Why me? I’ve been asking myself…..or I should say, why us? Mrs. Thom has really done it this time. Not only to the City of Mesa, a huge continual concern with the usual devastating outcomes, but for ordinary people like me who want to be take pride in the accomplishments our District Councilmember makes.I am still in shock over Thom’s actions regarding Williams Gateway, allowing a homebuilder to come in, build a tract of homes in the airport’s runway path, and throw out the greatest potential District 6 has and what Williams Gateway can do economically for the City of Mesa. I remember Janie Thom making a public statement just before this Council vote, that Williams Gateway is the "shining star" (a phrase I have used to describe Williams Gateway/ASU Polytechnic) in Southeast Mesa, her very own District. Have you been listening to Tom Rawles? My goodness, I guess two is company. There’s not much more to say. That sinking feeling is still there, realizing the councilmember in my own district, who touts the wonderful ambitions for our future around Williams Gateway, just does not make sense. Bingo! Call it the Council buddy system, I can’t find the words to express my disappointment; I’m stunned and cannot believe the people we put our trust in to make decisions for the whole city, who should be able to set aside their own personal views and/or dislikes, really doesn’t have Mesa’s best interest in mind.
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I agree with Ms Corea. I was so upset with that decision that when the case was replayed on Mesa’s channel 11 that I taped it. It looked like it caught the council completly by surprise. Even Tom Rawls, who also voted no to the zoning case had a look of surprise by the vote of Ms Thom. Mayor Hawker asked each council member before the vote was taken if anyone had any comments on the case, he even asked Ms. Thom for any comments, and she just sat quietly by and said she had no comment. Afer the vote was taken, vice mayor Walters, who was visibly upset by the vote commented that if a council member was going to vote NO, that they must explain their vote. Mayor Hawker also agreed. I’m not going to go into Ms. Thom’s explaination, but it was totally idiotic. The council meeting ended and Vice Mayor Walters stormed out of the chambers almost before the vote to ajourn was taken (I don’t blame her).
As Vice mayor Walters puts it “This vote has the potential of shutting down Williams Gateway Airport” (I believe she said that out of frustration). Though I’m not sure that will happen, I do think that this vote could certainly stunt the growth of the airport and could cause the zoning staff and council a lot of trouble in the future.
As for the sales and property tax measures, I normally would be against those items, but after going to the town meetings and talking with people who were on the 2025 committee, I find myself in favor of these taxes.
What a wonderful testimony from Steve Ikeda! Someone who says he would normally be against the sales and property tax measures, but took the initiative to inquire and learn why - before coming to a final decision.
He asked questions, looked at the reasons these taxes are needed, discussed the issues with others, with experts in order to come to his own conclusion; thereby making an informed decision.
Every single one of us would be doing ourselves and the city a favor if we explore every area of concern, reach a decision based on our own research, and then vote as an informed resident of Mesa.
Mr. Ikeda’s description of Thom’s vote regarding Williams Gateway and reaction that followed…. simply tells the story. The disappointment, shock, and bewilderment clearly seen by all, including Councilmember Rawles, captured a clear indication of unpredictable behavior.
I know the depth of the impact and consequences this will have on our city measured by Mayor Hawker’s comments…I’ve never seen him publicly express the disappointment of a councilmember’s action. The vote that defeated the economic plan around Williams Gateway was a real blow to Mesa, to all of us.
Again, Ms. Corea exaggerates the issue. She claims Janie Thom’s vote “defeated the economic plan around Williams Gateway.” This is not true.
Mr. Ikeda
In response to your comment on character assassination. The only rolling of the eyes came from Ms. Thom, and the property at Ellot and Ellsworth is just the begining. As a representative of the zoning staff stated - Allowing this zoning would set a dangerous precedent to others who wanted residential zoning. Others speaking up against the zoning included a representative of Boeing and the Mayor of Gilbert. There was one other individual representing a smaller company who spoke up against the zoning, but I don’t have the name of that company off the top of my head.
As far as exaggerating and overreacting because of the outcome of this decision? Well, I sincerely hope you’re correct, and as for assassinating Ms. Thom’s character, she doesn’t need any help doing that.
How one presents themselves is key to a vote. When members discuss an issue, talk about their stand and reasons why, there is an expectation becasue you believe what each member says.
It becomes a problem afterward if a member continues to appear to be in agreement with an issue then changes their mind without warning or discussion when asked if there are questions or concerns.
This scenario is contrary to team building, thus the shock and surprise.
And that merits painting her character as less than valuable? By resorting to sensationalism claiming the Gateway Economic Project is dead?
She is opposed to the Property Tax, thus she reflects my vote. Your view as to whether or not that’s “team building” has no merit.
What matters is the voters and the owners of Property in the District she represents. That’s the true team.
OK, lets stick to the facts. You posted that the city spent $100,000 on the Mesa Arts Center. Not True. In 1998, a vote was brought to the voters and passed by the voters to build the Mesa Arts Center through a “Quality Of Life” tax (QOL). The money from this tax was used to build and pay for the Arts Center. This facility is Free & Clear from any liens and even if the Mesa Arts Center was not built, Mesa would still be in its current financial situation.’
Another fact: I never said I was opposed to the owner challenging the zoning change, you’ll have to show me where I wrote that. I certainly do respect respect property rights, just because I support a city property tax doesn’t mean I don’t - after all, I also pay sales tax and support the sales tax measure, that doesn’t mean I don’t think merchants shouldn’t have rights.
As far as these taxes being our “CASH COW”. If these measures pass, I don’t see or get to keep any of it!
As far as character assination, well You’re the one that started that label. But I will refrain from using that phrase if you will.
$100,000,000 for Arts Center, not $100,000
I’m trying to understand your mentality. In 1998, the Quality Of Life (QOL) Tax was passed and the money was spent to build the Arts Center. Had the voters not voted for the QOL tax, then the Center would not have been built. No money would have been spent to build the Center because it would have come from the QOL tax. There was a shortfall from the revenue that was raised from the QOL tax of about $4,000,000 but the money raised to fully complete the project came from PRIVATE donors, about $4.7 million.
The reason I’m not complaining about the zoning challenge? The owners had EVERY RIGHT to do so, thats why. So you see, I do respect the rights of property owners. I said that before in my last post, but I guess you ignored that. As far as me ripping into a member of the city council(Janie Thom), well, you got that right!
In the 2000 General Election, the good people of Mesa overwhelmingly approved an Initiative Measure to amend the City Charter prohibiting both a City Real Estate Property Tax and a Personal Property Tax without a vote of the people.
Six years later, four members of the Mesa City Council and Mayor Hawker think you may have forgotten the wise decision you made in 2000. Their maneuver to send a primary property tax to the ballot for your consideration indicates a lack of respect for you, their constituents.
Recent threats to close city libraries, discontinue youth swimming programs, close parks and golf courses, and are just those - threats. The intent is to leverage a