Independent Mike Stauffer wants to break the cycle and supports Prop 121 Open Elections / Open Government
Friday, September 21st, 2012There are a lot of “1st times” in Arizona this 2012 election cycle.
Independent Voters will vote in Arizona in record numbers thanks to Prop 121
The Democratic Party lost approximately 52,000 registered Democratic voters in 2011 and is now in 3rd place. Currently Independent voters hold an 8.8% lead over Democrats in 2012 while in 2008 Independents were outnumbered 10.4% by Democrats. Republicans have a 23% advantage over Democrats, and only a 16.3% advantage over Independents a difference of 7%.
For the first time in Maricopa County history, Independents now out rank the Democratic Party in registered voters. While Independent voters are largely apathetic in their voting turnout, the Open Government initiative has been set to appear on this years election ballot. The 33% of newly registered Independent voters are sure to turn out in record numbers to support a “top-two” measure to level the political playing field. Most Independent voters have left the party structure in favor of more freedom in elections and less political bias and therefore will be more likely to vote for a candidate working toward that goal.
Did you know that both sides of the political spectrum fought hard against Prop 121?
Indeed, Arizona Open Government had to defend the rights of Arizona voters five times regarding the amendment. The political bosses (from both sides) and lobbyists were determined to stop them because they knew the best way to defeat the Open Elections/Open Government initiative was to block it from going to the ballot. But finally, it’s time to let the voters decide.
The Prop 121 folks aren’t the only ones who want to break the vicious partisanship cycle.
Independent Candidate Mike Stauffer (who is on the record for supporting Prop 121) wants to break the cycle, too. And as an Independent voter, I also believe that partisanship does NOT belong in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office.
Today, Independent Candidate Mike Stauffer wrote:
Breaking the Cycle
However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.– George Washington, Farewell Address, Sept. 17, 1796
For the last 19 years, the Republicans have compromised their principles for campaign contributions and power. They have supported, through both active participation and silent approval, a political opportunist, who has subverted the criminal justice system in our county.
The Democrats have focused solely on winning, by whatever means, even if it means taking on the actions of those they oppose. The Democrats behave like bullied kids who are seeking power so that they may exact revenge on those that have done them wrong. They use those who have truly been victims of the current sheriff for their political purposes, but offer nothing but platitudes to them.
The Democrats do not care what happens beyond November 6, 2012, as long as their candidate wins. How will their candidate be any better than the man they seek to replace? What evidence can they produce that their candidate has any plans to change the culture of the organization? The answer is none, because they have no answers to give. The candidate that they have put up for sheriff is a mirror image of the current sheriff. Their candidate is inexperienced and has shown that he is every bit the party lackey and attention grabber that the current sheriff is. There is no discussion regarding improving the MCSO, because there is no interest in improving the agency, merely the Democrats want their turn at the trough.
The “major” parties will do anything they can, even join forces, to defeat an independent. They are more concerned with their own power, influence, and financial gain than they are about reforming the MCSO or solving any other problem in government.
I offer an alternative to this seemingly unbreakable cycle. I am a law enforcement leader with almost three decades of service and experience. I serve no party or special interest masters, I serve the people.
We have a unique opportunity this year to break the hold of partisan politics has on our government. I challenge everyone to really get to know the candidates and to elect the best qualified candidate for the job of sheriff. Don’t merely choose someone based on the party letter after their name. Choosing the “lesser of two evils” is still choosing “evil.” You should not be satisfied by that. Think beyond November 6, and pick the candidate who has a vision and the experience to lead a professional MCSO with integrity. I have your best interests as my priority and look forward to serving you as your next sheriff.
