kimblr.com

With the state by some accounts in a recession, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proposing a seven-point stimulus plan that calls for cutting property-tax assessments and the corporate income-tax rate for businesses.
The chamber says the long-term proposal, which could be implemented over a number of years, would generate more revenue for the state over time while creating a more friendly business climate. But the Governor’s Office and the Republican-controlled Legislature say with the state facing an estimated $1.9 billion budget deficit for 2008-09, it would be challenging to adopt the plan anytime soon.
“It’s too early to handicap,” said Jeanine L’Ecuyer, spokeswoman for Gov. Janet Napolitano. L’Ecuyer added that since Napolitano took office five years ago, businesses have enjoyed or will experience nearly $2.4 billion in tax relief through 2014.
And House Commerce Chair Rep. Michele Reagan, R-Scottsdale, said the Legislature has “focused on the fact that business property taxes” are a problem, and lawmakers have worked to push them down.
“But that’s not to say we can’t keep pushing for other stimulus packages or other business tax deductions,” Reagan said. “Without protecting them, we will be at a loss.”
The 500-member chamber, which is publicly releasing the plan today, provided no estimates on how much money the tax cuts would generate. And the chamber did not say how the tax dollars would be replaced should the cuts not produce enough revenue.
Glenn Hamer, the chamber’s president and chief executive, said reducing the tax burden would make Arizona more attractive to Fortune 500 companies looking to do business here, and it would let Arizona businesses compete on a level playing field with other states.
“It’s a simple but important message: It’s the private sector that will lead Arizona out of this on a road to prosperity,” Hamer said. “The vision would be if we were able to adjust the tax structure, Arizona would be a magnet for corporate headquarters and business investment of all sorts. We would improve Arizona’s gross domestic product considerably.”

azcentral.com

Arizona ace Taryne Mowatt releases a pitch in a 2-1 loss to No. 4 UCLA at Hillenbrand Stadium on Sunday. The Wildcats need to get over last week’s 8-1 loss to No. 1 ASU, along with chemistry issues, in order to get back to their dominant selves.
When gazing out onto the outfield fences at Hillenbrand Stadium, it wouldn’t be hard to see the true nature of Arizona’s softball program. Judging by the barrage of national championship banners and the names of former Wildcat greats hanging from the historic wall, Arizona’s success is nothing short of a given.
Tradition and excellence obviously can have a positive­ ­ on teams as years go by - take Arizona’s preseason ranking at No. 1 as an example - but it can only go so far.
Arizona interim head coach Larry Ray said after the No. 9 Wildcats’ 2-1 loss to No. 4 UCLA Sunday that he felt the team was “living off of the (national championship banners) that are on the outfield fence.”
But this year’s version of the Wildcats has its own identity - an identity they may be struggling with, nonetheless - despite being immensely talented.
There is no way to pinpoint the entire issue in terms of what is affecting the Wildcats, but judging by comments and play, the following is a breakdown of what may be holding Arizona back.
Possible feuds within the team Senior catcher Callista Balko hinted Sunday that players were growing tired of being around each other so much, especially since they have been on the road quite a bit over the course of the last month.
Stemming from last Wednesday’s 8-1 loss to No. 1 ASU, it was quite apparent Arizona had issues and Balko explained it as not playing as a team.
Whether it was playing together or just a plain case of not getting along, it was fairly evident they were having major issues.

wildcat.arizona.edu

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission has chosen Larry Voyles as the new director of the Department, effective this month, to replace Current director Duane Shroufe as he retires (check the Feb. 2008 issue of Hunting Highlights for the complete story).
For those who don’t know, Voyles has been with Game and fish for nearly 35 years and has been supervisor for the Yuma Regional office of Game and Fish for a good number of years handling field operations in southwestern Arizona. He has done a tremendous job for us here in the Yuma area and will be sorely missed. We wish him well.
Voyles joined the department in 1974 as a wildlife manager (game ranger), serving over the next 10 years in the Wellton, Wickenburg and Prescott districts. He then served as the wildlife enforcement program coordinator and as the department’s training coordinator before being promoted to supervisor in the Yuma region in 1988. Voyles holds a B.S. in wildlife biology from Arizona State University.
“You don’t just replace a Duane Shroufe, ” said Voyles. “He led the agency through an amazing period of growth, quality improvement and accomplishment. He set the bar high, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue that legacy.”
*Hunter Education: Attend the “free” Hunter Education Course beginning Monday 6-9 p.m. at the Yuma Regional office of Game and Fish, open to anyone wishing to hunt - archery as well as firearms - in Arizona as either a first time learning session or a refresher - mandatory for any youngster 10-14 years of age who wants to hunt big game (great to have Mom or Dad along as well - a great learning experience). It’s first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early. Call 342-0091.
*Arizona Elk Society: Tickets are now on sale for the March 22nd “7th Annual Banquet” being held at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. - do it quick before tickets are sold out. Visit <stevec@arizonaelksociety.org .

yumasun.com