News & Commentary

A poll shows that likely Arizona voters from a variety of political backgrounds want a reform-minded county attorney.

We cannot continue to treat vulnerable women, men, and children with indignity.

This Briefing Book for county attorney candidates outlines a number of policy reforms that lay out a pathway to ending mass incarceration and racial injustice in the criminal legal system.

Recent reports coming out of Norterra Canyon School give us cause for concern. According to some middle school students, they were told it is inappropriate to talk about sexual orientation at school. This is wrong and unlawful.

Last week, I took a field trip to the Arizona State Capitol with the ACLU of Arizona’s Campaign for Smart Justice. Standing in the halls of power was an informative and empowering experience and has me fired up to advocate for long-overdue criminal legal reform.

Prop. 205 is named “Tucson Families Free and Together” because that’s exactly what this historic initiative aims to do. If passed, Prop. 205 will make Tucson a safer city for all its residents. It will keep families together, communities strong and rebuild the public’s trust in local police.

Gov. Doug Ducey recently appointed former Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery to the Arizona Supreme Court despite his controversial history and the fact that he has no judicial experience.

In Arizona, elected county attorneys are the most powerful people in the criminal justice system. As the county’s chief prosecutor, they have the power to decide who goes to prison and for how long. As well-connected politicians, they have the power to influence laws, policies, and even judicial appointments.

This week, the Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan will formally retire leaving behind a department in turmoil. I spent 13 years in the Arizona prison system and I recently met with members of Gov. Ducey's staff to recommend some much-needed changes that should come with Ryan's departure.