I might be the last person under 50 in the Internet universe to start a blog, but I’m finally jumping into the water. Actually, my writing has been appearing online in one form or another at least since 1997. For a long time, I didn’t feel the need to add more words to the burgeoning ‘Net. Then in late December 2005, I was promoted to opinion writer here at the Tribune, and assumed I would get to express any burning opinions that I had kept hidden inside of me as a news reporter. It hasn’t quite worked out that way, since a great deal of my opinion writing depends on thoughts of others. So at the urging of several people I know, I’m now taking advantage of this opportunity from evtrib.com to share my analysis and insight on East Valley and Arizona politics and other subjects that might come up from time to time. If you’re still reading at this point, you might want to know a little about me for future reference. A Wyoming native, I have lived in Arizona for eight years. I have been a professional journalist since September 1992, working on rural newspapers in Nebraska and Texas before joining the Tribune. I have reported on a wide range of areas from crime, schools, business and even a little sports. But my specialty has been politics and government at the city, county, state and national level. (I have college degrees in both journalism and political science). While at the Tribune, I have covered Chandler and Tempe and then I was a state Capitol reporter for more than three years. Since a lot of my blogging will be about politics, you should know that I’m a lifelong registered Republican who becomes more libertarian as I get older (that’s libertarian with a small "l"). I vote in every election. But in keeping with journalism ethics, I have never donated to or volunteered for a political campaign. I am active in several journalism associations including the Society of Professional Journalism, the Arizona Press Club and the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona. Well, we’re underway. I hope your enjoy spending a little bit of your day with me, since I know how precious your time is. If you have any ideas or tips for my blog, please leave a comment below or write me at ltemplar@evtrib.com.
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You GO, boy!
Good job Le, I’m glad you don’t have to be dictated as to the content ,and will be able to move forward with this new adventure. You have what it takes to make it happen.
Please understand that just because I happen to live in a Non-contiguous, Un-Incorporated county islands does not mean I am looking for a hand out. I for one, have never had an issue paying through taxation or subscription for Fire & Emergency Services.
As a native of Arizona, I have always lived in an annexed city and paid my taxes. However, December of 2003 I purchased a home that just happened to be in one of the non-contiguous, un-incorporated county islands of Tempe; where there are no Fire or Emergency services available, nor have I been offered these services through private or public agencies.
It has, and I “QUOTE”, never been an issue of not wanting to pay for these services.
As of September 19, 2007; “HB 2780’s Non-contiguous, Un-incorporated County Island Fire Districts:will begin the long & arduous process of establishing possible districts for qualifying properties…. If successful, this will allow districts to be formed that meet the qualifications set by HB 2780. It will require a minimum approval of qualifying parties along with other terms & conditions for each of the Fire Districts
Please contact INFO@F-E-D-U-P.com or your Board of Supervisors for more information about upcoming public meetings & informative information about HB 2780 & the petitions that will be circulated after 9/19/2007.
If you live in one of these Non-contiguous, Un-incorporated County Islands; that DO NOT HAVE, AND HAVE NOT BEEN OFFERED Fire or Emergency services by a public or private agency, I suggest you visit http://www.F-E-D-U-P.com to review HB-2780.
If you would like to stay updated on this very important matter, be sure to contact me at INFO@F-E-D-U-P.com. Remember you can also contact the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Office for more information about the issues of HB 2780’s Fire Districts.
Progress is a wonderful thing & our great State of Arizona is proof of that, but it does take time, patience & understanding by all involved.