🌵 Clash in the Cactus State: Three Sonorans Challenges SALC's Stance on Arizona's Ballot Measures

🤰 Prop 139: Three Sonorans Champions Reproductive Rights While SALC Stays Silent 🛂 Prop 314: Three Sonorans Fiercely Opposes SALC's Lukewarm Stance Against Xenophobia

Based on the 10/16/24 Buckmaster Show on KVOI-1030AM.

🙊 Notable quotes from the show

• "This is effectively taking our current election system, voter protecting it, and once it's voter protected, as I believe we understand it, the only way you can change it then is to go back to the voters." - Ted Maxwell on Prop 133

• "This would require them to go to all of the 30 legislative districts and would essentially give veto power to some smaller districts in the state." - Nicole Barraza on Prop 134

• "The average per hour for a tipped employee in Arizona is about $22 an hour or more." - Nicole Barraza on tipped worker wages

• "If you like what we're getting now and you like the system now, then don't vote for it. But if you are unhappy with what we're getting now and the way the system is working out for us now, then that's a possibility." - Ted Maxwell on Prop 140

• "The estimated costs, according to the legislature, would be 325 million per year." - Nicole Barraza on Prop 314

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⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…

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😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾

📝 Arizona is having a big vote soon! 🗳️ There are 13 things to decide on. Some are about how we choose leaders 👑, others about money 💰, and even one about doctors helping mommies 🤰. The people talking, Ted and Nicole, want everyone to learn about these choices before voting. They say it's super important to read the big book 📚 that explains everything. Remember, your voice matters, even if you can't vote yet! 🗣️

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🗝️ Takeaways

• 🗳️ 13 ballot measures in Arizona - 11 from lawmakers, 2 from citizens

• 🏛️ SALC (Southern Arizona Leadership Council) has strong opinions on some measures

• 💰 Some measures about money, like helping tipped workers and taxing criminals

• 👩‍⚖️ One measure wants to change how judges keep their jobs forever

• 🗽 Open primaries measure (Prop 140) strongly supported by SALC

• 🚔 Border security measure (Prop 314) opposed by SALC as too expensive

• 📊 Hosts really want voters to learn about all the measures before voting

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⏬ Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:

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📻 What They Discussed

On October 16, 2024, the Buckmaster Show, a prominent radio program in Arizona, dedicated an episode to discussing the 13 ballot measures that Arizona voters will face in the upcoming election.

The show was guest-hosted by Ted Maxwell, President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC), who was joined by Nicole Barraza, SALC's Senior Director for Governance and Policy.

Together, they provided an in-depth look at each proposition, offering insights into their potential impacts and SALC's positions on several key measures.

🗳️ The Ballot Bonanza: 13 Propositions Unpacked

The hosts methodically went through each of the 13 propositions on the Arizona ballot, providing context and explanations for listeners. They emphasized that 11 of these measures were referred by the legislature, while two were citizen initiatives. Throughout the discussion, Maxwell and Barraza stressed the importance of voter education, repeatedly encouraging listeners to consult their voter information pamphlets for more detailed information.

🏛️ Prop 133: Preserving Partisan Primaries

This proposition aims to enshrine the current partisan primary system in the state constitution.

SALC opposes this measure, with Maxwell stating, "This is effectively taking our current election system, voter protecting it and once it's voter protected, as I believe we understand it, the only way you can change it then is to go back to the voters." The hosts expressed concern that this measure could make future election reforms more difficult to implement.

📊 Prop 134: Signature Gathering Overhaul

This measure would require ballot initiatives to gather signatures from all 30 legislative districts in Arizona.

SALC opposes this measure as well. Barraza explained, "This would require them to go to all of the 30 legislative districts and would essentially give veto power to some smaller districts in the state." The hosts discussed how this could make it significantly more challenging for citizen initiatives to make it onto the ballot.

🚨 Prop 135: Reining in Executive Power

This proposition would limit the governor's emergency powers to 30 days unless extended by the legislature.

While SALC did not take a position on this measure, the hosts noted that it stemmed from concerns about the extended use of emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

⚖️ Prop 136: Early Challenges to Ballot Measures

This would allow lawsuits challenging ballot measures as soon as they start collecting signatures.

The hosts discussed how this could potentially affect the initiative process, though SALC did not take an official position on the measure.

👨‍⚖️ Prop 137: Lifetime Judicial Appointments

This proposition would give judges lifetime appointments instead of requiring retention elections.

Barraza explained, "This proposition is proposing that we give judges a lifetime appointment and allow them to remain in office during good behavior." The hosts discussed the potential implications for judicial accountability and independence.

💰 Prop 138: Protecting Tipped Worker Wages

This measure would protect the tipped worker minimum wage credit. SALC supports this measure.

Barraza noted, "The average per hour for a tipped employee in Arizona is about $22 an hour or more." The hosts discussed how this measure could affect the restaurant industry and workers.

🤰 Prop 139: Abortion Rights Initiative

This citizen initiative would establish a fundamental right to abortion that the state cannot deny, restrict or interfere with before fetal viability.

The hosts briefly mentioned this controversial measure without elaborating, emphasizing the need for individual voter research.

🗽 Prop 140: Open Primaries Push

This citizen initiative would create open primaries for state and federal offices. SALC strongly supports this measure.

Maxwell stated, "If you like what we're getting now and you like the system now, then don't vote for it. But if you are unhappy with what we're getting now and the way the system is working out for us now, then that's a possibility." The hosts discussed how this could potentially change the political landscape in Arizona.

🚒 Prop 311: Supporting First Responders' Families

This would create a $250,000 death benefit for first responders killed on duty. While SALC did not take a position on this measure, the hosts discussed its potential impact on first responder families and how it would be funded.

🏠 Prop 312: Property Tax Relief for Nuisance Issues

This would allow property owners to get tax refunds for expenses related to public nuisances. The hosts discussed how this could affect both commercial and residential property owners, as well as its potential impact on local government revenues.

⚖️ Prop 313: Tougher Sentences for Child Sex Trafficking

This proposition would mandate life sentences for child sex trafficking. The hosts briefly discussed the current sentencing guidelines and the potential impact of this change.

🛂 Prop 314: Controversial Border Security Measure

This measure includes various provisions to address illegal immigration. SALC opposes this as an unfunded mandate.

Barraza noted, "The estimated costs, according to the legislature, would be 325 million per year." The hosts discussed the potential legal and financial implications of this measure and its controversial nature.

📜 Prop 315: Legislative Oversight on Administrative Rules

This would require legislative approval for certain administrative rules. The hosts discussed how this could shift the balance of power between Arizona's legislative and executive branches.

Throughout the discussion, Maxwell and Barraza provided insight into SALC's positions on several measures, generally aligning with pro-business interests. They also touched on the financial implications of various propositions and the distinction between citizen initiatives and legislative referrals. The conversation highlighted the complexity of the issues facing Arizona voters and the potential for significant changes in the state's political landscape.

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🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary

🌵 The Desert Deception: Unmasking Arizona's Ballot Measures

Queridos lectores, gather 'round as we peel back the layers of propaganda and expose the thorny truths hidden within Arizona's 2024 ballot measures. While presenting itself as an objective source of information, today’s subtly pushes a narrative that aligns with the interests of the business-oriented Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC). But we at Three Sonorans see through the mirages they're selling.

🏜️ The Mirage of "Reform": Prop 133 and the Illusion of Choice

SALC's opposition to Prop 133, which would enshrine the current partisan primary system in the state constitution, might initially seem progressive. But let's not be fooled, amigos. The current system already disproportionately favors established political parties and well-funded candidates, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion for marginalized communities.

Ted Maxwell claims, "This is effectively taking our current election system, voter protecting it and once it's voter protected, as I believe we understand it, the only way you can change it then is to go back to the voters."

But we ask: why should we protect a system that has consistently failed to represent the diverse voices of our state?

🌊 The Blue Mirage: Prop 140 and the Open Primary Paradox

While we at Three Sonorans support Prop 140 for open primaries, we must acknowledge its limitations. Yes, it's a step towards more inclusive democracy, but it's not the panacea SALC makes it out to be.

Maxwell states, "If you like what we're getting now and you like the system now, then don't vote for it. But if you are unhappy with what we're getting now and the way the system is working out for us now, then that's a possibility."

This false dichotomy ignores the root causes of political disenfranchisement - systemic racism, economic inequality, and voter suppression.

Open primaries, while seemingly inclusive, could potentially dilute the power of marginalized communities by allowing majority groups to influence the selection of minority-party candidates. We support this measure cautiously, recognizing it as a small step towards true representational democracy.

💰 The Tipped Wage Trap: Prop 138 and the Exploitation of Workers

SALC's support for Prop 138, which protects the tipped worker minimum wage credit, is a classic example of corporate interests masquerading as worker protection. Nicole Barraza's claim that "The average per hour for a tipped employee in Arizona is about $22 an hour or more" is a textbook case of using statistics to obscure reality.

This average likely includes high-end restaurants and bars, skewing the data and ignoring the struggles of countless workers in smaller establishments or less affluent areas. By supporting this measure, SALC is essentially endorsing a system that allows employers to offload their wage responsibilities onto customers, perpetuating a cycle of precarious employment and income inequality.

We stand firmly against Prop 138. Our workers deserve better than to rely on customers' whims to earn a living wage.

🚨 The Border Security Smokescreen: Prop 314 and the Politics of Fear

Our vehement opposition to Prop 314 cannot be overstated. This xenophobic measure, which echoes the infamous SB 1070, is a clear attempt to further criminalize and marginalize immigrant communities under the guise of "security."

SALC's opposition on the grounds of it being an unfunded mandate doesn't go nearly far enough. Barraza notes, "The estimated costs according to the legislature would be 325 million per year." But the true cost - in human suffering, community trust, and the erosion of our values - is incalculable.

This proposition is nothing short of state-sanctioned racial profiling and harassment. It's a direct attack on our immigrant neighbors, friends, and family members. We call on all Arizonans to reject this hateful measure and stand in solidarity with our immigrant communities.

🤰 The Abortion Rights Lifeline: Prop 139 and the Fight for Bodily Autonomy

In a rare moment of alignment, we at Three Sonorans wholeheartedly support Prop 139, which would establish a fundamental right to abortion in Arizona. This measure is crucial in the face of increasing attacks on reproductive rights across the country.

The show's hosts from SALC’s reluctance to discuss this measure in depth is telling.

🌅 The Path Forward: Beyond the Ballot

While these ballot measures represent important battles, we must remember that true progress comes from grassroots organizing, community solidarity, and challenging the systems of oppression that permeate our society.

As we navigate this complex political landscape, let's keep our eyes on the horizon, mi gente. Let's envision and work towards an Arizona that truly represents all of its people - not just those with the deepest pockets or the loudest voices.

Remember, your vote is your voice. Use it wisely, use it justly, and never stop fighting for a more equitable Arizona. ¡Sí se puede!

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👯 People Mentioned

• Ted Maxwell - President of Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC), guest host

• Nicole Barraza - Senior Director for Governance and Policy of SALC

• Bill Buckmaster - Regular host of the Buckmaster Show (mentioned as being on leave)

• Governor Ducey - Mentioned in context of signing a 2022 law related to abortion

• Grant Krueger - SALC member, owner of several restaurants, mentioned in context of tipped worker wages

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