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Conservative Speaker Loren Spivack Addressed the Quail Creek Republicans on September 19th

Opening Remarks and Tributes

The Quail Creek Republican Club convened in the Ocotillo Room on September 19, 2025. Club President Pat Colburn welcomed attendees, acknowledging both returning members and newly joined participants. Following the introduction, invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance, Rich Ulery—former QCRC president—delivered a moving and poignant tribute to Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Ulery emphasized Kirk’s dedication to God, the Bible, his family, the Constitution, and the Republican Party. The tragic loss of Charlie Kirk was deeply felt, and Ulery noted that his absence would resonate within the community, nation and world for years to come.

Guest Speaker: Loren Spivack

Pat Colburn introduced the guest speaker, Loren Spivack, an economist, educator, advocate and champion. Spivack is renowned for his passionate belief in the free-market system and capitalism, asserting that this system offers the best means to organize society. He has dedicated his professional life to helping others understand why the free market works and highlighting the threats it faces from dictators, socialists, and revolutionaries around the world.

Often referred to as the “Free Market Warrior,” Spivack is known for his satirical and humorous approach to explaining American politics and economics. In 2009, he founded ‘Free Market Warrior’ to promote economic literacy and advocate for capitalism and free market principles. Through seminars conducted across the United States, he blends humor and education to clarify conservative ideas for diverse audiences.

Spivack has authored books under the pen name “Dr. Truth,” which are parodies of famous children’s stories. Using rhyme and illustrations, these books critique progressive politics and champion free market values. Spivack is a staunch defender of the values he believes made America great, emphasizing that freedom and liberty foster wealth and happiness. He warns that these ideals are under attack from the ideological descendants of Lenin, Woodrow Wilson, FDR, and Lyndon Johnson—all of whom he associates with modern socialist movements within the Democratic Party.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Loren Spivack spent much of his life in New York City. His work as “Dr. Truth” is characterized by clarity and humor, reminiscent of conservative radio legend Rush Limbaugh. Spivak’s philosophy posits that modern socialists and progressives are not motivated by principles, and he finds that satire and humor are effective tools for exposing the flaws of socialism. By making ridiculous comparisons, Spivak believes laughter leads to understanding and helps people grasp why socialism consistently fails in practice.

In closing Spivack emphasized the three greatest threats that Republicans are facing: loss of the Freedom of Speech, inequality in the interpretation of the Law, and demonization of Capitalism.  A short Q & A followed.

The Quail Creek Republican club welcomed Ted Maxwell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council

The Quail Creek Republican club welcomed Ted Maxwell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) at the August 21 meeting of the club.  Ted is a veteran of 34 years of military service.  He retired as a Major General in 2018 as Commander of the Arizona National Guard.  Ted acknowledged all the veterans in the room especially those who served in Korea and Viet Nam. 

Ted was appointed to serve on the Arizona State Transportation Board by Governor Ducey in 2021.

SALC is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to improve greater Tucson and the State of Arizona by bringing together resources and leadership to create action that will enhance the economic climate and quality of life in our communities.  The membership is made up of 159 members from elected officials, governing boards, business organizations and the community.

The focus areas of the SALC are

  • Education – Advance a P-20 education system that supports student matriculation to the highest possible levels and meets the region’s workforce needs
  •  Infrastructure – Promote efficient, effective water, energy, and communications infrastructure.
  •  Innovation – Foster and support a robust entrepreneurial culture and access to capital that sustains and grows the Innovation Economy of our region and state.
  • Non-partisan governance – Cultivate efficient and effective governance by addressing deficiencies at local, regional and state levels.
  • Healthcare – Champion a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system.

The SALC carries out their mission through engagement, collaboration and advocacy.

Ted spoke about the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) which currently has over 1.7 billion in invested revenues and over 1100 projects. 

Arizona has only two counties in the state that can support the RTA – Maricopa and Pima. He mentioned some of the historical and current deficiencies of the Arizona Transportation System – Arizona was the only state that lagged in the completion of I-10.    

Funding for roads and infrastructure is primarily through the gas tax which has not increased from 18 cents per gallon.  Arizona has the 4th lowest gas tax in the country.

The “Sonoran Corridor” or SR 410 has not been fully funded.   The state of Arizona Legislature funded part of the corridor.  Ted believes that once it’s finished, which won’t be for another 20 years or more, it will be the first Arizona toll road and essentially a bypass.  The road will run approximately 21/2 miles north of Quail Creek.  The current plan is three-fold with a Vail connection to the airport being the first. 

Ted discussed the goals of the road –

  • Improve vehicle mobility and the transportation system.
  •  Improve access to existing and future activity centers.
  • Reduce persistent traffic backups and congestion.
  • Address high-growth areas.
  • Address wildlife and environmental impacts.

Ted proposes modernizing our transportation system.  Current funding only covers road maintenance. The increased use of roads by heavier vehicles underscores the need for modernization.

The next meeting of the QC Republican Club will be Friday, September 19 beginning with coffee at 8:30 am.  The meeting will begin at 9AM in the Ocotillo/Mesquite rooms, Kino Conference Center.  The guest speaker will be Loren Spivak, a nationally known speaker and author.  Always with a fresh take, Loren examines the issues of our time through the eyes of an economist. And he reveals fundamental truths underlying the political challenges we face.

The QUAIL CREEK REPUBLICAN CLUB WELCOMES

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR ARIZONA GOVERNOR,

KARRIN TAYLOR ROBSON

At a standing room only June 20th QC Republican Club Meeting, President Pat Colburn welcomed Karrin Taylor Robson, Republican Candidate for Governor of Arizona.

Karrin opened her remarks speaking about Israeli freed hostage, Omer Shem Tov who she met with and heard the harrowing details of his inhumane treatment. 

Karrin spoke about who she is and why she is running for governor.  Her campaign this year is different from when she ran for Arizona Governor 4 years ago; now she has President Trump’s back and his endorsement. 

 She has a background in land use law.   After graduating college, She was a staff assistant for President Ronald Reagan‘s economic policy council, her father, Carl Kunasek, was president of the Arizona State Senate and a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission.

She is the Founder and President of Arizona Strategies.  She has served on the boards of numerous government, community and economic development organizations.  She currently serves as a member of the Civic Leaders Group for the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, the board of American Council of Trustees and Alumni, USSAZ Legacy Foundation, St. Vicent De Paul, Creighton University Board of Trustees, and a member of the board of Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC).

She also serves as the chairwoman of the Arizona PAC, an organization that fought to defend Arizona’s one-vote majorities in the House and Senate and in so doing helped expand the Republican majorities in both chambers.

Her children inspired her to seek public office, and she is a strong believer in “giving back” to those who came before us.    She is the mother of 4 children and a grandmother and the wife of Ed Robson.   

Her platform priorities are Security, Economy and Education. 

Security

  • A Strong Border
  • Community Security

Economy

  • A diversified economic base
  • DOGE!
  • Karen hopes to make Arizona the Startup Capitol of the World by attracting young innovative minds.

Education

  • School Choice
  • Emphasis on reading at the 3rd grade level

Karrin is a conservative champion and pro-life advocate.

Karrin fielded several questions from the audience.

There is no meeting in July.  The next meeting will be Thursday, August 21 at 9AM, 8:30 Coffee in the Kino Conference Center, Ocotillo/Mesquite rooms.  The guest speaker will be Ted Maxwell.  Ted Maxwell joined the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) in April 2013. He assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2018. 

Ted retired as a Major General in 2018.  His final military position was as the Commander of the Arizona Air National Guard. 

In May 2021, Governor Ducey appointed Maxwell to the Arizona State Transportation Board for a six-year term, representing Pima County.

For more information on the Quail Creek Republican Club contact Membership Chair Lin Sanford at linsanford@gmail.com  or President Pat Colburn at patcolburn5@hotmail.com. 

Quail Creek Republicans Hear from Local Host of Wake Up with Chris DeSimone


The Quail Creek Republican Club met in the Kino Conference Center Friday, May 23. President Pat Colburn welcomed all attendees.

She gave the floor to Christi Emery, Precinct #84 Committeeman to discuss the latest information and news about Precinct 84. Christie recognized several of the precinct workers who were in attendance.

Pat then introduced Chris DeSimone, the meeting’s guest speaker.

Chris is the host of the talk radio show “Wake Up, with Chris DeSimone!” Chris is also the Vice President of Business Development for two companies, Live The Dream Media LLC and Blue-Chip Planning. Chris was born and raised in New York but now calls Oro Valley home. He is an unabashed supporter of all conservative causes. He speaks his mind and lets his audience know where he stands on those issues and causes. His Facebook description describes himself as a stubborn advocate for business owners, taxpayers and the working poor.

Chris began by reviewing the ineffectiveness of the previous administration and the wild ride that we have been on for the past 4 months and the success of Republicans gaining control of both houses of the Arizona state legislature. He emphasized the need for Republicans to win elections and that ALL Republicans need to support the most conservative candidate who can win. That led to a discussion of Andy Biggs versus Karrin Taylor Robson for Governor and more discussion on reasons to avoid a contentious primary.

Chris then switched to county, city and school board elections and announced that he is going to run for Oro Valley City Council. He brought up an idea that he has floated about annexations and areas breaking off and forming a new county. He stressed the importance of good candidates running for any of those three entities. He emphasized the importance of these positions as building a “farm team” for more advanced political positions.

A very active and engaging Q&A session followed.

Pat then gave some closing comments and gave a brief outline of the year’s planned guest speakers and events. The planned guest for June is Karrin Taylor Robson, candidate for the primary for Arizona Governor.

You can join the club for the first time or renew your membership for 2025 by visiting the club’s website at www.quailcreekrepublicans.com or contact Pat Colburn at 720-530-3594 or patcolburn5@hotmail.com for more information. 

Steve Sanford, 1st VP

Quail Creek Republicans Receive Information About the Arizona Corporation Commission

The Quail Creek Republican Club met at the Madera Ballroom on Friday, April 18.  President Pat Colburn welcomed all attendees and acknowledged newly joined members.

A current 2028 Republican candidate for the Presidency, Gary Bavr, was introduced for a five-minute introduction of himself and his agenda for the future of the Republican Presidency.  He is a pro-President Trump candidate and will continue with the America First Agenda.

Kevin Thompson, current Chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission, was the guest speaker. 

In January 2023, Kevin was sworn in to a four-year term as a Commissioner with the Arizona Corporation Commission. In January 2025 he was elected by his peers as Chair of the Arizona Corporation.  He currently serves on the Western Energy Imbalance (WEIM) Body of State Regulators (BOSR), an independent, self-governing states committee.  He has over 25 years of utility, regulatory, and public service experience, including serving as a twice-elected Mesa City Councilman.

Kevin was previously the Manager of New Business Development for Southwest Gas for over 12 years, responsible for all new business engineering including the sale, design, and installation of billions of dollars of natural gas pipelines for residential, multi-family, retail, and commercial development.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is the recipient of multiple awards and recognition.

Kevin explained the mission of the Commission:
“The Arizona Corporation Commission’s mission is to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable utility services; have railroad and pipeline systems that are operated and maintained in a safe manner; grow Arizona’s economy as we help local entrepreneurs achieve their dream of starting a business; modernize an efficient, effective, and responsive government agency; and protect Arizona citizens by enforcing an ethical securities marketplace.”

In keeping with the club’s emphasis on educating members, the attendees received a complete explanation of the necessity of the Arizona Corporation Commission in the state government and the various functions of the Commission to protect the citizens of Arizona. The Commission was created as part of the State Constitution in 1912.  It is an independent Commission created separately from the executive, legislative and judiciary branches of the state government.

Surprisingly, Kevin told the attendees that prior to 2023 the Commission did not adhere to any meeting rules of order, but that changed when Kevin and Nick Myers, another Republican Commission member, instituted Robert’s Rules of Order.

After explaining the current staffing of the Commission, Kevin reviewed all the ongoing issues facing the Commission from regulating rates for electric, natural gas, telephone and water/wastewater to pipeline and railroad safety.

Following his presentation, Kevin entertained 30 minutes of questions and answers.  Many thoughtful questions were presented including ones concerning the increase of power requirements for future data centers in the state, water usage for new mining ventures and the future of Small Modular Reactors (SMR).

Pat Colburn then made some announcements about upcoming events and meetings.  Unfortunately, the proposed trip to Douglas was scrapped.  The planned guest for the May meeting is Chris DeSimone, local radio host and small business advocate.   Karrin Taylor Robson, 2026 gubernatorial candidate, has been scheduled for the June 20th meeting. 

The Quail Creek Republican Club continues to pursue its goal to be the most educational and FUN club in Quail Creek. For more information and membership forms, visit the website at www.quailcreekrepublicans.com.

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani and Mayor Tom Murphy
Visit the Quail Creek Republican Club

The Quail Creek Republican Club (QCRC) met on Friday, March 21. A standing room only crowd filled the Kino Conference Center to hear from recently re-elected Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. QCRC 1st VP Steve Sanford welcomed the capacity crowd, greeted new QCRC members and introduced Congressman Ciscomani.

Ciscomani has been a regular visitor to Quail Creek and thanked QCRC members for their support in the November election. He provided a comprehensive update on the congressional activities in Washington, D.C., including the rapidly improving conditions at the southern border. He recently hosted a number of freshmen congressmen and women at the border and gave them a first-hand view. He extensively discussed the actions of DOGE, the Dept. of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. He emphasized that the focus and goal of DOGE is to identify where significant savings can be realized by rooting out fraud, waste and abuse while still ensuring that governmental services continue to be delivered to citizens who truly need them. He specifically referred to services provided by Veterans Affairs and Medicaid. The congressman also addressed the recently passed continuing resolution (CR) which keeps the government running through September and avoids a shutdown. The CR was passed through the budget reconciliation process which requires only a majority vote in both the U.S. House and Senate. He stressed, however, that any changes to Social Security or Medicare cannot be made through the budget reconciliation process. A majority vote in the House and a super majority of 60 votes in the Senate would be required to make any changes. The congressman summed up his presentation by inviting anyone with questions or concerns to contact his office. He received a standing ovation.
 
Steve then introduced Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy, also a frequent visitor to the Quail Creek Republican Club. Mayor Murphy spoke about several town issues, including economic development, water, road construction concerns – especially about the intersection of S. Abrego Drive and Nogales Highway. He also provided additional detail about the recent Town Council decision to contract with single trash collection provider. The decision was made to reduce costs for Sahuarita residents and to save taxpayer dollars flowing to the town. The mayor answered numerous questions from all attendees and stayed after the meeting to answer more questions.
 
Steve Sanford announced that the featured speaker for the April 18 QCRC meeting will be Commissioner Kevin Thompson of the Arizona Corporation Commission. A field trip to the border city of Douglas is planned for May with a stop in Sierra Vista, where Cochise County Sheriff, Mark Dannels, will give us a personal tour of the county jail. More exciting meetings and events are planned throughout the year. For more information about the QCRC and for membership forms, please visit the website at www.quailcreekrepublicans.com.
 
By Rich Ulery