Event Photos
ATRA Announces Good Government Award
ATRA selected Fritz Behring as the recipient of the J. Elliott Hibbs ATRA Good Government Award for 2011. The award was presented during ATRA's Annual Meeting Luncheon on Friday, November 18 at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort.
For the last 18 years, ATRA has recognized outstanding individuals whose work in the public sector is characterized by strong, continuing, and consistent efforts to spend taxpayers dollars wisely and to promote government that is efficient, open, and accountable.
Senator Bob Burns Receives ATRA's Watchdog Award
The highlight of ATRA’s Annual Meeting luncheon on November 19th was the presentation of the 2010 ATRA Watchdog Award to Senate President Bob Burns. Senator Burns is the seventh recipient of the award that ATRA instituted in 1990 as a way of recognizing an Arizona elected official for the often thankless job of opposing frivolous and wasteful spending of taxpayers’ dollars.
First elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 1988, Senator Burns served 12 years there before being elected to the Arizona Senate in 2002. Through most of his service in the Legislature, he was a fixture in the Appropriations Committees, serving as the committee’s chairman in both Houses. He currently serves as the Senate President in the 49th Legislature.
The award was presented by ATRA board member Russell Smoldon, who noted that Senator Burns’ long career was almost singularly focused on advocacy for taxpayers’ rights and principled stands against wasteful spending.
Smoldon said, “Bob leaves behind a great legacy of statesmanship that every member of the Legislature should aspire to. He was always working on issues of statewide importance. Not because they were fun or easy but because good statesmen embrace the major challenges of the day. His entire career has truly exemplified all of the qualities that this award is intended to honor and support.”
In accepting the award, Senator Burns said “this is certainly a surprise and I am moved and very appreciative of the recognition.”
Congressman Flake Receives the ATRA Watchdog
Award at the 2009 ATRA Outlook Conference
ATRA was honored to present the 2009 Watchdog Award to Congressman Jeff Flake in recognition of his tireless advocacy of taxpayers’ rights and his principled stands against wasteful spending in our nation’s capital.
In addition to Congressman Flake, the conference was addressed by Speaker Adams, President Burns, Democratic Leader Garcia, and State Treasure Dean Martin.
New Leadership Addresses 2008 ATRA Outlook Conference
Attendees at ATRA’s 2008 Outlook Conference were provided an early glimpse of how the newly elected leadership in the House and Senate plan to address Arizona’s state budget crisis.
The conference speakers also included Jim Rounds (Elliot D. Pollack and Company), Richard Stavneak (JLBC), Kevin McCarthy (ATRA), Justin Olson (ATRA), Matt Benson (Arizona Republic), and Jim Small (Arizona Capitol Times).
Congressman Shadegg Receives the ATRA Watchdog
Award at the 2007 ATRA Outlook Conference
ATRA presented the 2007 Watchdog Award to Congressman John Shadegg to honor him for the often thankless work of opposing frivolous and wasteful spending of taxpayers' dollars.
In addition to the Congressman's remarks, attendees also heard from Speaker Weiers, President Bee, and Democratic Leader Arzberger.