Other articles by Howard Fischer:

At least 11 measures likely to be on ballot Low cost to state aim of points-free photo radar tickets Group seeks easing of Arizona law targeting employers of illegal immigrants Appeals court: State can seize wire transfers Backers of tax boost for roads squabble over funds, petitions School vouchers OK for now, but funds aren't there Initiative to scuttle affirmative action faces court challenge New homes could get new warrantiesAz voter initiative would require 10-year new-home warranty Legislature's handiwork: 300 new laws

Administrative & Professional
Tucson Symphony
Teleservices Sales/Courtesy Rep Trades/Construction
Paragon Electric
Electricians Trades/Construction
Jacobs Electric
Electricians & Helpers Production and Manufacturing
Pioneer Landscaping
Crushing Crew Health Care
FRONT OFFICE Trades/Construction
Pioneer Landscaping
Yard Person/Loader Operator General
Prestige maintenance USA
Custodian

PHOENIX — Gov. Janet Napolitano all but vowed to veto legislation to tear down part of the state's 9/11 Memorial and replace phrases on it with a simple timeline.

The governor acknowledged Wednesday some of the 54 sayings on the ring-shaped monument across from the state Capitol have caused concern. These include one that erroneously said U.S. aircraft dropped bombs on civilians in Afghanistan and another referring to al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden addressing the American people.

But the governor said the commission that designed the monument heard the concerns.

"They took hours and hours of public testimony once the memorial was up on changes that needed to be made," Napolitano said.

The commission voted to remove the two offending statements, replacing them with things like "God Bless America," and agreed to erect two free-standing panels to explain exactly what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, when Islamic fundamentalist terrorists hijacked four aircraft and flew three of them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in Pennsylvania.

"So there was a good, healthy, transparent process in response to the public reaction," the governor said.

That process, however, didn't appease Rep. John Kavanagh. The Fountain Hills Republican shepherded legislation through the House Government Committee earlier this week to remove all the phrases.

"The most offensive phrases remain," he said Wednesday.

One that has caused some consternation says, "You don't win battles of terrorism with more battles."

"Many consider that to be an insult to the troops we sent to the Middle East to fight the terrorists after 9/11," he said. And Kavanagh said another phrase, "Fear of foreigners," which backers said reflects people's reaction in the days following the attacks, "paints a very negative picture of the people of Arizona."

Napolitano said she's inclined to reject HB 2700 when it reaches her desk.

The governor refused to say outright that she would veto the measure but noted it will be tough for Kavanagh to override the commission.

The version of the bill Kavanagh finally introduced had the signatures of 79 of the other 89 legislators, including many Democrats. But the measure got out of the Government Committee on a 4-3 party-line vote, with all the Democrats voting against it.

Complicating the politics is the fact the 9/11 Commission already has raised the money from private donors for the changes it approved and has started work. The memorial now is fenced off while the alterations are being made.

Kavanagh, however, said other donors are willing to give the money — $100,000 to $300,000 — for the more extensive changes his legislation would mandate.