Issues & Answers

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Public Policy Discussion and Debate

The vision of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy is to create a space where important policy decisions affecting our future are made through a process of civil discussion, critical analysis of facts, and informed participation of all citizens.

Our Issues & Answers online webcasts advance that vision by providing a way for citizens to learn about public policy issues affecting them by hearing from experts in the field and engaging with balanced and fact-based discussion and debate at a time and place convenient to them.

Aerial view of the Colorado River flowing between rocky, tan-colored canyon walls under a clear blue sky. The river's dark blue surface contrasts with the rugged, sunlit desert terrain surrounding it.

Water In Arizona: Past, Present and Future

The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute collaborated with Valley Leadership to present a leading panel of experts to discuss one of Arizona’s most precious and vital resources, water. In addition to the esteemed panelists, U.S. Senator Jon Kyl provided keynote remarks.

Four voting booths with American flags and "VOTE" signs are set up in a well-lit room, with sunlight streaming through large windows. People are partially visible casting their votes.

The Role of the Independent Voter and Dark Money in Elections

O’Connor Institute collaborated with NPR local affiliate KJZZ to present this 2014 election season Issues & Answers Forum to a full house. Among the more controversial issues covered was the so-called “Dark Money” and the U.S. Supreme Court’s lift on federal spending limits, as well as the Arizona Supreme Court’s opinion that could diminish the…

Census 2020: Arizona Congressional and Legislative Redistricting

March 5, 2020 | Phoenix, Arizona The O’Connor Institute presented an Issues & Answers Forum on “Census 2020: Arizona Congressional and Legislative Redistricting.” A distinguished panel consisting of Joseph Kanefield (Chief of Staff to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich), Mary O’Grady of Osborn Maledon, and R. Stanton Jones of Arnold Porter in Washington, D.C. shared…