Builder's lobbyist implies he might hit City lobbyist over impact fee dispute

(AZ) Builders lobbyists want break from impact fees that pay for sewer, roads, etc, because of tough economic times. City of Phoenix lobbyist raised the point that the builders didn't made immense profits during the boom years. Builder's lobbyist implied he might physically hit her, when he said he had "never had hit a woman before."

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Political Insider: Harsh times make for harsh words

by Mary Jo Pitzl

It's a given that tempers flare and nerves fray as the legislative session nears its finish.

But on Saturday, an exchange got downright nasty.

City of Phoenix lobbyist Karen Peters and home builders rep Spencer Kamps were meeting with Sen. Jonathan Paton, R-Tucson, to explain their opposing views on what the Legislature should do about city impact fees, one of the sticky issues holding up a budget resolution.

Peters' position is the state government should stay out of the cities' policies on the fees, which are charged to developers and home builders to cover the cost of infrastructure, such as roads, sewer and parks.

The Central Arizona Homebuilders Association has long chafed at the fees, charging that they're an impediment and drive up the cost of construction. Kamps noted that his members are going broke in the current economic climate, and some relief is needed.

Well, Peters piped up, there were all those years when home builders were raking in the profits. To which Kamps remarked that he never had hit a woman before, suggesting he was about to.

Stunned, and trying to break the tension, Peters made a joke about sending out her little brother to get Kamps.

Paton confirmed the incident. "He said he was upset because all his members are going bankrupt," he said of Kamps, who promptly apologized.

"These are difficult times," Paton added.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2009/06/30/20090...