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Initiative system is unwieldy, Ariz. Supreme Court writes

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[Source: The Arizona Republic, Matthew Benson] – – Arizona’s system of ballot initiatives has become unwieldy and in need of overhaul, the Arizona Supreme Court wrote Tuesday, November 18, 2008.  The growing number of signatures required for would-be citizens initiatives, and the sizable number of proposals, have overwhelmed elections officials attempting to verify measures for the ballot. Add to the equation the relatively new phenomenon of early voting and its role in shrinking the amount of time that counties and the state have to prepare ballots.

Justice Andrew Hurwitz wrote that a “thorough legislative re-examination” of the initiative process is needed.  The recommendation was tacked onto an opinion issued Tuesday. But it corresponded to an earlier Supreme Court decision, issued Aug. 26, regarding a transportation initiative didn’t make the ballot.  [Note: to read the full article click here.]

Arizona’s parks are too valuable to let fall apart (Arizona Republic editorial)

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[Source: Kathleen Ingley, Arizona Republic] — If you’ve slipped and bumped down the shoot of water at Slide Rock near Sedona.  If you’ve watched troops dressed in Civil War uniforms re-create the skirmish at Picacho Peak.  If you’ve climbed around Tonto Natural Bridge north of Payson.  If you’ve seen the glistening formations at Kartchner Caverns.  Then you’ve got a reason to celebrate.

Happy birthday, state parks!  Exactly 50 years ago today, Gov. Ernest McFarland signed legislation creating the framework for the parks system.  You’ve also got a lot of reasons to feel outraged.  Our parks are suffering from a shameful lack of maintenance and capital spending.  The budget was gutted five years ago, when the state was in a financial crunch, and funding is just being restored, leaving a huge backlog of repairs.  [Note: To read the full article, click here.]