Thanks to all that came out for Saturdays “Coffee Talk” meeting. Some good conversation took place regarding an array of community concerns. I will continue these meetings throughout my term of office. They will always be held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at “Over Coffee” just east of the 303 on Greenway.
One of the more pressing issues discussed was in regards to voting for a General Obligation Bond. On July 2nd I will be phoning in to a proposed Special Council Meeting at our new city hall (due to family obligations I will not be in town). This meeting, as are all meetings, is open to the public and would allow for public comment. The topic of this meeting will be to discuss the potential for the city to go out for a vote on a Bond that will help finance some of our capital improvements.
While I will not be present, I will still participate via phone as I recognize the importance of this issue. It is important that this process is transparent and all your voices are heard. Please call or email me between now and then so that I can addresses the items most important to you within this public forum. This is an opportunity to educate the community on the generalities and specifics of the proposed GO Bond.
I want to thank the entire bond committee for their time and efforts. A few weeks ago they had presented their recommendations to the Mayor and City Council, and it is now our job as stewards to the community to make a decision as to whether we will proceed with this process, or perhaps delay these recommendations to a later date. There are pro’s and con’s for both sides, but the Bond Committee put a lot of time and effort into the process and I appreciate their diligence.
The following will provide some more detail, this was an email blast I sent out to my District 3 distribution list about a week ago (If you wish to get on the list, get me your email!):
Hello Folks,
A Citizen’s Committee appointed by the council has created a $185 million General Obligation Bond package of proposed civic improvements in Transportation, Public Safety, Park and Recreation and Economic Development, with a recommendation that the issue be placed on the ballot for Surprise voters to decide. Shortly, the city council will be voting on whether to move ahead with the committee’s recommendation and call for an election. I would like to know your thoughts on this important council action, and I invite you respond to me with your opinions.
I know that most people don’t have the chance to study up on what bonds are or how they might be used, so I have included two useful links. One is to the Committee report recommending the bonds, and another is to a presentation prepared by city staff that was delivered at the committee’s public hearings. The presentation is a good orientation on city finances, what bonds are and how they work.
http://www.surpriseaz.com/files/presentations/citizenbondcommitteemeeting_email/player.html
http://www.surpriseaz.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=4212
Please reply to me with your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.
