🗳️ Arizona's Ballot Battle: 13 Propositions That Could Reshape the State

💼 Big Business vs. Grassroots: SALC's Influence on Arizona's Ballot ⚖️ Judicial Shakeup? The Contentious Fight Over Arizona's Judges

Based on the 10/5/24 Inside Track Show on KVOI-1030AM.

🙊 Notable quotes from the show

• "Elections have consequences. If you put in place, they need to be good, solid rules." - Ted Maxwell, discussing the importance of carefully considering ballot measures

• "Look, we have either prospered or suffered under our current way of voting for almost 250 years. This just seems gimmicky and a scheme to me." - Bruce Ash, expressing skepticism about proposed changes to the voting system

• "This is an attempt to basically take the citizens initiative process out of the state of Arizona." - Ted Maxwell, criticizing Proposition 134's impact on citizen initiatives

• "It gives all those judges effectively life terms." - Ted Maxwell, expressing concern about Proposition 137's impact on judicial accountability

• "It's going to end up in the courts." - Ted Maxwell, predicting the legal challenges facing Proposition 314 on border security

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⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…

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

📝 Arizona is voting on 13 new rules 🗳️! Some want to change how we pick leaders 👥, others are about judges ⚖️ and borders 🛂. There's talk about worker pay 💰 and stopping bad guys 🚔. Some people think these changes are good 👍, others say they're bad 👎. It's important for grown-ups to learn about these rules and vote carefully 🤔. The choices they make will affect everyone in Arizona, including kids like you! 🌵

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🗝️ Takeaways

• 🗳️ Proposition 140 could fundamentally change Arizona's primary system, potentially increasing voter participation but facing opposition from both major parties

• 📜 Proposition 134 threatens to make citizen initiatives much more difficult, potentially silencing grassroots movements

• 🛂 Proposition 314 on border security is likely to pass but faces legal challenges and lacks funding for implementation

• 💼 SALC plays a significant role in shaping policy discussions from a business perspective, raising questions about corporate influence in politics

• ⚖️ Proposition 137 on judicial accountability raises concerns about politicizing the judicial system and potentially giving judges "life terms"

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Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:

📻 What They Discussed

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the conservative radio show "Inside Track" aired on KVOI, hosted by Bruce Ash and Ebb Wilkinson. The main guest was Ted Maxwell, a retired U.S. Air Force General and current CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC).

The show discussed the various ballot propositions that Arizona voters will face in the upcoming election. Maxwell provided insights and analysis on each proposition, often from a business-oriented perspective.

🗳️ The Future of Arizona's Elections: Propositions 133 and 140

Propositions 133 and 140 present contrasting visions for the future of Arizona's election system. Proposition 133, a legislative referral, aims to mandate partisan primary elections, ensuring that the two largest parties (Republicans and Democrats) are guaranteed a candidate on the ballot. In contrast, Proposition 140, a citizen initiative, proposes nonpartisan primaries where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on a single vote.

Ted Maxwell explained the potential implications of Proposition 140: "The intent of this is... the belief is in many of those supermajorities districts. So, it's something more than a plus 10 for either party. You may end up with two Democrats or two Republicans."

This could lead to situations where, in heavily partisan districts, voters from all parties would have a say in choosing between two candidates from the same party in the general election.

The discussion also discussed the possibility of ranked-choice voting, which is included in Proposition 140 as an option for general elections if more than two candidates advance. This aspect has been controversial, with Maxwell noting, "When I saw that in there, I wasn't happy about it because I think it confuses the issue."

Bruce Ash expressed skepticism about these changes, stating, "Look, we have either prospered or suffered under our current way of voting for 250 years almost. This just seems gimmicky and a scheme to me."

This resistance to change highlights the tension between maintaining traditional voting systems and adapting to potentially more inclusive methods.

📜 Citizen Initiatives Under Threat: Proposition 134

Proposition 134 proposes changes to the signature requirements for citizen initiatives, requiring signatures from every legislative district in the state.

Ted Maxwell and SALC oppose this proposition, with Maxwell stating, "This is an attempt to basically take the citizens initiative process out of the state of Arizona."

This proposition raises significant concerns about the accessibility of direct democracy in Arizona. Requiring signatures from every legislative district could make it much more difficult and expensive for grassroots organizations to put measures on the ballot, potentially silencing voices from marginalized communities.

🚨 Limiting Executive Power: Proposition 135

Proposition 135 limits the governor's emergency powers to 30 days without legislative approval. This is a direct response to the COVID-19 shutdowns implemented by former Governor Ducey.

Maxwell explained, "If you think the governor should have the ability to put an emergency power in place and keep it, then you're a no on this."

⚖️ Judicial Accountability and Political Interference: Proposition 137

Proposition 137, the Judicial Accountability Act, proposes changes to the judicial retention process.

Ted Maxwell expresses concern about this proposition, stating, "It gives all those judges effectively life terms." This change could have far-reaching implications for the independence and accountability of the judiciary in Arizona.

The discussion also touched on recent efforts to remove two Arizona Supreme Court justices, with Maxwell describing these efforts as "politically motivated." This situation highlights the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability to the public.

💰 Protecting Tipped Workers: Proposition 138

Proposition 138, the Tipped Worker Protection Act, addresses minimum wage issues for tipped workers.

SALC supports this proposition, with Maxwell explaining, "This will ensure that we're not going to, under the auspice of some other flag, change the way that we've for decades, if not longer handled tip workers."

The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining the current tipping culture while ensuring fair wages for workers.

🤰 Abortion Access: Proposition 139

Proposition 139 aims to guarantee abortion access in the state constitution.

Maxwell noted, "What this is really about is the difference between, do you want to go to a 22 or 24 by ability outside of the womb as it has just defined, or do you want to stay at 15?"

This proposition highlights the ongoing debate over abortion rights in Arizona and the nation.

🏠 Property Rights and Nuisance Laws: Proposition 312

Proposition 312 allows property owners to claim tax refunds for damages due to non-enforcement of nuisance laws. This applies to both commercial and private properties.

Maxwell provided an example: "If he's found to be... If it's successful, that $60,000 actually rolls over for the next year for his... He gets out his credit for the following year as well."

🚔 Tough on Crime: Proposition 313

Proposition 313 mandates life imprisonment for child sex trafficking convictions.

While discussing this, Maxwell raised an important question: "Do you really want all of our sentencing structures to be part of our constitution?"

This highlights the debate between being tough on crime and the appropriate place for sentencing guidelines.

🛂 Border Security and Immigration: Proposition 314

Proposition 314 on border security is modeled after Texas Senate Bill 4 and would allow state law enforcement to enforce immigration laws.

Ted Maxwell predicts, "It's going to end up in the courts," highlighting this proposition's potential legal challenges.

The discussion also noted that there's no additional funding provided for implementation, which could strain local law enforcement resources.

📊 Regulatory Costs and Rulemaking: Proposition 315

Proposition 315 aims to control costs associated with department rulemaking. While SALC took no position on this proposition, it represents an attempt by the legislature to limit the financial impact of regulatory changes made by state agencies.

💼 The Influence of SALC in Arizona Politics

Throughout the discussion, the influence of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) was evident.

Ted Maxwell described SALC as "a political policy organization" that, while nonpartisan, is deeply involved in shaping policy discussions from a business perspective.

He stated, "We are a political policy organization. We're nonpartisan. We don't do... We do not make endorsements. We don't support candidates. But don't for a second think we're not political."

🗳️ The Importance of Voter Education

The show concluded with a strong emphasis on voter education. Maxwell encouraged listeners to research the propositions thoroughly, stating, "Read them. Find out people that you think understand these issues and ask them." This underscores the complexity of the ballot measures and the need for voters to be well-informed before casting their votes.

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🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary

🗳️ Arizona's Ballot Propositions: A Progressive Chicano Perspective on the Conservative Agenda

As we approach the 2024 elections, Arizona voters face a daunting array of ballot propositions that could dramatically reshape our state's political landscape.

The recent "Inside Track" radio show, featuring hosts Bruce Ash and Ebb Wilkinson and guest Ted Maxwell from the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC), provided a conservative perspective on these measures.

However, as progressives committed to social justice, civil rights, and environmental protection, we at Three Sonorans see things quite differently.

🌈 Prop 140: A Step Towards True Democracy

While the conservative voices on "Inside Track" expressed skepticism about Proposition 140, we see it as a crucial step towards a more inclusive and representative democracy. The proposition's focus on nonpartisan primaries and potential ranked-choice voting could break the duopoly of the two-party system that has long marginalized communities of color, independents, and progressive voices.

Ted Maxwell's comment that "you may end up with two Democrats or two Republicans" in certain districts misses the point. The goal isn't to maintain party control but to ensure that all voters have a meaningful say in who represents them.

In districts like CD7, currently represented by Raúl Grijalva, this could allow for a more nuanced representation of our diverse Latinx community.

Bruce Ash's dismissal of this change as "gimmicky" ignores the very real disenfranchisement that our current system perpetuates.

His appeal to tradition – "we have either prospered or suffered under our current way of voting for 250 years almost" – fails to acknowledge that for much of those 250 years, many of us were explicitly denied the right to vote.

Progress doesn't come from clinging to outdated systems but from embracing change that expands democratic participation.

🍽️ Prop 138: A Band-Aid on a Broken System

Proposition 138, the Tipped Worker Protection Act, is a complex issue requiring careful consideration from a progressive standpoint. While the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) and conservatives like Ted Maxwell support this measure, we at Three Sonorans have serious reservations about its long-term impact on worker rights and economic justice.

Maxwell's statement, "This will ensure that we're not going to, under the auspice of some other flag, change the way that we've for decades, if not longer handled tip workers" is precisely the problem.

The current tipping system is deeply flawed and rooted in systemic inequalities.

The Problems with Tipping

The tipping system in the United States has racist origins, dating back to the post-Civil War era when it was used to justify paying former slaves little to no wages. Today, it continues to perpetuate racial and gender disparities, with women and people of color often receiving lower tips for the same quality of service.

Moreover, the current system makes workers vulnerable to wage theft and sexual harassment, as they must often tolerate inappropriate customer behavior to secure their income. It also shifts the burden of paying workers a living wage from employers to customers, allowing businesses to externalize their labor costs.

Prop 138: Preserving an Unjust Status Quo

While Proposition 138 claims to protect tipped workers, it essentially codifies and perpetuates this problematic system. The measure allows employers to pay tipped workers up to 25% less than the minimum wage, assuming that tips make up the difference. This practice continues, making workers dependent on the whims of customers rather than guaranteeing a stable living wage.

Grant Krueger, the restaurant owner mentioned in the radio show, may argue that tipped employees are "making more money than the system managers."

However, this anecdotal evidence ignores the many tipped workers struggling to make ends meet, particularly in less lucrative establishments or during economic downturns.

A Progressive Vision for Worker Rights

Instead of enshrining the tipping system in our state constitution, we should push for comprehensive labor reform that guarantees all workers, including those in the service industry, a living wage regardless of tips. This could include:

• Eliminating the tipped minimum wage and ensuring all workers are paid at least the full minimum wage before tips.

• Implementing fair scheduling practices to provide workers with stable, predictable hours.

• Ensuring access to benefits such as paid sick leave and health insurance for all workers, including part-time and tipped employees.

• Strengthening protections against wage theft and harassment in the workplace.

While Proposition 138 may seem like a step in the right direction, it ultimately maintains an unjust status quo. Progressives should push for more fundamental changes to our labor laws that genuinely protect workers and promote economic justice.

We at Three Sonorans believe that all work has dignity and all workers deserve a stable, living wage. Tipping should be a genuine expression of gratitude for exceptional service, not a mechanism for employers to underpay their staff. Therefore, while we appreciate the intent behind Prop 138, we cannot in good conscience support a measure that perpetuates systemic inequalities in our labor market.

We recommend voting NO on Proposition 138 and instead advocating for more comprehensive labor reforms that will truly benefit all workers in Arizona.

🚫 Prop 134: A Threat to Grassroots Democracy

We strongly oppose Proposition 134, requiring signatures from every legislative district for ballot initiatives.

As Ted Maxwell rightly pointed out, "This is an attempt to basically take the citizens initiative process out of the state of Arizona."

This measure is a direct attack on grassroots organizing and the power of marginalized communities to effect change.

The citizen initiative process has been crucial for advancing progressive causes in Arizona, from establishing minimum wage increases to legalizing marijuana. Prop 134 would silence the voices of those struggling to be heard in our political system by making it exponentially more difficult and expensive to get measures on the ballot.

⚖️ Prop 137: Judicial Independence at Risk

While we share concerns about the politicization of the judiciary, Proposition 137 is not the solution. Ted Maxwell's observation that it "gives all those judges effectively life terms" is troubling. We need an independent and accountable judiciary, not insulated from the people's will.

The recent attempts to remove Supreme Court justices, which Maxwell described as "politically motivated," highlight the delicate balance we must strike. However, giving judges effective lifetime appointments is not the answer. Instead, we must focus on depoliticizing the judicial selection process and ensuring diversity on the bench that reflects the communities it serves.

🛂 Prop 314: Criminalizing Our Communities

Proposition 314, modeled after Texas's SB4, is a dangerous step toward the further criminalization of immigrant communities. Maxwell's prediction that "It's going to end up in the courts" underscores the dubious constitutionality of this measure. But beyond legal concerns, this proposition threatens to exacerbate racial profiling, separate families, and create a climate of fear in our communities.

As noted in the discussion, the lack of funding for implementation is also telling. This isn't about effective policy; it's about scoring political points on the backs of vulnerable communities.

As progressives, we categorically reject this xenophobic approach to immigration policy.

🤰 Prop 139: Protecting Reproductive Rights

In a rare point of agreement with the Three Sonorans, Proposition 139 is crucial for protecting abortion access in Arizona. The current 15-week limit is already an undue restriction on bodily autonomy. Enshrining abortion rights in our state constitution is essential, especially given the ongoing threats at the federal level.

Maxwell's framing of the issue—"Do you want to go to a 22 or 24 by ability outside of the womb as it has just defined, or do you want to stay at 15?"—misses the broader point.

This isn't about specific week limits; it's about trusting individuals and their healthcare providers to make personal medical decisions without government interference.

💼 The Corporate Influence: SALC's Role in Arizona Politics

Throughout the "Inside Track" discussion, the influence of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) was evident. Maxwell's description of SALC as "a political policy organization" deeply involved in shaping policy discussions from a business perspective raises serious concerns about corporate influence in our political process.

While business perspectives are part of the conversation, they cannot be allowed to dominate at the expense of workers, marginalized communities, and the environment.

The outsized influence of groups like SALC in crafting and promoting ballot measures underscores the need for grassroots organizing and progressive coalitions to counterbalance corporate interests.

🌱 Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we approach this crucial election, it's clear that conservative corporate interests are working hard to shape Arizona's future. But we, as progressives, can chart a different course.

Let's not be swayed by fear-mongering about border security or appeals to outdated traditions. Instead, let's embrace the opportunity to expand democratic participation, protect reproductive rights, and resist the criminalization of our immigrant communities. The future of our state depends on it.

Remember, cada voto cuenta – every vote counts. Let's make ours count for progress, justice, and the betterment of all Arizonans.

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👯 People Mentioned

• Ted Maxwell: Retired U.S. Air Force General and CEO of Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC). Provided analysis on various ballot propositions.

  • Quote: "We are a political policy organization. We're nonpartisan. We don't do... We do not make endorsements. We don't support candidates. But don't for a second think we're not political."

• Bruce Ash: Co-host of the radio show, expressed conservative views on various propositions.

  • Quote: "Look, we have either prospered or suffered under our current way of voting for 250 years almost. This just seems gimmicky and a scheme to me."

• Ebb Wilkinson: Co-host of the radio show, manages Wilkinson Wealth Management.

• Governor Ducey: Former Governor of Arizona, mentioned in context of COVID-19 emergency powers.

• Kathy Herrod: Associated with Arizona Center for Policy, mentioned in context of abortion discussion.

• Grant Kruger: Restaurant owner, advocate for the Tipped Worker Protection Act.

• Mike Noble: Associated with Noble Predictive Insights, conducts polling on various issues in Arizona.

• Raul Grijalva: U.S. Representative for Arizona's 7th congressional district, mentioned in context of safe Democratic districts.

• Juan Ciscomani: U.S. Representative for Arizona's 6th congressional district, mentioned in context of competitive districts.

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🧐 Propaganda AI-nalysis

The "Inside Track" radio show, while presenting itself as an informative discussion on Arizona's ballot propositions, exhibits several propaganda techniques:

1. Appeal to tradition: The hosts frequently argue against changes to the current system, implying that the status quo is preferable simply because it's been in place for a long time.

2. Fear-mongering: The discussion on border security and immigration enforcement uses language that may incite fear about immigration issues without presenting a balanced view.

3. Business-centric perspective: The show heavily features the views of SALC, a business-oriented organization, potentially skewing the discussion towards business interests.

4. Selective information: The hosts and guest provide detailed information on some propositions while glossing over others, potentially influencing listeners' perceptions of their relative importance.

5. Appeal to authority: The show relies heavily on Ted Maxwell's expertise and position, potentially leading listeners to give more weight to his opinions without critical examination.

6. Simplification of complex issues: Many propositions are presented in overly simplistic terms, potentially obscuring their nuanced impacts on different segments of society.

7. Us vs. Them mentality: The discussion often frames issues in terms of political parties or ideologies, which can reinforce polarization and discourage nuanced thinking.

While the show does provide valuable information about the propositions, listeners should be aware of these biases and seek out additional, diverse sources of information to form a well-rounded understanding of the issues at stake.