U.S. Senate candidate, MUSD override highlight tea party meeting

The Maricopa Tea Party will present a guest speaker and hold a discussion on the school district’s budget override at its meeting tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at Maricopa Community Church, 44977 W. Hathaway Ave.

The speaker is Doug McKee (website), a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Jon Kyl. McKee is a Ft. Mohave businessman seeking to replace Kyl after he retires in 2012.

McKee calls himself a “Conservative Constitutionalist” and believes the U.S. Constitution must be consulted before any legislation is brought to the floor of the House or Senate. He believes Arizonans need someone to bring their values to Washington, D.C., and not the other way around.

On the Nov. 8 ballot is a request from Maricopa Unified School District for a 15 percent override tax to maintain existing programs and pay staff salaries. MUSD is expecting shortfalls that could range from $4 million to $6 million in its 2012-13 budget.

The override is a polarizing issue in the community. Advocates say passing it will not only ensure quality instruction for students, but will help keep Maricopa economically viable as it tries to attract new industry and business. Critics say increasing per-student funding does not always produce the expected results, and a tax increase during a slow economy only puts more stress on people struggling to make ends meet.