Barry Goldwater Institute for Public Policy Research

I have observed 1st hand what the Goldwater institute has done advocating for parents and children in regard to educational choice for K-12 education. First introducing Charter School Legislation so parents could choose which schools in Arizona were best suited to serve their children's academic need. Even though Charters are in essence public schools this has been a win-win-win for parents, children and the taxpayer. Some of the best schools in Arizona are Charter Schools, the competition has also improved traditional public schools in our communities. The Goldwater Institute has taken another step forward by advocating for special needs students and students stuck in D and F failing schools. Legislation has been signed into law to give parents of these underserved children a choice in the form of an educational savings account voucher. A voucher that allows parent/guardians choice to choose what private school will best serve their children's academic needs as well as funds to hire a tutor to bring academic proficiency up to grade level. Empowering parents choice to choose what "WORKS" in regard educational opportunities best serve their children's academic need and and allowing them to make decisions based on their findings will ultimately enhance opportunity for our children and strengthen our community.
I say BRAVO to the Goldwater Institute and their stand for individual choice in education.

The Goldwater institute does not have the taxpayers best interest in hand. They are constantly using high profile cases to get free publicity both national and international Why would a "watchdog" group from the great State of Arizona be on the radio doing interviews in Canada? It all doesn't add up for the taxpayers of Arizona. Because of Goldwaters Ins. Selfishness the Tax Payers of this great state are going to lose out on a great opportunity. All for the sake of Goldwater's employees furthering their careers. Watch Dog Group? I think not.

First of all, Goldwater Institute is NOT a charity! They are a self proclaimed "watchdog" for the taxpayers of AZ, however, their current push to block the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to a new owner, who is willing to keep the team in AZ for 30 years, goes against every grain of protecting the taxpayer! If the Coyotes sale does not go through, and they move the team out of AZ, thousands will lose their jobs, businesses in that part of Glendale will suffer - possibly go out of business altogether, and all the other charities supported by the Coyotes will lose money. The president of GWI, Darcy Olsen, even stated "It's not my problem", when advised of these losses. Who are they really protecting?

This is NOT a charity.

The Goldwater Institute is a group of lawyers who ask people for money “in the Defense of Liberty”, and they mean it, as long as your opinion of Liberty is the same as theirs.
The Goldwater institute claims to be a public taxpayer watchdog group. Their current (March 2011) projects include;

1) Overturn the Clean Elections law that was voted on by the Citizens of AZ. This is a law that allows anyone to run for public office and receive public funds to do so. This was passed by the citizens of Arizona in an effort to give the everyday man the opportunity to run for office, not just the rich fat cats that have always run politics.

2) Threatening a law suit against the city of Glendale Arizona in an effort to prevent the city from selling bonds to facility a major sports team remaining in their city for 25 years, and boosting the local economy. This effort would have a detrimental effect on the local economy, and elimination almost a thousand (1,000) local jobs. GWI is stating that this is a violation of the “Gift Clause” in the AZ Constitution, even though four independent legal opinions state that it is not. GWI’s constitution law expertise can be called into question as well since their stance on school vouchers was found to be violation of the Arizona Constitution.

3) Overthrow the blanket of Socialism that is “Obamacare” – that is taken almost directly from a fund raising piece I received in the mail.

The Goldwater Institute purports to represent the rights of the taxpayers but this claim is nothing more than lip service. When asked about the potential economic impacts of Glendale losing the Phoenix Coyotes such as lost jobs, tax increases and reduced services, the response from Goldwater was "not my problem." They want to make a point at the expense of the citizens of Glendale. Does this sound like a group that is representing your interests?

The Goldwater institute refuses to meet with any of the parties involved including, Sen John McCain, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and The City of Glendale. Yet they have plenty of time to appear on radio shows across Canada. If they are representing the rights of the Arizona taxpayers, why the need to speak to the Citizens of Canada? The Goldwater Institute is about generating publicity and notoriety hopefully leading to increased donations. Does this sound like a group that is representing your interests?

I fully support the existence of political watchdog groups. Just not The Goldwater Institute. They they have their own agenda that has nothing to do with the taxpayers.

This group has used tactics that makes people question this organizations true feelings towards issues. They have used inaccurate information or clips of articles to further there cause. The organization has been using its newest fame to do a pr tour of Canada when they are supposed to be an Arizona based watchdog. They have even as go as far to say they would battle against issues that citizens of Arizona fully endorse.

As a libertarian I cannot recommend this watchdog group. They claim to be a public watchdog group, yet run their organization like a PR firm. They make countless media appearances in Canada, refuse to be helpful in the current quagmire they have created- all for the sake of improving their notoriety.

If you are going to donate to someone, donate to the CATO Institute. Stay AWAY from Goldwater.

I am an Arizona taxpayer and citizen of Glendale and I am appalled at the actions of this organization. They say they are looking out for the greater good of the taxpayer, but a HUGE majority of the taxpayers are against their dealings with the city of Glendale and Phoenix Coyotes.

They are very secretive about who is funding them and they are doing media blitzes in Canada. How can we trust an organization that is more concerned what Canada thinks rather then the citizens of the state they are supposedly protecting. The main members of Goldwater are actually refusing to meet with all parties to work this out unless it is a press conference. I certainly have never heard of someone working out a business deal during a presser.

I strongly urge everyone to beware of Goldwater institute.

Charities work for the good of people and places. Goldwater institute is NOT a charity, they can barely be classed as a non-profit, they give nothing to anyone but themselves.

They are currently battling to chase the Phoenix Coyotes out of Arizona which will cause nearly irreparable harm to the city of Glendale and the state of Arizona as well.

Contrary to their statements, the Institute does not have the citizens of Arizona's best interests as much as they do have their own best interests at the forefront of all their concerns.

Power hungry, wanna be politicians courting the media spotlight in Canada even more than the country they claim as home. They are promoting themselves and raking in the contributions to build a profile and a platform from which to launch their own agendas from.

I do not recommend this organization because there is too much self interest at work here.

I am of the opinion that the Goldwater Institute is currently being obtuse and obstructionist in their dealings with the City of Glendale regarding the planned sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to the Hulsizer Group (Arizona Hockey Holdings LLC).

I feel that this organization is abusing the privilege of their bully pulpit and purposefully lengthening the course of events in this matter for their own gain. Their numerous appearances in the Canadian media points this out with great clarity, one must wonder why an organization with the purpose of protecting the US and state constitutions would feel the Canadian press is the correct outlet for their message.