Phoenix Central - Politics

Deadline Extended One Week - Phoenix Union Residents can use Online Mapping to Redraw Election Ward Map until Feb. 27

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Residents living in the Phoenix Union High School District boundaries will have an extra week to use an online mapping system so that they have a chance to redraw the maps of its five single-member governing board districts or wards using an online mapping program through February 27. The deadline for drawing and submitting maps online was extended an extra week to gather additional community input into the redistricting process. It is available on the District’s website at http://www.phoenixunion.org/redistricting.

The online mapping tool allows individuals to draw and submit proposed maps that adhere to the key principles of redistricting--equal distribution of population and preserving minority voting representation-- in each of the five wards. Users can move precincts and neighborhoods from existing wards to create new ward boundaries, while the mapping program simultaneously updates the demographics of each ward.

The Phoenix Union Governing Board will review a set of alternative maps, based on community input, at the Thursday, March 1 Governing Board meeting. That meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at the District office at 4502 N. Central Avenue.

Another community meeting will be held Monday, March 5 at 6 p.m. at the District Offices to gather public input on the drafted maps. Additional community input will be considered through March 22.

To complete the process by the required April 1 deadline, the Governing Board will adopt one final map at a special board meeting, Tuesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. The selected map will be submitted in a pre-clearance application to the Department of Justice.

Based on 2010 census data, each ward should have an “ideal” total population size of 130,518. Currently Ward 1 in southwest Phoenix and Laveen, which experienced rapid growth in the last ten years, has 30 percent more residents than the targeted population, while three wards in the north and east of the school district have up to 13 percent less than the 130,000 mark. The new wards should also be geographically compact and connected.

The reapportioned wards will not be in effect until 2014, when the five single-district governing board terms end. The two at-large governing board seats will be determined in the 2012 election.

Source: Phoenix Union High School District

Reminder - Deadline approaching to submit your proposed map or comments/suggestions‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:26:00 +0000

Thank you for your interest in the City's redistricting process. We wanted to remind you that March 12, 2012 is the deadline to submit your proposed map, comments and suggestions about the process or your community (or communities) of interest. This information must be received by the deadline to enable the consultant to consider your proposals and include them in the draft maps that will be developed and presented to the public for comment in April.

All maps that have been submitted can be seen on our Website by clicking here. If you have submitted a map and do not see it on the Web page, please contact us immediately at 602-256-4357 or at redistricting@phoenix.gov.

As a reminder, your proposed map or comments may be submitted online through phoenix.gov/redistricting, emailed to redistricting@phoenix.gov, or mailed to the City Clerk Department, 200 W. Washington St., 15th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003. You may call the redistricting information line at 602-256-4357 with any comments, suggestions, or questions.

The second round of public meetings to obtain feedback on the proposed redistricting plans will begin on April 23, 2012. A list of those locations, dates and times will be sent to you prior to the first meeting and will be available on the website by early April.

Source: City of Phoenix

P.L.A.N. UPDATE - Hard At Work at the Capitol‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Time Flies

Twenty-nine days into the session and more than 1400 pieces of legislation have been introduced, with more to come. The last day for introduction of bills in the Senate was Monday, January 30. Today, Monday, February 6, is the deadline for new bills in the House. Legislative committee agendas are growing long as bills vie for passage. To see the agendas, go to http://www.azleg.gov and click on the "committee agendas" link on the left side column.

Another Graffiti Measure

HB 2201: Graffiti; Unlawful Possession; Minors (Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix) is another bill that targets graffiti crime. The bill prohibits minors from possessing graffiti implements – such as aerosol/pressurized paint containers, etching tools – on public or private property without consent of the property owner. Exceptions are made if a parent or guardian is immediately supervising the youth, if the minor has written permission from his osr her parent or guardian, or if the implements are work-related or being transported between home and school. Violations are deemed a petty offense. HB 2201 awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Redistricting Process for City Council Districts‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 +0000

As required by the Federal and State Constitutions, and consistent with federal law regarding apportionment, the City Code requires the City Council to revise council district boundaries to equalize population distribution at least once every 10 years based on the decennial census. The current council district boundaries became effective in January 2003 following the 2000 decennial census. District population, based on the 2010 census, varies from the smallest at 150,919 (District 4) to the largest at 261,458 (District 7). To equalize district population, the ideal population size for each is 180,704. To achieve this, most districts will need to gain population, with a few losing population, while maintaining minority voting strength.

The City’s public process will begin with public meetings conducted in each Council District between January 31 and February 17, 2012 to provide residents with information about the redistricting process, to distribute redistricting materials, and to obtain input from residents regarding communities of interest. Additionally, the City’s redistricting website will contain all materials provided in the public meetings and an online mapping program to allow residents to draw proposed boundary lines, see statistical data on the proposed boundaries, and submit proposed district maps for review and analysis. The City encourages you to participate in the public meetings and also make use of the redistricting website and online mapping tool located at http://www.phoenix.gov/redistricting.

Based on input received from the public and the mapping consultant team will compile several draft maps for consideration by the Mayor and Council. A second round of public meetings will occur for public feedback on these draft maps. This second round of meetings is planned for late April and early May. Based on the public feedback, the maps will be refined and the Mayor and Council will vote on a final map that will be submitted to the Department of Justice for preclearance.

Please share this information with your friends and neighbors. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the City’s redistricting hotline at (602) 256-4357 or by e-mail at redistricting@phoenix.gov.

Redistricting meeting schedule - first round (locations closest to the Phoenix Central Neighborhood boundaries):

6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. (Technical Workshop)
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, Sunnyslope Community Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave.
1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Burton Barr Central Library Auditorium, 1221 N. Central Ave.

Source: Cris Meyer, City Clerk

P.L.A.N. Update - Congress and Courts and Cuts‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:35:00 +0000

Waiting and Watching Washington

Passage by Congress of the Budget Control Act last week has state and local governments watching carefully. The Act calls for two phases of federal deficit reduction -- the first phase reduces just under $1.0 trillion in spending over the next decade; the second phase creates a special committee of Congress to recommend additional deficit reduction measures of up to $1.5 trillion. Members of the special committee, including Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, must agree before Thanksgiving on a legislative package that meets that goal; then the full House and Senate must vote on the package by December 23.

Phoenix receives significant funding from the federal government for programs that benefit Phoenix residents, so staff is watching closely so that the city is prepared for any changes to those programs. Short term impacts are minimal. We all will know more as the special committee completes its work.

Superior Court Decision Upholds Health Care Cuts

On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Superior Court upheld the State's decision in its fiscal 2012 budget to cut up to $500 million from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) through changes in eligibility criteria. The ruling stemmed from a claim that the legislative act violates Proposition 204, an initiative approved by voters in 2000, that expanded AHCCCS coverage eligibility. Barring a successful appeal, the state budget is estimated to be on track to finish only $32 million in the red by the end of the fiscal year.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Governor Jan Brewer Endorses Peggy Neely for Mayor of Phoenix

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer today announced her enthusiastic endorsement of Peggy Neely as the next Mayor of Phoenix.

“I have admired Peggy Neely’s record of job creation and her devotion to government reform,” stated Governor Brewer. “With the passage of Arizona’s economic competitiveness package and the creation of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona needs experienced leaders who are dedicated to public-private partnerships and job creation.

“Peggy fits that bill and has my full support. I look forward to working with her on Arizona’s comeback.”

Former Phoenix City Councilwoman Neely said, “I am extremely honored by our Governor’s support. Governor Brewer has been a model for making hard decisions and standing by them. I will work hand-in-hand with her administration to make Phoenix and Arizona number one in job creation.”

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Voting Centers For City of Phoenix Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:19:00 +0000

Overview
The City of Phoenix will be implementing Voting Centers for the Mayor and City Council Election in August 2011. The change to Voting Centers was approved by the Mayor and City Council and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The 26 Voting Centers will replace the traditional 128 polling places, making voting more convenient, flexible, and accessible. Voting Centers will ONLY apply to City of Phoenix elections.

The Early Voting process does not change. In City Elections, over 90% of ballots are cast by mail. Under State law, any registered voter may request to be on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) to automatically receive a ballot by mail for all elections.

Key dates related to the early voting process:

May 2 – Notice mailed to voters on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL); voters may also begin to request early ballots

August 4 – Early Ballot mailing begins and Early Voting starts at Phoenix City Hall

August 13 and August 20 – Early Voting sites will be open throughout the city

August 19 – Last day to request an early ballot by mail

August 26 – Last day for on site Early Voting at Phoenix City Hall

How Voting Centers Work

26 Voting Centers will be open for three days – on Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 29 and Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day), replacing 128 polling places in the City.

Any voter may cast a ballot at any location; voters are not limited to one designated polling place.

Voters can replace or drop-off an early ballot at any Early Voting or Voting Center location.

Benefits of Voting Centers

Continue popular Early Voting process and retain an in-person voting option.

Greater convenience for voters to be able to cast a ballot at any of the 26 voting center locations over three days – close to home, work or other activities.

Improved sites, service and support – Most Voting Center locations are accessible by public transportation, near business or shopping cores, and along major streets. Improved service and support at each location from fewer facilities to staff.

Lower cost than traditional polling place elections or an all mail election.

For More Information

For further information on the Voting Centers, the Early Voting process, or for other City election-related questions, please use one or more of the following resources:

Website – http://phoenix.gov/ELECTION/elect.html
Email – elections@phoenix.gov
Phone – 602-261-VOTE (8683)
Fax – 602-495-5080
TTY – 602-534-2737

Source:
Cris A. Meyer
City Clerk

Voting Center for City of Phoenix Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:15:00 +0000

The Voting Centers will be in effect for the August Mayor and Council election and all future city of Phoenix elections. Now, we would appreciate your help to spread the word about Voting Centers and how they work.

The concept is simple. For city of Phoenix elections, 26 Voting Centers will replace the traditional 128 polling places. Voters can go to any Voting Center to cast their vote and will no longer be limited to a specific polling place. The Voting Centers also will be open for three days – on Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 29, and Tuesday, August 30 (Election Day). These significant changes will make voting more convenient, flexible and accessible for the public.

Also, the Early Voting process, including voting by mail and the Permanent Early Voting List, will remain the same with Voting Centers.

Please note that Voting Centers ONLY apply to City of Phoenix elections. It will not yet be used for federal, state and county elections.

Click here to download the map of voting center locations.

Representatives from our Elections Division will be available to make a presentation about Voting Centers, if needed. Please contact me at 602-262-6558, or via email at cris.meyer@phoenix.gov, if you have any questions or comments.

Source:
Cris A. Meyer
City Clerk

We cannot wait – It’s time for real reform‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:26:00 +0000

A.W.A.R.E. – 12 Charter Reform Ideas for 2012
Accountability, Wisdom, Accessibility, Representation, & Ethics

The City of Phoenix was established as an incorporated city in 1881. In 1913, Phoenix was established by charter as a council manager form of government with a population less than 20,000 making it one of the first cities in the country with this form of government. Today, Phoenix has a population of approximately 1.5 million making it the largest council manager form of government city in the country. The charter itself is meant to be a living document that would be amended to change with the evolving city. The last major changes to the charter occurred in 1983 and resulted in the creation of districts to elect the city council.

The form of governance only works if it truly reflects the will and needs of the people it serves. The time has come to have a comprehensive review of the city’s charter to help change the culture at City Hall. We need to ensure that city government continues to serve the residents of the City of Phoenix and not the entrenched interests of government unions, influential zoning attorneys, and companies who have made their business around relationships with municipal service areas. In short, we need to focus on making sure that City Hall serves the taxpayers of Phoenix – not itself.

We cannot wait. It is time to act. If elected, I will use the momentum of this election process to carry forth the most wide-ranging reform of our municipal government in nearly 30 years. The goal will be to comprehensively review the charter and modernize it to reflect the realities of today and the prospects and opportunities for tomorrow. These reforms should focus on accountability, wisdom, accessibility, representation and ethics (A.W.A.R.E.) and focusing on opening up City Hall to a greater degree of public scrutiny and fostering a more open and transparent dialogue among elected and appointed leaders. Phoenix residents should have the opportunity to be more aware of what is going on in their community.

One of my first actions as Mayor will be to set a public process made up of citizens of Phoenix who are the taxpayers all of us in public service are here to serve, to take the comprehensive review of the City’s Charter, not lobbyists, special interest, city insiders and/or those who can earn their living doing business with the city.

Charter reforms will be presented to the public in an open and transparent process, debated, and adopted or referred to the ballot in 2012. Everyone should come to the table with suggestions – I am offering twelve ideas I support that should start this reform process. This is not meant as a comprehensive list of reforms, but as a starting point to use during this election cycle to start a community discussion and debate that will lead to action if I am fortunate enough to be elected:

* Mandatory discussion period and public hearing schedule on all tax increases: Any actions to levy taxes should be done with proper notices, not merely to meet the technical requirements of the open meeting law but ensuring that sufficient time is given to all the taxpayers so that thoughtful debate and discussion takes place before any tax levy is made.

* Zero based budgeting and increased budget transparency: We should start fresh every year with a clean budget slate. No more starting from last year’s budget to decide future spending. In addition, we should implement better reporting mechanism to the public on the finances of the city and frequency of such reports in a public setting where the taxpayers and residents can express their views to the elected representatives. The City’s checkbook should be online and easily accessible and easy to explore.

* Strengthen the ethics policy: Develop a stronger and clearer conflict of interest and ethics policy statement that will clearly point out the minimum requirements any elected official and those appointed by the elected body are to abide by. I would also include those who serve on boards and commissions. There should be no loophole, ambiguity or general lack of clarity that all of us who serve the will of the people should be expected to follow. In addition, there should be strong monetary sanctions and the risk of removal from the position imposed on anyone found to be guilty of violating the public trust in their capacity as public servants.

* Increased council control of debt financing and budget tools: The fiscal stewardship of the City rests with the city manager and not the city council. The Mayor and Council approve the budget and purchases over a given dollar amount but the preparation of the budget and fiscal day to day stewardship rest with the city manager. There needs to be increased City Council accountability for any debt financing and budget tools used to balance the budget – it should not be “take it or leave it” as part of the budget adoption process.

* Unified election cycle: Voters should decide if we should vote on the unification of the election cycle so that the Mayor runs concurrent with all council districts and the candidates for municipal offices appear on the same ballot and in the same election cycle as state and county officials. The potential cost savings would be over $1 million per election.

* Additional city council districts: It is time to debate the merits of additional members to the city council, if they can be added with a net zero change to the council budget.

* Increased citizen representation on healthcare and pension boards: The City works for the taxpayers – they are our boss. However, the healthcare and pension boards are set where the employees basically govern themselves. The taxpayers should have an increased say on how their money is being spent on the healthcare and pension of the employees who work for them.

* Planning commission reform: The appointees and how the appointments are made should be explored and adjusted as necessary. City council members should have more direct input on the planning commission and commission members should have more requirements in the disclosure of conflicts.

* Increased campaign finance transparency: Candidates should file their campaign finance reports electronically and the results should post immediately. Citizens should be able to search the reports for donors, expenditures, and other information instead of downloading large documents with hard to find information.

* Lobbyist reform: Lobbyist registrations should be posted online in a searchable database by lobbyist and by client. The database should also include increased financial reporting requirements – for example, gifts and meals for commission members should be reported just as they are for elected officials.

* Required council votes: Make the City Council more accountable by requiring council votes on critical issues instead of deferring hard choices to unelected citizen committees formed to diffuse responsibility.

* Strengthen rainy day fund: We should agree to save more money in good years by increasing the annual rate of contribution to the city’s “rainy day” fund above 3 percent. We also should require that these funds be spent before considering any city tax increase.

We need better checks and balances that ensure stronger financial stewardship that places the taxpayers and their elected representatives in charge and accountable – not bureaucrats. The public can no longer be an afterthought in this process. This is the pledge I make to you, the residents of Phoenix who we are all here ultimately to serve, not the bureaucrats and union bosses who flock to the city and have ingrained themselves in the system. The doors will be made wide open for you to not only peer into but to examine and demand nothing less than the best from your elected and appointed leaders.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

P.L.A.N. Update - Coloring Inside the Lines‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:35:00 +0000

Independent Redistricting Commission Works on New Legislative District Boundaries

Arizona's Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) is currently working to adjust the State's federal and state legislative districts in time for the 2012 election cycle.

Following each U.S. Census decennial census, states use the new population data to redraw their legislative lines. Since the last census in 2000, population has shifted as people moved within and between states. "Redistricting" adjusts boundaries to account for those shifts, with the goal of ensuring that each district continues to have as equal a number of residents as possible. In Arizona, voters approved Proposition 106 in the 2000 General Election, giving the responsibility of drawing these lines to the IRC, a five-member board consisting of 2 Democrats, 2 Republicans, and 1 Independent.

To follow the IRC's work, follow this link for meeting and mapping information: http://www.azredistricting.org/default.asp. Your input is needed!

Source: P.L.A.N.

Democratic Party Bosses Running Stanton Campaign‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:22:00 +0000

For the first time in Phoenix history political party bosses are actually running a campaign for mayor. The State Democratic Party’s highest priority is Greg Stanton’s candidacy for Mayor of Phoenix.

From office space, to petition signatures, phone banks, staffing and door to door walks the Democratic Party is fully committed to Stanton’s victory.

The Arizona Republic reports, “He (Stanton) is the only Democrat in the race and party activists are galvanized around him.” The Arizona Republic, June 26, 2011

Claude Mattox is a lifelong Republican. As a City Councilman Claude has supported bedrock Republican principles of being tough on crime, fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets, quality city services, lean and efficient government, and a vibrant free enterprise economy that creates jobs.

As a Republican Claude will be talking to Republicans during the campaign. But he will be talking to Independents and Democrats too. And Party bosses will not be calling the shots during the campaign or during his administration when elected mayor.

For more information about Claude’s campaign, visit the campaign website.

Source: Claude Mattox Mayor

Voting Starts in Less Than 2 Weeks – Act Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:10:00 +0000

Vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed to voters citywide in less than two weeks and Peggy needs your immediate help. We need to contact these voters to let them know Peggy’s plan to create jobs for Phoenix and reform the way city government is working.

For every $1.00 you donate we can contact two voters who will be receiving their ballots the first of August!

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Repeal the Food tax‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:56:00 +0000

Last year, Peggy Neely opposed the food tax and voted against the budget because of the lack of transparency. Today, Neely pledged to repeal the food tax – a move supported by former Arizona Republican Party Chairman and former candidate for Phoenix Mayor, Randy Pullen.

"Peggy Neely is the best candidate to promote fiscal reform," said Pullen, "Employee pay raises have been given in a time of national and local austerity while city services have been cut. It is time for someone to shine a light on the budget process and make sure that City Hall is serving the taxpayers instead of themselves. Peggy is the right person to get the job done."

"The food tax was proposed on a Monday and voted on a Tuesday," said Neely, "Revenue was found to fill the budget hole before other alternatives were even offered. It is time to repeal the food tax and give Phoenix citizens an honest budget that protects the services that are important to our residents and lives within our means."

Peggy Neely has proposed extensive budget reforms in her comprehensive policy plan titled "The Phoenix We Want," which includes zero-based budgeting, finding efficiencies within all departments, regionalization of public services, and other cost savings.

Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor

DiCiccio Endorses Neely for Mayor‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:53:00 +0000

Councilmember Sal DiCiccio joined the growing chorus of supporters for Peggy Neely and “The Phoenix We Want.”

“I am so pleased to have my former colleague Councilmember DiCiccio join Councilmember Johnson in support of my bid for mayor,” said Peggy Neely, “I am proud that the people who have worked with me in the trenches to support our quality city and begin the process of reform are giving me their vote of confidence to help preserve what is best about Phoenix. I am looking forward to working with them to build a coalition dedicated to improving our city.”

Councilmember Sal DiCiccio, representing District 6, stated, “Peggy Neely has a strong track record standing up for the taxpayers of Phoenix - not the unions and city hall special interests. I fully endorse Peggy. She is the right person who will make reforms that put taxpayers first and create more transparency; and Peggy will repeal the food tax – the same tax used for pay raises and bonuses to government employees. Phoenix gave huge pay raises and cut services to kids and seniors and we both believe that is wrong. Peggy and I don't see eye to eye on every issue, but we both care about the people of Phoenix and believe we can be much better."

“As Mayor, you must build a solid governing coalition based on working well with your fellow councilmembers,” concluded former Mayor Skip Rimsza, “Peggy Neely is proving she can bring people together to find solutions. She is building a strong coalition for the City of Phoenix dedicated to serving the taxpayers.”

Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor

Video Alert - Union ties to Stanton, Mattox, and Gullett put special interests before taxpayers‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:38:00 +0000

Look for the Union Label

Union ties to Stanton, Mattox, and Gullett put special interests before taxpayers.

Tax increases. Pay raises. Boycotts. The taxpayers of Phoenix are under fire from organized labor union bosses. From the food tax increase to the boycott of the Major League Baseball All-star Game, union leaders have been hurting Phoenix while looking out for their own self interests. In this watershed race for Phoenix Mayor, voters have a choice between a candidate who will serve the taxpayers and those who will serve the special interests.

The Neely for Mayor Campaign launched a new video today titled, “Look for the Union Label.”

“We are at a crossroads. Voters can choose between someone who will represent their interests and someone who will serve the system,” said Peggy Neely, “Phoenix has a long track record of hiring skilled staff and offering quality services to the taxpayers. We have come to expect great things from the City of Phoenix and earned a respectable reputation. However, when the taxpayers start seeing actions such as cutting services while granting pay raises, it is clear that the system is serving itself. We need to make sure that union interests are not being put ahead of public services.”

Greg Stanton

Opposes SB1070

Endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union – who helped lead the Arizona boycott

Endorsed by Maricopa Area Labor Federation – Affiliated with AFL-CIO which condemned SB1070

Would have voted for pay increases (Arizona Republic, June 8, 2011)

Claude Mattox

Supported by the largest public employee union in the City of Phoenix

Voted for the food tax increase

Supported this year’s budget and pay increases (Arizona Republic, June 8, 2011)

Lobbyist Wes Gullett

Worked for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to organize medical workers to unionize at Maricopa County Hospital

SEIU helped lead the Arizona Boycott

SEIU lead the effort to move Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Expecting the Best from the City of Phoenix

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 04:48:00 +0000

The City of Phoenix has long been the envy of the nation. Back when I served as Mayor, we were named the “Best Run City in the World” and regularly received awards for being financially sound, well managed with a talented and dedicated employee base whose sole mission was to serve its “customers,” – the taxpayers of Phoenix.

Because the taxpayers knew that the City would operate in an open, transparent and fiscally prudent manner with the limited resources, the voters were actively engaged. Together, we could accomplish many great things like building the freeway system, expanding Sky Harbor Airport and the list goes on. Phoenicians came to expect great things of this City – and they deserve nothing short of – “The Best!”

We must always strive to be the best; however, it is also something that is difficult to maintain. And lately, the City of Phoenix is beginning to slip.

When we see actions like cutting services while granting pay raises, it is clear that the system is starting to serve itself. When we see a budget process that completes 15 public hearings without a mention of the pay raises – we can see that something is wrong.

Let me be clear, the City of Phoenix has some of the best employees in the country. Most of them work tirelessly to serve their customers and we should be grateful for their dedicated service. However, the Union Bosses, who feed off their union dues have become out of control because they are out to serve their best interest – not the taxpayers of Phoenix! And the current leadership has not stood up to these Union Bosses, so the City has become out of balance.

We are now facing a watershed election, where the voters decide who City Hall will serve. Will we elect a Mayor who represents the citizens of Phoenix or someone who stands for the union bosses and their own interests? Will we have a government serving its own selfish interests or a government that represents the people?

It is my belief that City Hall must be reminded that it serves the taxpayers – not the other way around. Emergency tax hikes without public input is simply wrong.

Who is really serious about managing the budget? Who will serve the taxpayers and who will serve themselves? Several candidates in this race have a track record serving the Union Bosses.

Mr. Mattox is supported by the largest public employee union in the city and stood with them by voting to support the food tax increase and the pay raises.

Mr. Gullett was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which is largest public employee union in the country. Nationally, they pushed for the boycott of Arizona – locally, Mr. Gullett tried to get County government to bargain with his union supporters.

Mr. Stanton was an ardent opponent of SB1070 and is supported by several labor and union groups such as United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union, the AFL-CIO affiliate Maricopa Area Labor Federation who have stood against Arizona and supported boycotting the state.

The voters do have a choice of someone who will stand up for the taxpayers: Peggy Neely. She voted against the food tax increase and last year’s budget. Time and again, she has pushed for transparency, not only in the budget process, but throughout city hall.

The Phoenix I want represents the interest of the Citizens of Phoenix, not the union interests.

What kind of Phoenix do you want? One guided by special interests or one driven by a leader who has a track record attracting jobs, serving the citizens and making the hard choices? Peggy Neely is the only candidate with a track record of asking hard questions, supporting fiscal responsibility and bringing people together, which has always been the culture of Phoenix leadership.

Source: Former Mayor Skip Rimsza

Jobs, Jobs Jobs – Peggy Neely: The Jobs Candidate‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Peggy Neely is no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix. During her time on the city council, Neely was a strong leader in job creation, attracting regional and national headquarters to Phoenix including companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique. These businesses have created thousands of jobs in Phoenix.

“Peggy Neely is the ‘jobs candidate.’ When it comes to breadth and depth of experience in attracting jobs or boosting economic recovery, Peggy is the best candidate on the ballot,” said Daniel W. “Buzz” Gosnell, President, Woodbine Southwest Corporation. “Her track record proves that she has what it takes to bring businesses to Phoenix, restore local jobs and position our city for economic prosperity.”

During her time on council, Neely reached out to business owners on a regular basis making sure that the city is a help – not a hindrance to doing business. In addition to successes in attracting new businesses, she also helped existing and small businesses expand.

“Peggy is a competitive and caring person. When we were looking to relocate our corporate office and national customer service center, Peggy was front and center in advocating for Phoenix. In the end, she was instrumental in making certain that we landed in Phoenix,” said Tod Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Republic Services, Inc. “She understands the importance of expanding the job base here in Phoenix and importantly, she knows what it takes to create jobs and the role of city government to work with businesses. Equally important, she continues to be an advocate for the business community as we continue to work to add more jobs in the Phoenix market.”

Neely launched a comprehensive jobs plan as part of her vision of the “Phoenix We Want.” She explained, “Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy. It must lead. It must lead in quality economic development focused on high income jobs that are as diverse as our city. The most critical need is a plan to diversify our jobs base. We can’t rely on construction alone to fuel our future. Instead, we must help existing businesses expand and then work with them to leverage new relationships with companies looking to relocate.”

Neely’s Jobs Plan

Build a Business Reputation – We should build a world reputation in one or more business sectors. In addition, we should cluster economic development efforts on growing areas such as biomedical, healthcare, solar, and other industries to diversify our economy.

Attract high-wage employers – Develop policy and tools to attract high-wage employers to invest in Arizona. Efforts such as a uniform sales tax could benefit businesses and reduce bureaucracy that limits their ability to expand.

Develop each area to its full potential – I believe in growth with a purpose, but not growth for growth’s sake. Just as the village concept serves our diverse planning needs, we must create a similar approach for business development that clearly outlines the businesses and opportunities we agree would best fit each area of the city.

Expand our tourism opportunities – While downtown is still an important destination, we must also promote the rest of Phoenix as a tourism attraction rich in recreation amenities like golf, hiking, biking, parks, soccer, world-class resorts, and breathtaking open space.

Protect key revenue generators – We must continue to support our key sources of revenue such as Sky Harbor Airport. In addition, we cannot stand idly by as other states seek to lure our spring training baseball teams from Phoenix. They generate much-needed annual revenue that cannot easily be replaced.

Transform Phoenix into a major industrial and shipping hub – Phoenix should spearhead a regional taskforce to foster a Mexican deep water port alternative to Los Angeles allowing goods to be shipped to Phoenix for distribution across the country. Mexico is Arizona’s number one trading partner – efforts such as this and others should be implemented to strengthen that relationship.

Make Phoenix business friendly – All City of Phoenix departments should be customer oriented to help citizens and businesses alike. A Jobs Task Force could meet quarterly with business and development leaders to hear their concerns and ideas about how to make Phoenix more business friendly.

Emphasize shopping in Phoenix – I will work with business owners and the leaders of the “shop local” efforts to ensure that residents understand the added value of spending their money in the city.

Attract venture capital and foreign investment to Phoenix – I want to develop a plan to encourage business beyond the incubation stage by finding innovative ways to lure more venture capital to our community.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

New Voting Centers for City Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 18:01:00 +0000

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, Phoenix voters will decide several ballot measures and cast ballots for a new mayor and council members in Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7. There also
will be a Special Vacancy Election for residents in District 2 to elect a councilmember to serve the remaining two years of the term.

For this election and future city of Phoenix elections, traditional polling places are being replaced with Voting Centers located throughout the city. With Voting Centers, voters are
no longer restricted to casting their ballot at one assigned polling place. Voters can vote at any
of the 26 Voting Center locations – making it more convenient to vote closer to your work, school, home or along your daily commute.

Voters also will have three days to cast their vote, making it more flexible and accessible. The Voting Centers will be open from:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27;

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29;

6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 (Election Day).

The voting process itself will be the same. Voters will still need to bring the same forms of identification they would normally bring to a polling place, and they will continue to vote on paper ballots that will be placed inside a locked ballot box. It’s important to note that Voting Centers are only being used for city of Phoenix elections, which include Mayoral and Council elections, Bond
elections and other Phoenix ballot items. Voting centers will not be used in elections for federal, state or county offices or ballot measures.

The last day to register to vote is Aug. 1.

The popular early voting by mail program will not change and voters on the Permanent Early Voting List will begin receiving their ballots around Aug. 4. Early ballots can be mailed or dropped off at any voting center, and the last day to request an early ballot by mail is Aug. 19.

Voters can find a map of voting center locations as well as lists of acceptable identification forms at phoenix.gov/election.

For additional questions on voting centers, their locations or the upcoming election, call 602-261-VOTE (8683) or TTY 602-534-2737 or email elections@phoenix.gov.

Source: City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department

Peggy Neely: Leadership for Phoenix

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters touts Neely’s leadership and
ability to make hard choices.

During her time on the Phoenix City Council and in her service in the community, Peggy Neely has gained a reputation of being woman of her word – a strong leader who is willing to make the hard decisions. She is dedicated to doing the right thing even when it has meant doing the hard thing.

In this watershed race for Mayor, leadership will make the difference on where Phoenix will go and type of city it will become. Former United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters is supporting Peggy Neely and encourages Phoenix voters to learn more about her strong leadership.

Mary Peters, a fourth generation Arizonan, served as the United States Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009. Prior to her appointment, Peters served as Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration from 2001 to 2005. She also headed the Arizona Department of Transportation from 1998 to 2001, where she started her career as an administrative assistant 16 years earlier. Throughout her career, Peters, has been a champion for more responsive and smaller government focused on delivering maximum value for taxpayers.

“I appreciate the kind words from Secretary Peters,” concluded Neely, “I am inspired by her hard work and dedication to doing the right thing. As I have said before, it is time for leaders to listen – to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future.”

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Honoring our flag and protecting the integrity of our right to vote‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:07:00 +0000

As we celebrate Flag Day, we not only honor the flag, but we also honor what the flag stands for. The integrity of our American freedoms, including the right to vote, must be protected.

Last October, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court ruled against Prop 200 – Arizona's law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and provide ID at the polls. Their ruling was based on the fact that the National Voter Registration Act doesn’t require proof of citizenship to register to vote!

Just last week, the Federal Government through the Department of Justice has joined in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals case against Arizona. Once again, the State of Arizona is under attack from the Federal Government for taking a stand against illegal immigration and doing the job that the Federal Government refuses to do.

These voter requirements were passed overwhelmingly by the Arizona voters in 2004 – and ensure the integrity of our voting system. Requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and providing voter ID at the polls are part of protecting our freedoms – just as is the demand that our borders be secure. The Federal inaction is bad enough – their interference in the state’s actions is even worse.

Phoenix should be using its influence as a leader in the southwest to do more to demand border security and enforce our immigration laws. As Mayor, I would work with the Governor, Attorney General, Mayors and others to demand that the Federal government do its job to ensure that our border is secure and protect the integrity of our right to vote.

The August Election marks the first election cycle where Phoenix will be utilizing “Voting Centers” to cast ballots for the Mayor and City Council races. In addition to voting by early ballot, Phoenix has consolidated 128 traditional precincts into 26 voting centers that can be used by any registered voter in Phoenix – voter ID requirements are still in place. Click here to see a map.

Source: Peggy Neely For Phoenix Mayor

P.L.A.N. Update - Yet Another Special Session . . .‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:44:00 +0000

Unemployment Insurance Extension Under Consideration

The Governor has called the legislature into its third special session today to consider a 20-week extension of the state's unemployment benefits. Because Arizona's unemployment rate has fallen below a level that is established in state law, the formula would need adjustment if the state is to provide another 20 weeks of this benefit. A supermajority of support from each legislative chamber is needed to enact an emergency clause in order to secure the funds immediately. Although action is needed by Saturday, June 10 in order to avoid disruption, the U.S. Department of Labor has stated that it could immediately provide retroactive payments when the state takes action. Both chambers convened today but adjourned until Monday without taking action.

State Budget Deficit Continues To Shrink

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, a legislative agency that provides budgetary support to the state legislature, released information earlier this week indicating that state tax revenues continue to grow. In May, year-to-date tax collections were $251.9 million above budgeted forecasts. If this trend continues, the fiscal year could result in an $80 million shortfall instead of the $332 million gap that was previously calculated. June could provide more answers since it is a key month in which corporate and individual income taxes are collected.

Source: P.L.A.N.

Community Budget Informational Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 04:13:00 +0000

Community Budget Informational Sessions

The City of Phoenix is in the final stages of budget preparation for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The next step is a series of Community Budget Information Sessions, where departments will provide information on the availability of budgetary and financial records, budget process, city property tax, employee pay and an Innovation and Efficiency update. Here is the information:

Tuesday, June 7, 2011
11:30 a.m.
Burton Barr Auditorium
1221 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Source: Councilman Tom Simplot, Councilman, City of Phoenix District 4

P.L.A.N. Update - City of Phoenix End of State Legislative Session Report Now Online‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Sat, 28 May 2011 03:47:00 +0000

End of Session Wrap Up

As previously reported, the 100-day state legislative session came to a close at 5:25 a.m. on April 20. Phoenix staff tracked a number of bills and amendments throughout the process. Attached is the end of session report that was provided to the Mayor and Council this week. The report contains descriptions of bills that are relevant to City operations as well as a budget recap, special session summary, and an outlook for 2012. Check it out!

Source: P.L.A.N.

Neely Talks About Her Plan As Mayor!‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:15:00 +0000

As part of her announcement, Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely laid out her plan for an administration focused on creating jobs, trimming the City budget and making City Hall business more transparent to residents. Click to watch the video below.

Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs to lead Phoenix's recovery‏

noreply@blogger.com (Phoenix Central - Politics) — Fri, 06 May 2011 04:04:00 +0000

Two weeks ago, I unveiled my public policy plan. In traveling around the city and listening to our residents, it has become clear to me that a vision that is both broad and bold is needed. As such, I offer this policy plan entitled “The Phoenix We Want,” to address the concerns that have been expressed to me as I have listened to people from throughout the city.

Now, I need your help to bring jobs to Phoenix.

I believe one of the most critical needs is a plan to diversify our jobs base. We can’t rely on construction alone to fuel our future. Instead, we must help existing businesses expand and then work with them to leverage new relationships with companies looking to relocate. I am no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix. During my time on the city council, District 2 has been a strong leader in job creation attracting companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/ Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique developing thousands of jobs and attracting regional and national headquarters to Phoenix.

I am asking for your support.

If we can commit to attracting new jobs and businesses, we will put ourselves on a path toward recovery and sustainability. It’s a path we can and will walk as one of America’s greatest cities and one I hope we decide to walk together.

Please click here now to make a contribution of $500, $250, $100 or whatever you can afford.

I ask that you make this contribution within the next 48 hours so I can begin to put together our campaign plan to create the Phoenix you want.

Source: Peggy Neely for Mayor