Excerpt from article by Hope Yen, Associated Press reporter:

“The new figures show, among other things, that the number of people getting married fell to a record low level in 2009, with just 52 percent of adults 18 and over saying they were joined in wedlock, compared to 57 percent in 2000.”

(Click here for full article, with more census information)

I think young people don’t see the value in marriage (maybe it’s too traditional or old fashioned), and the divorce rate has steadily risen over the years (showing others that marriage doesn’t work for all, or is not financially necessary for women anymore). And lots of young people aren’t attending church (of any religion) so they don’t hear about the religious reasons from a Pastor/Rabbi/Priest/Oman/Sensei to enter wedlock. I broached this subject back on January 1st of this year (click here, blog entitled “Why marriage?)

The AP article states the reasons may be economic (too expensive to get married now, wait till later), or that cohabitation may be cheaper. And I think young people are increasingly commitment-shy and afraid of marriage, which ended in divorce for many of their parents. Half of my son’s friends now come from families of divorce.

But I also like to think it may be somewhat societal as well with gay marriage being denied couples in 45 states, that maybe it’s a civil rights issue for some younger folks (who tend to be more accepting of gays/lesbians). If gays can’t get married, why should straights?

Now I know why we haven’t been invited to too many weddings in recent years. One of my six nieces is living with her partner (and choosing not to marry), with their 3 year old son, & another baby on the way. And only one of the others is married.

Marriage isn’t for everyone, but it can work well, as I’ve stated in my previous blog.

What do you readers think are the reasons for the lowering of the marriage rate in America?

And speaking of the recent census, here’s a quote I just read which is inscribed on the walkway at Miramonte Neighborhood Park (NW corner of E. 3rd St. and N. Richey Blvd.):

“The true test of civilization is, not the census, nor the size of the cities, nor the crops, but the kind of man that the country turns out.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1870).

Let’s also reflect upon the kind of man (and woman) we are turning out today in 2010, 140 years hence.

Secretary of State Ken Bennett announces statewide General Election town halls

Non-partisan forums designed to inform public on ballot propositions

PHOENIX – Wondering about the 10 propositions on the Arizona ballot this fall? Got a question on one of the measures dealing with health care reform, state trust land, medical marijuana or the state budget?

Stay tuned, because the Secretary of State’s Office may soon be coming to your community with its 2010 General Election Town Hall series. Secretary of State Ken Bennett has announced about two-dozen town halls across Arizona. The events are free-of-charge and open to the public as an opportunity for voters to learn about the ballot propositions and pose questions to neutral and informed staff members provided by our office.

Audience members also will hear from supporters and opponents of the ballot measures, with both sides given the opportunity to make brief statements and take questions from the crowd.

“Critical issues are at stake this General Election,” Secretary Bennett said. “These town halls are a wonderful opportunity for Arizona voters to become better informed about the ballot propositions they’ll be voting upon.”

These Community town halls began on Sept. 22 in Phoenix, and will continue through Oct. 25, with forums planned all over the state.

The Tucson town hall is scheduled for September 28, 7 p.m. at El Pueblo Neighborhood Center, Building 9 (multipurpose room), 101 W. Irvington Road.

Please turn out for this town hall to find out how to vote on the ten state-wide propositions (106, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 203, 301, 302) on November 2nd. I blogged about the LWV meeting last week about these propositions (which included short descriptions of each, click here).

And don’t forget to learn about the City of Tucson Propositions 400 (proposed half cent sales tax increase) and 401 (proposed 80% salary increase for Mayor/Council & other City charter changes including increasing the power of the Mayor & the City Manager)…at other town halls/forums, before the General Election.

There’s one this week, also at El Pueblo:

The Southside Neighborhood Association Presidential Partnership (SNAPP) has scheduled a debate on both Propositions 400 and 401 for:

El Pueblo Neighborhood Center

Thursday, September 30th
6:00 – 8:00PM
El Pueblo Activity Center, Multi-purpose Room
101 W. Irvington Road

Speakers include Richard Bayse (NO), Bruce Dusenberry (YES),Mark Clark (YES), and Steve Leal (NO).

Jonathan Rothschild, J.D.

An attorney with the law firm of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild, Jonathan Rothschild has served as managing partner since 2001. A political newcomer, he is now exploring a run for Mayor of Tucson. Rothschild is a Tucson native, graduate of Tucson High School, Kenyon College, and the University of New Mexico Law School. He has also served as Adjunct Professor at the James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona.

More information from his website www.jonathanformayor.com (“New Energy, New Perspective” is his theme):

“Jonathan has a long history of extensive service with local non-profits – as a leader and a worker. He has served in various capacities, including Board President of Casa de los Ninos, Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging, and Temple Emanu-El.

He is a member of the Tucson Parks & Recreation Commission and currently serves as Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council. Jonathan has also served on the Boards of the Tucson Medical Center Foundation, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Friends of the University Libraries, University of Arizona and the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona.”

Jonathan is active in the Pima County Democratic Party and has served as its Treasurer in the past. For a very long list of his early supporters (including former Mayors George Miller and Tom Volgy) go online to his website.

The other possible candidates for Mayor may be 4 term Democratic Councilmember Shirley Scott (Ward 4), or 2 term Democratic Councilmember Karin Uhlich (Ward 3). Current Republican Mayor Bob Walkup (more…)