Like the Clark Report, But Cuter

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I know! I just can't get enough of me either!

1) No more paid signatures. Simply, you can't exchange money for a signature. No way. Volunteer only.

2) In exchange, we reduce the number of signatures. Right now you need 10% of the number votes cast in the last governor's election for a statutory change and 15% of the same for a constitutional change . That was 153,000 and 230,000, respectively, plus 20% more because many signatures will be bad.

You can't do it without paid circulators. But you could collect 5% (76,000) and 7.5% (115,000) with unpaid volunteers. Sure, it would have to be issues that people really care about. Real voters would have to be really motivated. But its possible and it will cut down on the number of special interest initiatives.

3) Offer free services from Legislative Council (the impartial legal aids to the legislature) to help draft more clear language.  They can't tell you what to do, but they can help you more clearly enact what you want to do.

4) Require public hearings about the title of the initiative before it is cleared to go on the ballot. If you are going to come up with some Orwellian title, such as "Protect our Puppies from Terrorist Furbies", when you really should call it "The Act to Invade Your Homes with Branding Irons", then you should really be called to the carpet. You've got some esplainin' to do.

Don't Miss These Leads

I found a renovation condo project in North Central where most of the properties are going for between $50,000 and $100,000.

Here's the thing: in mid 2007, they were going for over $200,000. They are two-bedroom, two-bath and over 1,200 square feet. Totally redone inside. Really good investment deals! Contact me if you are interested. I can't share this with just anybody!

Here's a house I thought was interesting. It's listed for $142,000.  Its located near 13th Ave & Camelback, just TWO lots north of Camelback. 

It's primed for instant equity once light rail starts up.

If you want help finding investment properties, please let me know. Now is the time!

Chill Out Gelato
7th St. and Roosevelt

Nothing excites a Euro-weenie, urban dweller like me more than the thought of gelato around the corner from my house.  I'm really sorry to say that I'm disappointed. Chill Out Gelato's offering has little resemblance to traditional Italian Gelato. I'm a proud purist. Give me pistachio or sour black cherry with a sweet zing on the end. I can get Oreo Cookie ice cream at Safeway. Oh, and the staff should at least act like they care about their craft.

The Art of Soup
2329 North 7th Street

This place is a really interesting idea. They focus on soups. They do a really good job of that. I had a thing called a Soup Flight, which was three small bowls of soup with bread. It was a carrot ginger soup, a chicken soup and a red onion soup. The tastes were complex, layered and not nearly enough to eat. I also could not help but wonder how many people will want to eat hot soup while sitting in front of west-facing windows next August.  Overall: Good concept. Questionable delivery.