Barrett Marson

Arizona House Speaker-designate Kirk Adams (R-Mesa) is getting close to having his office up and running, but additions to his team will continue to come in over the next weeks, said Adams's chief of staff.

Victor Riches, the former state Senate chief of staff who made the move across to the House to serve under Adams, told PolitickerAZ.com that he and Adams are in the process of finalizing candidates for a host of positions, including budget advisor and legal counsel.

"We have a few folks we're bringing on," said Riches, who noted that they are finalizing the selection for legal counsel. "We have a couple of new people to fill out some policy roles, and they'll be over here in the next week."

Barrett Marson gave official word Wednesday that he will not be staying on as the spokesman for Arizona House Speaker-designate Kirk Adams (R-Mesa).

Marson sent out an email Wednesday afternoon confirming what has been widely expected since Speaker Jim Weiers (R-Phoenix) was unseated and Adams elected in his stead, that Marson is moving on from the Capitol.

"As you may have heard or read, I am leaving the House of Representatives after 4 glorious years serving House Speaker Jim Weiers, the House Republican Caucus, the people of Arizona and yes, the jackals of the media," wrote Marson.

The blue ribbon panel outgoing Arizona House Speaker Jim Weiers (R-Phoenix) proposed Monday will be composed of a "wide range of people with varied opinions on tax policy," according to Weiers's spokesman, Barrett Marson.

Weiers is convening the panel in order to "recommend a modern tax code that will create a fair environment and a competitive state economy in both good times and bad," according to a release he put out Monday afternoon.

Marson told PolitickerAZ.com that the panel would not include any legislators, and the lineup would be set later in the week. He also said Weiers "will work with" Speaker-designate Kirk Adams (R-Mesa) on the recommendations.

Newly-elected Speaker Kirk Adams comes into power providing the hope of a new administration. But one small move could have a greater affect on his administration than he may know. It has not been determined if Adams will retain the Speaker's staff or bring in a new group. The Speaker's spokesman is currently Barrett Marson and any change in this position would be a blow to the incoming administration. If Marson wants to stay, Adams should do everything he can to retain his services. Marson has a great relationship with the press and is a tireless advocate for his boss. The new Speaker would have a hard time finding anyone in Arizona who is as well respected and has as good of a relationship with the press and understand the process at the Capitol.

The new Arizona House leadership, elected Thursday, has made no staff changes yet, but announcements are expected to come soon, according to several Capitol insiders.

Though newly-elected Speaker Kirk Adams (R-Mesa) has reportedly not made any decisions yet, who is leaving and who of outgoing Speaker Jim Weiers's (R-Phoenix) staff will remain may begin to be known later in the week.

Barrett Marson, spokesman for the speaker's office, said he wasn't sure if he was leaving or not.

"I've made no decisions and no one's told me anything," Marson told PolitickerAZ.com. "No one's come to me and said I've been fired."

House Speaker Jim WeiersA school voucher program for special needs children is at the heart of a flap between Arizona House Speaker Jim Weiers (R-Phoenix) and the governor's office, as Weiers and Democrats tangle over who's to blame for the program being cut.

After the session ended with a last-minute deal to make up for the $2 billion budget deficit forecast for fiscal year 2008-2009, it was revealed that the governor's office, the Senate and the House had each held onto millions in reserve funds, in case an accord couldn't be reached.

Now Speaker Weiers is attempting to use the surplus funds to reinstate a program that provides students who are autistic or otherwise require special instruction with vouchers, so they can attend whichever public or private school best suits their needs. Without the vouchers, special needs students currently attending private schools may be forced to return to the public system if they can't afford the tuition.

Connie Wilhelm, President of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, has told PolitickerAZ.com that their $100,000 contribution to the TIME Coalition was not something they suggested.

The East Valley Tribune last week revealed the deal that TIME and the governor struck with the HBACA in order to gain their support for a transportation package that may be on the ballot in November. Some Republican commentators and legislators contended that the bargain, in which HBACA was let off the hook on impact fees in exchange for a $100,000 contribution to TIME Coalition's signature gathering efforts, was unethical at best and illegal at worst. For some, the difference hinged on whether the contribution was solicited from the HBACA or offered by them.

According to Connie Wilhelm, it was the former. 

Didn't get enough of Barrett Marson and Emily Bittner going mano e mano on Horizon last week? You're in luck - we have round two. 

Last week, Arizona Democratic Party Communications Director Emily Bittner and House Republican spokesman Barrett Marson faced off in an entertaining edition of Horizon’s One on One.  Tonight they are set for round 2.  Tune in tonight at 7 pm on Channel 8 for what should be an entertaining and informative edition of Horizon.