Yet another note on yesterday’s budget vote: Vic Williams has been styled one of those “moderate Republicans” who would stand up to attempts to eviscerate our education system. As late as last Friday, he was talking some occasional sense on the issue.
Well, guess who voted for the budget, including $700 million in cuts to education, yesterday?
I’m only giving you one guess.
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OK, people of LD26, time for a recall.
If there is a will for a recall, let the caller file the paper.
I am tired of John McCain being the only elected official in Arizona with a filed recall with the SOS.
http://www.azsos.gov/election/2010/General/Initiatives.htm
Apparently he kept leaving the committee meeting to use the restroom every time there was a vote too. But when he was cornered he showed his true colors, and they are anti-teacher, anti-student, anti-parent and pro-tax cut to Pinnacle West at the direct cost of more cuts to kids.
Crandall was almost as bad in his way – he would make noises like he was concerned about their budget’s impact on education and human service, but he was a loyal party hack when it came time to vote.
This is the same legislator who tried to express empathy for pink slipped teachers by relating his own tale of woe over the declining value in investment property he has in California. “It’s a tough time for everyone.” I couldn’t believe my ears. He was trying to liken teachers losing their jobs, and the mediocre income they got by on, to the sagging value on his investment…in CALIFORNIA! What?!?
And I suspect the reason he voted for the cuts is because, as you mentioned, “he’s been styled as one of those ‘moderate Republicans.” While he’ll SAY anything that keeps him from meeting the full furry of his pro-public education constituents, he’ll be damned if he’s going to be known for VOTING like a moderate and risk being taken down like Pete Hershberger.
Anyone who is surprised by this didn’t attend voter forums in LD26 during the last election. Williams tailored his message for the audience in front of him at any given time and/or repackaged ideas that were stolen from his opponents. He is an opportunist and a weathervane. LD26 residents who visited him earlier in the session came back to Tucson with a bizarre tale about how Williams lamented to them the need for him to “remain viable” in the GOP caucus. Hence, his vote yesterday.
Back when he was hustling votes, Williams was quoted in the Arizona Daily Star (August 17, 2008) as saying that “Arizona must work to fund teachers’ pay to be at or above the national average. We must look to ensure that we have limited classroom sizes from K-fourth grade.”
The Daily Star had the following quote from Williams in its August 20, 2008 edition: “We have to ensure that our children have access to better-quality education,” he said. “If we don’t do that, our economic development, our basic society, is in jeopardy.”
Since being elected as our representative, Vic Williams has consistently voted against the interests of children and their schools. The CARE group and others concerned about education are based in LD 26 and have been paying close attention to Williams and his rank hypocrisy. He won’t be able to play the same shell game in 2010.
Williams needs to go. He is not supporting Rio Nuevo either…..it is time Tucson stands up for itself in local races. If Rio Nuevo fails. A recall effort should be taken for both of them
Nicely said Rex. To be sure, Williams and Melvin are not getting my vote and I can only hope and pray that they persons that run against them campaign really really hard. I want to see them in my neighborhood this time. I got only one mailer and saw no signs…again…this is a neighborhood with a nice mix of university folks, a few retired folks, and I saw a whole lot of Obama bumper stickers…and Giffords signs.
Sigh…gosh I want Melvin and Willams gone.
Thanks, Kral. I think there is a lot to learn from the last campaign. As another example, I hope that the state party shells out some bucks this year for mailings that go after incumbents like Melvin and Williams in a targeted fashion based on their statements and voting records. The generic pieces developed last year for use in more than one LD were a travesty!
Vic “The Bladder” Williams needs to go. Regarding his seat, Vic was rumored to have said, “I just can’t hold it.”