Your Money, Your Land, YOUR right to VOTE on them.
In the dusty folds of rural Arizona, a small town became the epicenter of one of the most significant battles for local democracy in the state’s recent history. Not many people noticed at first. But that changed. Transparent Payson was born not in a boardroom, but in living rooms. Coffee tables, community centers, and kitchen […]
The Roundup published an opinion by Council Member Nossek that took exception to voters’ rights. Mr. Nossek targeted his address at me. The Nossek opinion was removed from publication. The opinion was on the heels of an article by Mr. Aleshire that attempts to lay the dysfunction of Payson politics at my feet. While flattering, […]
A funny thing happened when Mr. Jon Paladini separated from the Town of Payson. We researched new Town Legal, Ms. Christina Werther, to see if there would be a change in approach regarding citizens’ rights. Based on her position in a Prescott Valley voter matter, it does not look like there will be. Citizens’ rights […]
Much has happened in the Town of Payson over the past few months. The 70 Million Dollar bond has been shelved. Lawsuits against the Town have advanced to the Arizona Court of Appeals. Two incumbent Town Councilors and the Mayor lost their reelection bids. The Town manager, Troy Smith, has “separated” as of January 3rd. […]
Resolution 3423 was passed, stopping the $70m bond issuance. There was limited discussion before the passage. The entire three-hour thirty-minute video may be found on the Town of Payson website. To save you some pain, we have taken excerpts. Town Manager Mr. Troy Smith had some harsh words for incoming Mayor Otto. Payson Town Manager, […]
Things are happening. As always, full .pdf support is below. We received a very generous donation from a local community member. He also has issues with the Town and its practices. Please support us if you can. The records request (RFR in Arizona) and FOIA at the federal level is going nowhere fast. Coming up […]
Transparent Payson had the opportunity to appear on KMOG. As always, we appreciate their generosity. During the show we stated that citizens should not be surprised they don’t get everything promised by the current Town Council. In this post, we calculated that a minimum of $85m would be required. Ordinance 964‘s total is $54.3 million. […]
On August 21st, the Town Council approved issuing a 70 million dollar Payson debt bomb bond by a six-to-one vote. The day before, on the 20th, there was an updated presentation on the Aquatic Center. The Council will press on the course of action regardless of apparent risks or dangers. Damn, the torpedoes! The vote […]
Transparent Payson has been actively involved in a lawsuit against the Town of Payson. The matter is on appeal. As to status, an opening brief is due August 27th for the Arizona Court of Appeals. Elections are over. The current Council, who repealed 401 and 402 on the advice of bond counsel, has a few […]
Payson Town Council Incumbents? Vote. Them. Out! Payson has a grocery tax of 3.48%. Payson’s sales tax is 10.48%, the seventh highest in the state. Incumbents plan large-scale projects with no voter input on debt. Incumbents use “emergency clauses” to preclude voter input. The incumbents plan a General Obligation bond in an off-year election for […]
