BlogArizona Category: Arizona GovernmentThis page contains all BlogArizona posts related to Arizona Government. Read a specific post by clicking on a title below, or scroll further down the page to read through all posts in this category.Monday, April 14, 2008Sheriff Joe Enforces Immigration Law, Phoenix Mayor UpsetNormally, I don't post on such political topics. But this Arizona Republic article was so one-sided, I had to blog about it just to mention the part of the story the AZ Republic blindly disregarded. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is asking the FBI to investigate Sheriff Joe Arpaio for alleged civil rights violations. The Mayor is complaining about Sheriff Joe's recent illegal immigrant raids because Mayor Gordon claims Sheriff Joe is using racial profiling. In short, the Mayor is complaining that Sheriff Joe is enforcing the law. I just wonder...is this the same Mayor Phil Gordon who recently gave press conferences about how he was going to end Phoenix's sanctuary city policy after a Phoenix police officer was needlessly shot and killed by an illegal alien? I guess that was just for the news cameras. When it comes to actually following through, perhaps a few more officers will have to be killed first. And don't you love the way the Arizona Republic article mentions (more than once) that Mayor Gordon recently "called on Phoenix police to play a more active role in enforcing immigration laws". But nowhere in the article does it mention that Mayor Gordon took that stance after a Phoenix police officer was needlessly shot in the face and killed by an illegal immigrant, in cold blood. And this was an illegal immigrant who had previously been arrested for less serious charges and deported. But apparently, anybody who wants to walk across our border and kill our citizens is free to do so (thank you for trying to keep it that way Mayor Gordon). Mayor Gordon says Sheriff Joe should focus on real criminals. Last I heard, being here illegally is illegal. And when someone is killed needlessly by an illegal immigrant, doesn't it usually turn out that the killer was previously arrested for less serious crimes? If authorities had only deported the person and meant it the first time, maybe we'd have one less dead Phoenix police officer. I realize all illegal immigrants are not criminals, but as long as our borders are wide open, the bad guys are coming across too. In my opinion, people like Mayor Gordon who scream 'racist' everytime someone tries to actually deal with the problem need to wipe the blood off their hands and face reality. How many people have to be killed and how many children have to be molested before we finally decide to enforce our laws...and mean it. We need to get past the politics and secure our borders... for real this time. Until that happens, I say go Sheriff Joe!
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on April 14, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack Saturday, March 29, 2008Beware of Red Light Camera at Gilbert & McKellips in Mesa!A couple years ago when I had to go to driving school, I was told the cameras in intersections can catch you either speeding or running a red light. Some are set for red-light only while others are set for speed. But the cameras are all the same, it just depends on how they're programmed. Well apparently, the red light running camera at Gilbert and McKellips in Mesa has recently been re-programmed to catch speeders too. Don't ask me how I know this! :(
Considering the fees they're charging for speeding tickets these days, I don't know how the City of Mesa is losing money on the photo radar program. Perhaps this recent re-programming of cameras is an attempt to get a better return on Mesa's investment. Obviously, I have mixed feelings about that! As a Mesa resident and taxpayer, of course I want the city to keep the roads safe, and I want them to maximize the return on investment when they spend taxpayers money...but not at my expense! If you're wondering where other Mesa traffic cameras are located, the City of Mesa's website lists all the intersections with red light cameras, along with the locations of Mesa's photo radar vans. Also, here's some more info on Arizona photo radar tickets. Remember, slow down at the intersection of Gilbert & McKellips and drive safe! :) Related Articles you may also find interesting:
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on March 29, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack Saturday, March 15, 2008For Sale By Owner in Phoenix, AZOkay, this has nothing to do with real estate, but I love this "Best of Phoenix" Craigslist ad anyway - what an interesting way to get rid of scorpions and termites. And can you even believe those pesky City of Phoenix lawn police are forcing the poor guy to sell...! Craigslist's "Best of Phoenix" also has this interesting take on driving in Phoenix. And this guy has a unique idea for a home security system... or at least to keep the neighbor kids off his lawn. Enjoy!
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on March 15, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack Saturday, March 08, 2008Recent Changes to the FHA Loan ProgramIt seems like the FHA Loan program is being looked to by government leaders, consumers, lenders and anyone in between to save the housing market. As a result there has been a lot of changes to this program within the past few months. 1. FHA Loan Limits Increased: The loan limit has been raised across the entire country. For Maricopa and Pinal County (which includes all the major cities in the Phoenix Metro area) the new limits are as follows:
2. Down payment Assistance Programs: While this is not a direct FHA feature, one of the major reasons to use the FHA program is because it allows third-parties to contribute towards a buyer’s down payment. The FHA loan limit is 97% of the value of the property but it allows the remaining 3% to be gifted from such non-profits as AmeriDream, Nehemiah etc. Recently HUD (which oversees FHA) challenged the legality of such gifts and threatened to shut them down. The down-payment programs fought back and recently won in court. 3. FHA Secure: This was an initiate from the White House designed to help subprime borrowers refinance into a FHA loan program. It is targeted to those on adjustable rate mortgages facing abrupt increases to their monthly housing payment. The HUD website has addition information, but here are some high points on how you may qualify for FHASecure:
There are further changes coming to the FHA program. Congress is working on a FHA Modernization bill which will decrease the down payment requirement but add risk based insurance (higher insurance for lower credit scores). So, stay tuned, nothing stays the same in today’s mortgage market.
Posted by Shailesh Ghimire, AZ Mortgage Guru on March 8, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack Monday, February 25, 2008AZ Home Inspector Licensing Board going away?Arizona Home Inspectors need your help! Arizona's home inspector licensing agency, the AZ Board of Technical Registration (BTR) is inefficient, expensive and allegedly corrupt. In fact, Arizona lawmakers are thinking about eliminating the BTR altogether (SB1171), and moving home inspector licensing to the Registrar of Contractors (ROC). As most of my readers already know, I'm co-owner of Homewerx Home Inspections, one of the Valley's leading home inspection companies since 1999. As such, I sincerely appreciate your support on this matter. While I do NOT support eliminating the BTR, it definitely needs some change - starting at the top with the guy in charge. It's unfortunate, but AZ home inspector licensing seems to be alot more about money and power and industry organizations than it is about quality home inspections. There are some real problems and conflicts of interest that have just been ignored at the BTR, and we all know that problems don't just go away when they're ignored...they get worse! Now, the BTR is so inefficient and lacking accountability that I think the whole idea of protecting homebuyers got lost somewhere along the line. Home Inspectors don't trust the BTR, consumers kind of laugh at them. And the cost of inefficient government regulation is real... look at how much it costs to be a home inspector in Arizona compared to other professionals licensed by the same agency. And look at how much Arizona home inspectors pay compared to home inspectors in other states. "Wow" is all I can say! Home Inspection companies inevitably pass these ridiculous costs onto the homebuying consumer, who is already strapped for cash in case the BTR hasn't heard. And a home inspection is an out-of-pocket expense - those are the ones that really hurt and will be a deal-breaker alot quicker than borrowed money will. So please Help support the 'little guy', and you will help keep Arizona home inspection prices down plus eliminate government incompetence at the same time. Thank you again for your support!
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on February 25, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack Sunday, January 20, 2008Arizona Wants Change Too!Normally, I don't post on purely political topics. But this video I found on YouTube is classic...and it's something both Democrats and Republicans can laugh at. Enjoy! Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on January 20, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack Friday, January 18, 2008AZ Termite Inspector Licensing Agency Going Away
Amid allegations of "cronyism, inefficiency, overregulation and instability", the executive director was recently fired by the seven member Commission. In protest, the 3 Commission members who voted against firing the executive director have resigned. A committee of Arizona lawmakers have since voted in favor of, and are introducing a bill to disband the SPCC altogether. Under the new bill, regulation & licensing of pest control professionals, including termite inspectors, will be transferred to the AZ Department of Agriculture. Arizona lawmakers also considered transferring the SPCC's duties to the AZ Registrar of Contractors (ROC) or the AZ Board of Technical Registration (BTR). However, agricultural pest control is already regulated by the AZ Dept. of Agriculture, so they are the most logical choice. Last I heard, the bill was supposed to be introduced in early January when the AZ Legislature reconvened. While I have not officially seen anything stating the bill has been introduced or approved, I was told by one of my State Representatives in early January that the SPCC's duties will be transferring to the AZ Department of Agriculture. I think he told me a time frame, but I don't remember what it was. So it sounds like a pretty done deal, even if it has not been officially approved. AZ Governor Napolitano mentioned late last year that she would consider the recommendation to get rid of the SPCC, and the State Representative I spoke with did not say the SPCC might go away, he said it was going away. Additionally, the SPCC (like all such agencies) is subject to review every ten years. I believe the SPCC's sunset review is due in June of this year, and even in the absence of other legislation, I don't think the SPCC is expected to be re-authorized or renewed. So, the "good ole boy network" at an Arizona licensing agency...could it really happen? Of course, I'm being sarcastic - yes, it really happens and probably more than you'd ever believe. I have personally witnessed the type of abuse of power alleged here at another AZ licensing agency. Luckily, it was not not directed at me personally. However, I would bet that it's much more widespread than the public really knows. That's a real shame since these licensing agencies are intended to protect the public. But when the agency is corrupt, it doesn't protect anybody - it just raises the cost of doing business. And that cost is ultimately passed on to the consumer, which means the licensing agency ends up hurting the very consumers it was supposed to protect. By the way, I want to apologize to my loyal readers for my recent "vacation" from blogging. Between the holidays, visiting relatives and another project I've been working on, the time has just gotten away from me. But I promise to post again soon. In fact, my friend the AZ Mortgage Guru recently sent me a very interesting article, which got me doing some research on another Arizona licensing agency. And what I found is definitely worth coming back to read. So be sure to check back in a few days and read all about it! Related articles:
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on January 18, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack Friday, December 14, 2007Phoenix, Arizona's Baseline Killer SentencedThe Phoenix area has really been in the national news headlines today - mostly law enforcement stories like the Sheriff Joe DUI chain gang story I posted earlier. Likewise, here's an update on the Baseline Killer story. Earlier today, Mark Goudeau (aka the Baseline Killer) was sentenced to 438 years in prison... that's right - four hundred thirty eight years - and that's just for the sexual assault charges he was convicted of last September. He still faces the death penalty in about 9 murder cases. Here's more info on today's sentence for the Phoenix Baseline Killer.
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on December 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack Maricopa County Sheriff Has New DUI Chain GangArizona's favorite Sheriff, also known as America's Toughest Sheriff, is making national headlines again. This time, Sheriff Joe Arpaio is being criticized for his DUI chain gang. Much like Sheriff Joe's other chain gangs, his DUI chain gang cleans up streets and performs other community services while wearing eye-catching outfits. The DUI chain gang wears bright pink shirts which say, "Sheriff D.U.I. Chain Gang" on the back, and "Clean (ing) and Sober" on the front. According to Sheriff Joe, "Maybe this will warn people — knock it off, don't drink and drive. You'll end up in pink underwear on the chain gang". While critics have always denounced Sheriff Joe's pink attire, the services performed by this new chain gang have critics especially upset... -- because the chain gang performs burial services for homeless alcoholics at an indigent cemetery. However, it's important to note that all of the members of the DUI chain gang are volunteers who want to participate. And homeless alcoholics need to be buried too, right, so what's the problem? Sheriff Joe is getting even tougher on Arizona's drunk drivers because last year, Arizona had a 15% increase in alcohol-related fatalities from the previous year (according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records). This increase made Arizona number six in the entire nation for alcohol-related deaths. Sheriff Joe is also known for having the nation's first female chain gang. And apparently, the DUI Chain Gang is the first ever 'crime-specific' chain gang. Of course, Sheriff Joe is already planning to extend the idea, possibly creating chain gangs for those convicted of auto theft and identity theft. According to Sheriff Joe, "Hey, it's unlimited what we can put on a shirt". I say go Sheriff Joe, and thank you for at least trying to keep Maricopa County safe! Sheriff Joe is dealing with a serious problem in a creative, yet common sense way. He's getting community services performed for free by people who owe a debt to society. In the process, they're learning an important lesson about the consequences of their actions, while also making a statement to the community about the dangers and consequences of driving drunk. Even if you haven't seen the chain gangs, you've heard about them on the news. In fact, just about every national news channel had a story today about Sheriff Joe's new chain gang "digging graves" for homeless alcoholics. So not only is Sheriff Joe's getting work done in the community, he's got everybody talking about the serious problem of drinking and driving - without spending any taxpayer dollars! He's a marketing genius if you ask me! I'm sure other government agencies could spend millions of dollars to form a committee and do a study, and issue a report, and come up with a plan and blah, blah, blah... Meanwhile, the DUI chain gang is getting work done while also sending a very clear and effective message to the public: Drink and drive and you too could end up dead, homeless or on a chain gang. This is possibly the most common sense and efficient use of tax dollars I've ever seen! Too bad we don't have more leaders like Sheriff Joe. Related posts from the past:
Posted by Shannon Hubbard, Arizona Real Estate Agent on December 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack Saturday, December 08, 2007Indoor Air Quality & Pollutants in Your HomeDuring the last 20 years, many homes have been made tighter to conserve energy, to decrease the amount of heated air that leaves the house in winter, and likewise, decrease the amount of cooled air that escapes in the summer. At the same time, of course, there is less fresh, cold air getting into the house in the winter and less fresh hot air entering the house in summer. This may seem like a good idea; it isn't. Because the air inside your house is in an enclosed space, the concentration or level of pollutants can be much greater in the air inside than outside. A tighter house has a lower ventilation rate. As a result of ventilation decreases, the concentration of pollutants inside the home increases. Indoor air pollutants pose the greatest risk to people who are at home the most; babies, children, the elderly and chronically ill. Ironically, these are the very same people who are most susceptible to pollution in the air. Some indoor air pollutants like radon and asbestos are life threatening. While others may not be life threatening, they can make your life miserable causing eye, nose & throat irritation, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever and digestive problems to name a few. There are three basic ways to reduce and alleviate indoor air pollution:
There are many different types of indoor air pollutants: the by-products of combustion, including environmental tobacco smoke; respirable suspended particles; carbon monoxide; nitrogen dioxide; volatile organic compounds (VOC's); biologicals; and electromagnetic fields (EMF's). Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and nonirritating gas that can interfere with the supply of oxygen to the body tissues. Its sources can include unvented kerosene & gas heaters, leaking chimneys & furnaces, car exhaust, gas stoves and tobacco smoke. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) refer to a large number of organic vapors that contaminate the air. It's common for VOC levels to shoot up temporarily, during and following new construction, renovation or refurbishing. Therefore, it's important to increase ventilation as much as possible during and following any renovation. Some VOC's are carcinogenic and there are numerous sources of VOC's including: household products (paints, paint strippers & other solvents); new carpeting, drapes & furnishings; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers & disinfectants; moth repellents & air fresheners; stored fuels & car supplies; hobby supplies; dry cleaned clothing; and environmental tobacco smoke. When present indoors, tobacco smoke can be a major source, or significant part of indoor air pollution. Biologicals include things like fungi, molds and dust mites. Higher levels of humidity tend to encourage their growth. The two major actions to control biologicals are controlling the moisture and keeping your home as clean as possible. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF's) are a combination of electric fields and magnetic fields that radiate from electric cables, wires, fixtures and appliances. They include any appliance that either: uses electric bulbs; has an electric motor, such as a refrigerator, freezer, clothes washer, hair dryer, shaver, food mixer, blender, vacuum, etc.; or has an electric heating element, such as a clothes dryer, iron, electric blanket, stove/oven. The data is not conclusive regarding EMF health hazards. It seems to indicate that the most likely health effects of exposure to EMF's would be in the areas of cancer and reproduction. While a cause and effect relationship has yet to be established, a statistical association has emerged between exposure to EMF and cancer risks and reproduction malfunctions.
Here's one (probably unknown) step to control and mitigate EMF in your home: If you have an electric blanket, use it to warm the bed and turn it off before you get into the bed!
Posted by Martin Spilo on December 8, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack Friday, November 09, 2007About Your Home's Drinking WaterHere are some interesting notes you may not know about water quality and your home's drinking water:
A Brief Survey of Federal Action
The Source Of Drinking Water. The world contains 326 trillion gallons of water. The amount doesn't change, only its form changes. Half the drinking water in the U.S. is surface water (from rivers and streams). The other half is groundwater. These reserves of water under the surface of the earth are known as aquifers. How Water Becomes Contaminated... Today, industry and agriculture use over 70,000 toxic chemicals. About 1,000 more toxic chemicals are introduced each year. Contamination of water by man commonly occurs when:
There are four major categories of contaminants:
The higher the concentration of the contaminant, the greater health risk it posses. Age will affect one's susceptibility to a contaminate, and so will the amount of water you drink (children drink twice the amount of water per body weight as do adults, indoor people drink more water, etc). The EPA set two standards for water. The more important one is the "primary drinking water standards", which consists of enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCL) set by the EPA for all contaminants which are considered harmful. The less important "secondary drinking water standards" are for aesthetic reasons such as color, smell and taste of water. Secondary drinking water standards also measure Copper, Ph, Chloride (put in the water to kill bacteria), and Hardness (total dissolved solids, mainly magnesium & calcium, in the water). Primary Drinking Water Standards: How MCL's Are Measured. Contaminants are measured in different ways:
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS. Bacteria is responsible for more deaths than any other contaminant in water. Most bacteria are not harmful. The harmful bacteria are called pathogens:
INORGANIC CHEMICALS include minerals such as mercury, silver and zinc that do not have a structure or characteristics of living organisms. Lead is one of the most common and can leach into water from lead pipes or lead solder. Nitrates in fertilizers can run off into surface or ground water.
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS. In the early 1980's, the EPA sponsored the Groundwater Supply Survey (GWSS) to determine the dimensions of the problem of groundwater contamination in the U.S. All fifty states were surveyed and tested for 34 volatile organics. The study concluded that if you live near a dump site, in a community of more than 10,000 people, your chances of having organic contaminated water are higher than if you live in the country.
RADIONUCLIDE. Radon is the most frequent in this class. Radon is the decay product of radium 226, which is the decay product of uranium. How Safe Is Your Water? If you are one of 40 million people with a private well, your water is not regulated and you, for the most part, are responsible for it. You should test it regularly. If your home has city water, you should find out what contaminants your water is tested for. To do your own water testing, you can ask for a recommendation to a local laboratory or call a Home Inspector! Water Treatment & Filtration
For more information about water in Arizona, contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Posted by Martin Spilo on November 9, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack Tuesday, November 06, 2007Vote Yes on Prop 300 - Bring the Waveyard to Mesa!Today is Special Election day around the Valley - various cities including Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek Mesa's Proposition 300 is about bringing the Waveyard to Mesa. Most Mesa residents have probably seen the commercials or received mailings regarding the Waveyard by now. If approved, the Waveyard will be a world class resort which emphasizes water sports. It will be perfectly located in northwest Mesa, close to the airport, Phoenix and ASU. Voters are being asked to approve the sale of Riverview golf course and four nearby softball fields, to the Waveyard developers. The Waveyard developers would pay $30 million for the land - $10 million up front in cash and the remaining $20 million will be paid over 24 years, with interest, in the form of tax receipts from the property. Additionally, Mesa would reimburse the Waveyard developers for up to $1.5 million in public infrastructure costs. Earlier this year, I was invited to an informational event where Mesa city officials and the people behind Waveyard briefed the real estate community on what Waveyard is about. It's not just another water park at all. It's going to have a whitewater rafting river, a king size wave pool, a deep scuba lagoon and other sports venues. The wave pool is not what you think of when you think of Big Surf or other Valley water parks. This is a serious wave pool, with huge surf-able waves.
Officially, everybody seems to be supporting the Waveyard. I haven't really seen any organized opposition to Proposition 300, but there are people out there who are against it. Here are some of the arguments I've heard against the Waveyard:
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