Press Release

FROM STOP TAXING OUR PROPERTY (STOP) CAMPAIGN TO DEFEAT THE 2006 PHOENIX BOND ISSUE

Here we go again! :)

It's obvious which side of the bond campaign the Arizona Republic editorial board is on. Hey, that's ok. It's their paper and it's a private company. They can do what they want.

However, when they misrepresent the facts, obfuscate, and do whatever they can to deceive the people of Phoenix about the bond campaign, well, then we have to speak up.

On Thursday, February 9, Richard de Uriarte (Republic editorial writer) made some significant claims and implications which are not true. In the process he also offended thousands of people who have supported and thanked STOP Taxing Our Property for the work we are doing to educate voters about the "dark side" of the Phoenix bond program.

(AZ republic column in question: http://www.azcentral.com/news/opinions/columns/articles/0209deuriarte09.html )

1) Uriarte called opponents to the bond "libertarians".

FACT: The entire STOP executive committee consists of registered Republicans. Further, there are many dedicated Democrat volunteers who are very concerned about issues like gentrification and the massive handouts that large corporate interests will get from bond projects - paid for by the working families of Phoenix.

2) Uriarte implied that people who oppose the bond are nuts who believe in - what he wrote are - "dark conspiracies".

FACT: He is saying that the teachers, police, firemen, civil servants, Democrats, Republicans, Independents Libertarians and people on fixed incomes across the spectrum who oppose the bond, are "nuts".

3) Uriarte implied that Mayor Gordon obtained "buy in" from Republican Party leadership, state legislative leadersip and other well known people in the valley.

He wants you to believe that there is broad support for the bond.

FACT: Republican leadership is well aware of the STOP the bond campaign.

FACT: Republican leadership has not communicated support for the bond. Not to Phil Gordon. Not to anyone.

Folks, this is why we founded the STOP committee. To inform voters of the facts of the bond program - specifically of those things that neither the paper nor the city want you to know.

You know that you are on the right side of an issue when the other side has to misrepresent the facts and call names in order to persuade.

We urge you to join us and the thousands of other Phoenicians who oppose the bond in stopping this poorly designed and fiscally irresponsible bond program.

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BONUS QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I guess you would want to vote no, then."
- Mayor Phil Gordon, February 4, 2006, to a citizen who said that the property tax increase would tax people out of their homes. (http://www.sonorannews.com/WebOnly.html#Other1 )

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STOP ON HORIZON
Please tune in on Thursday, February 16, channel 8 at 7pm to see STOP face Michael Crow of ASU.

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