Tucson Observer: Equality Focus

Top News Applicants being considered for Arizona Supreme Court

The public is asked for comments on 17 applicants for an opening created on the Arizona Supreme Court when Chief Justice Ruth McGregor retires on June 30. The applicants are Eddward P. Ballinger Jr., Robert M. Brutinel, Kent E. Cattani, Norman J. Davis, Philip G. Espinosa, John C. Gemmill, Philip L. Hall, Lisa G. Tewksbury Hauser, Wallace R. Hoggatt, Robert C. Houser Jr., Diane M. Johnsen, Stephen H.Lesher, A. John Pelander III, Jose H. Robles, Thomas M. Ryan, Ann A. Scott Timmer and Lawrence F. Winthrop.

The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review the applications and hear comments at a public meeting on June 3. The meeting will be held at the Arizona State Courts Building in Phoenix, 1501 W. Washington, Conference Room 345, starting at 10:00 a.m. Citizens may address the commission at that time or send written comments to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007 or to jnc@courts.az.gov. Comments must be received by May 29 to be considered. Anonymous comments cannot be considered. At the June 3 meeting the commission will decide which applicants will be interviewed for the opening. The selected applicants will be interviewed on June 29. After the interviews the commission will recommend at least three nominees to Governor Jan Brewer, who will appoint the new justice. (article by CACC posted with permission)

For more information contact Annette Corallo, of the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments

(602) 452-3098 To view the applications click here.

Political Update Safe haven for teens at Basha High School

Three members of the Basha High School Gay-Straight Alliance attended the community forum held last week in Tempe held by ACLU, Equality Arizona, HRC, and GLSEN. These students were inspired to take action as a result of their participation, and create a safe space at their high school. The room would be a place where students could be themselves and feel comfortable learning about each other. "We want to raise awareness of gay students at our school," Basha student Amanda Lacasse said.

DeeAnne Clowes, Tempe Union High School District governing board member, said she attended the forum to let people know she's an advocate, and she wanted to learn ways to prevent incidents. "One thing it [the forum] does is it gives me more tools, more facts and more courage," Clowes said

“It is important that students learn to have their voice heard, there is no age limit on first amendment rights. When the legislative process is demystified it gives citizens a sense of empowerment. They realize their opinions can influence the legislature,” said Meta Goforth-Zinn, who provided the legislative training at the forum for Equality Arizona.

Look for details in the Equality Focus next week about how you can attend a legislative training.

News from the Equality Arizona Education Institute

Today we bid a fond farewell to our intern Emily Harris-Shears. She served as a strong member of the Public Affairs team joining us as a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Planning, Administration and Community (MSW PAC) intern last fall. She will be graduating from ASU tomorrow evening with her Masters in Social Work. We are proud of Emily’s accomplishments both as a team member here at Equality Arizona and for her considerable academic achievements. She has been a valuable asset to us, and we will certainly miss her here at our statewide office. We all wish her well as she pursues her dreams. We know she will have great success. Thanks Emily, for your hard work and dedication.

This week on Equality Arizona Radio

Listen up as guest host Meta Goforth-Zinn talks with Colin Tetreault Master of Arts Student at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability. Get informed about steps you can take to improve our environment and work towards a much brighter future. To listen to the podcast click here.

Calendar Items

Saturday May, 16th 5pm, VISIONS - A Place of Spirit 447 S Main Street, Yuma. Screening of For the Bible Tells Me So, discussion follows. Click here to RSVP.

Saturday May 30, 7:30pm and Sunday May 31, 3pm Voices of the Desert Inaugural Concert at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 100 W Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.