12-14-17 Briefs

REPUBLICAN BRIEFS

Travis Angry, an Army Veteran and father has announced his candidacy for former Republican Congressman Trent Franks’ seat. Following a profile piece which aired on Fox 10 Phoenix Monday night about his current heath battle, Angry filed his paperwork to officially join the race to replace Franks in CD 8. Angry who is currently going through a stem cell replacement procedure at Banner Gateway hospital in Gilbert has been cleared to run for Congress by his doctors. "It has been an honor to serve my country in both the Army and Navy. To have the opportunity to serve the constituents of Congressional District 8 would count among the highest of honors to date." After experiencing the horrors of the Veterans administration first hand, Angry is making reforming the VA a central focal point of his campaign. "After a hard fought battle to hold the Phoenix VA Hospital accountable for the healthcare commitment they had made, I now make it my honorable duty to stand and fight for those who cannot. I am the candidate you want on the Congressional Veterans Affairs Committee to serve those who have served." Angry who is a youth inspirational-motivational speaker, a military veteran, and three-time cancer survivor, along with the founder and CEO of the inspirational youth outreach project, Change Youth Project wants to make Arizona and America great again by changing the way Washington DC is run like never before. Travis resides in Peoria, Arizona, as a single father with his two children, Tatiyana and DeVante. Angry says he “enters race with the heart and passion of a lion, to share my message to the voters of AZ CD 8” and looks forward to meeting voters and sharing his platform in seeking the confidents' and votes to continue growing our conservative values. website at www.AngryForArizona.com Petition link: http://go.azsos.gov/fvys

Lea Marquez Peterson will kick off her CD2 campaign at 6 pm Thurs at the Viscount Suites Hotel, 4855 E Broadway Blvd in Tucson. Peterson is a lifelong conservative Republican and a passionate, active community leader with a proven record of delivering results in both the private and public sectors. Since 2009, she has served as President & CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She previously served as the Executive Director for Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) from 2005 to 2009. An entrepreneur and small business owner, she previously owned and operated a chain of gasoline stations & convenience stores in the Tucson region. Governor Doug Ducey appointed her to co-chair the Arizona Zanjeros, a business leadership group formed to promote economic development in the state. Peterson also served on Governor-elect Doug Ducey’s Transition Team in 2014. She received her undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona, and her Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. She has resided in the 2nd Congressional District for over 40 years. Lea and her husband Dan live in Tucson with their two children. www.VoteforLea.com

NOTES FROM READERS

Editor’s Note:Please keep opinion pieces to 400 words.

PC Marshall Hill: LD13 is having another election as Chairman Ben Boon moved. I had no idea who Boon was when he was elected. I'd attended all meetings for couple of years and had never seen him; much less knew his stance for running for Chair. But with the help of "the other PCs" --the ones who run the LD by proxy, he won. During the Maricopa County Mandatory January 2017 meeting, a few of us introduced ourselves to Boon and inquired what his plans were. He said he had no idea and didn't even know how he won. Later, 3 PCs made dinner plans with Boon to ask how we could help – even offered to accompany him to other LD meetings. We'd been to plenty and gotten a clear idea how LD meetings should run. He never took up that offer. Who was his "brain trust"? He said a guy from his church and another PC. He said he could use help in getting speakers for meetings. Each of us sent lists of names to which he never replied (nor used). Never ever heard from him again.

      The meeting prior to the primary, a woman was given the floor to tell us why we should vote for Jeb Bush. Looking back, I wonder how I sat through it. I stopped attending right after the Big Trump Presidential Win because there was not one mention that Trump won or not even that a Republican won. That showed their true colors for the Republican party - The Never-Trumpers, Jeb Bushers, anyone but Trump. I walked out to catch my breath as it was so infuriating.

      It appears this election for a new Chair has been sabotaged by the fact that the call letter wasn’t proofed. We haven’t even seen a slate of candidates.

     Interestingly, after last general election, Briefs posted a link to the endless list of Maricopa County PCs. I diligently looked at the PCs in LD13. I saw 2 names I knew but had never seen at a meeting or Mandatory Jan Meeting. No wonder I saw so many proxies ballots hung around necks at the mandatory meetings. Many PCs are ghosts...only to give someone their proxy.

     We get 24 hour notices of meetings and no agendas. Who, really, is running the LD show? It's no wonder some of our voices are never heard. It's no wonder our LD is not cohesive, much less inclusive. There's a group that runs the LD the way THEY want it run...and it ain't by the good guys and it ain’t by the rules.

Russell Sias, La Paz County Republican Chairman: We’re Being Duped! Part 4 - I have discussed serious problems with our bylaws routinely. Our bylaws, like our constitution, is a document designed in large part, to limit the activities of those in leadership. When a bylaw spells out an amending process – the process that is expected and allowed to occur. The bylaws are saying: This is the way to amend. By default, it eliminates other ways to amend. These bylaws, right or wrong, were voted on, the method of amending was established, and that’s the ONLY way.

Consider: No one “voted to suspend” the rules (bylaws). That action would have then created an opportunity to allow a different procedure such as a bylaws committee! It should be a huge red flag when a leader, no matter who or when, decides that they want to create a new process of amendment contrary to present bylaws by creating a bylaws committee.

     Another issue: Read the removal of an officer procedure. Ponder the time line issues. Consider differences in phrases like “written notice of call,” and “notice of call” and what’s required to generate the written notice of call. Before someone can even start gathering signatures for recall, they must establish a date and secure a location for a statewide meeting. Consider the cost of securing an auditorium for such a meeting. Forcing a secured location before it’s even determined that adequate signatures could be gathered is ludicrous. And provide proof, no less! Having such a restrictive requirement in the written notice of call is silly. It should appear in the actual notice of call, but why before it is even determined that a meeting may take place at all?

As I promised, I have created an alternative. Click out the link http://www.SpeakUpSaveAmerica/bylaws to see a different approach to our party and our bylaws. These proposed new bylaws would tell our leadership to lead the party in a direction WE want it to go, instead of allowing our leadership to tell us the directions they want it to go. They aren't perfect. BUT, they spell out a legitimate bylaws committee, in which members can communicate, and we can adjust them to suit our grassroots members. We can do so openly, without secrets or confidentially agreements generated by fear.

Senator John McCain is currently receiving treatment at Walter Reed Medical Center for normal side effects of his ongoing cancer therapy. As ever, he remains grateful to his physicians for their excellent care, and his friends and supporters for their encouragement and good wishes. Senator McCain looks forward to returning to work as soon as possible.

Palo Verde Republican Women’s Club will hold its next luncheon at 11:30 am., Wed, Dec 20 at Grayhawk Golf Club, Fairway House, 8620 E Thompson Peak Parkway . Check in at 11 am with luncheon at 11:30 am. US Congressman David Schweikert is scheduled to address the group, followed by installation of officers by club member, Julia Graham.  Ignite Barbershop Quartet will provide Christmas music.  Reservations required at pvrwlunch111@yahoo.com  Check, cash or credit card at the door.

The Leisure World Republican Club Christmas Party Meeting is scheduled at 7 pm., Mon., Dec 18 in the Ballroom. This will be a busy meeting with Election of officers for 2018, speakers Supervisor Steve Chucri and Greg Safsten, lots of goodies to eat and many gifts! Live music by the West Family Singers.You do not have to be a member to attend. Contact: Diane Andersen, azpatriot13@yahoo.com. 480 395-5515.

LD24’s Christmas and Holiday Social is scheduled at 6:30 pm., Thurs., Dec 21 at AZGOP Headquarters, 3501 N 24^th St. in Phoenix, according to Chairman Barry Wong. Enjoy hors d’oeuvrew, beverages, music and converations. Attendees are asked to bring can or dry non-perishable food for the food drive. RSVP to barry@barrywong.comso they know how many to plan for.

Grassroots Republicans are urged to sign Archie Dicksion’s Proxy Petition To Curb Proxy Abuse Http://Bit.Ly/2rzg2w8. When signing the petition, you have two choices, total ban or limit to two per person. There has been great concern over the use of proxies the past five or years or more to control elections at both the AZGOP and Maricopa County Republican Mandatory meeting held every January. Complaints have been voiced for several years of “Bell Cows” carrying up to 40 proxies for PC who rarely, if ever attend meetings. Opponents of the excessive use of proxies say the misuse and abuse of proxies has resulted in the cleansing of conservative grassroots Republicans from leadership roles a at the district, county and state level by RINOs or McCainites.

Senate And House Negotiators have struck an “agreement in principle” on the tax bill and are now just cleaning up some of the details on paying for it, says a Republican source familiar with the talks. An announcement is expected later Wednesday. The deal would lower the top individual tax rate to 37 percent and set the corporate tax rate at 21 percent, slightly higher than the 20 percent initially favored by President Trump. Read the full story here

Tom Morrissey’s Radio Riders Show can be heard at 3 pm., Thurs., Dec 14 on KRIM 96.3 FM in Payson or on the krimfm.com app you will get the show on Smartphones and PCs anywhere in the world.  AND you will hear some Christmas songs you may not have heard before. The first hour is Guitar Masters and the second hour is filled with Christmas Sounds - but no "Jingle Bells" or "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year".

The Chips N Salsa Show broadcasts LIVE at 4 pm., Sat., Dec 16 with host Alice Lara and Don Jorge Ortiz making his return appearance with tips from a Latino Republican perspective.  Featured will be the Deplorable Latinas comprised of Monica Yelin and Terry Mendoza. Hear the latest from Fast & Furious whistleblower Jeff Prather with his weekly Prather Point.  Listen online www.CentralCityRadio.com or watch FACEBOOK Live. Contact alice@ChipsNSalsaShow.com The Chips N Salsa show wishes all the Chipsters a Merry Christmas and Happy New year!

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host a public forum/webcast on license simplification success, 6-8 p.m., Thurs, Dec. 14.The forum will review changes that have occurred during the three years since legislation was passed that allowed the department to simplify its hunting and fishing license structure. It will also include a discussion on success resulting from this license simplification and give the public an opportunity to provide feedback. You can either (1) attend the forum at AZGFD’s Phoenix headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway (Quail Room), (2) see it streamed at any AZGFD regional office, or (3) view the webcast from any computer with Internet access at https://www.azgfd.com/media/tv/publicforumvideo/. Questions or comments during the webinar can be submitted to questions@azgfd.gov.

To Donate To The AZRA Westside Chapter/Phoenix Children’s Hospital First Annual Toy Drive can contact chapter chairman Cid De La Fuente at (623) 312-7054 or azrawc@gmail.com

AZ Heroes to Hometowns would like to make sure every Wounded Hero family in need gets a new pair of pajamas and a toy. Drop off locations: AZ Heroes to Hometowns - 40 W. Brown Rd. Ste. 105, Mesa AZ 85201 (by appointment call 480.330.1632) All items must be new. Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags are always appreciated. Contact founder Kathy Pearce 480.330.1632 Kathy@azheroestohometowns.org

The S/W Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Family Health Radio Showwill address“Checking On Aging Loved Ones While Home for the Holidays” and “Myths About Eating Green and Health and Wealth” at 10 Am., Thurs., Dec 14 featuring Megan Word, Dorie Morales, Dr. Regina Ponder, Lori Murphy , Susan Ciardullo and Fred Taylor, SWPCF Executive Director. Radio Station – KXXT 1010 AM www.familyvaluesradio1010.com Call-in: 602-977-1010.

Rabies Activity In Arizona’s Gray Fox Populations has quadrupled in the last year according to data released by the Arizona Department of Health Services. As of a report today, there are 24 rabid foxes in 2017, compared with 6 rabid foxes reported statewide in 2016. Six of these cases were confirmed in the past two months. An outbreak of fox rabies is occurring in the east-central part of Arizona near recreational hiking trails and camping areas in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, which includes the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area. Several foxes have been seen alongside trailheads and there is evidence that the outbreak may be spreading to more urban areas posing additional risk to people and their pets living in residential communities.  So far in 2017, rabid foxes have been identified in Cochise, Navajo, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties and now recently in Gila, Maricopa, and Pinal Counties.

The Arizona Game And Fish Department (AZGFD) is enlisting the help of landowners and citizen scientists to assist biologists as part of the American Kestrel Partnership, a program designed to collect data to be used to conserve this important species for future generations. AZGFD is participating in the partnership, which is coordinated nationally by The Peregrine Fund. “The goal of this project is to provide nesting habitat and raise awareness for kestrels in Arizona, while contributing to national efforts to assist these falcons,” said Kurt Licence, an AZGFD biologist. Watch; American kestrel nest box program

West Pinal County Arizona Republican Assembly Chapter members gather for a recent Christmas party.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dec 14

The Arizona Chapter of Americans for Prosperity is gearing up for the 2018 session of the Arizona Legislature with a series of (free) dinners in which the AFP-Arizona will discuss its draft 2018 Legislative Agenda with grassroots activists. To sign up for one of the sessions go to: Thurs, Dec 14 in Prescott Valley To set up agenda planning meetings in other locations contact Tom Jenney at tjenney@afphq.org.

DEC 15

The Arizona Tenth Amendment Center will present the 2017 Bill of Rights Day Celebration, Fri, Dec 15 at the Orange Tree Resort, 10601 N. 56th Street in Scottsdale. The 226th anniversary celebration kicks off with a cocktail hour before the reading of the Bill of Rights, followed by the speaker by Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick. Other guest speakers include Joe Wolverton II, Constitutional attorney Michael Gibbs, deputy director of the Arizona Tenth Amendment Center, and a special appearance by Patrick Henry, portrayed by Dr. Lance Hurley. Musical entertainment provided by The Rolling Cajonez. Advance Tickets are required and are $25 for adults, $15 for children 5- 12. Under 5 years are free.  Appetizers and a hot buffet are included, cash bar. Limited seating. Tickets: http://arizonatenthamendmentcenter.org

AzcDL Will Host A Display Table at the Arizona 10^th Amendment Center sponsored Bill of Rights Celebration scheduled at 5 pm., Dec 15 at the Orange Tree Resort, 106011 N 56^th St in Scottsdale. and AzCDL's President Dave Kopp, will be among the representatives of pro-rights organizations reading the amendments.  Bill of Rights Day honors the ratification of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution on December 15, 1791.other speakers include Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick, Constitutional attorney Joe Wolverton II, Deputy Director of the Arizona Tenth Amendment Center Michael Gibbs, , and a special appearance by Mr. Patrick Henry (Dr. Lance Hurley), attorney, planter and orator well known for his declaration to the Second Virginia Convention: "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Tickets are $25 at aztac.ticketleap .  Appetizers and a hot buffet are included.  Social mixer starts at 5 pm. Program at 6 pm

Dec 16

Radio Talk Show Host Mike Broomhead is Scheduled To Speak At The Dec 16 Fountain Hills Republican Club Potluck Christmas breakfast. Guests are asked to bring a breakfast dish and donations for “Toys for Tots.” The Fountain Hills Toymakers will probably be on site to sell toys for donation to the Toys for Tots program or as Christmas gifts.  Contact club secretary Boe James at ro_james@yahoo.com

The Arizona Chapter Of Americans For Prosperity 2017 Awards Dinner starts at 6 pm., Sat., Dec 16 at the Christ Lutheran School in Phoenix where Americans for Prosperity- Arizona (AFP) will present their coveted “jackalope” awards to the legislator and to the local government official believed to have done the most to defend liberty this year.  Volunteer activists will also be honored at the free buffett. Please RSVP here so they can order enough food for all attendees. A second award event is scheduled Mon., Jan 15, 2018 in Tucson/OroValley for those in Pima County. Contact: Tom Jenney, Senior Legislative Advisor at tjenney@afphq.org

The AZRA West Chapter meeting & Christmas Social is scheduled between 9 am-noon, Dec 16 at the Goodyear Community Center, 420 E Loma Linda Blvd in Goodyear. ( NEW location) Contact: azrawc@gmail.com

The Annual Fountain Hills Republican Club's Potluck Christmas Breakfastis scheduled at 8:30 am., Sat., Dec 16 in the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 featuring speaker KFYI 550 radio personality Mike Broomhead . Attendees are invited to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.  The Fountain Hills Toymakers will have a limited number of their homemade toys available for purchase.  All toy proceeds go to buy material for toys given to less fortunate children.  Attendees are encouraged (not required) to bring a food item to the pot luck breakfast.   If bringing a food item, e-mail the club's Hospitality Chairman, Shari Moris at cgsm73@gmail.com with the item – to help with planning. The program starts at 9 a.m., doors open for the pot luck breakfast at 8:30. 

DEC 21

LD24’s Christmas and Holiday Social is scheduled at 6:30 pm., Thurs., Dec 21 at AZGOP Headquarters, 3501 N 24^th St. in Phoenix, according to Chairman Barry Wong. Enjoy hors d’oeuvrew, beverages, music and converations. Attendees are asked to bring can or dry non-perishable food for the food drive. RSVP to barry@barrywong.comso they know how many to plan for.

ELECTED OFFICIAL COMMENTS

Congressman Andy Biggs’ - “I look forward to welcoming Mr. Rosenstein to the House Judiciary Committee. I am disturbed that the Department of Justice has no apparent policy to vet prosecutors for conflicts of interest. This failure would never be tolerated in the private sector and has led to the persistent revelations of biases and conflicts within the Mueller team. I am prepared to give Deputy Rosenstein the benefit of the doubt and hope he answers my questions honestly. However, if we do not receive satisfactory answers, starting today, I am fully prepared to support contempt of Congress charges against those withholding information from the American people.”

Congressman Andy Biggs: –Yesterday, a House and Senate Conference Committee reached an agreement on their final tax reform package. This legislation will be reviewed by Congress in the coming days. Congressman Biggs released the following statement: “I commend my colleagues for their hard work to merge the House and Senate versions of tax reform. In the next few days, I will read through this new bill to analyze the effects of these policies on my district. I hope that all Americans will benefit from tax breaks in our final bill.”

Congresswoman Martha McSally: Last week the President decided to relocate the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. His decision sends a strong and clear message to the international community that we are beginning a new chapter in our alliance, one in which America keeps our promises towards Israel and doesn’t waffle about where our true allegiance lies.Jerusalem has been the Capital of the Jewish people for about 3,000 years, and 22 years ago Congress passed a law— with the support of Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi— to recognize Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided Capital of Israel.We need to stand with our strong, Democratic ally in the region. Delaying the recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel has not helped achieve peace over the past two decades—and actually, moving our embassy could move us towards peace. FOX interview

Congresswoman Martha McSally: S. AZ. Priorities Locked in Defense Bill Signed by President President Trump has signed the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes defense spending at $634 billion and contains every single provision that I tirelessly fought to include for Arizona.

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