Arizona Republic biz columnist departs amid reorganization

Arizona Republic business columnist Jon Talton is leaving the paper as part of a reorganization that resulted in the elimination of his column, according to a Phoenix Business Journal article.

Chris Casacchia wrote, “‘I chose not to accept other opportunities that the company offered,’ he wrote in a note to friends and colleagues. ‘For six-and-a-half years I enjoyed one of the best jobs in journalism, and I give the Republic and Gannett credit for supporting me during that time in the face of heavy pressure to silence me or fire me.’

“Talton, whose column appeared Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, devoted much writing space to criticizing the Republican legislature, urging the state to invest more in education and spending programs, and griping about the lack of high wage jobs and industries in the region.

“‘I got to live a dream: writing a column in my hometown, honestly assessing our situation and calling us to our opportunities,’ he said in the letter. ‘I was also privileged to meet many wonderful people, making new friendships and renewing old ones. I will always carry Arizona and Phoenix around in my heart.’

“Talton also wrote a blog on the Republic’s Web site, azcentral.com, and recently wrote the novel ‘Arizona Dreams,’ published by Poisoned Pen Press.”

Read more here.