🎓 Robbin' from the Poor to Pay the Rich: U of A's $750k Professor Problem
🚔 Wadsack's Wild Ride: From Speeding Ticket to Political Spectacle ⚖️ Bench Press: Hobbs' Supreme Court Opportunity 🚰 Tapping Out: Fondomonte's Thirsty Expansion in the Desert
Based on the 9/27/24 The Press Room on AZPM.
Without Ellie Wolfe, with early ballot going out, the next show may be called “Four White Men Discuss Abortion and Immigration.” Donate to PBS for diversity today!
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"Harris's folks did tell us prior to her trip here that she was going to be making some major policy announcements." - Dylan Smith, on VP Harris's border visit
"President Robbins deserves a lot of flowers for the way that he handled the COVID-19 pandemic, for the way that he honestly like he accepted responsibility for this financial crisis." - Ellie Wolfe, on U of A President Robbins' legacy
"People in this town are sick and tired of people driving like that, and for a state senator not to just own up to it and accept the ticket and say, sorry about that." - Tim Seller, on Sen. Wadsack's speeding incident
"If they lose and with Brutonel's retirement, that's possibly three appointments that Hobbs could make and that could make a real difference." - Tim Seller, on potential Arizona Supreme Court changes
"That was a spot where there used to be a World War II munitions range. She was suggesting maybe that could hold things up due to contamination" - Zach Ziggler, on AG Mays' concerns about Fondomonte expansion
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
📺 VP Harris visited the border to show she cares, but some think it's just for show. 🏫 The University of Arizona boss is leaving but still getting lots of money, which isn't fair to students and teachers. 🚗 A politician got in trouble for driving too fast and made a big fuss about it. 👨⚖️ The governor gets to pick a new judge, which could change how laws work in Arizona. 🌾 A big farm owned by people from far away is using lots of water in the desert, and that's making people worried.
🗝️ Takeaways
🛂 VP Harris's border visit: More political theater than substantive policy
💰 U of A's golden parachute: Rewarding failure at the expense of education
🚓 Sen. Wadsack's speeding saga: Privilege and persecution complex on full display
⚖️ AZ Supreme Court shake-up: Opportunity to balance Ducey's court-packing legacy
💧 Fondomonte expansion: Foreign water grab threatens Arizona's sustainable future
📻 What They Discussed
🎙️ Arizona's Political Pulse: AZPM's Press Room Dissects the Hot-Button Issues
On this late September 2024 edition of AZPM's Press Room, host Steve Goldstein brings together a panel of Arizona's sharpest political minds to dissect the state's most pressing issues. The roundtable features Tim Seller and Ellie Wolfe from The Arizona Daily Star, offering their seasoned perspectives from the state's oldest continuously published newspaper. Dylan Smith of the Tucson Sentinel brings his digital-first approach to local journalism, while Zach Zigler represents AZPM's own incisive reporting. Together, they dive deep into the complexities of border politics, higher education controversies, judicial shifts, and environmental challenges facing the Grand Canyon State.
🌵 Border Theatrics: VP Harris's Douglas Detour
Vice President Kamala Harris's long-awaited visit to the Arizona border, specifically to Douglas, is a study in political maneuvering. After facing criticism for her absence, Harris's choice of Douglas - a Democratic enclave in Republican Cochise County - speaks volumes about the administration's strategy.
As Dylan Smith points out, "Harris's folks did tell us prior to her trip here that she was going to be making some major policy announcements."
This visit allows the Biden administration to shift focus from the contentious issue of border security to infrastructure improvements at ports of entry.
The timing of the visit, just weeks before the November elections, underscores its political significance. By highlighting federal investments in border infrastructure, Harris aims to counter Republican narratives about border mismanagement. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, especially in a state where border issues are deeply polarizing and often oversimplify the complex realities of cross-border communities and economies.
The panel's discussion reveals the layers of political calculation behind the visit. While it may boost Democratic morale in southern Arizona, it's unlikely to sway hardline critics of the administration's border policies. The real test will be whether Harris's announcements translate into tangible improvements for border communities or remain mere campaign trail promises.
🎓 Academic Exodus: U of A's $750,000 Professor Problem
The departure of University of Arizona President Bobby Robbins unveils a contentious issue in higher education: excessive executive compensation. Despite overseeing a significant budget deficit, Robbins will transition to a tenured professorship while maintaining his presidential salary of around $750,000. This arrangement has sparked outrage and debate about fiscal responsibility in public institutions.
Ellie Wolfe provides a nuanced perspective, noting, "President Robbins deserves a lot of flowers for the way that he handled the COVID-19 pandemic, for the way that he honestly, like he accepted responsibility for this financial crisis." However, this praise is overshadowed by the stark contrast between Robbins' golden parachute and the financial struggles faced by faculty, staff, and students.
The panel's discussion highlights a systemic issue in higher education: the growing divide between administrative compensation and the economic realities the rest of the university community faces. This situation at U of A is not unique but rather symptomatic of a broader trend in how universities are managed and financed.
The controversy raises critical questions about accountability, equity, and prioritizing resources in public education. As universities grapple with budget constraints and increasing tuition costs, such generous exit packages for administrators become harder to justify. The panel suggests that this issue could have long-lasting implications for U of A's reputation and its relationship with the community it serves.
🚔 Speedgate: Senator Wadsack's Traffic Stop Turmoil
State Senator Justine Wadsack's handling of a speeding ticket has morphed from a simple traffic violation into a political spectacle. Cited for driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone, Wadsack's attempt to frame the incident as political persecution has backfired spectacularly.
Tim Seller succinctly captures the public sentiment: "People in this town are sick and tired of people driving like that and for a state senator not to just own up to it and accept the ticket and say, sorry about that."
This incident has had significant political repercussions, including losing a crucial police union endorsement.
The panel's discussion reveals how this incident taps into broader issues of accountability and privilege in politics. Wadsack's refusal to simply pay the ticket and move on raises questions about how public officials handle personal misconduct and voters' expectations of their elected representatives.
Furthermore, the political fallout extends beyond the speeding incident.
As Ellie Wolfe points out, "She hasn't endorsed Vince Leach, who is the Republican nominee, and not just has she not endorsed Mr. Leach, she has attacked him on social media, and she has told her supporters not to vote for him."
This intra-party conflict could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Arizona Senate.
The Wadsack saga is a cautionary tale about the intersection of personal behavior and political responsibility. It demonstrates how seemingly minor incidents can have major political ramifications in today's highly scrutinized political environment.
⚖️ Judicial Jockeying: Arizona's Supreme Court Shuffle
The retirement of Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel opens the door for significant changes in the state's highest court. This development gives Governor Katie Hobbs her first opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court justice, potentially shifting the court's ideological balance.
The panel's discussion places this opportunity in the context of former Governor Doug Ducey's controversial court expansion from five to seven justices.
As Tim Seller explains, "Ducey appointed five of the seven. It was 2016 when the legislative Republicans proposed expanding the court from five to seven."
This expansion, seen by many as an attempt to pack the court with conservative judges underscores the political nature of judicial appointments.
The potential for change extends beyond Brutinel's replacement. The panel notes that two Ducey appointees, Justices Catherine King and Clint Bolick, may face retention elections.
As Dylan Smith points out, "If they lose and with Brutonel's retirement, that's possibly three appointments that Hobbs could make, and that could make a real difference."
This potential shift in the court's composition could have far-reaching implications for Arizona law, particularly on contentious issues like abortion rights and election laws. The discussion highlights the often-overlooked importance of state supreme courts in shaping policy and interpreting laws, reminding listeners that judicial appointments can impact the state's legal landscape.
🌾 Desert Dilemma: Fondomonte's Thirsty Expansion
The expansion of Fondomonte, a Saudi-backed farming operation in La Paz County, Arizona, brings the state's water crisis into sharp focus. This development raises critical questions about water rights, environmental sustainability, and the impact of foreign investment on local resources.
Zach Zigler reports on Attorney General Chris Mays' concerns: "That was a spot where there used to be a World War II munitions range. She was suggesting maybe that could hold things up due to contamination."
This adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue, highlighting potential environmental risks alongside water usage concerns.
The panel's discussion reveals the multifaceted nature of this controversy. On one hand, the expansion represents economic development and agricultural production in a challenging desert environment. On the other, it raises alarm about the depletion of Arizona's precious water resources, especially given the state's ongoing drought conditions.
The Fondomonte situation exemplifies Arizona's challenges in balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and resource management. It also highlights the global nature of water scarcity issues as foreign companies invest in water-intensive agriculture in arid regions.
This topic touches on broader themes of sustainability, sovereignty over natural resources, and the long-term viability of large-scale farming in desert environments. The panel's discussion suggests that this issue will likely remain at the forefront of Arizona's environmental and economic policy debates for years.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
As we delve into the latest political developments in Arizona, it's clear that the Grand Canyon State is grappling with issues that cut to the core of social justice, environmental sustainability, and the very nature of our democracy. Let's break down these controversies and examine them through a progressive Chicano lens.
Border Politics: Harris's Hollow Gesture
Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Douglas, Arizona, is nothing more than political theater, a performative act that does little to address the real issues facing border communities. Dylan Smith noted, "Harris's folks told us prior to her trip here that she was going to be making some major policy announcements." But what good are announcements when the fundamental injustices of our immigration system remain unaddressed?
The choice of Douglas, a Democratic enclave in a Republican county, reveals the cynical political calculations behind this visit. Instead of addressing the root causes of migration - many of which stem from U.S. foreign policy and economic exploitation in Latin America - the administration continues to frame the border as a security issue rather than a humanitarian one.
As Chicanos, we must ask: How does this visit honor the indigenous roots of these lands? How does it acknowledge the arbitrary nature of a border that divides families and communities that have existed here for millennia? Until we confront the legacy of colonialism and work towards true justice and equity for all peoples of the Americas, visits like Harris's will remain nothing more than empty gestures.
Academic Apartheid: U of A's $750k Slap in the Face
The University of Arizona's decision to retain outgoing President Bobby Robbins as a $750,000-per-year professor is a grotesque display of the inequities plaguing our higher education system. As Ellie Wolfe attempts to soften the blow by saying, "President Robbins deserves a lot of flowers for the way that he handled the COVID-19 pandemic," we must ask: Does he deserve three-quarters of a million dollars annually while students drown in debt and underpaid faculty and staff struggle to make ends meet?
This arrangement is emblematic of a system prioritizing administrative bloat over educational quality and accessibility. For Chicano students and faculty, many of whom come from working-class backgrounds and face significant financial barriers to education, this golden parachute is particularly galling. It perpetuates a system of academic apartheid, where resources are hoarded at the top while those at the bottom struggle for scraps.
We must demand accountability and equity in our public institutions. The funds earmarked for Robbins' exorbitant salary could be better spent on scholarships, diversity initiatives, or support services for marginalized students. Until we address these systemic inequities, our universities will continue to be bastions of privilege rather than engines of social mobility.
Privilege on Parade: The Wadsack Speeding Saga
Senator Justine Wadsack's attempt to frame her speeding ticket as political persecution is a textbook example of privilege in action. Tim Seller rightly points out, "People in this town are sick and tired of people driving like that, and for a state senator not to just own up to it and accept the ticket and say, sorry about that."
For communities of color, who often face disproportionate policing and harsher penalties for traffic violations, Wadsack's behavior is particularly offensive. Her refusal to accept responsibility undermines public safety and highlights the stark disparities in how the law is applied and perceived based on one's social and political status.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the work still needed to achieve true equality under the law. It's a stark contrast to the experiences of many in our community who face systemic bias in the criminal justice system every day.
Judicial Roulette: The Supreme Court Shuffle
The retirement of Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel presents an opportunity for Governor Katie Hobbs to begin addressing the imbalance created by former Governor Doug Ducey's court-packing scheme. As Tim Seller explains, "Ducey appointed five of the seven. It was 2016 when the legislative Republicans proposed expanding the court from five to seven."
This potential shift in the court's composition could have far-reaching implications for Arizona's civil rights, environmental protections, and voting rights. However, we must remain vigilant. A single appointment will not undo years of conservative dominance on the court. We must continue to push for judges who understand the lived experiences of marginalized communities and who will interpret the law through a lens of social justice and equity.
Water Wars: Fondomonte's Desert Plunder
The expansion of Fondomonte, a Saudi-backed farming operation in La Paz County, is a stark reminder of the ongoing colonization and exploitation of our natural resources. This water-intensive operation in one of the driest states in the nation raises serious questions about sustainability, sovereignty, and environmental justice.
Attorney General Chris Mays' concerns about potential contamination from a former World War II munitions range add another layer to this complex issue. As Zach Ziggler reports, "That was a spot where there used to be a World War II munitions range. She was suggesting maybe that could hold things up due to contamination."
This situation exemplifies Arizona's challenges in balancing economic development with environmental stewardship and resource management. But we must ask: for whom is development? At what cost? The Fondomonte expansion threatens our water supply and the delicate desert ecosystem that has sustained Indigenous communities for generations.
We must demand a comprehensive review of Arizona water rights, prioritizing the needs of local communities and the environment over corporate profits. Our state's future depends on sustainable water management that respects the land and its people.
These issues - from border politics to water rights - are interconnected threads in the tapestry of injustice that continues to shape Arizona. As progressives, we must continue to challenge these systems of oppression, demand accountability from our leaders, and work towards a future that honors our communities' diversity, resilience, and rich cultural heritage. The fight for social justice, environmental sustainability, and true democracy in Arizona is far from over - but together, we can build a more equitable and just future for all.
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👯 People Mentioned
Kamala Harris - Vice President of the United States Quote: "Harris's folks did tell us prior to her trip here that she was going to be making some major policy announcements." - Dylan Smith
Bobby Robbins - Outgoing President of the University of Arizona Quote: "President Robbins deserves a lot of flowers for the way that he handled the COVID-19 pandemic, for the way that he honestly, like he accepted responsibility for this financial crisis." - Ellie Wolfe
Justine Wadsack - Arizona State Senator Quote: "People in this town are sick and tired of people driving like that and for a state senator not to just own up to it and accept the ticket and say, sorry about that." - Tim Seller
Katie Hobbs - Governor of Arizona
Robert Brutinel - Retiring Arizona Supreme Court Justice
Doug Ducey - Former Governor of Arizona Quote: "Ducey appointed five of the seven. It was 2016 when the legislative Republicans proposed expanding the court from five to seven." - Tim Seller
Chris Mays - Arizona Attorney General
Vince Leach - Republican nominee who defeated Justine Wadsack in the primary
Catherine King - Arizona Supreme Court Justice appointed by Doug Ducey
Clint Bolick - Arizona Supreme Court Justice appointed by Doug Ducey
Bill Montgomery - Arizona Supreme Court Justice appointed by Doug Ducey
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