Now is the time to take a stand with Transparent Payson.
Who we are:We are citizens of Payson, Arizona, striving to make our local government more transparent. We believe in the people voting on what happens with their money, their land, and their town. We believe that elected officials are there to serve the public; as such, we should have a voice in making decisions that affect us all. We are nonpartisan/bipartisan with no party affiliation, no hidden agenda. We believe in Payson, Arizona, and its future. We support growth that will better serve all its citizens while remaining financially sound. As a 527 nonprofit PAC, we were responsible for successfully enacting Propositions 401 and 402 in 2018. A short history of our group can be found here.
Fundamentally, we are responsible for Propositions 401 and 402 and their defense. We have been compelled to become a voters' rights group in that defense. The implications for Payson appear limited to the validity of Propositions 401 and 402 and their enactment. At the state level, we suspect the implications of our effort have a much more significant impact. That is, do citizens, as allowed by law, have the ability to initiate law? Is that law then valid? Can it be repealed by Town Council or any legislative group?
There was recently an attempt by the Town of Payson to repeal these ballot initiatives. With the help of an attorney, we are fighting that effort in Superior Court; we still have much work to do to defend your voting rights.
We are defending the rights of Payson citizens on large-scale, publicly funded projects that may be placed on public lands via long-term leases to third parties. Our goal is NOT to prevent such projects but to ensure transparency in all negotiations, discussions, and contracts that affect your town. If the citizens approve the funding through an election, or if the citizens approve the lease of public land to complete the project, we would support that effort. We are protecting YOU – the voter.
Our vision is that our leaders provide all the information as to the proposed spending of Town money as well as the utilization of Town property so that we, the citizens, can choose how and where our money and our land are utilized.
We welcome YOUR involvement in this process. Dare we say, support the cause.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
___________________________
Jeffrey S. Aal
Chairperson, Transparent Payson
Show your support for this campaign by endorsing it and sharing why!
July 26, 2023
There has been some activity of late. Does Payson have unclean hands?
We are hopeful supporters follow us on Facebook or periodically check our web page, TransparentPayson.org.
Fundamentally, we are responsible for Propositions 401 and 402 and their defense. In that defense, we have been compelled to become a voters’ rights group. The implications for Payson appear limited to the validity of Propositions 401 and 402 and their enactment. At the state level, we suspect the implications of our effort have a much greater impact. That is, do citizens, as allowed by law, have the ability to initiate law? Is that law then valid? Can it be repealed by Town Council or any legislative group?
We apologize for not providing this information via CrowdPac sooner. The links will take you directly to the updates and information.
July 25, 2023, Does the Town have unclean hands?
Nobody said this was a glamorous undertaking. An answer was filed with the Court on the counterclaim. The next step will be for the Judge to issue an “order to show cause hearing.” We will wait and update as we can.
July 21, 2023, Transparent Payson is not a newspaper.
Recently there was a discussion on NextDoor.com about Transparent Payson not being a newspaper. That is a 100% correct statement. Transparent Payson is not a newspaper.
July 19, 2023, An Interesting Update and Documents Filed.
A reply to the Town’s response has been filed with the Court. An answer to the Counter Claim is due July 26. That answer will include a discussion on the affirmative defenses asserted by the TOP. There will then be a briefing and oral arguments. A copy of the reply is found below in .pdf format.
July 12, 2023, The Town of Payson has filed an Answer with a twist.
The Town of Payson has provided a Verified Answer and Counter Claim. The firm of Titus Brueckner prepared the Answer, and Pierce Coleman prepared the Verified Counter Claim. A full copy of the Answer and Counter Claim is below in .pdf format. A response is required to be filed soon. When that occurs, a copy will be posted.
We have a second appearance on KMOG scheduled for August 2nd at 9:00 am.
For more information, please visit any of the following:
Again, thank you so much for the support. It all helps, whether donations or simply spreading the word. You are appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Jeffrey S. Aal
Chairperson, Transparent Payson
(480)628-6818
Show your support for this campaign by endorsing it and sharing why!
-
Paul Frommelt endorsed
-
Debbie Foster endorsed
