The Goldwater Institute is Arizona’s premier policy research organization. In keeping with the principles advanced by Senator Barry Goldwater, the Goldwater Institute is dedicated to protecting and expanding economic freedom, constitutional liberty and educational opportunity. The Goldwater Institute meets public policy challenges with innovative solutions that maximize our freedoms and keep government within its constitutional boundaries. The Goldwater Institute has been a policy architect for many successful reforms, including school choice laws, initiatives to protect private property and tax relief. When good ideas aren’t enough, sometimes what you need is a good lawyer. The Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation defends our constitutional liberties and protects taxpayers against unconstitutional expansions of government power. As an attorney for the Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation, this weeks Soiree Special Guest, Ms. Carrie Ann Sitren, works to defend property rights, enforce fiscal responsibility, and protect school choice in Arizona.

Goldwater Institute Named "Best Capitol Watchdog" for Second Year

Goldwater Institute News Release
March 02, 2009

Phoenix--For the second year in a row, the Goldwater Institute has been named Arizona's "Best Capitol Watchdog" by Arizona Capitol Times readers.

"If this award makes even one shady elected official break out in a cold sweat, we've done our job. Freedom needs a knight, and we're honored to lead the charge," said Darcy Olsen, president & CEO of the Goldwater Institute. "There are many extraordinary people working to keep government in check, and we couldn't be happier to be counted among them."

Founded in 1988 with the blessing of Senator Barry Goldwater, the Goldwater Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy research organization. A good watchdog is always on guard and one of the ways the Goldwater Institute keeps lawmakers on their toes is with its annual Legislative Report Card. By examining hundreds of votes cast on bills covering education, regulation, and tax and budget issues, the Goldwater Institute grades lawmakers on how well they adhere to the principles of limited government and the Arizona Constitution.

In 2007 the Institute added a litigation division to enforce and defend taxpayers' rights in the courts with the Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. So far the Goldwater Institute has successfully defended the first amendment rights of Oro Valley blogger Art Segal, protected the curricular autonomy of Arizona charter schools, and enforced the state constitution's ban on corporate subsidies with a unanimous decision in the Arizona Court of Appeals prohibiting the City of Phoenix from giving a $100 million subsidy to a shopping mall developer.

The Goldwater Institute is also known for exposing wasteful government spending, like subsidized massages for state employees, and publishing reports that provide comprehensive spending figures in budget areas such as public school finance.

After two decades the Goldwater Institute continues to evolve, demonstrating you can teach an old dog new tricks. The Institute is embracing emerging social networking by taking advantage of websites such as Facebook and Twitter, and later this year Goldwater will bring an investigative reporter on board to uncover abuses of taxpayer funds and public corruption.

Their website offers policy research and tools to help you keep track of your legislator's voting records and state spending. You can read their newest policy report or legal case, view audio and video content, sign up to receive Goldwater Institute publications and emails, or become a member of the Goldwater Institute. Goldwater Institute policy experts are also available for speaking engagements upon request.

If you have questions or would like to speak to someone on staff, don't hesitate to contact us.

It is with great pleasure that Ms. Carrie Ann Sitren of the Goldwater Institute, will be my Special Guest this week.

Please plan on joining us to socialize and meet new friends.

Thanks all.