Pop Quiz

What is Rep. Kavanagh’s Problem?

a) can’t read
b) doesn’t care
c) is hypocritical
d) all of the above


Commenting on the changes made to state law in violation of the constitution during this summer’s special session, Rep. John Kavanagh (Republican LD8-Scottsdale/Fountian Hills) claimed that the removal and restriction of teachers’ contract rights was a “good pro-kids measure”. School districts “won’t be forced to keep a dead-beat teacher on.” (azfamily news report)

The chairman of House Appropriations Committee and one of the men largely responsible for how the legislature is approaching Arizona’s budget crisis, Kavanagh holds a masters in government and a Ph.D. in criminal justice. With such credentials, you would think Kavanagh has read governing documents like state constitutions and statues. Being an elected legislator chairing one of the most important committees, one would assume he has read the Arizona constitution. In Article 4: Part 2: Section 3 he would have read:

“In calling a special session, the governor shall specify the subjects to be considered, and at such special session no laws shall be enacted except such as relate to the subjects mentioned in the call.”

The Governor’s calls for special sessions this summer were to address the state budget and never referred to school employee contracts. Thus the only way the Republican leadership can claim these policy changes were related to the subjects mentioned is if our worst fears are true. They must have been enacted as cost saving measures; specifically to allow districts to replace more experienced, higher paid teachers with new-hires or arbitrarily cut salaries.

Assuming Kavanagh can read, and has read the bills he is voting on, he would have reviewed Title 15: Chapter 5 of the Arizona Revised Statutes which specifically details how to dismiss teachers for inadequate performance. His contention that school districts are “forced to keep” dead-beat teachers is at best uniformed, more likely just intended to be incendiary.

So if Kavanagh can read, why is he defending the legislation? Because he cares. About what you can decide. During a floor debate this summer, Kavanagh was asked about what would happen to displaced corrections officers when Arizona’s prisons were privatized. He replied by saying it was his hope that “some sort of seniority transfer system” could be worked out. (COW on HB2638 6/4/09 at 57:44) In other words, seniority is only good for those who are likely to vote for him.