Transparency and Requirements for Senate and House In Arizona
Transparency in politics has always been something we as Americans always so desperately want, regardless of political affiliation, but those in office rarely seem to feel necessary to uphold and honor. When taking a position in office it's important to understand they are ultimately there to serve and represent us, the American people.
On Any given day, you will hear a story about a politician or public representative doing something where somehow they believe themselves to have a free pass to do that which would put you, me, and any other law-abiding American in jail or be faced with fines.
Ballotpedia lists the requirements for representatives of each state for those who choose to hold a position in office.
In Arizona it would be as follows for both the Senate and House:
- Age requirement: 25
- District resident: 1 year
- Voter Registration: not required
- Citizen: required
- State Resident: 3 years
Stalker or Investigator?
Wendy Rogers is a Republican Senate member from the 7th legislative district and there are rumors and concerns about her not actually living in the district she represents.
District seven covers portions of Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Gila.
Yahoo reports that:
When Arizona Capitol Times reporter Camryn Sanchez discovered Rogers and her husband bought a $750,000 home in Chandler in January, she launched an investigation.
Like any good reporter, Sanchez hit up publicly available property records and dug out the documentation, according to a story by the Cap Times’ Wayne Schutsky. Imagine her surprise to find paperwork filed as part of the purchase – signed on Jan. 27 by both Rogers and her husband – stating that they were “currently residing” not in their Flagstaff trailer but at their supposed previous home in Tempe.
This investigation leads to accusations from the senator which she says the reporter is stalking her. According to the reporter, she was only ringing Rogers's doorbell to conduct an investigation. Thus far the judge has favored Rogers.
Privacy and safety are always a concern, especially when you are a public figure, but utilizing the legal system to shroud transparency is not a good look for anyone.
Oxford Dictionary defines representative as:
a person who has been chosen to speak or vote for somebody else or for a group of people, or to take the place of somebody else
The concept of the representative is that these people are supposed to be one of us, speaking for us, and making decisions for us to benefit us. These days, the job description often couldn't be farther from the truth.
What do you think? Was the reporter stepping over a personal boundary? Is the senator hiding something? Let us know in the comments.
Comments / 6