Gov. Jan Brewer deserves thanks for vetoing several bills this week, including the loony birther bill and legislation that would have allowed guns on campus.

It goes to show that Brewer is taking the public’s opinion into account on some of the stuff that coming out of the Legislature—and so we’re suggesting you call her up and ask her to veto SB 1322, which would force the cities of Tucson and Phoenix to take bids so that private companies can take over running nearly everything the city does, from the transportation department to the parks to Tucson Water.

The fact is: The city already farms out all kinds of business when appropriate: Private companies bid on road projects and Tucson Water takes bids from pipeline companies. But the overall transportation and water system should be managed by city employees, not private companies. This is privatization ad absurdum—and instead of some fantasy where private entrepreneurs take over our parks and turn them into paradise, it’s more likely to create big expenses, miles of red tape and disastrous results. This will basically destroy the city as we now know it, which is the aim Sen. Frank Antenori, who sponsored it. (And that’s not just us talking; Republican City Councilman Steve Kozachik has said the same thing.)

So call Gov. Brewer at 1-(800) 253-0883. (It’s toll-free!) Or visit her Web page to leave a comment. Let her know you think it’s a bad idea and you’d be grateful if she’d reject it.

This article appears in Apr 21-27, 2011.

Getting hassled by The Man Mild-mannered reporter

3 replies on “Call Gov. Brewer! Ask Her To Veto SB 1322!”

  1. Done. It’s ironic that the state wants the freedom from the feds to run AZ how they see fit, but then want to control the cities. Hypocrisy.

  3. April 18, 2011

    The Honorable Janice K. Brewer
    Governor of Arizona
    1700 W. Washington
    Phoenix, AZ 85007

    VIA FAX: (602) 542-1381; cc USPS

    Dear Governor Brewer:

    I am writing to urge you to VETO Senate Bill 1322 (managed competition; city services) if passed by the Senate and transmitted to you for consideration of signing into law.

    Unlike your Executive Order 2010-10 establishing the Commission on Privatization and Efficiency (COPE), where selected members have the opportunity to examine and discuss state entities to determine the sequence of, and best course of action in achieving the stated Goals of COPE. Affected municipalities being Phoenix and Tucson will be burdened with complying under predetermined criteria, that may be counterintuitive to the desired outcome.

    With City of Phoenix set to elect a new Mayor and four Councilman this coming August, and with the creation of an Innovation and Efficiency Task Force in January 2010. It may be better to allow Phoenix the opportunity to determined where their opportunities for privatization and efficiencies exists and how best to prioritize them for implementation.

    COPE member Leonard Gilroy, Director of Government Reform for the Reason Foundation, surely would agree with providing Phoenix the opportunity to make the case for privatization to their residents and employees. He co-authored “Ten Principles of Privatization” that advocates providing all parties involved the opportunity to participate in discussions prior to implementation of SB1322 that bypasses this important step.

    On behalf of the voting populace and employees of the City of Phoenix and Tucson, please VETO SB1322.

    Sincerely,

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