JANUARY 19, 2026

Are We Living the Words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

The words of Martin Luther King Jr. continue to echo through American history with remarkable clarity and moral force. His message centered on justice, love, nonviolence, and perseverance—values he believed were essential to building a nation worthy of its founding ideals.

Dr. King famously declared, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” He reminded us that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” and warned that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These were not merely poetic phrases—they were guiding principles meant to shape how we live, protest, disagree, and govern.

Dr. King also urged perseverance: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” The question we must honestly ask today is simple—and uncomfortable: Are we moving forward?

Justice, as Dr. King taught, is not vigilantism. It is not chaos, intimidation, or destruction justified by anger. Justice is principled, measured, and rooted in moral clarity. Nonviolence was not a talking point for Dr. King; it was the cornerstone of his movement. Yet today, we see protests that abandon restraint, replacing persuasion with force and moral authority with rage. That is not the legacy Dr. King fought—and died—for.

We must also ask whether we are still judging people by the content of their character or whether we now reduce individuals to group identity alone. Dr. King believed deeply in individual dignity. He challenged America to see each person as a human being first—not a label, not a statistic, not a representative of a collective grievance. When we stop seeing individuals and start judging entire groups, we drift further from his dream, not closer to it.

Are we loving one another? Or has hate become easier than empathy? Our public discourse feels harsher, more divided, and more unforgiving than it has in decades. Much of the racial progress achieved through sacrifice, patience, and moral courage now feels strained—sometimes even reversed—by movements such as Black Lives Matter that trade unity for division and healing for hostility.

Dr. King did not promise that progress would be easy. He promised that it would require courage, humility, and love—even when love is hard. Especially when love is hard.

On this day, honoring Dr. King means more than quoting his words. It means living them. It means rejecting violence, refusing to dehumanize one another, and recommitting ourselves to the slow, difficult work of moving forward together.

I pray that we once again follow the example of Martin Kuther King Jr. - not just in speech, but in spirit and action.

An Announcement for the West Valley: I’m Running for the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board

I have an important announcement to share with our West Valley community: I have decided to run for the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board.

Dysart is not just another school district to me—it is a community I have been actively involved with for quite some time. I have attended board meetings, followed district initiatives, and listened closely to parents, teachers, and community members who care deeply about the future of our students. I am incredibly proud of Dysart’s “A” district rating, which reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of everyone involved in educating our children.

If elected, student safety and academic excellence will be my top priorities. Parents deserve confidence that their children are learning in secure environments that foster growth, curiosity, and achievement. At the same time, strong academic outcomes don’t happen in a vacuum—they are built by empowered, supported educators.

That’s why supporting Dysart staff and teachers is also a core focus of my campaign. When we invest in our teachers, we increase teacher retention, strengthen classroom consistency, and ultimately improve student outcomes. Retaining experienced, passionate educators is a win for students, families, and the entire district—a true win-win.

Dysart has a strong foundation, and I believe the future is even brighter when we work together with transparency, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. I look forward to engaging with parents, teachers, staff, and community members throughout this campaign, listening to your concerns, and earning your trust.

Our children deserve leaders who put studets first, value educators, and are committed to keeping Dysart among the best districts in Aarizona. I would be honored to serve and to continue advocating for the success of every Dysart student.

My official campaign will kick off in early February. I am truly grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve already received, and I thank you in advance for standing with me as this campaign begins.

Quick Update: More information will be available soon. At this time, Judge Snow has not officially confirmed the date for the Monitor meeting with Sheriff Jerry Sheridan. Based on current information, we believe the meeting is likely to take place on Wednesday, February 4, though it could be pushed to the following week. The confirmation window appears to be unusually tight this time.

Please keep February 4 available on your calendar for now. I will share an update immediately once the date is officially confirmed. Your awareness and presence remain important, and I appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we wait for final confirmation.

Keep Les Presmyk as Arizona Mine Inspector: Experience, Integrity, and Arizona Values

Arizona needs steady, experienced leadership—especially when it comes to energy, infrastructure, and responsible resource management. That’s why I’m asking you to keep Les Presmyk. His record reflects decades of technical expertise, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to our state and its communities.

Les earned his B.S. in Mining Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1975, launching a career that would span more than four decades in the mining and energy sectors. Over those years, he held leadership and engineering roles at major operations across Arizona, gaining hands-on experience in underground and open-pit mining, mill operations, mine planning, and regulatory compliance. This breadth of knowledge matters—because good decisions come from understanding both the technical details and the real-world impacts on workers, families, and communities.

From 1987 to 2017, Les worked at Salt River Project (SRP), retiring as Principal Mining Engineer. In that role, he managed coal and uranium supply for multiple power plants, led the development of a new coal mine supporting the Coronado Generating Station, and served five years as Chairman of the Trapper Mine Board. These responsibilities required precision, accountability, and long-term thinking—exactly the qualities we want in public service.

Before SRP, Les spent over a decade with Magma Copper Company, serving as Assistant General Mine Foreman and Mine Planning Engineer. He also managed several successful small mine projects here in Arizona, maintaining perfect safety records and full regulatory compliance—a testament to his belief that economic development and safety go hand in hand.

Beyond his professional achievements, Les is a neighbor and family man. He has been a resident of Gilbert since 1986 and has been married to his wife Paula for over 49 years. He understands our communities because he lives in them—and he brings that grounded perspective to every decision he makes.

At a time when Arizona faces complex challenges around energy reliability, growth, and responsible development, we can’t afford to lose institutional knowledge and practical experience. Les Presmyk has earned our trust through a lifetime of service, leadership, and results. Please join me in voting to re-elect Les Presmyk - because Arizona deserves experienced leadership that puts safety first, stability, and community first.

The first step to getting Les re-elected starts with you. Please click the link below and sign Les Presmyk's petition to ensure he qualifies for the ballot. This simple action helps move his campaign forward and shows strong community support for experienced, steady leadership. Every signature matters - take a moment today to help keep Les on the ballot and working for our community.

Arizona Republicans Face a Pivotal Leadership Choice on January 24

On January 24, Arizona Republicans will gather to elect a new State Party Chair. Our current chair, Gina Swoboda, is stepping down to run for Congressional District 1, a seat currently held by David Schweikert, who is running for governor. Gina Swoboda will be missed. She was endorsed by Donald Trump both for State Party Chair and for her run in CD1, and she has served the party during a challenging and consequential time.

As Republicans look to the future, one candidate clearly stands out among those seeking to replace her: Sergio Arellano.

Sergio was born and raised in Tucson and joined the U.S. Army at just 17 years old, serving for more than a decade. His resume reflects a lifetime of service and leadership, including roles as a business owner, State Director of the Arizona Wounded Warrior Program, CEO of Tipping Point LLC, and State Director for the Republican National Committee. For decades, Sergio has been a true soldier for the Republican Party.

With the critical 2026 elections right around the corner, Arizona Republicans need a strong, steady leader who puts people first. Job one must be uniting the party. While there are many factions today, we are all Republicans—and we are all Americans. Sergio Arellano has the experience, temperament, and credibility to bring us together and position our party for major statewide wins this year.

On January 24, I encourage you to vote for unity, strength, and success. Vote for Sergio for Arizona GOP Chair.

Arizona State Committeemen to Gather in Prescott Valley for Mandatory Meeting

On January 24th, Arizona State Committeemen will convene in Prescott Valley for the annual mandatory meeting of the Arizona Republican Party. This year’s agenda is especially consequential, with 20 proposed bylaw changes slated for consideration—many of which are the same amendments repeatedly rejected in prior years, including at the Maricopa County Republican Committee annual meeting on January 10. Let's reject them again!

For several cycles now, Precinct Committeemen have sent a clear message: Precinct Committeemen and State Committeemen do not want top-down leadership or punitive rules aimed at volunteers doing the best they can in a non–full-time role. Yet those concerns appear to be going unheard as the same overreaching bylaw change proposals resurface again and again.

Leadership Elections at the Center

This meeting also includes the election of new officers, most notably the Chair, following the resignation of Gina Swoboda, who stepped down prior to the end of her term to run for CD1.

• Chair candidates include Sergio Arellano, Robert Branch, Pam Kirby, and Kathleen Winn
• Secretary candidate: Sherra Kissee
• First Vice Chair candidates: Christopher Campbell, Joshua Pembleton, Shiry Sapir
• Second Vice Chair candidates: Kevin Maldonado, Belinda Rodriguez
• Third Vice Chair candidates: Ray Ihly, Nickie Kelley, Elizabeth Kennedy, Tristan Manos, Tomas Martinez
• Assistant Secretary: Shirley Dye
• Assistant Treasurer: Young Mayberry
• Sergeant at Arms: Carrie Hughes, Elliot Prichard
• Assistant Sergeant at Arms: Frank Antenori
• CD7 Members at Large: Kathy Noriega, Connie Uribe

Why Attendance—and Proxies—Matter

This is a pivotal meeting. If you cannot attend in person, sending your proxy is essential. Attendees may carry up to three proxies from State Committeemen within their congressional district. Representation matters, and proxies ensure that every district’s voice is heard.

A Call to Action

We must elect nominees who truly represent Precinct Committeemen and their values and stop the cycle of overreaching bylaw changes that undermine grassroots participation. Your voice matters. If you are a State Committeeman, please participate—either in person or by proxy—and help shape the future direction of our party.

Are Data Centers the Devil the Public Thinks They Are?

Recently, residents across the Valley have begun pushing back on city approvals of new data center projects, often citing concerns about excessive power and water usage. While these concerns are understandable, they are not always grounded in the full picture. Many modern data centers are shifting toward innovative solutions, including the use of reclaimed or non-potable water for cooling and on-site or dedicated power generation that reduces strain on the existing electric grid. Even in cases where data centers rely on utility power, they are frequently subject to strict agreements that require them to fund necessary infrastructure upgrades. Unfortunately, misinformation has contributed to a negative perception, overlooking the evolving technologies and regulatory safeguards designed to ensure these facilities operate efficiently and responsibly without burdening local communities.

As data centers rapidly expand across the country, they have become one of the most discussed topics among energy regulators, utilities, and policymakers. The growth of artificial intelligence and cloud computing means the United States is in a global race for technological leadership—and data centers are at the heart of that effort. Arizona, with its strategic location and infrastructure, is no exception.

Utilities such as Arizona Public Service have already committed to serving thousands of megawatts of new data center load, with even more potential projects under discussion. While this growth is inevitable, it has raised understandable concerns among residential customers who worry that large energy users could drive up electricity rates or strain the grid.

The key to addressing these concerns lies in a simple but critical principle: growth must pay for growth. When tariffs and energy supply agreements are properly structured, data centers can be required to cover the full cost of the generation and grid upgrades they need—even if projected demand fails to materialize. Regulators and utilities are keenly aware of the risks of cost-shifting and are actively working to prevent residential customers from subsidizing large industrial users.

In fact, when done correctly, data centers can reduce upward pressure on rates. Electric utilities have significant fixed costs, such as power plants, substations, and transmission lines. Adding large, high-load customers spreads those fixed costs across more usage, lowering the average cost per customer. Data centers can also improve grid efficiency by flattening load profiles, allowing utilities to operate their systems more optimally and reduce overall costs.

Beyond rate impacts, data centers offer substantial economic benefits to local communities. In other parts of the country, data center development has significantly reduced residential tax burdens by expanding the tax base. Here in Arizona, recently approved projects are bringing billions in private investment, hundreds of millions in tax revenues for the state and counties, thousands of construction jobs, and long-term, well-paying technical positions. Many developers are also committing additional funds for workforce development, STEM education, and local infrastructure.

The data center conversation should focus on facts, not fear. With sound regulatory oversight and firm adherence to the principle that growth pays for growth, data centers can strengthen Arizona’s electric grid, help keep rates affordable, and serve as powerful engines of local economic development—while advancing national priorities in technology and innovation.

Much of this information was from reading the writings of Nick Myers, Chairman, Arizona Corporation Commission

PATRIOT HAPPY HOUR WITH FELLOW REPUBLICANS!

Join Us for Another Great Evening!

Due to overwhelming demand, we’re bringing back our Patriot Happy Hour at State 48 in Surprise! Last month’s gathering was a fantastic success, with great food, drinks, and, most importantly, meaningful conversations with fellow conservatives. Let’s do it again!

 Where: State 48 Brewery - 13823 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374

 When: Wednesday, January 28th

 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, get to know fellow PATRIOTS, and strengthen our local Republican community. Whether you're new to politics or simply want to make new friends everyone is welcome!

Bring a friend and join us for an evening of camaraderie, networking, and fun. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Patriot Happy Hour is always the last Wednesday of the month.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CLUB LISTED PLEASE CONTACT ME