The Jan. 12 issue of New Times' flagship paper summarizes a report by Douglas Jones on "widespread problems within the Maricopa County [Ariz.] Elections Department." Jones, a University of Iowa computer science professor, has been a subject of controversy ever since state Sen. Jack Harper issued a subpoena allowing him to examine the county's voting machines. Both Harper and New Times, which paid for Jones' report, have been strongly criticized in the local press. New Times Editor Rick Barrs said local politicians and press have drummed up controversy over the subpoena to obscure the real story: local elections are ripe for error and fraud.
Barrs, who was editor-in-chief and "The Finger" at New Times LA until it was shuttered, takes over at New Times' flagship paper, according to a NT Media press release. Joining him in Phoenix as associate editor is Tony Ortega, who worked for Barrs in LA after starting his career in Phoenix. Meanwhile, former Associate Editor Patti Epler is named managing editor.