Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin Volume 5, Quarter 2 May 2008 Message from the Chair Spring has come to Arizona and that means the political season is in full swing as the candidates continue to collect their $5 qualifying contributions, meet with voters to hear what they feel are the important issues and gather signatures to ensure that they are on the ballot. But the candidates are not the only ones that are busy trying to ensure the perfect campaign, the Citizens Clean Elections Commission staff is also working hard to ensure that candidates receive the best possible information and assistance available. In addition to the day to day activities of answering questions and providing information and resources to the candidates, the staff is also preparing for the upcoming candidate debates as well a the Candidate Statements Pamphlet. All participating candidates are required to attend one primary debate and one general debate. The Commission’s staff has been working since the beginning of the year to gather sponsors, locations, dates and times for debates in all 30 districts as well as for the Corporation Commission race. The dates and times for the debates will be available in June. In addition to the debates the staff is also working on developing the Candidate Statements Pamphlet. This pamphlet is made up of 200 word statements and photos submitted by the candidates. The Pamphlet is then sent to every household in Arizona with at least one registered voter. In addition to the mailing, the Pamphlet is also sent to libraries statewide as well as to every county recorder office in the state. In 2006 the Commission distributed over 3 million pamphlets and we expect even more will go out to the public in 2008. This is just a glimpse at two of the many projects the Commission staff is currently working on. I would also like to take this opportunity to update you on some of the proposed legislation that is currently working its way through the legislative process. HCR 2044 would allow the legislature, during times of a budget deficit, to divert funds from specific initiative created measures such as Clean Elections, to the general fund. This action would put a tremendous hardship on the Commission to fulfill its statutory duties. Keep in mind the Commission is not funded by the legislature as we do not receive any money from the general fund. In fact, the Commission has already given $18.9 million dollars to the legislature to help with the current budget crisis. A second bill that is moving through the legislative process is HCR 2063. This bill would require all Superior Court Judges to be elected to office instead of appointed and retained through the merit system. In addition the judges would have the option of using the Clean Elections system for their campaigns. While the Commission takes no position on the issue of whether a judge should elected or appointed we are concerned that if this were to pass and HCR 2044 were to pass there would not be enough funding available for all of the candidates. I have asked the staff to continue to monitor the bills and update the Commission on any status changes. I wish all of the candidates the best of luck and should questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact the Commission staff. Sincerely, Gary Scaramazzo Chairman Citizens Clean Elections Commission Inside the Bulletin News and Notes - 2 Information - 3 Page 2 The Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin May 2008 News and Notes Candidate Statements Pamphlet Candidates, both participating and traditional, may begin submitting their 200 word statement and picture to the Commission for placement in the 2008 Primary Candidate Statements Pamphlet. This pamphlet is created by the Commission and is mailed to every household in Arizona containing at least one registered voter. In 2006, the Commission mailed more than 3 million. The Pamphlet is a tremendous opportunity for candidates to reach voters with their message before early voting begins. Participation is not mandatory, but the Commission highly encourages all candidates to participate. To submit a statement and picture, candidates should visit the Commission’s web site at:www.azcleanelections.gov. Once there, click on “Candidates Submit Your 200 -word Statement Here” (this is located under the “Popular Links” heading) and follow the directions. The deadline for submission is midnight June 12th. For questions or more information, candidates should contact the Commission office at 602-364-3477. Website Updated The Commission staff has recently unveiled a new and more user friendly website. The site still contains many of the old features such as the Popular Links section, Find by Category as well as News and Announcements. In addition three icons have been added to the bottom of the page to assist visitors in finding items that are time sensitive. Video has been added to the site along with a brand new tenth anniversary logo. Even the colors have been changed to help make it easier to read and navigate. Please take a look at the new website at www.azcleanelections.gov and see what you think. Your feedback is important so let the Commission know what you think of the changes. Feel free to call the Commission at 602-364-3477 or email your comments to ccec@azcleanelections.gov. Final Candidate and Treasurer Workshops Phoenix, June 4 (begins at 6:00pm) Tucson, June 11 (begins at 6:00pm) Phoenix, June 18 (begins at 6:00pm) Phoenix, June 27 (begins at 1:00pm) You may attend the June 4th, 18th and 27th workshops via the Internet as well as in person. To sign up to attend please visit the Commission’s website www.azcleanelections.gov. Citizens Clean Elections Commission Bulletin Volume 5, Quarter 2 May 2008 Thank you for taking the time to read our second quarter Bulletin. The Bulletin is published once a quarter and is intended to be an informational tool used to update parties regarding the Commission’s projects and developments. 2008 Commission Meeting Schedule Citizens Clean Elections Commissioners Upcoming Meetings Gary Scaramazzo, Chairman Royann Parker Jeffrey Fairman Donald Lindholm Lori Daniels May 22 Thursday, 9:30am Commission meetings are held in the Citizens Clean Elections Commission conference room at 1616 W. Adams in Phoenix. Please contact the Commission or check the Commission’s website www.azcleanelections.gov to confirm meeting dates and times. June 19 Thursday, 9:30am Please refer to the website www.azcleanelections.gov or call the Commission directly for agendas and additional documents. The Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available free of charge on the Commission’s website. Citizens Clean Elections Commission 1616 W. Adams, Suite 110 Phoenix, AZ Phone: 602-364-3477 Fax: 602-364-3487 Toll Free: 1-877-631-8891 www.azcleanelections.gov ccec@azcleanelections.gov