Mary Jo Pitzl

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes addressed the Brussels Forum on the future of American democracy as part of a trip to Europe. He met with Democrats Abroad chapters in Brussels, London and Munich. While in Germany, he participated in a No Kings protest. Fontes expressed concerns about the U.S. Supreme Court, Electoral College, and presidential power.

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl |Ray Stern

The Arizona Senate expects bipartisan support for a $17.6 billion budget proposal, contrasting with a House Republican-only plan. The Senate plan, negotiated with Senate Republicans, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Democrats, is expected to be introduced on June 16. The House-approved $17.3 billion budget lacks bipartisan support and faces a veto from the governor.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

A feud has erupted over who can represent Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap in his lawsuit against the county Board of Supervisors. On June 13, County Attorney Rachel Mitchell wrote to James Rogers, Heap's attorney, telling him to stand down. "This letter is to inform you that I am the Recorder's attorney and that you do not represent the Maricopa County Recorder's Office or Recorder Heap in his official capacity," Mitchell wrote, making use of bold italics to emphasize her point.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

Arizona Democratic Party Chair Robert Branscomb II is accused of unauthorized spending on new hires and contracts. Party Treasurer Greg Freeman, attorney Jim Barton and rules chair Michael Slugocki have raised concerns about the spending, which is occurring without an approved budget. Branscomb faces a potential vote on his removal as chair after a petition gathered enough signatures.

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Mary Jo Pitzl

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is suing the county Board of Supervisors over an agreement that limits his authority. Heap contends the agreement, made with his predecessor, restricts his control over elections and office operations. The lawsuit seeks funding for election duties and clarification of state laws about election responsibilities. The Board of Supervisors called the lawsuit frivolous and accused Heap of prioritizing personal needs over voters'.