District #18 Republican Meeting Minutes for April 22, 2004

The meeting began at 7:08 p.m. in the Mesa Community College library meeting room.  Fred Ash served as chairman as Jeff Groscost would be late.  The group sang God Bless America, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer was said before the meeting began.  Elected officials were introduced, as were new precinct committeemen and attenders.

 Sen. Mark Anderson took the podium and spoke about the current session and the budget problem.

 Then Rep. Karen Johnson said she hoped the current session was winding down.  With regard to the budget issues, she said the Arizona Constitution forbids debt.  She spoke about identity theft and private property rights.  She said she wants to opt out of the “No Child Left Behind” program.  School vouchers was shot down as was the tuition tax credit for corporations—both will be priorities next session.  The governor vetoed informed consent. She ended saying the Marriage Amendment was bogged down in the Senate. 

Next Rep. Russell Pearce spoke about the budget and having to negotiate with the Senate.  He said the greatest threat to freedom is the government through taxation and regulation.  He said the state is on the brink of bankruptcy and we have almost a billion dollar deficit.  The government wants to grow the budget by 11% and increase Access, corrections, education, and school facilities.  He said charity should be from personal checks and government can’t be everything to everybody.  Governor Napalitano won’t hold the budget flat--she wants more.

 Next a flurry of candidates were introduced:  Don Stapley is running for his seat on the Board of Supervisors; Dave Peterson for State Treasurer; Janie Thom for Mesa City Council; a representative for Jeff Flake said hello; David Schweikert; a Dan Saban rep; Charlie Hendrix for the County District Hospital Board #2; Joe Brown for the House who is taking $5 contributions for clean elections; Ed Mallis for Mesa County Justice Court; Keith Russell for Maricopa County Assessor; JT Ready for the House; and a rep for Tim Seifert for Corporation Commissioner.  

 Then the three County Attorney Candidates spoke.  Former Attorney General Candidate Andrew Thomas represented himself as the true conservative.  Jerry Landau worked 28 years with the County Attorney’s office.  Rick Romley endorses him.  Tom McCauley was third.  Andrew Pacheco said he too is conservative, and he was Deputy Maricopa County Attorney.  Galen Updike took on the role of moderator for a question and answer session.  

Chairman Groscost arrived and took over after the Q & A period.  He said PC papers and affidavits were ready for pick up and a notary stamp.  If there is no precinct captain, Groscost would assign one. 

 On April 29 there will be nationwide Bush-Cheney neighborhood parties occurring to get people talking.  A high-level campaign representative will conduct a conference call. 

 Matt Salmon will be at a Mesa High pizza party for teen Republicans who will help with the Bush campaign.  

 There will be $3.00-$5.00 reward for each Republican registration form filled out from anywhere in the state.

 Walking lists and new volunteer registration emails will direct people to the website. 

 Tech Vic said one needs to be registered through #18.

 The meeting ended at 8:58 p.m.  The next meeting will be May 27.

 Dawn Peltzer

District #18 Recording Secretary