Saturday, December 31, 2011

Filing bankruptcy in Arizona: Credit card companies are unforgiving

I am a bankruptcy attorney in Phoenix ($995/Chapter 7) and one thing I've learned from clients is how unreasonable credit card companies have become. Several years ago they would work with you if you got behind on payments. There were more banks offering credit cards and it was very competitive to get your business. Now they have become very rigid and unwilling to give consumers a break. Even though they can pull "soft credit reports" on you to see that you are up to your ears in debt and cannot possibly stick to their strict terms, they won't back down or try to offer you a reasonable settlement on your debt. I see the offers they have given my clients and they're unrealistic for someone who has just lost a job or encountered huge medical bills. For example, if you're behind on $5000 in debt, they'll offer to settle with you for $4000. The problem is how are you going to come up with $4000? Then they send the debt to a third-party debt collector or attorney. Once the attorneys take over, it's a matter of weeks or at most a few months until they take you to court and get a judgment against you. Within days of getting a judgment they can start garnishing your paycheck. If you are self-employed, they can get at that money too sometimes. They can also seize your tax refunds. If you have a bank account with the same bank that holds your credit card, they don't even need to take you to court to get a judgment against you, the second you get behind in payments they can seize all but $300 from your bank account.

We have many clients who come to us who have tried to use debt management companies to help them work on their debt, but they have no luck (do a google search to see how realistic going that route is). For most people with unaffordable credit card debt, the best solution is to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Call us now to set up a free consultation.

The Alexander Bankruptcy Law Firm provides low low cost Chapter 7 and 13 personal bankruptcies. $995 Chapter 7 or $2500 Chapter 13 bankruptcies plus court filing fee. Free consultation with a compassionate attorney who will handle your case personally. Call 24/7, available to meet with you around your schedule. 602-910-6812. Conveniently located in Central Phoenix along the Camelback corridor. AlexanderBankruptcyLawFirm.com

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas, I think


Steve Kelley at Townhall.com

Friday, December 23, 2011

Obama Targeting Police Nationwide to Divert from Fast and Furious


Sheriff Joe Arpaio is only one of several law enforcement agencies around the country the Obama administration attacked over the past two weeks, alleging racism and related abuses.

Either there has been a huge increase in discrimination by law enforcement during the Obama administration, or Obama is targeting law enforcement for politically motivated reasons. In the current era of heightened sensitivity to racism and police brutality, it makes no sense that abuses by law enforcement are increasing. The U.S. Department of Justice’s sudden flurry of investigations finding massive amounts of discrimination and abuses by police agencies around the country is coincidentally occurring at the same time the U.S. Department of Justice is undergoing a highly publicized Congressional investigation into Fast and Furious.
Law enforcement is a natural target for the left, which often seems to prefer criminals over the police. Alleging vague charges of racism or racial profiling is becoming one of the most prevalent ways the left dishonestly demonizes and discredits its opponents. Made-up charges of racism are difficult to defend against, because almost any difference in treatment between two people of different ethnic backgrounds can be blamed on racism with no way of proving otherwise. You cannot get inside someone’s head to prove that he had no racist thoughts; it is one person’s word against another’s.
This latest round of politically motivated investigations comes on the heels of the Obama administration suing Arizona, Utah, Alabama and South Carolina over their tough new laws against illegal immigration. Those lawsuits are mostly based on unfounded grounds of racial profiling; Arizona’s law specifically includes a provision prohibiting racial profiling. The constant barrage of lawsuits is costing taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money. They’re paying double; once to fund Obama’s lawsuits through their federal taxes and again to defend against the lawsuits and pay any penalties through their local taxes.
The flurry of attacks on law enforcement agencies began last week on December 15, when the DOJ announced vague racial profiling accusations against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The DOJ claims that the agency racially profiles more than any other police agency around the country. However, it refuses to release the “statistical study” on which the findings are supposedly based. It is widely thought that Arpaio was targeted in retaliation for enforcing laws against illegal immigration. Since Arizona has such a high percentage of Latinos, it is easy to make people think there could be discrimination. The DOJ stripped the agency of its ability to screen for illegal immigrants through the 287(g) program and is ordering Arpaio to make numerous changes, such as setting up policies against discrimination. This is redundant considering there are so many policies, rules, and laws prohibiting discrimination at every level of government.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arizona: The scoop about the lowest priced bankruptcy lawyers

I am a bankruptcy lawyer in Arizona ($995/Chapter 7) and one thing I've discovered is that not all bankruptcy attorneys are consistent in their pricing. Some may advertise a very inexpensive flat fee but when you come into their office for a consultation, you are quoted a much higher price. One law firm in town advertises that they charge $995 for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but when you come in to consult with them, they explain that fee is only for people on a fixed income. That firm and many other firms also charge extra fees for things like copying, phone calls, emails, the mandatory court 341 meeting, credit reports and the initial consultation.

I don't charge clients for any of those extras. The only additional costs a client can expect are the $299 court filing fee and the price of the two online credit and financial courses required by law, which can be taken as cheaply as $5 and $12. 

So do your homework when finding a bankruptcy lawyer. If you are considering setting up a consultation with a law firm, ask them first on the phone if they charge for those extra things mentioned above on top of the flat fee they advertise. The cheapest attorney you find on Google may end up being the most expensive!


The Alexander Bankruptcy Law Firm provides low low cost Chapter 7 and 13 personal bankruptcies. $995 Chapter 7 or $2500 Chapter 13 bankruptcies plus court filing fee. Free consultation with a compassionate attorney who will handle your case personally. Call 24/7, available to meet with you around your schedule. 602-910-6812. Conveniently located in Central Phoenix along the Camelback corridor. AlexanderBankruptcyLawFirm.com

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

REP. SCHWEIKERT TO RING THE BELL FOR THE SALVATION ARMY TODAY


December 21, 2011 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PERMALINK
CONTACT: Rachel Semmel | 202-226-2298


REP. SCHWEIKERT TO RING THE BELL FOR THE SALVATION ARMY TODAY
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Today, Congressman David Schweikert will ring the bell for the Salvation Army in Scottsdale. He will be joined by the Colonel of the Salvation Army:  
WHAT: Rep. Schweikert to ring Salvation Army bell
WHERE: Fry’s Food Store on 10450 N. 90 Street Scottsdale, AZ
WHEN: Today, Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. MT
All are welcome to stop by and make a difference by donating to the Salvation Army.

Governor Brewer not happy with Obama removing troops from the southern border

Statement by Governor Jan Brewer
Federal Drawdown of National Guard Troops from Border

“This is the wrong time for the Obama administration to call for the removal of National Guard troops from the southern border.

“It’s the wrong time when too many American communities remain under threat from illegal immigration and the Mexican cartels that traffic in drugs and humans. It’s the wrong time when the National Guard has had a positive effect on border security, though much work remains to be done in terms of completing the fence and adding manpower and other resources.

“The federal government should not consider reducing National Guard presence until local law enforcement officials and area residents indicate that the border has been adequately secured. Until then, talk of a drawdown – much less the reported removal of three-quarters of the National Guard force – is premature at best.

“I am aware that the Obama administration plans to replace National Guard boots on the ground with aerial resources. Both are critical to a comprehensive border security plan, however, and the sacrifice of either is short-sighted.”

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Filing bankruptcy in Phoenix: Putting your student loan debt on your credit cards then filing bankruptcy?

I am a bankruptcy attorney in Arizona (Chapter 7/$995) and frequently hear clients complain that student loan debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. Perhaps this is part of the reason why the Occupy Wall Street protesters are so upset about student loan debt. Why are credit cards dischargeable but student loans aren't? Student loans were taken out for a legitimate serious purpose, whereas credit cards could be used to buy anything, no matter how frivolous. You can thank Congress for setting the laws up this way.

One way some have worked the system to get rid of their student loans is to pay them off using their credit cards, then file for bankruptcy. This does not seem very ethical and is risky since the bankruptcy trustee will likely see what you have done when you file for bankruptcy. For more on this subject and some advice on what to do if you have student loan debt, click here.

The Alexander Bankruptcy Law Firm provides low low cost Chapter 7 and 13 personal bankruptcies. $995 Chapter 7 or $2500 Chapter 13 bankruptcies plus court filing fee. Free consultation with a compassionate attorney who will handle your case personally. Call 24/7, available to meet with you around your schedule. 602-910-6812. Conveniently located in Central Phoenix along the Camelback corridor. AlexanderBankruptcyLawFirm.com

Scottsdale Mayor Lane Endorses Steve Chucri for Supervisor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15th, 2011
Contact: Tyler Hudgins
Maricopa County – Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane today endorsed Steve Chucri for County Board of Supervisors.
Mayor Lane, a conservative voice on the Scottsdale City council since 2004, took his leadership to the next level in 2008 when he successfully ran for mayor.
“Steve Chucri is the right choice to move Maricopa County forward with transparent, accountable, and conservative leadership. He will end the senseless bickering and lawsuits and instead re-focus the Board on creating a climate for winning new private sector jobs,” stated Mayor Lane.
Chucri thanked the Mayor for his support: “Mayor Lane works tirelessly for the people of Scottsdale, and his commitment to the community inspires me. I am so grateful to have his support as I campaign to bring accountability and integrity to county government.”
Chucri became President & CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association (ARA) in 2002, and under his leadership and tireless work ethic, the ARA and restaurant industry in Arizona has enjoyed a substantial growth in sales in what will amount to a nine billion dollar industry in Arizona this year alone.
As President and CEO of the ARA, Chucri represents business owners and sees firsthand how the actions of local, state, and federal governments can positively or negatively impact restaurants and other small businesses in Arizona. Chucri’s experiences as a businessman, husband, and father have given him invaluable insight into the needs of his community and ensure that, as County Supervisor, he will always put people before politics.

Monday, December 19, 2011

1-2 Occupiers left in Phoenix

Here is their live webcam. The 1-2 left are probably paid by unions. Showing only 27 people watching. Looks like no one is paying attention. Here are some comments from Facebook:

Occupy Phoenix live webcam. One cold looking guy asleep on a chair. Maybe the live webcam wasn't such a good idea?

I thought he was dead for awhile, until I seen his head move. LoL

If I've learned anything as a result of this streaming video, it's that rolling your own "cigarettes" is time-consuming enough to curb a bad smoking habit.

That's 30 seconds of my life I'll never get back.

The rest are at home asleep in their parents' warm basement.

You know you have too much time on your hands when you are watching the Occupy Phoenix live webcam :)

Like watching paint dry . . . .

Like watching paint flake...

Like watching your hair fall out...



Watch live streaming video from occupyphoenix at livestream.com

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arizona: Short sales and discharging taxes

I am a bankruptcy attorney in Arizona ($995/Chapter 7) and two of the most common questions clients ask me about are what their options are on their house and can they discharge past due taxes. Most people want to keep their home, and filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Arizona will allow them to as long as they don't have more than $150,000 equity in their home. This is not a problem since I rarely encounter any clients who have equity in their home; most people are underwater do to the economy. However they must be able to afford their mortgage payments. Many people have $1500 or $2000/mth mortgage payments that are difficult to afford right now. The federal government has set up a program to permit people to lower their payments, called the Home Affordability Mortgage Program (HAMP). Representative David Schweikert has created an office, the first of its kind, to help people work with their lenders to set up HAMP, since some banks have been difficult about negotiating this program with homeowners.

Homeowners who are unsuccessful obtaining this program frequently consider short selling, also known as strategic default. It allows a homeowner to sell their home back to the bank without owing any of the difference, walking away free and clear. It is not available in all states, only in "non-recourse" states like Arizona. Short selling affects your credit much less than foreclosing. It has become so prevalent in this economy that there is now a book available for $20 for download on how to short sell your house. Or you may want to find a real estate agent who specializes in short selling, like my friend Will Wright of Eagle First Realty (will@willliamwrightrealty.com or 480-216-6882). Short selling is not easy so it is best to study up extensively on it first or go with a professional like Will.

Most taxes are not dischargeable in bankruptcy, and the laws vary state by state. In Arizona, past due income taxes older than three years are dischargeable. For example, if you owe taxes on work from 2008, and those taxes were due on April 15, 2009, you would be eligible to file for bankruptcy and have those discharged on April 16, 2012 or later. There are a few exceptions; if the tax debt was "assessed" or there was an Offer of Compromise, that adds a 240-day period of dischargeability. Or if you obtained an extension.

The Alexander Bankruptcy Law Firm provides low low cost Chapter 7 and 13 personal bankruptcies. $995 Chapter 7 or $2500 Chapter 13 bankruptcies plus court filing fee. Free consultation with a compassionate attorney who will handle your case personally. Call 24/7, available to meet with you around your schedule. 602-910-6812. Conveniently located in Central Phoenix along the Camelback corridor. AlexanderBankruptcyLawFirm.com

Friday, December 16, 2011

Democrats Trick Americans With Payroll Tax Cut Extension Ruse

There is more to the payroll tax cut extension than the Democrats and their comrades in the media are letting on. The GOP presidential candidates are split down the middle over it. The misinformation is so bad that an apolitical friend of mine wrote her GOP Senator upset about a provision that didn't even exist in the bill.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Diane Ortiz-Parsons for 1st Vice Chair, Arizona Republican Party

Editorial note: Diane has been a kind and true friend, always ethical and fair. She also has the experience and background appropriate for this position. I strongly recommend her for this position.
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Allow me to introduce myself; I am Diane Ortiz-Parsons. My husband, Steve, my daughter and I reside in Chandler. I am proud to be amongst the Chandler natives. My roots run long and deep in this area for my grandfather was a Pony Express Rider from Florence to Mesa before there was a Chandler, Arizona. Truly, the city of Chandler, the state of Arizona and I have grown up together.
I am writing to ask you to consider supporting my candidacy for 1st vice chair of the AZ GOP. I have an extensive bio which includes 30 years experience in politics, my 30 year membership with Faith Community Church, my leadership as a volunteer and my educational experiences. I hope after you read my bio, that you will cast your vote for me, Diane Ortiz-Parsons as AZ GOP 1st vice chair.
My Father was a POW in WWII and served our country bravely. His belief in freedom, honor, truth and giving was his pledge so that others may taste this opportunity. My father had me walking precincts, passing out flyers, attending political meetings and helping the less fortunate at a very young age. Maybe, that is why serving others and volunteering is such a big part of my life. I have the experience and work ethics to help lead our “Red State.”
Why should you vote for me? Maybe you can relate to me in 4 out of 5 areas: I’m evangelical – (Yes, God already knows the winner of this and all elections! I’m Pro life- for if we don’t protect our unborn, who will protect us in our final days? I support the Republican Platform limited government, limited taxes, school choice. Only legal immigrants, through tightly controlled borders will protect our country. One additional piece of information; My husband, Steve, and I owned a small business for over 20 years with 25 employees, yes, we know about paying taxes on used equipment we own outright!
My bio and more information about me may be found at www.ortiz-parsons.com
It’s not about me; it’s about us and our future,
Diane Ortiz-Parsons
Email: preference@cox.net

Goldwater Institute: Accountability needed for all public schools


 

As the former director of accountability for a charter school authorizer, ensuring that schools met the terms of their contract with our office was critical. My district in South Carolina opened the state’s first virtual schools and students flocked to them — in the first two years of operations, enrollment more than tripled, from 2,000 students to more than 6,000.
We recognized virtual schools were a viable option for many students, yet we had to find new ways to conduct oversight. We revoked charters when necessary, but the district also worked closely with schools on corrective action.
For generations, traditional public schools have sorely lacked this level of accountability. Many chronically failing public schools have been left open for years and have given generations of students an inadequate education.
The Arizona Republic’s recent reporting on Arizona’s virtual charter schools point to shortcomings, but remember: Families pursued these choices because traditional schools weren’t meeting their needs.
Charter schools, authorizers, and parents can all take steps to promote achievement and effective operations:
1. Establish thorough accountability plans. The State University of New York, National Association of Charter School Authorizers, and statewide authorizers in Colorado and South Carolina have developed contracts that include standards that hold schools accountable for student results and administrative practices.
2. Reject mediocrity. Charter schools have extraordinary terms of accountability – their contracts can be revoked and the schools closed. Authorizers should act decisively with low-performing schools either with immediate and significant plans to correct problems or by closing the school. Traditional public schools do not even come close to offering parents and students the same level of accountability.
3. Identify quality. Quality virtual and hybrid school models exist in Arizona and around the country, including Carpe Diem in Yuma and the Florida Virtual School. Resources such as the Arizona Charter School Association’s “Education Evaluator” and GreatSchools.org allow school leaders and parents to compare achievement results across schools.
With so many students participating in online courses, careful oversight is a must. Arizonans should not accept mediocrity from traditional or charter schools, including virtual schools, and must demand high levels of accountability. But we shouldn’t let a handful of low performing operations indict an entire group of schools providing important options for under-served children.
Jonathan Butcher is education director for the Goldwater Institute.
Learn More:
Goldwater Institute: A Custom Education for Every Child: The Promise of Online Learning and Education Savings Accounts
Arizona Republic: The Race to Online
Charter Schools Institute: Accountability Plans
National Association of Charter School Authorizers: Policy Guides
Arizona Charter School Association: Homepage

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Calls for Arpaio Resignation Pure Political Opportunism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2011
CONTACT: Chad Willems
PHOENIX, AZ – The Re-Elect Joe Arpaio 2012 campaign committee released the following statement today:
“Elected Democrat officials in Arizona are breathlessly calling for the immediate resignation of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio based on a four-year-old story involving sex crime investigations, which were reviewed and investigated by his office four years ago. These Arpaio detractors are also breathless in their insistence that none of this has to do with politics or partisanship.
The actions and words of Ruben Gallego, Randy Parraz, Steve Gallardo, Kyrsten Sinema, Congress members Ed Pastor and Raul Grijalva, and other elected Democrats, reek of political opportunism and partisanship. After all, these are the same Democrats that have been opposed to the Sheriff’s enforcement of illegal immigration laws for years.
The fact of the matter is this: the mishandling of these cases was brought to the Sheriff’s attention in 2007. Arpaio immediately ordered the cases re-opened and investigated. They have been brought to a conclusion. Further, the Sheriff is hiring an expert in the area of sex crimes investigations to train staff for future cases and will offer that service to other law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, the City of Phoenix has nearly 2,500 cases involving sex crimes and molestation currently under review. Many of these were never pursued or were mishandled. These cases surfaced only months ago, yet there is a deafening silence from these elected officials in calling for elected Mayor Phil Gordon, a Democrat ally, to immediately resign.
Why would they remain silent about Phil Gordon? Mayor Gordon was responsible for going to Washington several times to request that the Justice Department investigate Arpaio’s enforcement of state and federal immigration laws.
Arpaio has stated he will not criticize Valley law enforcement agencies that currently have the same problem his office experienced four years ago. However, for these elected officials and other activists to use these investigations, which have received extensive coverage media coverage through the years, as a pure political tool is disgusting.
Many of these Democrat politicians calling for Arpaio’s resignation are the same ones that have called upon the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate his office. But they have curiously remained silent on any calls for resignation from (Democrat) Attorney General Eric Holder and his role in the “Fast and Furious” scandal that resulted in the death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
The political left in this state feels emboldened by their recent success in removing Senator Russell Pearce from office. The leader of that effort, Randy Parraz, has publicly stated that his next target is Arpaio.
Tomorrow this group will attend and surely disrupt the Maricopa County Board of Supervisor’s meeting in a futile attempt to have Arpaio removed from office.
The transparent political stunt to resurrect a four-year-old story after steps have been taken to resolve the issue is shameful, desperate and again, disgusting.
The voters in Maricopa County will see this for what it is and reject this partisan witch hunt.”
Next month, Arpaio will announce plans for his political future.

REP. SCHWEIKERT OFFICE TO COLLECT TOYS FOR HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC UNIT


December 14, 2011 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PERMALINK
CONTACT: Rachel Semmel | 202-226-2298


REP. SCHWEIKERT OFFICE TO COLLECT TOYS FOR HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC UNIT
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Congressman David Schweikert and his staff are now collecting toys for Scottsdale Healthcare Shea’s Pediatric Unit. The toys will be given as Christmas gifts to children who are hospitalized.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Donate new, unwrapped toys to stock the toy closet for Christmas.

WHERE: Drop off all donations at Rep. Schweikert’s Scottsdale office:
10603 North Hayden Rd, Suite 108
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

WHEN: Donations are due to Rep. Schweikert’s office by Monday, December 19th at 4:00 p.m. MT.

SUGGESTED DONATIONS:
Dora the Explorer, Elmo, Polly Pocket, Spiderman, Sponge Bob, Transformers and other items
Balls
Board games
Puzzles (24-48 piece)
Activity/art kits
Coloring books
Matchbox cars
Remote control cars
Barbie and other dolls
Dress up clothes
Light up toys for infants
For teens: footballs, bath/shower gel, electronic handheld games, makeup, etc.
*NOTE: Stuffed animals MUST be new with tags attached.*

Congressman Schweikert will visit Scottsdale Healthcare Shea’s Pediatric Unit to hand out toys at a Christmas celebration on Tuesday, December 20th.  

BACKGROUND: Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center has the Northeast Valley’s only hospital with a dedicated pediatric unit, pediatric intensive care and pediatric ER. The 28-bed pediatric inpatient unit offers care for children ages infant through 18.

###
Washington, DC Office
Longworth House Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2190
Fax: (202) 225-0096
Scottsdale District Office
10603 North Hayden Rd, Ste 108 Scottsdale, AZ  85260
Phone: (480) 946-2411
Fax: (480) 946-2446
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Perfect gift for a child



The Night After Christmas
by Jim Chapman, illustrations by Jay Montgomery
WinePress Publishing
ISBN 13: 978-1-60615-008-5
ISBN 10: 1-60615-008-1
24 pages
$14.95

With the familiar cadence of its much-loved predecessor, The Night After Christmas at first draws the reader back to childhood, and to imagining the sound of reindeer on the roof. Very soon, however, this contemporary collection of poetic couplets scrutinizes post-holiday exhaustion, mounting credit card debt, unrealistic expectations, and the lack of devotion paid to the Child whose birthday the holiday should celebrate. The relevance of the message, the read aloud nature of the text, and the photo-like quality of the illustrations will make this light-hearted look at a serious topic a new Christmas tradition for stressed out families everywhere.
Freelance writer and editor for the past ten years, Marlene McCurley has also served in the field of Christian education for more than fifteen years.

(If you live in Phoenix, contact Jim at jechapman22-at-cox.net to avoid shipping costs)

A note from Jim:
Greetings, all of you who like The Night After Christmas book! Just wanted to let you know I am scheduling engagements for speaking and sharing the drama of my book in various venues this upcoming Christmas season. I am available for doing the drama you can view on my website at www.poetrybyjimchapman.com. I can make presentations at Christmas parties, in coffee shops, in church services, at home Bible studies - wherever. Call me at 602-482-3980 or e-mail me at jechapman22@cox.net to book an engagement. I charge nothing to come, I only ask to have a table somewhere to make the books available for purchase. Looking forward to hearing from you! - Jim

IC Editor's note: Jim Chapman is my very gifted Bible Study leader. He writes poems about the chapters of the Bible as he goes through and teaches them, that sum up all the key points of the books amazingly well. He eventually hopes to finish the entire Bible and compile them into a book.

National Association of REALTORS® Supports Matt Salmon for Congress

Salmon Logo

 Largest Trade Association in Nation Touts Salmon’s Ideas, Experience
 
EAST VALLEY – Former Congressman and candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District Matt Salmon today received the endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade association in the country.
“The National Association of REALTORS® strongly supports returning Matt Salmon to Congress,” said Arizona Association of REALTORS® President Holly Mabery. “Mr. Salmon brings with him a proven record, the right ideas on how to increase jobs and the experience needed to cut the bureaucratic red tape that stifles our economic recovery.”
"The National Association of REALTORS® is one of our country’s most vital trade associations and I am thrilled to receive their support,” said Matt Salmon.  “The ongoing housing market depression in Arizona is at the forefront of our economic struggles and addressing this major issue with smart policies is an important step to recovering our economic prosperity. In Congress, I will work with their members in order to stabilize our housing market, increase home ownership and get our national economy back on track."
About National Association of REALTORS®
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members, including NAR’s institutes, societies and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. NAR’s membership is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,400 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. They are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Working for America's property owners, the national association provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.
About Matt Salmon
Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge.  A proud conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office.  He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life.  He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award. 
Matt Salmon has received endorsements from Arizona Congressman Trent Franks, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, South Dakota Senator John Thune, Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49), Mayor Scott Smith (Mesa), Mayor Jay Tibshraeny (Chandler), Mayor Hugh Hallman (Tempe), Mayor John Insalaco (Apache Junction),  Mayor Gail Barney (Queen Creek), former Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, Arizona State Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs (LD22), State Senator John McComish (LD20), and State Representatives Eddie Farnsworth (LD22), Jeff Dial (LD20), and Bob Robson (LD20).

 Paid for by Salmon for Congress

Monday, December 12, 2011

Rep. Jack Harper wants to change Arizona's non-recourse status

The head of a key House committee wants to scrap state laws that now allow homeowners who are “under water’’ on their homes to simply walk away.
Rep. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, says Arizona’s status as one of a handful of “non-recourse’’ states is keeping the real estate market from recovering here. He contends that having people abandon their homes further depresses the value of nearby homes.
“The idea is to keep people from being encouraged to just walk away from their house any time they’re a little bit upside-down’’ on their mortgage, he said.
But the move is getting a fight from the Arizona Association of Realtors. Tom Farley, the group’s chief executive officer, vowed to “utilize every resource that we have here in protecting consumers.’’

Read the rest of the article at the Sierra Vista Herald

Filing bankruptcy in Arizona: How bad is it, really?

I am a bankruptcy attorney in Arizona ($995/Chapter 7) and encounter many people who are nervous about filing personal bankruptcy because they think they may lose some of their property, are worried about the stigma, and think they cannot afford it. All of these worries are usually unnecessary. Most clients will get to keep everything they own (one exception is if you own a nice car with a lot of equity in it - but most people don't, they are still making payments on their cars). There is little stigma, because who will know you filed for bankruptcy other than a few faceless creditors? Although bankruptcy is a public record, it's not published anywhere and the average member of the public does not have a login to federal court to find your filing. Finally, bankruptcy is not that expensive. I charge a low flat $995 fee for Chapter 7 (includes both spouses), plus the $299 court filing fee. Other than the cost of two required online financial classes (as cheap as $5 and $12.50), there are no other expenses (other bankruptcy attorneys may charge differently).

If you are paying huge bills every month to credit card, medical debt, or other dischargeable debt, you will never see that money again. Every day you put off bankruptcy is hundreds of dollars you could have saved. If you live in Arizona, set up a free consultation with us to get a better understanding.

The Alexander Bankruptcy Law Firm provides low low cost Chapter 7 and 13 personal bankruptcies. $995 Chapter 7 or $2500 Chapter 13 bankruptcies plus court filing fee. Free consultation with a compassionate attorney who will handle your case personally. Call 24/7, available to meet with you around your schedule. 602-326-9116. Conveniently located in Central Phoenix along the Camelback corridor. AlexanderBankruptcyLawFirm.com

Friday, December 9, 2011

Private VIP reception with Michele Bachmann Sunday evening after Politics on the Rocks

Politics on the Rocks cordially invites you to a reception including a photo opportunity and discussion with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Candidate for President of the United States, immediately following the free general event. Admission is $250 for the Host Committee and $100 for General Admission.

Sunday, December 11th, 2011
8:00 - 9:00 P.M.

At The Mint
7373 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
480-947-8488

Host Committee: $250 per person
$100 per person General Admission

Host committee:
Jessica Smith
Mark Genz
Charles A. Jensen
Lori Urban

*Please make checks payable to Bachmann for President

RSVP for General Admission on Facebook and by sending an email to charles@politicsontherocks.com or contacting Pascal @ 480-318-1422.

Contributions to Bachmann for President are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please send an email to charles@politicsontherocks.com for a contributor form for important information. Not printed or created at government expense.

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Buckley vs Reagan, the rematch!

The Truth About the National Defense Authorization Act

The National Defense Authorization Act merely codifies existing law. It does not expand the government's powers to detain suspected terrorists.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Sal DiCiccio - Phoenix: Detroit or Austin?

 

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"The goal for Phoenix must not be to only be better, and being one of the best is not good enough.   In this new economy, we must be known as the best."
             - Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio
In the not-too-distant past, the engines of American commerce hummed in cities like Detroit and Buffalo. That’s where jobs, wealth and prosperity were created. That’s where new businesses moved to or sprouted. 
Eventually, they came to a point in their history when they were faced with adapting to changing economic times and business environment, or stay the course. The same naysayers’ arguments made there are what you will hear in Phoenix now: “What’s the rush?” “There’s no reason to change.” “Things will be OK if we just ride it out.” “Let’s slow things down.” 
Phoenix has an opportunity to make the Valley a national leader in job creation, to turn what was Ground Zero in the housing bubble into the vanguard solution for entrepreneurial revival.  It requires bold new ideas, doing things differently and adapting to a changing economy. Witness how adapting has benefited places like Austin, TX., or Palo Alto, CA. 
Phoenix leaders understand this opportunity and voted to create a committee with Councilman Simplot and me as chairs,  revamping how Phoenix deals with job creation. Our goal is to make Phoenix the best place in the country for business by removing the time, hassle and cost of starting and running a business here. Start up businesses will build and begin operating in a single day - not months - using certified professionals to work the process. 
I’ve always said that being better is not good enough; being one of the best is not good enough. We have to be known in Phoenix as the being the best at job creation, the most efficient and the least costly place to set up shop and start hiring. It’s “the best” that will succeed in this economic climate. 
The Arizona Republic article below outlines the goals of the committee. (Arizona Republic: Task force to ease way for small businesses)
Detroit or Austin? The road could not be more clear.
My best to you and your family,
Sal DiCiccio
Phoenix City Councilman District 6
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio represents District 6, which includes Ahwatukee, Arcadia, Biltmore, East Camelback and North Central. He can be reached at council.district.6@phoenix.gov or 602-262-7491.
Where your Phoenix tax dollars go: 
$98,322           Average  annual total compensation for Phoenix staff 
14,999             Number of city employees 
$17,975           Average compensation increase since 2005-06 
$270 million    Amount taxpayers pay more for same number of workers  since 2005 
$130 million    Increases in Phoenix taxes/fees in past 18 months 
15                    Total number of city employees laid off because of the recession 
40.5                 Days off (sick, holiday, personal, vacation) for first-year clerk 
$8,000             Education benefits per employee 
$0                    What staff pay for bus/rail (It’s free to them.) 
50s                   Age at which Phoenix staff can retire with pension 

Task force to ease way for small business

Phoenix poised to create panel that curbs red tape
Lynh Bui - Nov. 29, 2011
The Arizona Republic
When Caffe Italia restaurant owner Mirko Masini tried to expand operations with a patio and grill, he hit some development roadblocks.
This summer, Masini obtained the right permits from Maricopa County to get his patio grill going but was shut down days later after a Phoenix building inspector discovered he wasn't complying with city regulations.
Masini was told that he didn't get the right Phoenix permits to build his patio and then discovered a host of other rules he had to meet because his plan complied with county code but didn't match city standards.
The small-business owner's plans stalled as he tried to navigate two sets of bureaucratic hurdles.
"Phoenix is such a nice town, but a lot of people have been driven away by the bureaucracy," said Masini, who has spent more than $7,000 on the project, which still isn't complete.
Masini's story is the type of small-business complaint that elected officials hear over and over again, as entrepreneurs struggle to expand or open their operations amid a weak economy. But the Phoenix City Council hopes to give Masini and others a hand with a Development Task Force it plans to formally consider today.
The task force, proposed by Mayor Phil Gordon and Councilmen Sal DiCiccio and Tom Simplot, will explore ways to cut red tape and reduce bureaucracy to make it easier to do business in the city.
"I really believe if we can do this right, we can cut headaches for the people creating jobs in the community," said DiCiccio, who asked Gordon to create the task force. "This would make Phoenix the Number 1 city in the nation for job creation."
DiCiccio and Simplot will co-chair the group, which will consist of people appointed by each member of the council and people suggested by Gordon and City Manager David Cavazos.
The task force will review everything from outsourcing inspections and allowing business owners to submit plans via the Internet to giving inspectors the power to grant permits in the field that would eliminate an extra step of having to physically visit Phoenix City Hall for the paperwork.
The task force also will explore expanding the same-day permitting or self-certification program, which became a central campaign issue during the recent mayoral and City Council elections.
Earlier this year, the city revamped part of the Planning and Development Department to allow developers to bypass the city for their building permits.
The change allowed registered architects, designers and engineers who have been trained by the city to sign off on plans to ensure they comply with city code instead of requiring developers to review hundreds of pages of plans with city employees to obtain building permits.
The program, which started as a pilot in 2010, shaves days and potentially weeks off a project, which means businesses can open sooner and start pumping money into the economy, DiCiccio said. Through the task force, he hopes to see the the same-day permitting program expand.
"Instead of taking months to create jobs, it puts job creation in hyper-drive, allowing businesses to hire today," DiCiccio said.
Since the self-certification program began in Phoenix, the city's Planning and Development Department estimates almost half of the development permits issued in 2011 were issued in a single day, according to a memo from Gordon's office.
Gordon said he hopes the task force, which will include people who've started small businesses in the city, will turn Phoenix into a model for streamlining development.
Phoenix Planning and Development Deputy Director Mo Glancy said Masini's case isn't a perfect example because he built some of the patio without the right permits and didn't have the right fire-safety equipment.
"I understand he's frustrated, but there were some definite safety violations," Glancy said.
The city has met with Masini twice to help him open the grill and patio.
Masini said he plans to hire an additional cook to run the patio grill once it opens.
He said he hopes to find the extra revenue to pay for the building delays and improvements by opening for lunch.
"We really want the guy's business to be a success," Glancy said. "We could have taken him to court and charged him a bunch of fees, but he's trying to work on it, and we're here to help him as much as we can."
Balancing safety and convenience will be one of the biggest challenges for the Development Task Force as it proposes changes.
Deputy City Manager David Krietor said the goal is to make sure things run as smoothly as possible so Phoenix is ready when the economy improves.
The Planning and Development Department was nearly twice its current size during the economic boom a few years ago, but the recession forced layoffs and cuts.
Krietor said that when the economy picks back up, the goal isn't to ramp up hiring only to have layoffs again during the next downturn. The idea is to still provide the same -- and better -- service with the staff already in place.
"We have a great story to tell because of the changes that we've made in that department," Krietor said.
"This task force gives us the chance to get even better."
*Any e-mail you send to council.district.6@phoenix.gov will be subject to the Arizona Open Records Law and may be reviewed by the Arizona Republic.