Inside Mesa

Tuesday, I had the privilege of hearing Chief Theresa Malila of Malawi, Africa, here in Mesa.She was the guest speaker for the Women’s Ministry at Word of Grace and will be speaking at services next weekend, May 5/6PM & May 6/9AM & 11AM. What a story, what a reality, what a time to help millions living in devastating conditions. Chief Malila shared, that of the 12 million in Malawi, 2 million are orphans, 85% live in abject poverty at $1 a day - with a greater portion of the population under the age of 15, 33% of the children are malnourished, 8 million women and children are in prison: living in injustice, ignorance, abuse, rape, violence. Women walk 25k to a hospital to give birth - if not on the way, 12 year old children care for other children because their parent(s) must work. They walk 10-20K to get water from a river - where animals drink, where they bathe. Agriculture is 80% of their produce, 70% are women that do the farming. HIV/AIDS takes many lives, but Malaria is the biggest killer - not AIDS.Chief Malila, comes from a professional life, a life she left 5-6 years ago; now Malawi’s advocate. She tells us that although 80% are illiterate but the African people are not bitter - they have hope. Often we’re not aware of the many in so much need - until we hear the reports of those that have witnessed the unthinkable. Karl Mueller, Associate Minister, Outreach - sends teams throughout the year to locations around the globe, including Africa - and introduces global ministry speakers to the community at Word of Grace, Mesa. Chief Malila will leave you with something to think about - if you take the opportunity to come and hear her.

Ray Jensen, Associate Vice President for University Business Services at ASU, receives highest recognition from The National Association of Education Procurement (NAEP).Jensen was recently "In the Spotlight" of the ASU Insight , April 13, p. 12 - during the 2006 annual recognition awards held at the NAEP’s annual meeting in San Jose, as the recepient of the Bert C. Ahrens Award - the highest form of recognition by NAEP. His work for "outstanding contributions to the procurement profession over an extended period of time" is well deserved and only given on occasion.I know Ray Jensen as a past ASU employee, through MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments)and transportation issues, and as a board member at Mesa’s Word of Grace church.

Residents of District 6 will have the opportunity to discuss concerns with Councilman Scott Somers - including a FREE breakfast.This Saturday, April 28, Fire Station 205, 730 S. Greenfield Road from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM is the place to gather.With the latest news on Mesa’s city budget and possible proposal for a new bond to meet the needs presented from the fire and police departments - now is the time to ask Somers the questions you may have. There will also be city department representatives on hand to ensure all your questions will be answered from not only the well informed councilmember, but those that work with issues you may be interested in on a daily basis.As we recall - last year left both departments short of what was needed to continue in a timely and efficient way. With city growth those needs are more critical than ever - and so is additional revenue. Remember, the fire department provides much more than putting out fires! Most of the time you see a fire truck at accidents or anytime, anywhere a paramedic is needed. Training facilities are part of the process in adequately serving the community. Police reported receiving 7800 calls in the last 28 days and 61 auto thefts. Resources, up-to-date communication systems, and modernizing other programs is a key factor to response times and keeping our city safe.The total request for public safety is $77.8 million. If bundled with street projects the estimated bond package could total $270 million - with a built-in secondary property tax. Secondary property taxes are higher than a primary property tax - a tax that Mesa has not had for 60 years.

Gary Kinnaman, Senior Minister, Word of Grace, Mesa, approached last year by Jannah Scott, Policy Advisor to the Governor on Faith and Community Initiatives (FCI) to serve on the Governor