The Clark Report
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News, Culture, Self Deprecating Humor
Dec. 2008
In This Issue
Like the Clark Report, But Cuter
Suggested Reform #2
Real Estate
Downtown Grub Review
Music Review: Yeasayer
A Job Lead
Capt. Stubing, You Look a Little Green
Like the Clark Report, But Cuter

LCV ThumbnailIf you are looking for more downtown Phoenix/political/cultural shtick from me, please sign up for the Clark Report Mini by joining my Facebook page here. The Mini updates exciting little tidbits and gossip in between C.R. issues. I'm also on Twitter now under kenclarkforaz.

I know! I just can't get enough of me either!
Suggested Reform #2

school house billHere is part two of my five-part series of suggestions as to what we can do to bring the Arizona Legislature in to the 21st Century. (I like having a five-part series. It makes me feel like Ken Burns.)

Number Two: Rethink Initiatives.

We have lost trust in our initiative process. We correctly feel like the spirit and the original intent of the  process has been compromised. It feels as if we are not in control of it any more. Anybody with lots of money, it seems, can buy signatures for a misleading initiative. And we, the huddled masses, can't afford 300,000 signatures when we need to push a true reform.

Here are the three changes that I think could make the process more accessible to the average citizen and less prone to manipulation by moneyed interests:

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.

I don't think these ideas favor conservatives or liberals, corporations or unions. I think they favor the spirit and intend of the founders of our state: public democracy.

Next Month: Redistricting
Real Estate

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!

5015Here'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!
Downtown Grub Review

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.
Music Review: Yeasayer

With the help of indie music connoisseur Greg Ensell, I hope to bring to you summaries of great bands that has appeared like phantoms in our little downtown venues. Here's the first:

The Microbiological Taxonomy of Yeasayer.
By Greg Ensell

yeasayerFollowing indie rock has become an exercise in microbiology.  Even the most prodigious bacteria would blush at the rate subgenres are created and split. Post-punk, new wave, neo-folk...  Who can keep up?

The new band Yeasayer has defied all attempts at amateur taxonomy.  At best, one could say they are comprised of equal parts new wave, neo-folk and rock imbued with what some call "pan-ethnic spiritualism."  Whatever they are, they rock.  

Thanksgiving Eve, Yeasayer wowed a packed house at the Rhythm Room. Artistically disheveled, they took the stage and held our collective attention with a uniquely vibrant tableau of color-changing spheres and David Bryne-equse dance convulsions.

Be sure to check out 2080 and Sunrise on their maiden album, All Hour Cymbals.
A Job Lead

The Arizona League of Conservation Voters is looking for a New Media Outreach Consultant. This is a unique position that seeks to make the most of creative new media tools to keep the public appraised about happenings at the legislature.

Check it out here.
Capt. Stubing, You Look a Little Green

My friend Colleen Crowninshield of Pima County's Clean Cities Coalition tells me about this Green Cruise to Alaska. I don't think the cruise ship runs on vegetable oil or solar panels. But it sports an on-board water purification system and it uses sea salt to clean up diesel emissions from the ship's fuel.

I can't vouch for the science behind it. But it seems pretty cool idea. I hope they make biodegradable golf balls to hit off the aft deck.
Got any good downtown tips? Send 'em my way!

And, as always, I respect your right not to be bothered with annoying spam email. If you would like to be removed from my email list, just let me know. Thanks!


Sincerely,
 
Ken Clark
K. E. Clark Independent Consulting
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