Browse Stories in Politics

Opinion: SAWS: Poor priorities and a bloated budget
Written by Carlton Soules on Feb 06, 2013

How should a utility respond to the Environmental Protection Agency when negotiating a potentially disastrous billion dollar consent decree? Consider SAWS CEO Robert Puente's answer.

"It's like when you are $10,000 behind in your child support and your ex-wife sues," Puente said. "The best thing to do is start paying so you look better when you go before the judge."  

Read More

Opinion: Proposed ethics changes fall short
Written by Carlton Soules on Jan 31, 2013

I believe the City’s recent ethics controversies, while painful and embarrassing, may afford us the opportunity to build more transparency into our city government and to create meaningful changes in our ethics policies. But to be successful, I believe we must embrace a comprehensive strategy that includes a thorough review of our current policy. We must make use of expert opinions, best practices, and ensure the process take place in an open, inclusive environment with plenty of public input.

Read More

Opinion: Medicare cuts would hurt cancer patients
Written by deborah.charnes... on Jan 04, 2013

As federal lawmakers begin serious work on our nation's finances, our elected officials must consider the negative impact spending cuts and reforms to the Medicare program will have on patients.

Those of us who fight every day against leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers are watching and worrying for good reason.

Cuts to Medicare will reduce access to healthcare providers and affordable quality medicines for the millions of Americans who rely on this critical program.

Read More

Opinion: State ban on texting and driving not needed
Written by artseago on Dec 13, 2012

Let’s talk about the proposed state law banning texting while driving. Why do we need this law? I believe if the police, sheriffs and state troopers enforced current laws, they could reduce accidents caused by texting while driving in a very short time.

You may say, "It’s not against the law to text and drive," but let’s look at the driving habits of drivers that are actively texting at the wheel:

Read More

Opinion: Where would you fish?
Written by artseago on Dec 13, 2012
As we pray for the families involved in the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., on Friday, Dec.
Read More