Arizona's Sales Tax Referendum Town Hall:
A Demonstration of Civil Dialogue and Discussion
Thursday, May 6, 2010
AE England Building, Civic Park Space
On May 6, 2010, Project Civil Discourse partnered with the Arizona Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian parties to present "Arizona's Sales Tax Referendum Town Hall: A Demonstration of Civil Dialogue and Discussion." The leaders of Arizona's political parties, Democratic Chairman Don Bivens, Libertarian Chairman Michael Kielsky, and Republican Chairman Randy Pullen were in attendance to show their support for civility in the state and federal government.
The town hall which was free and open, to the public was attended by over 100 people. The attendees included the general public, political party invitees, and high school students affiliated with Kids Voting Arizona.
A non-partisan presentation, "The One Cents Sales Tax: Where It Came From...What It Means" was given by Peter Burns, President of Burns & Associates, who has more than 25 years of experience in public policy, with specialties in the areas of finance, forecasting, administration, operations, strategic planning and legislation.
View The Presentation
"The One Cents Sales Tax: Where It Came From…What IT Means"
After the presentation, attendees participated in small round tables discussions lead by a trained facilitator and reporter. Everyone was encouraged to participate and voice their perspectives.
- The Discussion Questions
- There are viewpoints in favor of and against the proposed sales tax increase, which would raise the State of Arizona sales tax by 1% for three years. What are your thoughts about the different perspectives, giving particular consideration to the types of services that the state government should provide its citizens?
- Regardless of the outcome of the May 18th referendum, the task of planning for Arizona’s long-term financial needs remains. What actions might Arizona citizens, elected officials, business leaders, and others take to meet the state’s future financial needs?
The Report & Conversation Highlights
The report is a compilation of the key comments and suggestions from each of the round table discussions.
- Comments included:
- "I like to hear from others. I felt that I was heard and I heard others, and people didn't need to agree to feel heard and included in the process."
- "If we agree, we can celebrate. Where we disagree we can learn from each other."
- "For the greater good, we need to think about what unites rather than what divides."
- "I heard and got a chance to understand where other people are coming from. Thinking about other points of view was helpful to me."
Read the Report
Read the Handout and Background Information
Photos
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Partner Organizations
Arizona Association for Conflict Resolution
Arizona Association of Facilitators
Arizona Consumers Council
Arizona Democratic Party
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Arizona Humanities Council
Arizona Libertarian Party
Arizona Republican Party
Arizona State University College of Public Programs
Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Lodestar Dispute Resolution Program
Arizona Town Hall
ASU Center for Civic Education and Leadership
HandsOn Greater Phoenix
International Association for Public Participation
Kids Voting Arizona
Maricopa Community Colleges Center for Civic Participation
Maricopa County Association of Family Mediators
Morrison Institute for Public Policy
O'Connor House Project
