It’s time to unite not divide.
After nearly 22 months of challenges we never envisioned, Arizonans continue to be tireless in our efforts to heal, rebuild and move forward in our new reality despite the headwinds we face. Although there are still many unknowns, we enter 2022 with renewed hope and optimism. One where we work together in the spirit of understanding to make Arizona an even more wonderful place to live, work, thrive and be our best selves.
The new year brings an opportunity for advancing in ways that will be limited only by our imaginations and willingness - or unwillingness - to work together. As the new legislative session begins, we hope it will be marked by efforts to unite rather than divide, to build each other up, rather than tear each other down, and do what’s needed to grow and ensure the sustainability of our great state.
That is why as a bipartisan group of business owners, community organizations, faith leaders and more, we are writing to urge our lawmakers to focus on measures that make Arizona stronger, more resilient and pave the way for growth and prosperity. We also implore our lawmakers to not pursue distracting, divisive and discriminatory legislation that will only hurt Arizonans, divide our communities and damage our reputation. Let there be no doubt that such measures will create harm and add unnecessary hurdles to our shared goal of recovery - mentally, physically, and economically. We’ve seen the disastrous effects of such measures before with Senate Bills 1070 and 1062 that continue to serve as the broken and erroneous narratives that we run from even today. We must learn from our past missteps. We must stay focused on what will make us stronger tomorrow than we were yesterday.
To that end, as leaders from across the Arizona, we do not support legislation that targets LGBTQ Arizonans, especially measures aimed at excluding transgender youth from full participation in society or restrict fundamental rights. Let’s learn from our great cities like Mesa, Scottsdale and Glendale who welcomed inclusion and diversity this year by passing non-discrimination ordinances and have seen the benefits it can bring.
Arizona is once again expected to be in the national spotlight when we host the 2023 Super Bowl, an event that brings hundreds of millions of dollars to our state - revenue we cannot afford to lose.
We, like many Arizonans, believe in the fundamental values of fairness, opportunity and inclusion. These are Arizona values. These are American values. These are our values. As a result, we are positioned to ensure our voices are heard as our leaders deliberate ideas at the Legislature that will either propel us forward or promote an even greater divide. We will not be standing on the sidelines, and we will not be idle if our representatives chase divisive policies not based on evidence that put our collective economic success at risk just for individual and short-term political gain.
There is endless opportunity for Arizona if we want it. That is why it’s imperative we utilize the 2022 legislative session as a dawn of a new day, where we move forward - not with the demonization and divisive practices of years past - but in cooperation with renewed confidence and a confirmed belief in our proven resilience that when we work together for the good of us all, we all succeed.
Sincerely,
ONE Community, Angela Hughey, President & Co-Founder
Equality Arizona, Michael Soto, CEO
Arizona Diamondbacks, Derrick Hall, President & CEO
Arizona Coyotes, Lyndsey Fry, Senior Director, Hockey Development
Phoenix Rising FC, Jason Minnick, Director of Communications
Sunbelt Holdings, John, Graham, Chairman and CEO
Arizona's Children Association, Jacob Schmitt, President & CEO
Local First Arizona,Kimber Lanning, CEO
KEO Marketing Inc, Sheila Kloefkorn, CEO
Upward Projects Restaurant Group, Lauren Bailey, CEO & Co-Founder
Plaza Companies, Sharon Harper, President & CEO
Center for the Future of Arizona, Sybil Francis PH.D., President & CEO
Flinn Foundation, Tammy McLeod, President & CEO
Goodmans Interior Structures, Adam Goodman, CEO
ASU Cultural Affairs, Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage
Tempe Union High School District, Armando Montero, Governing Board Vice President
One-n-ten, Nate Rhoton, CEO
Arizona School for the Arts, Leah Fregulia, CEO
Glendale Chamber of Commerce (AZ), Robert Heidt, President & CEO
Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, Kim Sabow, President and CEO
Visit Phoenix, Ron Price, President & CEO
Experience Scottsdale, Rachel Pearson, VP of Community & Government Affairs
Visit Mesa, Kimberly Forest, SVP Visitor Marketing
Tempe Tourism Office, Michael Martin, Interim President & CEO
City of Mesa, John Giles, Mayor
City of Mesa, Jenn Duff, Vice Mayor of Mesa
The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Jennifer Reddall, Bishop
Southwest Conference United Church of Christ, William Lyons, Conference Minister & CEO
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, Paul Rockower, Executive Director
East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation LLC, Frankie Rios, President & CEO
National Council of Jewish Women, Carol Consalvo, Sr. Vice President of Policy & Advocacy
Design Pickle, Russ Perry, CEO
Culdesac, Erin Boyd, Government Relations & External Affairs
Black Chamber of Arizona, Robin Reed, President & CEO
Christian Church in Arizona, Jay Hartley, Rev.
Beatitudes Campus, Rev. David Ragan, Sr VP of Resident Services
Bonnie Sharfman, Rabbi
Cross Roads United Methodist Church, Kimberly Scott, Senior Pastor
Church Of the Painted Hills, Rev. Michael Lonergan, Pastor
Cross Roads United Methodist Church, Mary Bullis, Reverend
YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, Debbie Esparza, CEO
Kitzo UCC Church, Kega Nasios, Pastor
ELCA, Stephen Talmage, Pastor
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The Convergent Christian Communion, Kenneth von Folmar, Presiding Bishop
Phoenix Pride, Mike Fornelli, Executive Director
Catalina UMC, Melissa Rynders, Rev..
Shepherd of the Hills UCC, Rock Fremont Jr., Rev.
The Church of the Palms UCC, Paul Whitlock, Senior Pastor
Southwest Conference United Church of Christ, Shea Darian, Ordained Minister
Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction, Rev. Teresa Blythe, Director
Desert Southwest Conference of The United Methodist Church, Grant Hagiya, Bishop
United Church of Christ, Tracy Howe, Rev.
Southwest Conference of the UCC, Inge Detweiler, Reverend
Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, Carol Rose, Reverend
United Church of Sun City, AZ, Brady Abel, Senior Pastor
United Church of Christ, William Utke, Pastor & Teacher
Community Church of Hope, Kimberly Bittner, Rev.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church Mesa, Dana Reardon, Reverend
Church of the Epiphany Tempe, Corey Meier, Rev. Dr.
Rincon Congregational UCC, Karen MacDonald, Rev.
Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Robert Howard, Reverend Doctor
Local First Arizona, Thomas Barr, Vice President
Bruce Grebin Insurance Agency Inc, Maryellen Grebin, Co-Owner
Granada Urban Development LLC, Deanna Jordan, Principal
teamworks communication, Barb Harris, Partner
Gateway Bank , James Christensen, President
Aligned at Work, Laurie Battaglia, CEO
Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, Michael Mazzocco, Chairperson
Desert Messenger News, Shanana Rain Golden-Bear, Owner/Publisher
Episcopal Church of St. Matthew, Frank Bergen, Priest Associate
Justin McKay + Co, Justin McKay, Owner
The Sidewalk Project - Phoenix, Lee-ann Dunton, Director & Harm Reduction Specialist
Rincon Congregational United Church of Christ, Seth Wispelwey, Reverend
Open Wide Dental, Thomas Durisek, Owner/Dentist
Reynolds Project Management, LLC, Patricia Reynolds, President
K-Vaughn Consulting, Kerwin Brown, Managing Principal
Korte Group LLC, Virginia Korte, Owner
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, Jessyca Leach, Executive Director
Grace Lutheran Church, Sarah Stadler, Pastor
MXD Arts, Kim Larkin, Founder/Principal
AT Still University, Cam Young, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
Slake Consulting LLC, Susanne Lake, CEO
Guardian Angels Ecumenical Catholic Communion, Ed Walsh, CoPastor
Dayspring United Methodist Church, Jeff Procter-Murphy, Pastor
Episcopal Diocese of Arizona , Jana Sundin, The Rev. Canon
St. Teresa of Avila, Kate Lehman, Reverend
United Churches Fellowship UCC, Marion Larkin Rossitter, Pastor
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Brilliant Solar Solutions, Tony Rivera, Owner
HealthMarkets Insurance, Amy Powell, Licensed Agent
Realty ONE Group, Matthew Hoedt, REALTOR®
World’s Best Connectors, Denise Meridith, CEO
Ecumenical Catholic Community, Delores Kroppf, Pastor
Meridian Educational Consulting, Suzanne Lewis, Founder & CEO
Woman Centered, Mitzi Krockover, CEO and Founder
Rincon Congregational UCC Church, Jean Granillo. Member of Justice and Witness Ministry
Hillel Jewish Student Center at ASU, Debbie Kail, Executive Director
HALO Animal Rescue , Heather Allen, President and CEO
West USA Realty, Mead Summer, Associate Broker
J.M. Helfgot Communications, Jeremy M. Helfgot, Principal
Scottsdale Community College, Chris Haines, President
A&P Global Goods, Athena Gibbons, COO
Wok This Way, Kristine Mill, Owner
Robin B. Dilley PhD LTD, Robin Dilley, Psychologist
Denise Meridith Consultants Inc, Denise Meridith, CEO
Castle Real Estate Group, Steven Castle, Owner
Red Pill Recording, Paul Gibbons, Director
Keegan Company, Lisa Keegan, Partner
Full Swing Video, Darby Vance, Chief Creative Officer
Arizona Interfaith Power & Light, Doug Bland, Executive Director
Chandler Pride, Eduarda Schroder, President
OutIsTheNewIn Foundation, Johnnie Ghiglia, Executive Director
CASCO Financial Group, Catherine Scrivano, President
Cultivate Counseling, Kristopher Dohse, Practice Manager
Michael Mazzocco Events, Michael Mazzocco, Owner
Wisdom's Way Interfaith School, Gil Stafford , Co-founder
St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church Tempe, AZ, Robin Hollis, Rev. Dr. Deacon
DanceWithChad.com LLC, Chad Lakridis, Owner
Desert Heritage Church UCC/DOC, Derrick Elliott, Rev.
Grace United Methodist Church, Sharon Pajak, Senior Pastor
Allison & Associates, Cheryl Allison, Chief Inspiration Office
Hillel Foundation University of Arizona, Jessica Emerson McCormick, Executive Director
Desert Palm Church, Thomas Martinez, Senior Minister
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, Jessyca Leach, Executive Director
Trinity Cathedral, Troy Mendez, The Very Rev.
Desert Southwest Conference UMC, Billie Fidlin, Director of Outreach & Justice
Azul Analysis, Chad Wolver, Founder
Santa Cruz Valley UMC, Sancy Johnson, Reverend
Faith United Methodist Church, Michael Patzloff, Rev.
VH Included Consulting, Katee Van Horn, CEO
SUMMi7, Eric Strafel, Founder & CEO
Spiral Creative Services, Susan Geer, Owner
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Pieceful Design, Jennifer Brown, Owner
Judith McHale, MA, LPC, Judith McHale, Owner
Mark’s Bookmark Bookseller, Mark Hayduke Grenard, CEO
Dhammapada Sangha, Zen Buddhism, Vasu Bandhu, Maha Shuru
BestCompaniesAZ, Denise Gredler, Founder & CEO
Carter Law Firm, Ruth Carter, Attorney
Prism Counseling, Tres Adames, President
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Joy Petroff, Admin.
Gellert Health, Chuck Warshaver, President
Numbers Matter Accounting & Bookkeeping LLC, Chris Waychoff, Owner
Best Western Plus Sundial, Jude Nau, General ManagerDennis Kavanaugh, Former Vice Mayor
Hydrogen Properties LLC, Michael Nisan, Managing Member
Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, Don Benton, Family & Music Ministry Director
RE/MAX Professionals, Cara McGuire, Realtor
McGuire Partners Real Estate, Erin McGuire-Fischer
MTO Facilitators, Dennis Skinner, President
Heartful Editor, Sara Henry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief
OH Strategic Communications, Bettina Nava, Owner
AD Vantage VC, Ahron Cohen, Venture Partner
The Office of the Arizona Secretary of State, Katie Hobbs, Arizona Secretary of State
Reformed Catholic Church, Rev. Christopher Carpenter, Presiding Bishop
AZ Family Health Partnership, Bre Thomas, CEO
JijiVisha Holistic, Jameela Hill, Owner
The Commons Church Flagstaff, Gretta Miller, Pastor
Compass CBS Foundation, Edgar Olivo, CEO
Adam Metzendorf for Congress, Adam Metzendorf, Congressional Candidate
Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert, P.C., Lynda Vescio, Senior Partner
AZCaptured LLC, Marla Curtis, Owner
Town of Fountain Hills, Ginny Dickey, Mayor
Dogstar Industries LLC, Sandra Carey, Owner
Virginia C. Piper Charitable Trust, Mary Jane Rynd, President and CEO
Bloom 365, Donna Bartos, Founder & CEO
Valley of the Sun United Way, Rod Podlogar, Chief Community Development & Engagement Officer
Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Katie Sexton-Wood, Pastor
HOM, Inc., Michael Shore, President / CEO
THM Investments, Terrence Hamson, President
Cancion Tequila, Alisa Clyne, International Brand Manager
LJM, LLC, Layne Mortensen, Managing Director/Owner
Valle Del Sol, Inc., Sam Castro, Director of Equity and Inclusion
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Sally Stevens-Taylor, Deacon
Key Innovative Business Solutions, Lynn Murphy, President
Because I Love To Dance Entertainment LLC, Tracy Arola-Johnson, Owner
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Kinessage LLC, Kathleen Gramzay, Founder, CEO
Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix, Athena Gibbons, Vice President
Walter Station Brewery, James Erickson, Owner
Urban Eye Care LLC, Jason Klepfisz, CEO
Phoenix Shanti Group, Michael Stantz, Peer Support
K A Stanton & Associates, Kathleen Stanton, Owner
Tempe Union High School District #213, Brian Garcia, President, Governing Board
Gilbert Hampton Inn and Suites, Jamy Belcher, General Manager
Guardian Angels Catholic Community, ECC, Elaine Groppenbacher, Co-Pastor
Herberger Theater Company, Mark Mettes, President & CEO
Arizona Business & Education Coalition, Dick Foreman, President & CEO
Mesa Fire Medical Department, Danielle Rainwater, Firefighter
Urban Art Tattoo & Piercing, LLC, Liz O’Connell, Owner
Imago Dei Middle School, Susan Anderson-Smith, Chaplain
Smiles Dog Training, Sara Miles, Owner
NFM Enterprises, LLC, Nelda Majors, Owner
University Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. Eric Ledermann, Pastor
TPI Composites, Jenny Holsman Tetreault, VP and Associate General Counsel
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, Rev. Christine Dance, Minister
Vision Community Management, Darin Fisher, Founder, Owner
Wells Fargo, Gregory Galvez, Business Execution Consultant
First Church UCC Phoenix, Jane McNamara, Chair, Immigration Task Force
Black Point Ventures LLC, Ed Zito, Managing Partner
JustFaith Arizona Network, Tricia Hoyt, Convener
Desert Heritage Church UCC/DOC, Gail Bird, Lay Leader
Friendly Technology, Sandra Leet, President
Psychological and Consultation Services, Gregory Shrader, Owner
No Longer Silent: Clergy for Justice, John Herman, Reverend Doctor
Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona, Janine Gelsinger, Executive Direc
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Vera Minot, President
Southwest Solutions, Tammy Minot, President
Leading for Change, Beth Meyer, President & CEO
Groff-Swint Media LLC, Benjamin Groff, Vice President, Operations
Benjamin Groff Ordained Ministry, Benjamin Groff, Reverend
Mountain Park Health Center, Dr. John Swagert, CEO
Leo Rising, Josh Steinmetz, Therapist
Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement, Jodi Liggett, Founder
Sunset Health, Keli Osborn, Behavioral Health Director
GLSEN Phoenix, Andi Young, Board Co-Chair
Casa de Cristo Church & Apostolic Center, Charlotte Strayhorne, Co-Pastor
Maricopa County Regional School District, Michael Stewart, Assistant Superintendent
State of Arizona Representative, Cesar Chavez
Foothills Christian Church, Rebekah Krevens, Senior Minister
Alonzo Ramirez Holdings LLC, Luis Alonzo, Owner
Arizona Trans Youth & Parent Organization, Tami Staas, Executive Director
Human Services Campus, Amy Schwabenlender, Executive Director
Lance Strategies, LLC, Nicole Lance, CEO
Ktizo UCC Church, Kega Nasios, Pastor
Valley of the Sun United Way, Carla Vargas Jasa, President & CEO
Arizona Trans Alliance, Erica Keppler, Organizer
Phoenix Community Alliance, Cyndy Gaughan, Senior Director
All Saints Episcopal Church, Emilie Finn, Associate Rector
Emmaus Episcopal Church, Deborah Tickell, Missioner
Caitlin Flaherty Realtor, Caitlin Flaherty, Realtor
Phoenix Revitalization Corporation, Eva Olivas, Executive Director, CEO
Amistad Clinic, Shaun McFarland, Clinic Manager
Arizona Grantmakers Forum, Laurie Liles, President & Chief Executive Officer
Good Shepherd UCC, Mitzi Eilts, Reverend
VMware PRIDE BRG, Kimberly Delgado, Staff Architect
Soulcries, Kelly Mayes, CEO
Downtown Phoenix Inc., Devney Preuss, President + CEO
Keen Financial Solutions, LLC, Corina Vaquera Dlugosz, Owner/Branch Manage
Equality Squad, Kristin Downing, Member
Equality Squad, Janice Hennessy-Waller, Member
Equality Squad Pima County, Claudine Boger, Volunteer
Equality Squad, Carla Roberts, Parent Advocate
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Rivko Knox
Bethany Woodard
Linda Virden
Susan Jacobs
Gayle Parent
Marco Lopez
Marion McGuire
Tania Malven
Rick Markson
Timothy Schmalz
Lori Reardon
Claudia Ness
Annie Crego
Dorothy Hunter
Ann Baumrind
Shauna Crusa
