Podcast – July 29, 2019

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

How Best To Remove A Rogue President? Democratic Perspective co-hosts Steve Williamson and Mike Cosentino discuss the congressional hearings and debate next steps following the testimony of Robert Mueller III. Does the Democratic House majority impeach Donald Trump? Or do Democrats wait to remove him through the ballot box? And, if they wait, how much more damage will be done to our institutions? Will they actually succeed? After all, everyone was convinced that Hillary Clinton would assume office in 2017. But Russians and the Electoral College said otherwise.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Congressional Oversight, Constitutional Issues, Elections, Legal Issues, National Politics, National Security, Presidential Elections, Special Counsel Investigation | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Podcast – July 29, 2019

Pierce, Pearce, Pearce and Stuckey Interview – Podcast July 22, 2019

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

A New Threat To Arizona Water. Mike Cosentino welcomes Bill Pierce, Wayne and Martha Pearce and John Stuckey of Protect Our Water Arizona to discuss the push to extract helium from northern Arizona and the risks it poses. The big problem is that it involves hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) which requires tens of thousands, if not millions, of gallons of water for each well. The technology involves using chemical-laced water under high pressure to fracture underground rock formations to release the helium. Says Wayne Pearce, “It’s not a matter of if there will be an accident. It’s when. A contaminated aquifer could stretch throughout the state and beyond affecting the water for 40 million people.”

Bill Pierce, candidate for Arizona Mine Inspector, notes an additional threat to our water supply. “One of biggest problems we have with water is that much of it is already contaminated with uranium,” he says. “The biggest radiation spill in the US was in Church Rock, New Mexico. That aquifer runs under New Mexico and part of Arizona.” Pierce adds that there are 592 abandoned uranium mines in the region that aren’t sealed, which could lead to further water contamination. And, if that isn’t worrisome enough, he says the threat to aquifers will be difficult to stop as the mining industry in Arizona is guaranteed unlimited water supply by statute.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, Environment, Environmental Issues, Federal Lands, Interviews, Mine Safety, Native American Issues, Nuclear Weapons, Public Accountability, Regulatory Agencies, Water Policy | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Pierce, Pearce, Pearce and Stuckey Interview – Podcast July 22, 2019

Dunton, Segner, Strauch Interview – Podcast July 15, 2019

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

Paradise Lost. Sedona has long been considered one of America’s most beautiful places. But it is now endangered by short-term rentals, the Arizona legislature and the so-called sharing economy. It’s a phenomenon that is affecting other vacation destinations. But the threat to Sedona is uniquely troubling given AZ SB-1350, a short-sighted law that takes control away from local communities.

To discuss the problem, Democratic Perspective welcomes community activists Ernie Strauch, Sabina Dunton and hotelier Steve Segner. Dunton explains that a an 8 bedroom, 10 bath “single family home” with an additional bunkroom is being built in her neighborhood that will bring unwanted noise and traffic. And others are being planned. She warns, “Any vacant land in residential areas in Sedona, could be used for the same thing. The city cannot stop them.”

Of Sedona’s more than 700 short-term rentals, Segner states. “They haven’t affected hotels business-wise.” But he notes that they affect hotels and the city in other ways. “We have lost housing for employees,” he says.  “We have already lost 500-700 people from city as a result of short-term rentals. It’s death by Internet.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Community Activism, De-regulation, Development, Government, Housing, Interviews, Local Politics | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Dunton, Segner, Strauch Interview – Podcast July 15, 2019

Moriarty Interview – Podcast July 8, 2019

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

The Impact Of Short-Term Vacation Rentals. Democratic Perspective welcomes Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty to discuss the impact of vacation rentals on her city. Almost every destination city is having problems with the trend, which has evolved from the small scale short-term rental of individual homes to a huge industry via Airbnb and HomeAway and VRBO (both owned by Expedia).

“People are struggling worldwide to deal with it,” says Moriarity, noting that the rules in Arizona have centered on residential properties because the governor wanted to accommodate the sharing economy. Unfortunately, the industry has changed. Out of approximately 6,600 homes in Sedona, short-term rentals number about 600. And the number is growing.

“We do have to deal with the sharing economy,” she says. “The problem in AZ is that we have to treat all rentals the same – short-term or long-term. What we have seen here in Sedona is that investors come in and buy up single family homes and rent them to make money. It has driven up the price of homes. It also has driven up the price of rent.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Community, Development, Government, Housing, Interviews, Local Politics, Public Policy, Sharing Economy, Taxation | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Moriarty Interview – Podcast July 8, 2019

French Interview – Podcast July 1, 2019

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

Reporting For Duty In The Arizona Senate. Democratic Perspective welcomes Felicia French, retired Army Colonel, Afghan War veteran, medical evacuation helicopter pilot, registered nurse and, now candidate for AZ State Senate from LD-6. French believes her public service has prepared her for office saying, “Any public service causes you to learn to be a team player and to collaborate. You have to learn to work together for the greater good.”

She believes in personal contact. “Whether you vote for me or not,” she says, “I’m still going to work for you. My favorite thing is going door to door to talk with people. I think people have a sensory overload…so much false information. So they don’t know what to believe. That’s why if you go door to door they can see. They can ask questions. I can’t meet everyone, but I try.”

As for the issues, French says, “It’s time to improve our education system, create more jobs and support small businesses, make quality affordable healthcare available for all, and take care of our veterans and their families.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Arizona Politics, Climate Change, Community, Continuing Education, Democratic Governance, Education, Education Funding, Elections, Environmental Issues, Global Warming, Government, Health Care, Health Care Policy, Infrastructure Investment, Interviews, Local Politics, Public Education, Public Health Policy, Public Service, Renewable Energy, Small Business, Underemployment, Veterans' Issues | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on French Interview – Podcast July 1, 2019

McQueen Interview – Podcast June 24, 2019

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

Who’s Buying Our Politicians? Diane McQueen, the northern Arizona coordinator of Outlaw Dirty Money discusses the nonpartisan effort to place a constitutional amendment on the 2020 ballot in Arizona intended to expose those who are funding our politicians. The bill, if passed by voters, will require full disclosure of all major contributions right down to the original source of the money. The campaign will need to gather nearly 357,000 signatures, but it’s shooting for 400,000 to ensure there will be enough to survive the challenges that will likely come from the Koch brothers-funded group, Americans for Prosperity, and others. For more of the dirt on dirty money, listen to the podcast and visit OutlawDirtyMoney.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Arizona Politics, Campaign Finance, Dark Money, Democratic Governance, Elections, Initiative and Referendum, Interviews, Political Action Committees, Public Accountability | Tagged , , | Comments Off on McQueen Interview – Podcast June 24, 2019

Babbott Interview – Podcast June 17, 2019

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

Can An Independent Win In Arizona? Democratic Perspective co-hosts, Steve Williamson and Mike Cosentino, welcome Art Babbott who is running to represent LD 6 in the Arizona State Legislature. As an independent, he’s aware of the difficult task he’s facing . “I need 3-1/2 times the signatures of Democrats and Republicans to get on the ballot,” he says. “In the history of the state, there has never been an independent elected as state representative. That is not by accident. It’s by intention. There are structural barriers to having a competitive electoral system. We have competition elsewhere, except when it comes to our electoral system.”

Asked what motivates him, he replies, “At its core, why I’m running is how we’re having our conversations. One party does not have the patent and trademark on good ideas.”
One of Babbott’s key issues is fiscal policy. Speaking of the budget, he says, “It’s not just numbers. It’s a reflection of priorities. I want to make sure I’m representing people. Not special interests. People across spectrums want us to recalibrate government. I don’t want to just reach across the aisle. I want to be in the aisle. What we’re doing now is not problem-solving. It’s ideological and grenade-lobbing.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Constitutional Issues, Democratic Governance, Education, Education Funding, Elections, Fiscal Policy, Government, Interviews, LIberals and Conservatives, Local Politics, Mental Health Programs, Political Candidacy, Political Contributions, Political Parties, Political Polarization, Public Accountability, Tax and Investment Policy | Tagged , | Comments Off on Babbott Interview – Podcast June 17, 2019

Richtman Interview – Podcast June 10, 2019

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

Debunking The Myths About Social Security. Democratic Perspective welcomes back Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to talk about fixing Social Security. He begins by talking about the myth that Social Security is broke. He then addresses the current bill designed to improve the program and ensure its viability for the rest of the future – HR860, the Social Security 2100 Act. Sponsored by Representative John Larson of Connecticut, the bill now has at least 206 co-sponsors in the House. It would adjust the income cap on Social Security premiums so that, after the current wage cap is met, the premiums would begin again on income of more than $400,000. It would also adjust the formula for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) to more accurately reflect the costs to seniors.

Richtman reminds us how important Social Security is for the economy – that most of the money is spent on necessities so it has a multiplier effect on the economy leading to more jobs and business. Moreover, one third of the beneficiaries of Social Security are non-retired workers, including survivors, spouses, children, and the disabled.

For more information visit the organization’s website and especially check out its new Delay and Gain page.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Economic Stimulus, Entitlements, Government, Interviews, Medicare, Minimum Wage, National Politics, Pharmaceutical Pricing and Procurement, Social Security | Tagged | Comments Off on Richtman Interview – Podcast June 10, 2019

Putzova Interview – Podcast June 3, 2019

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

People First. Democratic Perspective welcomes Eva Putzova, a progressive Democrat running for Congress. Originally from Slovakia, and having become a US citizen, she talks about the big issues of the day – everything from health care, climate change, education, immigration, reproductive rights and gun safety to the federal budget and the changes needed to make America more competitive.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Arizona Politics, Class Conflict, Climate Change, Democratic Governance, Department of Homeland Security, Domestic Policy, Economic Policy, Education, Elections, Environment, Firearms Legislation, Global Warming, Government, Gun Control, Health Care, Health Care Policy, Health Insurance, Immigration, Infrastructure Investment, Interviews, Jobs and Employment, Medicare, Military Policy, National Politics, Political Candidacy, Political Contributions, Race and Class, Racial Discrimination, U.S. Budget | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Putzova Interview – Podcast June 3, 2019

McClelland, Deardon Interview – Podcast May 27, 2019

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Gary LaMaster

Providing Quality Education In A Challenging Environment. Democratic Perspective welcomes Karen McClelland, the longest-serving member of the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School Board, and Dennis Deardon, the school district’s new superintendent. Along with co-hosts Mike Cosentino and Steve Williamson, they discuss the challenges of providing a world-class education in a rural area faced with declining enrollment, reduced funding and retiring teachers. Despite these difficult issues, the educators remain optimistic that, by doubling up on administration duties and innovating, they can help students succeed.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Posted in Community, Education, Education Funding, Education Policy, Innovation, Interviews, Public Accountability, Public Education, Social Contract | Tagged , , | Comments Off on McClelland, Deardon Interview – Podcast May 27, 2019