BISBEE WIRE #79/Events/Economy/voting/county/ and lots more

editor: fred miller           September 26,2024              #79/September/24

Hello,

COVID home test orders are now available.Shipping begins 9/30. To order go here

Moving into Fall, the pace of events picks up.  Last weekend it was the TWIB fest (This Week In Bisbee), the county fair this weekend and several other events including the biggie-the Bisbee 1000 Stair Climb-in October as well as one of the funnest Bisbee events, Bisbee Rolling Arts Transport Society (BRATS) on 4:00 October 26. Below veterans, Sam and Poe getting their fashion on.

Unfortunately, but understandingly, the 'media' continues to cover the election in terms generally reserved for horse racing. It's understandable because although we have been conditioned over the past 50 years to regard the media as an impartial 'third leg', it is no such thing. Media companies are corporations, generally conglomerates, that at base, have to maximize profit-the bottom line of every corporation. As such, they continually slant editorial choices of articles to be the most sensationalistic, the most gossipy, the most facile to readers, It is the explanation for why Trump the convicted criminal, who continually lies about the most significant and insignificant subjects and speaks of women in the most repugnant terms, is not regarded as a threat to democracy and the presidency, but as a bombastic egoist that continues to be outrageous enough that he is clickbait. He's a golden goose for the media.

Try not to be fooled by fluff, vote for the candidates that espouse policies that talk about economic fairness rather than government handouts, an economic system that has good opportunities so all of us can support our families-both young and old, and that crack down on price fixing and uphold better wages.

I'll have my completely, blatantly biased cheat sheet out soon as I get a sample ballot with the order of candidates and propositions, hopefully before Oct 9. All the candidates are imploring voters to help out, so if you have just a skosh of time, do something; phone, letters, signs, doorknock, tabling, coffee klatches, walks, and standing on a street corner with a sign for your candidate. Flash mobs are fun!

fred

................​AROUND TOWN................

KAMALA COMING TO DOUGLAS FRIDAY 9/27

All I know is that Friday late afternoon the Vice President will be in Douglas somewhere. Since it is kind of last minute I suspect it may be at Cochise College where they have an airstrip for helicopters and security-wise it is a contained site, as opposed to the fair grounds or border.

Harris/Walz Rocks!

COCHISE COUNTY FAIR SEPTEMBER 25-29

3677 N Leslie Canyon Rd, Douglas, AZ

They are ready to celebrate 100 years of memories with us!

Friday- 10am-1am student day ALL STUDENTS $1 admission 6 pm rodeo

Saturday-10am-1am  military day $1 admission(must show ID) 6 pm rodeo

Sunday- 10am-8pm first responder day $1 admission(must show credentials) team roping and mutton bustin

Admission is $5 per person  Children 3 and under FREE

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PICK-UP

Join the Bisbee Friends of the Earth on Friday, September 27 at 8:00 AM to cleanup our section of Highway 92. We have vests, pickers and bags. Please wear gloves.

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Concert Without Borders ♫ ♪ 🎶 ♯

Saturday Sept 28. 7:00 at the border wall in Naco AZ/Sonora

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NON-PROFIT CONFERENCE

September 30, 2024

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning, the Legacy Foundation, and the Arizona Community Foundation invite you to participate in this one-day event that will provide your organization with knowledge and tools to achieve your mission of serving our communities. Workshops will be presented by local and nationally recognized nonprofit experts who will present on nonprofit governance, high-performance teams, donor engagement, garnering more support, and more!

https://www.cochise.edu/downtown-center/cll/2024-nonprofit-conference/

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The Arizona State Fair is Sept. 20-Oct. 27 with rides and games galore. Here's everything you need to know about prices, tickets, parking and more

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PEDAL POWER FEST

October 5, 11–9. Free helmets for kids, 12 bands, and lots more. Oldfield Oasis, 5288 N Lead St Ave, All money raised is for Bisbee bike ways, the bike/ped path between Old Bisbee and Warren and further. All ages  includes a kids bike rodeo, face painting, bike raffle, kids helmet giveaway, pedal powered smoothies and pedal powered art, food and drink, bouncy house, LIVE MUSIC, BYOB and bring your own chairs/ picnic blankets. Kids will receive hands-on bike training. Helmets will be given away until supplies run out. Bring your own bike, scooter or there will be bikes available to use.

Lavender Pit Project in Peril- The pedal power is some of the help needed to Raise Matching Funds. We need to raise $34,599 by October 31st, 2024 to begin the final design of the west segment of the path. Click to donate https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=49FE3LT4RBKDN.

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BISBEE ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

They will be at 24 Howell on Saturday October 5 from 10am to noon. Contact them at http://bisbee.alternatives.therapies@gmail.com

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ART SUPPLY SWAP

Gather your unwanted, useable art supplies and meet us at the Bisbee Saturday Market on Saturday, October 12th for the community art supply swap from 9 AM to 1 PM!

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2024 Bisbee Self Guided Church Tour,

A free self guided tour of 12 Bisbee Churches and the Zen Center. Sat Oct 12 from 10 to 4. Brochure with a map at the Visitor Center and libraries.

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COMING EVENTS

(listings from TWIB)

Bisbee Plein Air Festival Oct 10 – 13 https://www.centralschoolproject.org/plein-air-festivalBisbee

1000 stair climb/race October 19 https://www.bisbee1000.org/

B.R.A.T.S. Parade October 26 https://www.facebook.com/BisbeeRollingArt

Haunted Bisbee

https://allhitskzmk.com/ixp/1121/p/haunted-bisbee-horror-movie/

Mariachi Festival November 2 http://bisbeemariachifestival.com/

Sidepony Express Music Festival November 9 https://www.facebook.com/sideponyexpress

Bisbee Woman’s Club Home Tour and Art, Chairs and More Auction November 29 & 30

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BISBEE MEDIA MENTIONS

Best small town

https://www.travelandleisure.com/americas-best-small-towns-of-2024-8699455#toc-best-small-desert-town

Best small town

https://nypost.com/2024/09/07/lifestyle/americas-best-small-towns-2024-ranked-and-ones-near-nyc/

Artsy town

https://www.islands.com/1667410/arizona-home-america-underrated-artsy-art-towns-european-charm/?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=Social-Distribution&utm_source=FB-BP-Islands&

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38 CONDOS PLANNED FOR OLD BISBEE HIGH SCHOOL

Joe Lewis has reverted to his original plan for the old high school that entails a project with the possibility of 38 new for sale housing units in OB. He wrote a letter to the city council explaining the plan reversion and got their approval for one plat change. He hopes to build one unit to function as an model to sell the other units. Acknowledging opposition to his plans, he stressed that the project would be economically beneficial for businesses as well as the city tax base, and that there were always naysayers to any project.

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DARN! NO MORE MUGSHOTS

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office provides public information on their webpage for “Mugshots” and “Inmate List” that, in the past, provided photos and/or data related to inmates currently in custody, including names and charges associated with arrests. After a legal review of a recent court decision (Houston vs Maricopa County 2024), the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office will no longer post the “Mugshot” and “Inmate List” on the Sheriff’s Office webpage. In addition, booking photographs will no longer accompany social media/press releases.

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SW GAS RATES TO DECREASE IN OCTOBER

Southwest Gas has notified the Arizona Corporation Commission that it will drop the usage-based surcharge for its Gas Cost Balancing Account from nearly 31 cents per therm of gas to zero, beginning Oct. 1.The company said the average single-family residential customers will see a bill decrease of about $7 per month because of the new zero surcharge rate.

.................AZ WATER RATES IN BISBEE HIKED IN JULYIn Bisbee the average increase based on 5,400 gallons of usage would be $13.34 per month or 33%,with the typical bill rising from $39.66 to $53.00 per month...............DRAFT AIR FORCE TRAINING PLAN MENDACIOUSGo here for the letter to the editor............WANTED: FIREWISE LEADERSIn a letter in this week's Observer, Cooper Raphael and Lindsay Koehler are seeking to pass the torch---ummm whoops---to step back from their leadership positions and train new folks to take over the non-profit. They will help with a transition. The organization is healthy, and has expanded to encompass Warren and San Jose. If interested contact them through the Old Bisbee Firewise Facebook page here

??????????????ASK ANITA??????????????

 Dear Anita,I enjoy growing things and have found growing plants in Arizona challenging to say the least-mostly, because of the endless watering-I feel so guilty using all that water so I can enjoy fresh flowers and vegetables-is it selfish and wasteful?-I feel like I should only be growing plants that are native-but I do not find them very attractive and most of them bite!! Please advise.Underwater with guilt💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦.............Dear Underwater,Coming from the great lakes with all that water and greenery it has taken me quite a while to appreciate the desert plants that are native. I have had my share of being bitten, bruised, scarred and blood loss. When I decided to move to Arizona from Detroit my co-workers were mortified because of snakes, little did they know the danger of plants.  it was a little ironic as I was working in the murder capital at the time) You can, dear lover of plants and veggies, come up for air. Look at the nourishment you are providing butterflies birds, moths, bats and other smaller creatures that are sustained and nourished by the veggies and flowers you are growing, not to mention the aesthetic pleasure you and other humans derive from the beauty of your plants.Myself I justify the use of water for the garden by taking less showers. I do a lot of spot (you know where I mean) cleaning, so far Fred has not complained. So keep on watering. 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 And don’t forget to stop and Smell the Roses!

..............CITY COUNCIL MEETING................

OCTOBER 1  7:00       915 S. TOVREAVILLE ROAD

background here

Of Interest...

#1 How your money is spent

#5 Housing study

#6 AV services for new city hall

#9 Fuel Reduction projects

#13 City Manager report

Agenda

INVOCATION: A Moment of Silence                                                   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 MAYOR’S PROCLAMATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE DISCUSSED, CONSIDERED, AND/OR DECIDED UPON AT THIS MEETING:

GENERAL BUSINESS:

1.       ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Subject to availability of funds.

2.       Approval of the Consent Agenda

1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Session of Mayor and Council held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

2. Approval of the Park, Facility and Right of Way Use Permit for the Use of Upper Vista Park by Project Wildlife for a Garden Party on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

3. Approval of the Special Event Liquor License Application submitted by Project Wildlife Bisbee for a Garden Party being held at Upper Vista Park on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Jane Gaffer; Applicant.

NEW BUSINESS

3.        Public Hearing and Discussion and Possible Approval of a Liquor License Application for the Legion Bar and Grill located at 57A Subway Street, Bisbee, AZ; John Dean Curtis II, Applicant.

Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk

4.        Public Hearing and Discussion and Possible Approval of a Liquor License Application for Los Hermanos at 202 Tombstone Canyon, Bisbee, AZ; Michael Patrick Donahue, Applicant.

Ashlee Coronado, City Clerk

5.        Discussion and Possible Approval to award a contract between the City of Bisbee and Points-Consulting for the Comprehensive Housing Study.

Melissa Hartman, City Planner

6.        Discussion and Possible Approval to enter into an Agreement with AV Innovations Inc. to provide A/V Services and Equipment to the City of Bisbee Council Chambers in City Hall in the amount of $69,676.67.

Ken Budge, Mayor

7.        Discussion and Possible Approval to award the Retaining Wall reconstruction at 101 Star Avenue to Lithik Construction Inc.

Matthey Gurney, Public Works Director

8.        Discussion and Possible Approval of Amendment #1 to the Agreement between the City of Bisbee and Gridics, LLC. For Software-as-a-service.

Xavier Rodriguez, Building Inspector / Code Enforcement

9.        Discussion and Possible Approval of accepting the bid from C&A Desert Diggers LLC in the amount of $112,455.20 for the fuel reduction projects around Bisbee.

Jim Richardson, Fire Chief

10.     Discussion and Possible Approval to Allow the Bisbee Police Department to accept Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) grant #2025-PTS-008 for $40,312 for STEP Enforcement and Related Materials and Supplies (Radars & Tint Meters).

Tim Cox, Police Chief

11.     Discussion and Possible Approval to Allow the Bisbee Police Department to accept Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) grant #2025-AL-010 for $40,496 for DUI/Impaired Driving Enforcement Intoxilyzer 9000.

Tim Cox, Police Chief

12.     Discussion and Possible Approval of a motion to go into Executive Session for the following matter:

1.  An executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (4) for discussion or consultation for legal advice with the City Attorney regarding a Notice of Claim from Pamela Heiman

Joe Estes, City Attorney

13.     City Manager’s Report:

...............BISBEE ECONOMY................

NEW BUILDING FOR VISITOR CENTER POSSIBILE

After being stuck in the mine tour building for many years the city may finally bring back the Visitor Center to Main Street as CM Pauken announced plans via an article in the HR.  They will rebuild a one story building at 30 Main, the site of the Valentine's fire, that will house the Visitor Center. Funding is an issue and grants will be pursued, so likely a couple years away.

In the same article the CM mentioned that Commerce Street, located in the rear of the Main St. buildings, has weakened and will remain closed. The entire street needs to be rebuilt and the city has received a $200,000 grant for planning. There was no mention of the process being started.

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BUSINESSES CLOSING

“JupieShop - the cool store” in Bisbee, AZ, announces its closing effective October 31, 2024.  This  situation was due to a sudden and unprecedented 80% increase in our rent on Main Street!  They had no choice except to close because the increase in our operating expenses is unsustainable.

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Mile High MunCheese will be closing their doors in October 2024 with the final day yet to be determined. https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=mile%20high%20muncheese

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CITY FINANCIALS

From the city treasurers' report

Overall revenue is at 13.5% or about $347,000 behind expected. However, this includes $950,000 in Use of Reserve “revenue” in anticipation of a grant match for a ladder truck. If the anticipated use of reserves is removed from the equation, revenue is about $188,000 behind,

mostly caused by revenue that is received periodically rather than monthly that has not been received yet (such as the property taxes).

Most departments are about on par for this time of year with projections for revenue and expenditures.

TAX & SALES STATS

The August sales tax reports are out. You may remember these are for spending that actually occurred to months ago. So this report is for spending that actually occurred in June.

It was hot in June, the hottest month in 100 years in Phoenix and was tied with 2021 as the hottest month ever in the state. There was also significant rain during the month. Main street was one lane. These factors may have impacted sales and could possibly indicate a slowing Bisbee economy at the start of summer. Whether it has bad as some merchants have reported, will have to see in the next couple months report. The bright spot was bars and restaurants, which had an significant increase as did food bought from home consumption.

BED TAX

The bed tax which is a 5% tax on all overnight rentals, including Airbnb, came in about $9000 less than the previous month, which would be May, and 12% below the same month last year. In fact, this is the lowest bed tax report in 23 months and the second lowest since March 2021. This was despite the pride weekend which generally boost sales in June.

BAR/RESTAURANT SALES

Conversely, bar sales were up $16,000 over  May totals. It was the third highest total in 21 months.

RETAIL

Retail sales were down about $6000 from the previous month. It was the lowest total in seven months, coming in at $113,688.

HOME FOOD

Maybe it was the heat that kept people home but food for home consumption was $60,656 and that was the highest total in five years.

INTERNET SALES TAX

Internet sales sales tax continues strong and about $30,000. That’s the second highest total in five years. Maybe those people staying home were letting their fingers do the shopping.

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HOUSE SALES

The recent interest rate drop by the fed has put a 30 year fixed at 6.13%, the lowest in several years. Hopefully that will be trickling down to rural areas and pick up home buying.

Bisbee followed the national trends for August with a very slow month of sales. It continues a roller coaster sales year here for houses. These have been the number of houses sold in the 8 months as of 1/2024; 6-12-4-15-4-16-9-4

(For August national report, from Realtor.com go here). Currently (9/17/24) according to Zillow.com, there are 64 houses for sales and 64 lots/land for sale in 85603.

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August Sales

16 San Jose Dr.   189k/189k/$175,000

441 Roberts Ave. $193,000

119 Mountain View Av. 225k/225k/$219,000

303 E. 15th Terrace 349k/349k/$345,000

BUILDING PERMITS

A whopping $1,595,835 worth of residential work permits (55) were pulled in August.The second largest total since 2016. The total was juiced by a $190k new build in Warren. Commercial permits continue to be anemic at $145k.

NATIONAL PARK VISITATIONl

Bisbee often gets visitors coming or going to the scenic places in the County. Although difficult to ascertain their economic impact, it can be considerable at various months in the year.  At one time, our former business group advocated to make Bisbee a 'hub' for the many natural wonders in the county as one leg of a multi-Marketing strategy. Still could do it, but not until some changes made.

Chiricahua  National Monument

July/24   2,681 July/23    2,675    +.2.2%

Year to Date   August/24 53,696  August/23 46,156  +16.3%

Coronado National Memorial

July/ 24 11,000  July /23  11,224    -2.01%

Year to Date July/24 101,235  July/23  78,304   +29.3%

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ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

BZB Ceiling Monkey

3693 W. Hwy 80

Jason Kihl

Border Bookkeeping & Consulting

340 E. Border rd.

Liza Kovich

$$$$$$$$

AUCTIONS

429D Laundry Hill

November 18, 10 am Pioneer Title/Sierra Vista

405 Shattuck

December 19, 10 am County Courthouse

$$$$$$$$$$$$

COCHISE COUNTY VINEYARD PRODUCTION UP BUT WINE SALES DECLINING

After several years of growth the wine industry in Arizona is experiencing a decrease in demand. Consequently there is a glut of grapes this season due to slowing wine sales. With an excellent growing season, vineyard owners are seeing too many grapes and not enough wine-making.

Cochise County grows about 70% of the grapes used for making Arizona wines and is a significant contributor to the tax base not only with growing but wine tourism.

High residual inventories, reduced demand for cheaper wine, competition from other beverages for younger drinkers, over supply of grapes, declining consumption overall, health concerns about alcohol consumption and consumer uncertainty have all have contributed to sluggish sales that have dropped an estimated 15% this year. As producers costs have risen and prices stagnate, profit margins have dropped.

The likely impact is that some fruit will be left to die on the vine this year and next year vintners may be taking acres taken out of production to reduce grape supply.

..............ELECTIONS...............

HOW TO READ POLITICAL POLLS

How to consume polls responsibly? Anytime you see a poll out in the wild, we recommend following these 10 steps to help put it into context and understand what it means for the election.

https://abcnews.go.com/538

POLLSTER RATINGS

Based on the historical track record and methodological transparency of each polling firm’s polls

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/pollster-ratings/

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A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF ARIZONA; THE EROSION OF THE GOP

If you read this article in its entirety you will have a deep understanding of the past and current voting trends in our state.

In this long and detailed analysis of voting in our state, no area is left untouched; Phoenix, Tucson, the I-10 corridor, rural south and north, border areas, all all covered in detail with voting preferences weighted.

The author contrasts AZ with Nevada with the trends moving away from republicans in our state. Doesn't mean a walk over, but clearly there has been a decided shift to democrats. This is the kind of detailed statistical information that the most sophisticated campaigns use to target areas of the state. Go here

The author has done similar studies in all the swing states.

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NO INCREASE IN FEMALE VOTING REGISTRATION IN TWO YEARS

According to an analysis by The Arizona Republic, the share of women registering to vote compared to men hasn’t increased since at least 2016. And the share of women actually casting a ballot in 2022 — the first election cycle since the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization abortion ruling was issued — didn’t budge when compared to men, either.

Typically, women comprise about 48% to 50% of new Arizona registrants each week. They are more often Democrats than Republicans and also are more likely to vote than men, according to The Republic's analysis.

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DO THE RIGHT THING

Sign up for a volunteer shift.  Volunteer with local candidates.  Help them talk to voters, make phone calls, drive to events!   https://mobilize.us/s/fQXN6e, This is for Democrats. If you are Republican, I'm really so so sorry, but maybe you can redeem yourself bye working for a Democrat that can make a difference, like Anne Carl for Recorder, or Kirsten Engle for Congressional District 6, or Theresa Walsh in District one in Sierra Vista for county supervisor, or Joanie Giacomino in District two

...............

The Cochise County Community College District...

is governed by a five-member Governing Board elected from precincts in Cochise County.

Stephanie Money is running to replace the retiring Dennis Nelson. She is well qualified having a been local businesswoman for over three decades  and has worked in the areas of accounting, retail, hospitality, and finance services along with assisting numerous non-profit organizations. VOTE YES

However, in a curious lawsuit, Eli Dalton, Sierra Vista, has challenged the timing of Ms. Money's nomination petition. This is from an original filing that was denied and dismissed by Superior court.

REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

1. Plaintiff asserts that this elections petition challenge may require nuanced

argument of election law, and that election law is messy, with many sections and subsection that are not internally consistent.

2. Plaintiff does not have any law books of his own.

3. Plaintiff requests assistance, accommodations, and/or advice on how to read election law during the election challenge hearing.

4. Plaintiff requests to be provided with a physical copy of Titles 15 and 16 of the Arizona Revised Statutes during the election challenge hearing.

5. Plaintiff requests to be provided with a physical copy of any and all likely

applicable court rules, both local and from the Supreme Court for Superior Courts, not excluding Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Local Rules.

6. Plaintiff requests information on if there will be internet available for his

legal research during the election challenge hearing.

7. Plaintiff requests from the Honorable Judge whether he forsees any recesses permitted for the purpose of doing legal research for this case at hand.

However, because of an appeal to the az supremes over unclear wording and some errors in handling the case,  a decision will be rendered presumably before the election. It is unclear what effect that will have on the election.

...............ALL ABOUT THE VOTE...............

Register to vote online

https://servicearizona.com/VoterRegistrationselectLanguageOR

OR

Vote.org will give everyone all the info you need to register and vote — and to double check their registration,

THE CALENDAR

OCTOBER 7....last day for voter registration

OCTOBER.... 9 AZ EARLY VOTING BEGINS

OCTOBER 25.... last day to request a ballot by mail

OCTOBER 29.... last day to mail your ballot back

November 1.... last day to vote early in person

NOVEMBER 5.... ELECTION DAY

USEFUL VOTING INFO

(from Cochise Regional News & CC Voting Guide

• the ballot will consist of two 19-inch pieces of paper, with fields to fill out on three of the four available sides.

• use black pens only, and to fill in the ovals on their ballots completely

• return the complete ballot to the Cochise County Elections Division.

• be careful to not to rest pens in ovals while considering their votes. This can leave 'hesitation marks,' which can cause delays in tabulation.

• Early voters may return completed ballots by mail, or by depositing them in any of the drop boxes situated here: 

• Voting centers are here (Bisbee is at 1415 Melody Lane)

..............COCHISE COUNTY................

In a potentially damaging reveal in court, private cell phone records of Recorder David Stevens and Tom Crosby show significant discussion of county business. The cell phone records were requested in a public documents case that Open Secrets, an investigative organization, filed against the county two years ago.

From the Herald Review article (may be paywalled):

"But the biggest revelation for American Oversight is the fact the Stevens Records reveal Supervisor Tom Crosby used his own personal email and cellphone to routinely communicate directly or indirectly with Stevens about official county matters such as the 2023 jail district election, the resignation of Cochise County Elections District Lisa Marra, and the appointment of Stevens as Interim Elections."

This could affect the Fifth amendment case against Crosby and Judd. And may affect the violation of open meeting laws.

With $70,000+and likely more to come-for private lawyers, the amount of taxpayer money now spent defending the actions of Stevens, Crosby, and Judd over the past few years have cost taxpayers at least $400,000 and when indirect costs such as staff time is added in, is likely in the range of $1,000,000.

In a separate case, the trial for Judd and Crosby for felony charges has been pushed into the new year. The AG has not had time to interview the many witnesses.

...............THE LEGE................

LEGISLATION I'D LIKE TO SEE

"Legislation that would bar utilities from passing on to ratepayers, expenses for contributions or gifts to political candidates, political parties, and political or legislative committees; to a trade association, chamber of commerce or public charity; for lobbying or grassroots lobbying; or for educational expenses, unless approved by the PUC as serving a public interest." (go here for the full article from Governing)

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A new law, based on Norway's recycling that has the producers that make PET containers, slapped with a new tax if they didn't pay to collect and recycle used bottles. If they can prove they are recycling 95% as many bottles as they sell, they pay no tax.

Government set up a program to manage collections involving reverse vending machines; put a container in and you get back some dough. Every bottle made has a barcode specific to its maker, a machine scans the code and shape of the bottle to track which company gets credit. Bottles are collected, sorted and sold to a recycling firm that processed the material and sells it to other companies for new bottles. (Wired magazine)

...............EVERYTHING ELSE................

GET SOME GIGGLES HERE;  SARA COOPER SPOOFS TRUMP

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sarah-cooper-donald-trump-lip-sync-2024_n_66e93b26e4b0bcfae119a20a

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EAT YOUR VEGGIES!

The CDC has released a study that indicates which foods are superior when dealing with chronic diseases. The study can be found here. This is an excerpt.

Powerhouse fruits and vegetables (PFV), foods most strongly associated with reduced chronic disease risk, are described as green leafy, yellow/orange, citrus, and cruciferous items, but a clear definition of PFV is lacking (1). Defining PFV on the basis of nutrient and phytochemical constituents is suggested (1). However, uniform data on food phytochemicals and corresponding intake recommendations are lacking (2). This article describes a classification scheme defining PFV on the basis of 17 nutrients of public health importance per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Institute of Medicine (ie, potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K) (3)."

Item	Nutrient Density Score
Watercress	100.00
Chinese cabbage	91.99
Chard	89.27
Beet green	87.08
Spinach	86.43
Chicory	73.36
Leaf lettuce	70.73
Parsley	65.59
Romaine lettuce	63.48
Collard green	62.49
Turnip green	62.12
Mustard green	61.39
Endive	60.44
Chive	54.80
Kale	49.07
Dandelion green	46.34
Red pepper	41.26
Arugula	37.65
Broccoli	34.89
Pumpkin	33.82
Brussels sprout	32.23
Scallion	27.35
Kohlrabi	25.92
Cauliflower	25.13
Cabbage	24.51
Carrot	22.60
Tomato	20.37
Lemon	18.72
Iceberg lettuce	18.28
Strawberry	17.59
Radish	16.91
Winter squash (all varieties)	13.89
Orange	12.91
Lime	12.23
Grapefruit (pink and red)	11.64
Rutabaga	11.58
Turnip	11.43
Blackberry	11.39
Leek	10.69
Sweet potato	10.51
Grapefruit (white)	10.47

a Calculated as the mean of percent daily values (DVs) (based on a 2,000 kcal/d diet) for 17 nutrients (potassium, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K) as provided by 100 g of food, expressed per 100 kcal of food. Scores above 100 were capped at 100 (indicating that the food provides, on average, 100% DV of the qualifying nutrients per 100 kcal).

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VESSEL FINDER

A map of every commercial vessel's location in real time. Go here

and for corporate shipping news

............... WORD...............

(a tip of the pork pie to RC)......1)I've just finished reading a book about the world's greatest basement... It was a best cellar.   

2)    It's my first week working at the bicycle factory and they already made me a spokesperson.

3)    My laptop caught pneumonia, apparently, because I left Windows open.

4)    I thought swimming with Dolphins was expensive until I went swimming with sharks... It cost me an arm and a leg.

5)    The main function of your big toe is to make sure all the furniture in the house is in the right place.

6)    Horses have lower divorce rates.  It's because they are in stable relationships.

7)    It's pretty obvious that if I run in front of a car, I will get tired, but if I run behind a car I will get exhausted.

8)    My teachers told me I'd never amount to much because I procrastinate so much.  I told them, just you wait.

9)    90% of bald people still own a comb; they just can't part with it.

10)  Every morning, I get hit by the same bicycle... It's a vicious cycle.

11)  The word "incorrectly" is spelled incorrectly in every dictionary.

12)  I've been experimenting with breeding racing deer.  People have accused me of just trying to make a fast buck.

13)  The other day I yelled into a colander and I strained my voice.

14)  I went to a fish restaurant last night and ordered the octopus. The waiter told me it takes 4 hours to cook.  "Why", I asked.  He said, "It's because it keeps turning the gas off."

15)  What do you call a row of rabbits hopping backwards?  A receding hare line.

16)  When I was a kid, we played spin the bottle with the girls.  If they didn't want to kiss you, they would have to give you a dollar. By the time I was 12, I owned my own home.

17)  Always trust a nudist, they have nothing to hide.