Say "Arizona politics" and most people across America think "Republican conservative stronghold." But Arizona can no longer be considered a bastion of the right.

Holy cow, what is going on at the Arizona Legislature: Bill aims to censor teachers' speech? For years now our legislators have been micromanaging everything that goes on in our state: micromanaging its citizens, micromanaging the cities, micromanaging the schools and universities, micromanaging law enforcement. Now they want to control what teachers can and cannot say in and around the classroom. Isn't that what we have school boards and principals for? Somebody complains or gripes and we get another bill, another law? Don't we have enough laws already? Isn't Arizona supposed to be a conservative bastion? Conservative in social norms, fiscally conservative, limited government? After 100 years, can't Arizona citizens be trusted to do anything right? I guess not.

What does it mean to be called a conservative?

I consider myself to be an average American. I am fiscally conservative in that I do not buy anything that I cannot afford. I believe people have a right to live their own lives as they see fit as long as it doesn’t infringe on someone else’s life in a negative manner. I believe people should take responsibility for their own well being in that if money is tight you don’t go out and buy things you cannot afford or don’t need. These are principles I live by. This president and the two houses of government have totally ignored these principles. They spend money they don’t have or reasonably expect to pay back on programs that are nothing but vote getters. They add unnecessary expenditures to bills that have nothing to do with the bill being considered.

Chandler's department heads have come up with 175 possible new fees and fee increases as a way to ease a looming budget shortfall.

Finally, some constructive discussion on solidifying and reforming the Social Security system. The two commentaries on the front of today’s Perspective section are both timely and refreshing in light of all the screaming and arm-waving since George W. Bush made reforming the system a top priority of his presidency.

I was raised with the values of honesty, hard work, independence, fiscal conservatism and a belief that healthy neighborhoods and a vibrant economy make for a strong community.

Into the “what were they thinking” round file should go the idea of giving the Mesa City Council a raise.

Mike Hutchinson has held the title of Mesa's city manager for five years, but he's been deeply involved in running this burgeoning municipality for nearly 30. Even as former City Manager Chuck Luster's assistant for 19 years, Hutchinson was the one in the public eye much of the time, as Luster preferred to pull the administrative levers from behind the curtain.

Chandler resident Christian Weems jumped for joy over garbage after Thursday’s City Council meeting.

Jim Lane’s experience as an accountant, business owner and financial consultant have taught him not to let complicated situations cloud the path to straightforward solutions.

 The Gilbert Town Council got down to business Tuesday night, agreeing to $11.38 million in spending cuts and fee increases for the next fiscal year while reviewing recommendations from the Citizens Budget Committee.

As a frequent visitor to Freestone Park, I appreciate the decision of Gilbert’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (under the direction of the Town Council) to install signs urging smokers, “In consideration of others, please restrict tobacco usage to a reasonable distance from those around you. Thank you.”

Editor's Note: These letters to the editor have been sorted by topic by the Tribune editorial staff in an effort to allow readers to read varied opinions on the issues, candidates, and other circumstances surrounding the 2012 general election. These submissions are the opinions of the author, not the Tribune, and have not been edited for grammar or content.

The crowded Republican race for governor appears ready to claim its first victim.

Two newcomers are joining the Tempe City Council, after Joel Navarro and Corey Woods were elected by voters Tuesday. Four candidates, including Vice Mayor Hut Hutson, were running for the final two spots on the seven-member board. None of the four received more than 50 percent of the vote during the March 11 primary election.

Arizonans faced the longest list of ballot propositions in recent history Tuesday, and a predictable mix of intense advertising campaigns, misinformation, common sense and voter fatigue combined to produce a rather unruly set of results, which is hardly surprising from a list of 19 measures.

After spending months pouring over mind-numbing municipal budget data, the Mesa 2025: Financing the Future committee did the inevitable. It recommended increasing taxes.

Here’s a handy multiple-choice concession speech for local political candidates who lost in Tuesday’s primary elections . . .

One of the most closely watched and hotly contested primary races in Arizona this year features state Sen. Slade Mead, R-Ahwatukee Foothills, against Rep. John Huppenthal, R-Chandler.

July 31, 2004

Mesa has named 13 people to a committee charged with the herculean task of getting the city’s financial house in order.

Not long ago, you might have foreseen the Republican pilgrimage to St. Paul, Minn., as having all the brio of the Bataan Death March. Surprise! For all the party's problems, Republicans find themselves with a fighting chance of holding onto the presidency after all. Impressive, that - as was John McCain's gutsy choice of the marvelous Sarah Palin. Maybe this grand old party still has life in it.

July 29, 2004