Time to vote! Let the incumbents know what you think.

admin

Transparent Payson has become a voting rights group in defense of Propositions 401 and 402. Voting can be divided into many categories: rights, the consent of the governed, collective wisdom, and a host of various reasons, each equally compelling. They all share one element: voting is essential! Citizens can make decisions on complex issues.

No matter where you stand on local issues, we encourage your participation.

Six years ago, in 2018, the voters of Payson passed Propositions 401 and 402.  The propositions intended to provide citizen input on large-scale projects.  While our group continues the court battle, the wheels of justice turn very slowly.  An updated activity log is below.  The matter is years from resolution.  A lot of fiscal damage can be done in that time frame.

In 2021, the Town Council considered repealing the enacted Propositions.  The basic argument was that the citizens lacked the authority to place the matter on the ballot as allowed under the Arizona Constitution, Article IV, Section 1.  Transparent Payson responded, and the repeal was not enacted.  On April 12th, 2023, the Town Council enacted an “emergency ordinance” to repeal the Propositions.  The “emergency” was partly based on fears of rising interest rates.  The matter was approved six to one by the Council.  If that disappointed or angered you, it is time to let that be known.  Mr. Chris Higgins, Ms. Barbara Underwood, Mr. Scott Nossek, and Ms. Jolynn Schinstock voted to repeal Propositions 401 and 402. Let the incumbents know what you think. 

The courts are not the only option.

Payson has an election coming up.

We can confidently say that the incumbents running disregarded citizens will.  No alternative resolution was sought.  The sitting Council Members believed they knew better than the citizens who passed 401 and 402.  The citizens’ voice was silenced.  Did they represent your wishes in the process?

There is a slate of candidates who are receptive to citizens’ voices.  On July 30th, vote for candidates who respect citizen involvement.

Steve Otto for Mayor, Charlie Bell for Council, Craig Howard for Council, Guy Pfister for Council, and Jim Ferris for Council.

A good start to respecting citizens’ voices.

To see a short video on the issues, click here.

The incumbents do not want or need your input.  If you are perplexed by ever-increasing town employee headcounts, budgets far outpacing inflation, sales tax increases, property tax increases, and a list of other issues, VOTE THEM OUT!

On a side note, on March 7th, a Freedom of Information Request was filed with the Town of Payson. That request has not been filled in 132 days. Call us cynical, but it won’t be until after the election. We have some of the information, but it does not cast the Town in a good light. When the FOIA request is complete, we will cross-reference and see what was withheld.

The timeline of the court case.  A prolonged process.  P1 is Transparent Payson, D1 is the Town of Payson

  • Date, Description,  Party
  • 6/21/2024, Appeals: Electronic Transfer of Record, P1
  • 6/21/2024, MISCELLANEOUS: Miscellaneous, P1
  • 6/06/2024, Receivable 352367 updated by $100.00, D1
  • 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Cross Appeal, D2
  • 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P1
  • 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P2
  • 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P3
  • 6/05/2024, NOTICE: Cross Appeal, D1
  • 6/04/2024, APPEALS: NOTICE OF MAILING, P1
  • 6/04/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P1
  • 6/04/2024, NOTICE: Notice, P2
  • 5/23/2024, NOTICE: APPEAL, P1
  • 5/23/2024, RESPONSE: TO MOTION, P1
  • 5/23/2024, NOTICE: APPEAL, P2
  • 5/23/2024, RESPONSE: TO MOTION, P2
  • 5/23/2024, NOTICE: APPEAL, P3

VOTE. THEM. OUT!

 

 

  • If you disagree with the government overriding the citizens' valid vote...

     

    Please donate!

    We make donations easy. 

    If you want to mail a check, our mailing address is 1422 N. Sunrise Court, Payson, AZ  85541.  Or, if you prefer, contact us by phone, and we can arrange a pickup.  480  (dash - stop bots) 628 (dash bots) 6818.  If you want to donate online, we use Crowd Pac.

     

    We appreciate the support. 

     

     The committee is legally obligated to collect demographic and employment information. We are required to collect information on contributions of $200.00 or more. 

  • Recent Updates

    • Town of PaysonOver budget 51%, KMOG Show, FOIA Update
      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 […]
    • An appearance on KMOG and a Court Update
      KMOG has always been very generous with airtime to our group, and their generosity continues.   Access to local media is essential for voter involvement and engagement, but accessing non-biased media can be challenging.  Jeffrey Aal and Paul […]
    • Payson debt bombDamn the Torpedoes: The Payson Debt Bomb was Approved.
      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 […]
    • Kicking bond debt in the face of voters.
      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 […]
    • Local Election Madness Is Over
      The local elections have come to a close with the recount. We should all celebrate that we can vote and advocate for change. We live in a fabulous Country, and the rights and freedoms we are given must be cherished. Democracy is important.  We want […]
    • Vote. Them. Out!Vote. Them. Out!
      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 […]

  • A Healthy Government Does NOT Suppress Free Speech.

     

     

    Click the picture or here to learn more.

  • Contact Us.

     

    If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Stay informed on upcoming meetings, events, and progress. No worries; we never sell or distribute your information. We send occasional emails, always on point. Please click the icon below to send us an email.

    Email Us.

    Thank you!

  • Learn why these issues are important.

     

     

    Act Up!

    Click the picture or here to learn more.

  • A History of Transparent Payson

     

    Where it started, and where we are now. 

     A history of Transparent Payson

     

    We have been involved in voters' rights since 2018.

    Click the picture or here to learn more.

  • Join us on Facebook:

    Facebook Logo

    Click the icon, or here.