In a recent victory for you, the taxpayer, the flags are once again flying over your state capitol and it cost you less than $20.
Governor Napolitano's administration had previously insisted that thousands of dollars be spent to replace a still-good flag pole that had been bent in a summer storm.
For months since the wind bent the pole, the Dept. of Administration has been "working on" getting it fixed. Bids came in from $11k to $28k before a bit of reason crept into the picture in the form of a freshman state legislator. State Representative Jerry Weiers (R-12), a generally all around common sense guy, thought that perhaps the community might be willing to donate time and materials as part of their patriotic duty to see that the flags would once again wave. Turns out Rep. Weiers was right. Within a couple phone calls, local companies had stepped up with everything from cranes to cages to welders so the state could hang our beautiful brand-spankin' new flags!
Napolitano's administration persisted to fight for the right to spend thousands of your dollars, in spite of the donations. Who was going to receive your money in this lucrative pole raising? You will need to pursue that information through her office. But, whoever was to take reportedly $11 thousand tax dollars to do this job for Napolitano is now left watching in wonderment as true American spirit prevailed and the flags waive without their help or their profit (for only the cost of 4 cans of silver spray paint).
Oh, there were some hang ups. All was not smooth. Turns out the pole would need to be cut (rather than bent back) to be structurally sound. So, the pole is now something like 18" shorter. But, that 18" saved the taxpayers at least $11,000.
I've included a picture of Rep. Weiers unceremoniously placing the gold ball back on the top of the flagpole. He was extended this honor for the effort he made to save taxpayer dollars, but more importantly to assure the flag still waves over your Arizona capitol. It should be noted that he did not order up a marching band, fancy banners, or a gaggle of adoring supporters. Rather, pizza was ordered for the volunteer tradesmen on the site and Rep. Weiers waited patiently for the job to be finished while chatting with those of us who curiously walked over to observe the pole repairs. A humble man and a great American, Rep. Jerry Weiers made me proud to know him once again.
