NW Valley Times

Tucson radio show host Garret Lewis took to the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) to criticize Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs' choice to declare a state of emergency due to escalating temperatures in the state. Hobbs made this declaration on Aug. 11, along with issuing an executive order outlining future heat response measures.

"On Thursday, @katiehobbs said there was no reason to have a heat-related emergency order," Lewis tweeted. "On Friday, she issued a heat-related emergency order. What happened between Thursday and Friday? She is a clown."

Hobbs' state of emergency encompasses three counties: Coconino, Pinal and Maricopa. The document pertains to the period from June 30 to July 30, creating the impression that the order expired before being issued. The state of emergency was initiated due to heat advisories and a consecutive 30-day span of heat risk, according to the document.

The declaration of a state of emergency has stirred substantial backlash and criticism, particularly from Republican lawmakers who have expressed their concerns and disapproval, Fox 10 reported.

"Helpful reminder as @katiehobbs uses 'heat deaths' as an excuse to call a state of emergency and take away your freedoms," Lake said in a post on the X platform. "These people aren't dying because it's hot. They're overdosing on the meth that Hobbs and @JoeBiden are letting flow through our border."

"Congratulations to @katiehobbs for declaring a 'heat' state of emergency today for a time period that expired before she declared it," Lewis said in another post. "Only @GovernorHobbs could do this. Did she forget to edit an old draft while waiting for the legislature to end?"

Temperatures have soared to over 110 degrees, leading to 33 heat-related fatalities. As part of the state of emergency, a sum of $200,000 has been designated for the director of the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. This initiative is accompanied by an executive order outlining plans for additional cooling centers, proposing the establishment of future heat resiliency funds to tackle forthcoming weather-related requirements and more, according to Fox 10.