

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Posted in Arizona Budget, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Democratic Governance, Domestic Extremism, Education, Education Funding, Ethics, Government, Hunger, Infrastructure, Infrastructure Investment, Interviews, LIberals and Conservatives, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Accountability, Public Education | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Epstein Interview – Podcast May 22, 2023

Riemer Interview – Podcast May 15, 2023

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

How Climate Change Impacts Populations In Different Ways. Karen McClelland welcomes Northern Arizona University professor, Frankie Riemer, to discuss the climate crisis and how it relates to many of the other issues we face.

Riemer says, “I think that what’s at root in all of these issues is this notion of intersectionality. When we talk about all of these issues, whether we’re talking about abortion or climate change or inflation, we tend to think that it affects all of us the same way. But the reality is that it affects us differently. And things affect us depending on whether we’re old or young, whether we’re men or women, whether we’re able or ably challenged, whether we’re black, whether we’re white, whether we’re poor, whether we’re wealthy…and so, when we talk about climate change, we have to think about who does climate change affect.”

Using the typhoon threatening Myanmar as an example, she explains, “You think about what happens when you have to get out of the house. First of all, you have to have transportation, but in many places poor people do not have transportation. They’re lucky if they have bicycles…for women, they have to take their children. They have to make sure that their elderly parents also get out. Women are generally the caregivers, and so that means they’re not only looking out for themselves, but they’re looking out for everybody. Right? In addition, the poorer you are, the more difficult it is to get out.”

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Biodiversity, Business Cultural Change, Child Protection, Class Conflict, Climate Change, Compassion, Cultural Change, Cultural Diversity, Environmental Issues, Food Insecurity, Foreign Affairs, Global Warming, Government, Human Rights, Hunger, Immigration, Income Inequality, International Relations, Interviews, Mass Migration, National Politics, Poverty, Race and Class, Racial Discrimination, Refugees, Water Policy, Women's Issues | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Riemer Interview – Podcast May 15, 2023

Neiberg, Thearle Interview – Podcast May 8, 2023

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Addressing The Growing Epidemic Of Gun Violence. Guest host and Democratic Perspective contributor Stephen Hanks welcomes gun safety activists, Teresa Neiberg of Moms Demand Action and Marie Thearle of Everytown For Gun Safety, to discuss possible solutions to the growing number of senseless shootings and mass murders in the U.S.

After Hanks offers his own recommendations to address the public health crisis, he turns to his guests for their ideas. Thearle lists safe gun storage as one important component given that guns are now the leading cause of death of kids under 18 years of age. She says, “The issue of safe storage really highlights the fact that, in this country…we’re failing to find the right balance between rights and responsibilities.”

In addition to safe storage, Thearle also endorses reinstating the assault weapons ban explaining, “Every mass shooting, it’s the same type of rifle.” Other reasonable options she mentions are closing the background check loophole and increasing the training required to purchase a gun.

To enact change, Neiberg encourages volunteers to reach out to their legislators and to write letters to the editor. She also lists several activities taking place on Mothers’ Day weekend regarding the assault weapons ban. “What we’re saying is: We don’t want flowers. We don’t want a brunch. What we want is the assault weapons ban reenacted.” Neiberg adds that there will be weekend events going on across the state, including a march in northern Phoenix.

Posted in Arizona Politics, Child Protection, Civic Renewal, Civil Society, Community Activism, Conservative Paranoia, Constitutional Issues, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Violence, Elections, Firearms and Explosives, Firearms Legislation, Gun Control, Interviews, Law Enforcement, Mass Shootings, Morality, National Politics, Policing, Public Accountability, Regulation | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Neiberg, Thearle Interview – Podcast May 8, 2023

Hanks, Liggett, Riemer Interview – Podcast May 1, 2023

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Abortion In The Aftermath Of Dobbs: What Comes Next? Steve Williamson and Karen McClelland welcome Stephen Hanks, Jodi Liggett, and Frankie Riemer to discuss the latest political ramifications of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v Jackson decision overturning Roe v Wade. In doing so, the court took away a constitutional right that had stood for nearly 50 years.

Following that decision, red states have quickly tried to push a national abortion ban while blue states have passed legislation creating abortion sanctuaries. Our panel tries to envision what happens next.

Riemer predicts ramifications for Republicans in the next election saying, “I think we’re seeing that this issue is not playing as well for the Republicans as they had expected. We had a series of elections recently in which abortion was a key issue and the Democratic candidates won.” Liggett says, “I agree…this is an issue that wins. People want families to be in charge of their own medical decisions. We see that in poll after poll. So, Democrats can lean into this issue and win.”

Hanks adds, “Here’s the thing that occurs to me: You can’t divorce any of this from the issue of voting rights and what gerrymandering has done nationally, especially in the red states.” He explains that although 60 percent of the country is for choice, Republicans can ignore those numbers and pass these draconian laws because they have taken control of state legislatures.

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Civil Liberties, Constitutional Issues, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Policy, Elections, Government, Health Care, Health Care Delivery, Health Care Policy, Human Rights, Interviews, LGBT Issues, Misogyny, Morality, National Politics, Pharmaceuticals, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Health Policy, Religion, Supreme Court, Theocracy, Voter Suppression, Voting, Women's Issues, Women's Rights | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Hanks, Liggett, Riemer Interview – Podcast May 1, 2023

Coyne, Sovich, Williams Interview – Podcast April 24, 2023

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

An Art Event That Can Entertain, Teach And Inspire. Steve and Karen welcome visual artists Mike Coyne, Sheena Sovich and Rob Williams to discuss the upcoming Open Studios event in Sedona and the Verde Valley this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 28-30) from 10 AM to 5 PM. This annual event is an opportunity to visit 31 artists’ studios, to ask questions, and possibly even watch them work.

For a list of artists, visit the website of the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition.

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Westbrook Interview – Podcast April 17, 2023

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

The Latest Targets Of GOP Culture War. Steve and Karen welcome Brianna Westbrook, VP of the Arizona Democratic Party, to discuss political strategies and the GOP’s attack on transgender Americans which is designed to excite the party’s white “Christian” nationalist base. With gay marriage now accepted by most Americans and with a majority opposed to restrictions on abortion, Republicans needed a new set of “panic” issues to drive turnout for the 2024 election cycle. So, a GOP think tank cynically turned to Critical Race Theory and supposed transgender grooming.

As a transgender woman, Westbrook knows the impact of transphobia all too well. She notes, “We have a day of remembrance in November of every year when we recognize the individuals who have been murdered by hate crimes.” And she says there are many other issues facing the trans community, including discrimination in the workplace and discrimination in housing. “We are the most marginalized group in all…I would argue…the world.”

Westbrook is grateful for the election of Governor Katie Hobbs, saying, “It’s good to have a governor here in Arizona that is fiercely opposed to enacting the laws our state legislature puts through that are going to harm the community here in Arizona.”

Turning to her role within the Democratic Party, Westbrook is excited about the direction of the party. “I think we’re in a great position to take the legislature,” she says. “Republicans have nothing to run on besides selling fear. That’s what they do.”

Posted in Abortion, Arizona Politics, Bigotry, Civil Liberties, Conservative Paranoia, Conservatives and Reactionaries, Conspiracy Theories, Cultural Change, Disinformation, Domestic Extremism, Domestic Terrorism, Elections, Government, Health Care, Health Care Policy, Human Rights, Interviews, LGBT Community, LGBT Issues, Local Politics, Morality, National Politics, Political Parties, Public Education, Public Health Policy, Religion, Scandal Mongering, Theocracy, Voting | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Westbrook Interview – Podcast April 17, 2023

Haben, Fernatt Interview – Podcast April 10, 2023

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Gary LaMaster

Double Dose Of Energy For Northern Arizona Democrats. Steve and Karen welcome Llama Habern and Julie Fernatt, co-chairs of the Verde Valley Yavapai Democrats. Following a highly successful campaign serving as Field Organizers during Arizona’s 2020 election, these two energetic women have taken on additional roles.

Habern is involved with the Democratic Party in many ways. She is Educational Coordinator of the Arizona Democratic Party, Precinct Committee Chair of the Yavapai County Democratic Party, Co-Chair of the Verde Valley Yavapai Democrats, and Field Organizer for Democrats of the Red Rocks.

Fernatt is also a Field Organizer for the Yavapai Democratic Party having transplanted her expertise and experience from Indiana.

Both truly enjoy the opportunity to meet Democrats and Independents. Habern describes her role(s) as connecting voters to information about issues, about candidates, about what we’re doing broadly. She says, “My favorite part of that is when we get to do field work: Talking to voters at their doors, on the phones. I just [enjoy] finding out what matters to them, what issues they care about and then making sure that we reflect that because our purpose is to serve the Democratic voters – Democrats and Independents – of the Verde Valley.”

Fernatt adds, “I think we’re trying to organize in a way that is going to open the doors to more people to get involved. We want people to understand that this isn’t a closed group. Any issue that you have you can bring to us and we’ll work with you to try to further your goals. So, we’re reaching out to youth. We’re trying to get young people more involved. We’re trying to reach out to the LGBTQIA community, to women, to people who are for gun safety, whatever it takes.”

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Community Activism, Elections, Government, Innovation, Interviews, LGBT Community, Local Politics, National Politics, Political Clubs, Political Parties, Public Service, Voting, Women's Issues | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Haben, Fernatt Interview – Podcast April 10, 2023