Archive for the 'City Government' Category
October 16th, 2008, 2:46 pm by Sharon
I’ve been wanting to clean out some old files and documents stored away - now is the time to get it done for free! Perhaps you’ve got some too.
The City of Gilbert is hosting the event as Gilbert Police - Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office - Iron Mountain Records management with their diesel-powered paper shredder join together to fight Identity Theft!
A great way to serve the Valley, assisting all of us to help fight crime by protecting our identity - documents and papers with sensitive information and protect our vehicles as well! Details:
- Saturday, October 18th
- 9:00 AM - NOON
- Houston Avenue and Gilbert Road
- Limit - 5 boxes
- VIN etching available
- “Watch your Car” program offered - not on the road 1 AM-5 AM? The decal can prompt police to stop the car and ask for proof of ownership.
Come to the Shred-A-Thon and take advantage of this great opportunity to help protect yourself from crime!
Posted in: City Government | Post a Comment »
October 9th, 2008, 7:24 pm by Sharon
What a great way to spend Saturday, October 11th - a FREE pancake breakfast with your friends and neighbors in District 6!
This is your opportunity to hear from Councilmember Scott Somers, ask questions, get answers and meet with other city officials that will be on hand. An informal atmosphere with plenty to eat while learning about those things that effect you in your district and in the City of Mesa. Be sure to come!
The breakfast is being held at Fire Station 212 (firemen are great cooks!), 2430 S. Ellsworth Road. That’s just north of Baseline on Ellsworth on the west side of the street. Hours are 8:00 am to 10:00 am.
While you’re scheduling - Saturday, October 18th the city is hosting the GAIN event that brings Police, Fire, Solid Waste, other department employees plus Council Members into neighborhoods.
Go to City of Mesa Police Gain Department on line for more information.
<u>Next</u> - Saturday, October 25th will be City Hall at the Mall at Superstition Mall - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lots of stuff to see and learn about! Be sure and bring the kids!!! Police will have their K9 unit, Swat Team, and robot, command van, helicopter, squad vehicles, motorcycles for public viewing, and Mesa Fire! Rrepresentatives from City departments will be at center court - and you may win a $200 Westcor gift card along with other prizes!
Check out Today in Mesa - the citywide events calendar for everything going on in Mesa!
Posted in: City Government | Post a Comment »
September 29th, 2008, 9:17 pm by Sharon
December 8th marks the date for the next crucial meeting that has the potential to open a gateway to remarkable growth and opportunity for the southeast valley and northern Pinal County.
That meeting is a group of southeast mayors and government officials that will discuss items including trust land development of the 275 mile sq. mile Superstition Vistas, transportation, and Phoenix-Gateway Airport. The group: Gateway-Northern Pinal Area Alliance of Government that include mayors of Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Mesa, Florence, with Supervisors from Pinal County, and Arizona State Land Department Commissioner.
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith surely vocalizes all concerns to work effectively to coordinate efforts.
Uppermost in my mind are transportation needs, making sure people that live in these areas now - and in the future - have adequate, safe, plentiful transportation methods including good roads, freeway access, transit bus, and/or rail. Someone needs to come up with the finances to take care of their constituents, residents, students, employees, mothers transporting children, fathers traveling miles to work - people come first!
Meetings will be scheduled quarterly, the December 8th meeting is being held at the Queen Creek Public Library (Ellsworth & Ocotillo) and open to the public.
The article appeared yesterday in the East Valley Tribune on-line news under Mesa.
Posted in: City Government • Mesa News | Post a Comment »
September 25th, 2008, 11:12 pm by Sharon
We’ve all seen or heard about many of the disasters that happen in our country, but what about you and your family? Are you ready? Captain Gabe Sezate, Emergency Management, Mesa Fire Department - has a day planned for us!
You’ll want to show up Saturday, September 27th from 9am - 2 pm when Mesa Fire and Police will be on hand along with others to help our community know how to be prepared!
There will be plenty to do and see, including free seminars on Family Disaster Preparedness, what do with pets, and how about your employees - all critical information we need to know.
Another plus is family entertainment, free prizes, and a kids catch and release fish tank - the day will be educational and fun. Many community partners are hosting the event making available this wonderful opportunity.
The place: Bass Pro Shops at Mesa Riverview - 1133 North Dobson - Loop 202 and Dobson.
Check out these web sites for emergency information in Arizona: WWW.AZ211.GOV WWW.READY.GOV
Posted in: City Government • Mesa News | 1 Comment »
September 9th, 2008, 3:55 pm by Sharon
When 3 Southwest Airline flights were diverted to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in one short time-frame this week, it was a first and much needed! Those flights, all 737’s totaled 173 passengers that were sent to Gateway because of the unusual winds at Sky Harbor. I can imagine pilots and passengers were very happy they had a short distance to land and re-fuel!
Another article appearing today shows the results of an ASU Study and the positive economic impact the airport has generated: 500 million that supported 4500 jobs! Thanks to all those that have supported and continue to see Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport as a major component in making the southeast region of our area a huge asset and for the State of Arizona.
Posted in: City Government • Mesa News | Post a Comment »
February 12th, 2008, 8:55 pm by Sharon
The ratio of non-Hispanic whites are shrinking, according to an article on-line and in today’s Tribune, A1. Senior Research Analyst Jeffrey Passel at Pew Hispanic, gave some pretty daunting figures.
It boils down to this - especially in AZ where so many come to retire, or migrate here from other states and countries; if we don’t embrace immigration in a productive, workable fashion - we’re going down the tubes faster than anywhere else!
The study made the math pretty simple. We have a senior population on the rise - the Census Bureau predicts that AZ in 2030 could have 41 seniors for every 100 working age, and 45 children under 18 - resulting in a dependency ratio of 86. That’s not good! It leaves fewer in the working population.
Immigration brings working age people who have children born in the U.S. To slow that process down, and since the study is based on a nationwide ratio, could be be the “kiss of death” to the U.S. economy.
When it comes to the census, at least in AZ, it’s generally well-known that not all immigrants show themselves counted for fear of what the government may do - even though the government is held by law to protect and not divulge any one’s identity in this process. I understand this is strictly adhered to; without an accurate account of those residing in the state, the state does not receive federal funds actually due it.
I’m wondering, do those that seem so slow in addressing immigration reform - know these facts? Perhaps. I’m convinced cooperation is the key.
These political issues, and so many more, are really too much for me to give another thought to. Therefore, I’d like to leave it to the experts of the world. As for me - it is: Adios!
Posted in: City Government • Cultural Trends | 1 Comment »
February 11th, 2008, 5:34 pm by Sharon
Reviewing some of the press releases on the many races for City Council, including District 5 - which includes a short video, I looked over the list of those running and heard what each said.
Keeping that in mind, looking at Mesa’s bright future, Arizona as a whole, and some of the immediate concerns our country faces; an obvious solution may be to “raise the bar” so to speak, when we cast that vote.
By now, one may have guessed what that might be. It’s the one piece the council lacks, and the one element until now, the people of Mesa have not entertained as a possibility. Maybe it’s the timing, or realizing we have a candidate that can fill that position quite aptly.
Phil Austin, who happens to be Hispanic, would be very helpful toward lending another qualified voice at the table. That in itself doesn’t qualify him; it does, however, bring the advantage of a cultural understanding and an ability to communitcate with this particular segment of Mesa’s population. Important in my opinion and missing in the overall picture. He brings with him, the legal aspect of someone committed to civil rights law; an Attorney versed on Employee -Employer Rights, is an asset to everyone.
Of course, that’s not the sum of his qualifications; he’s clearly community minded, active in city functions, well versed on transportation issues, growth issues, public safety concerns, business, and a well known respected resident, contributing throughout Mesa.
Our city, state, and nation is grappling with issues such as our economy and immigration issues. Topics particular to Mesa for a very long time - economic development at the forefront, touches many other related issues. It would seem the most prudent thing to do, is to have someone Hispanic in the process - for starters. For Mesa, an appropriate place in my opinion, would be on the city council.
Phil Austin, Esq., his thoughts on how he would serve Mesa, to me were the most impressive and the most cohesive for District 5 and for Mesa.
Posted in: City Government • Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
November 19th, 2007, 2:12 am by Sharon
In May 2007, Governor Napolitano had met with and received approval from the White House to bring the Faith and Community Initiatives Conference to AZ and to be the new conference model.
I’m wondering - how this has worked out in the many communities that participated; are they making a difference in their community? - collaborating with others to bring about social transformation?
There are great needs all over our state and nation; it is possible to make a big difference. The Governor went to the White House out of community concern. It was also after meeting with a group of conservative pastors that understood and caught the vision.
President Bush supports the states being involved in FCI - he surely sees these needs as do we in our own community. FCI allows the states to highlight their local efforts through state agencies, non-profits, federal funds, and business. Are we utilizing these along with our faith-based community? Are the outreach departments doing their part?
I know for a fact that Word of Grace, through their Outreach Department, engage those within the congregation to participate in numerous ways and continue to be a significant contributor to our community in Mesa. Our pastor, Dr. Kinnaman was actually chair of the White House FCI Conference. Having volunteered in several efforts I know how deeply rewarding it is to give to another in need.
The conference theme: One Arizona - Compassion, Collaboration, Action - some that participated: Prison Fellowship, Food for the Hungry, Phoenix Seminary and Alma Vision Hispanic TV Net work, United Way, Office of the Mayor-Phoenix, Maricopa County Attorney Office, and many more.
Workshops focused on: Grants, initiatives with HIV/AIDS and malaria, workforce development, homelessness, emergency preparedness, substance abuse recovery, mental health care, foster care, prison initiatives, community development strategies, health promotion and disease prevention, veterans issues, marriage and family initiatives, and vulnerable populations of children and youth, elders, the poor, and victims of domestic violence.
Are we joining in, making a difference, using the potential we have, in areas we’ve been given the ability to help? It is a great joy to give, and a very humble place to receive when in a place of need. I’m so thankful, I’ve experienced both.
Posted in: City Government • Uncategorized | Post a Comment »
November 15th, 2007, 10:27 pm by Sharon
Chief Gascon reveals details of last night’s shooting in Mesa which involved a 20 year old man that used violence against his mother.
The incident ended with two police officers having to use deadly force when the man refused to comply to commands as he aggressively moved toward officers with a 9″ hunting knife with 5″ blade.
The timeliness of the briefing was important to the community - a tragic ending to the family and the officers involved who immediately were put on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
Keeping Mesa Police busy also brought 85 arrests this week as they tracked down suspected gang members, seizing drugs and weapons.
Also, be careful - think twice and use good etiquette on the road. Another story on road rage reported today resulting in heavy cuts and a broken nose as two men in their vehicles traveled on Mesa Drive. One followed the other to a liquor store at Broadway to confront the offender - it’s dangerous out there!
With a focus on proactively targeting crime, the Mesa Police Department has brought about a safer community and reduced crime rates.
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November 8th, 2007, 3:06 am by Sharon
Wednesday, the EV Tribune featured front page was a joyful sight - a celebration that provided support from voters to move forward with Waveyard; a resort and adventure park sure to put Mesa on the “map”.
In the background are Mesa familiar faces Rex Griswold, Mayoral candidate and Bryan Jeffries, President United Mesa Firefighters Association, who supported the development - now realizing the victory are all smiles.
A great day for west Mesa and the city. Living in east Mesa, I’m seeing many areas developed and business continues to grow, especially along US 60. At Signal Butte just south of the freeway a huge shopping area with restaurants, IMAX theater, fitness center, a variety of shopping is filling in on both sides of Signal Butte.
The same business growth also at Greenfield just south of US60. A Banner Gateway Hospital at Higley just south of the freeway is coming along, a shopping center just beyond it. Also, the hospital at Crismon, just north of the freeway - making great progress, and other medical facilities, offices, and apartments throughout the area, plus others not yet identified at Sossaman.
Making sure developers pay required impact fees necessary to develop the infrastructure around them is an essential part of being accountable and resourceful - ensuring the provision of funds in order to keep up with the progress we are enjoying.
Posted in: City Government | Post a Comment »
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