Non-profit group helps veterans in job hunt

by Eugene Scott - Sept. 18, 2012 02:31 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Unemployment numbers for veterans appear to be declining, but leaders in Phoenix's veterans community say the challenges unemployed vets face persist.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently gave the Phoenix-based non-profit group Arizona Women's Education and Employment a $255,000 grant to help homeless veterans find work. The grant also will benefit veterans who have criminal histories.

"Our interest is to help them face whatever those challenges are and learn how to present themselves well to employers as qualified individuals that will fulfill that work ethic employers look for," said Marie Sullivan, AWEE president and CEO.

The grant will allow the group, which was founded in 1981, to provide on-the-job training and job search and placement assistance. The Labor Department awarded more than $20 million nationwide to groups that help veterans find work.

Brad Bridwell, co-chairman of the Phoenix Military Veterans Commission, said all veterans have employable skills, but they may struggle to translate what they did in the military to employable skills in the civilian marketplace. Explaining long employment gaps between jobs and finding employers sensitive to the personal challenges that some vets experience are not easy, he said.

In 2011, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services estimated there were 1,000 to 1,500 homeless veterans in Maricopa County on any given night.

Many don't have steady jobs.

The national unemployment rate for veterans was 6.6 percent as of August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate for all people is 8.3 percent nationally. Unemployment in Arizona also is at 8.3 percent.

Bridwell said that five years ago he could find work for a veteran within a month. It now takes about half a year.

"Those who are the least competitive in an open market are the ones who are most damaged by this economic downturn," he said. "They cannot compete with the other applicants with more stable work history and perhaps higher skill sets."

Gender differences

The grant will go to support 100 homeless or formerly incarcerated veterans seeking work.

Despite the non-profit's name, Arizona Women's Education and Employment work with veterans hasn't been limited to women.

"The majority of the vets who are homeless and incarcerated are men," she said. At least a fifth of those the grant will help will be women, Sullivan said.

AWEE officials haven't been able to serve male veterans as much as they would like.

"One of the obstacles of us serving male veterans is that they just assume we're not going to be able to help them because we have 'women' in our name," Sullivan said.

And women don't always find the group because they don't know it helps veterans.

"Part of our goal is to reach out and say we're here for you (although) we don't have 'veterans' in our name," Sullivan said.

Despite the relatively small numbers of veteran women, when compared with men, AWEE leaders said the challenges women veterans face sometimes require more attention.

"When we look at the statistics, women have higher rates of poverty," she said. "They struggle more, as veterans, with sexual-assault issues or just harassment at large, so we pay extra attention to that."

Building relationships

Finding work may not always be easy, but it is often less difficult than many veterans realize, Sullivan said.

"Veterans do not leverage the amount of resources that are available to them," she said. "Those who are homeless or incarcerated are extra cautious about who they are going to talk to."

The group will emphasize mentoring for veterans, and the funds will go to train mentors on the specific challenges homeless vets face.

"Through our other programs, we've strengthened our mentoring program, and we've seen better results overall," Sullivan said.

Mentors must know how to respond to the challenges that can come with working with people with post-traumatic stress disorder and related disorders, Sullivan said.

"One day an individual could be very eager and the next day, very intimidated and not follow through appropriately," she said. "We want to ensure that our mentors receive appropriate and proper training for issues such as that."

Hard work

Craig Leighton, 56, works in the fitness center at Phoenix College and got connected with AWEE with the help of Central Arizona Shelter Services.

Leighton enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1974 and served in multiple countries as a photographer. After his military stint, he eventually found himself homeless and incarcerated.

"I went there and knew if I was to stay out of prison I needed help and fast. So I went to the Sunnyslope office of AWEE, and the rest is a lot of hard work on my part as well as theirs," the Phoenix resident said.

Leighton said he likely could not have landed his job without the assistance of AWEE. They provided access to computers and other tools, transportation for job interviews and even clothing.

"And the big thing is counseling and support," he said. "Keep in mind they stress that I had to take the steps and do the work. Nothing is done for you."

Leighton is studying digital media in college and hopes to use his skills to help others in his situation in the future.

"Coming out of prison, you have a choice: Go back to your old behavior or start over on the right path," he said. "AWEE is what saved my life."

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/14/20120914phoenix-non-profit-group-helps-veterans-job-hunt.html
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Phoenix still in League of Arizona Cities and Towns

by Dustin Gardiner - Sept. 19, 2012 09:47 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Phoenix council members voted Wednesday night to renew membership in the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, but several said the influential association needs to be more transparent and improve relations with its largest member city.

The vote came three weeks after the council blocked payment of dues to the league, a move that shocked Valley municipal leaders. Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot said the city's misgivings should be a "wake-up call" for the association.

"As the largest city in the state of Arizona, we need special consideration," Simplot said as he motioned to approve membership. "There needs to be better transparency."

Phoenix's spat with the league boiled down to a few primary concerns for council members: the $142,250 cost of membership and accusations that the league has not been transparent and has pushed an inappropriate agenda.

The league, a lobbying and education group, represents 91 cities and towns throughout the state. Proponents of the vote to renew membership have said that if Phoenix withdraws from the league, it would send the wrong message about regional cooperation.

Council members were once again split 5-4 over the issue, this time a majority voting to reaffirm membership. The minority appeared to support a motion by Councilman Sal DiCiccio to table the vote until the league would agree to abide by the Open Meeting Law and Public Records Law.

Ken Strobeck, executive director of the league, told the council that the organization is already required to adhere to state law in both areas. He said the league does not take any positions without direction from the mayors serving on its executive committee, which includes Phoenix's Greg Stanton.

Stanton, who voted to renew membership, said the league helps cities speak with a united voice to rural state lawmakers, who have an outsize influence and might pass bills that hurt Phoenix financially.

"I think the city made the right decision tonight," Stanton said after the meeting. "The league of cities is ... not a nameless, faceless bureaucracy."

DiCiccio and Councilman Jim Waring reiterated concerns Wednesday that the league has taken on an inappropriate role at the Legislature. They accused the league of hiding results of a poll in the spring that indicated Maricopa County residents largely supported a bill to move city elections to even years.

Strobeck said the poll wasn't intended to be released but was made available after DiCiccio requested it. The league and many cities have opposed consolidated elections, calling it an attack on local control.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/18/20120918phoenix-still-league-arizona-cities-towns.html
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Parker, Sinema press economic prescriptions for District 9

by Rebekah L. Sanders - Sept. 19, 2012 09:55 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Standing in front of heavy equipment at a small business in industrial Phoenix, Republican congressional candidate Vernon Parker promised to push for changes in Washington to help companies hire workers if voters in District 9 elect him.

Parker was visiting Arizona Hi-Lift as part of a "Road to Prosperity" tour he is taking of businesses to talk about creating jobs. Though two of Parker's visits were in the swing district, his west Phoenix stop on Tuesday landed him in Democrat U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor's district. Parker's campaign says policies in Congress affect all businesses, no matter the district.

Parker and his District 9 Democratic opponent, Kyrsten Sinema, are courting voters concerned about the economy in pursuit of the newly created toss-up seat, which covers north-central Phoenix, part of Paradise Valley, south Scottsdale, Tempe, west Mesa, west Chandler and Ahwatukee Foothills.

Sinema also touts ideas for spurring job growth. She released a detailed, 12-point plan during her primary bid, which she won Aug. 28.

While Parker and Sinema agree that families and small businesses need help, they offer differing opinions on what the government should do, reflecting the partisan debate taking place in the presidential election, as Arizona's 8.3 percent unemployment rate hovers near the national rate of 8.1 percent.

Parker, following the GOP platform, advocates lower taxes, fewer federal regulations and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Sinema, taking cues from Democratic talking points, calls for raising taxes on the wealthy, offering tax breaks for technology research and investing in infrastructure.

Business groups echo Parker's call for cutting red tape.

Farrell Quinlan, Arizona director for the National Federation for Independent Business and a former Republican lobbyist, said that some regulations are important but that others merely make doing business harder. He said that although states and cities also make regulations, it's the federal rules that have ballooned.

"We could regulate ourselves right out of any recovery from this recession," Quinlan said.

But critics say regulations are essential to protecting health, worker safety and the environment. Washington Post fact-checkers note that the Obama's administration has issued fewer regulations in the first three years than the same period under President George W. Bush. However, the number of "economically significant" rules increased under President Barack Obama.

Parker, flanked by Arizona Hi-Lift owner Doug Click and Republican state Treasurer Doug Ducey, blamed the sluggish recovery on "uncertainty" caused by regulations.

"There are certain things that get under my skin," Parker said. "When you have a regulatory system that is uncertain, coupled with the highest corporate income tax in the world, jobs are fleeing America and they are going overseas. When I get to Congress, I am going to work with both parties to ensure that we bring jobs back to America and that we preserve small businesses such as this."

Parker added that the federal deficit and Obama's health-care reforms stifle job growth.

The economy has improved since Obama took office. Since the worst of the crash, about 4.6 million jobs have been created and the pace of private-sector job creation is now greater than the pace in either of Bush's terms, according to the New York Times.

Republicans say that the recovery has not been fast enough and that their approach will lead to greater job growth. Democrats say that the country is on track but that it is taking time to come back after such a steep recession.

Though Parker plans to add detail to his proposals after the job tour, his basic plan is to reduce the corporate income tax, implement a small-business tax deduction and reduce the lowest tax rates for individuals. He wants to replace the health-care law with "private-sector initiatives" such as risk pools and buying insurance across state lines.

Parker wants Congress to vote on all federal regulations and to implement a moratorium on federal agencies creating new regulations during the transition between presidential administrations.

Sinema's plan addresses taxes and regulations but in different ways.

She believes the Bush tax cuts should be allowed to expire for Americans making more than $250,000 a year. She calls for eliminating tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas, increasing federal loans to small businesses, offering tax incentives for companies to invest in research and spending more on infrastructure.

On regulations, Sinema advocates a streamlined federal website so businesses can apply for permits in one place.

Quinlan said that doesn't solve the problem of burdensome regulations. "A better-fitting and streamlined straitjacket is still a straitjacket," he said.

Sinema argues that she is pushing for "common sense" solutions to help struggling families and small businesses rather than benefiting corporations.

Sinema spokesman Justin Unga said Sinema's plan would "create good-paying, high-tech jobs here in Arizona" while keeping "taxes low for 98 percent of Americans."

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/17/20120917parker-sinema-press-economic-prescriptions-district-9.html
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Q&A with Phoenix Police Chief Garcia: Officers prepared to enforce SB 1070

by JJ Hensley - Sept. 19, 2012 09:41 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Phoenix Police Chief Daniel V. Garcia's message has been the same since he took the department's top job in May: The city's officers will treat residents with dignity and respect while engaging in "policing with a purpose."

The enforcement of a controversial provision of Senate Bill 1070 will not change that, Garcia said, noting that officers will still need reasonable suspicion to contact someone -- and even more reasonable suspicion to contact federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents regarding the status of someone they have detained.

That suspicion cannot be built on language or ethnicity alone, Garcia said. But those may be among a number of factors outlined in training offered to police throughout the state or in Garcia's department.

Question: What changes will enforcement of this provision of SB 1070 bring?

Answer: The Phoenix Police Department has been preparing for this since July 2010. We've prepared for this for a long, long time. I don't think you're going to see mass arrests or anything like that in the city of Phoenix. The fact is we're still going to treat people with dignity and respect.

Q: What is out there that would prevent an officer from overstepping the line?

A: Reasonable suspicion is the key on both categories (contacting suspects and contacting ICE). I break it up into two categories because the first thing you have to have is reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred -- a "Part One" offense. In other words, burglary, robbery, theft, something in that category, or a violation of traffic code. You have to have that before you get to reasonable suspicion whether someone is here illegally or not, and I think people tend to forget that. They kind of brush it off, as if we're going to go straight to asking people about whether they're here (legally) or not, and that's not true.

Q: How could one of those traffic stops unfold?

A: You have to have reasonable suspicion in relation that a crime has occurred -- state law, county law, city law, federal law for that matter. We make a traffic stop, the individual does not have presumptive ID, a good driver's license, anything that signifies that he's documented and in our country (legally). At that point, if we have reasonable suspicion now -- based on other categories as well as facts and circumstances that lead us to believe that this individual is not here legally -- then, at that point we can address the other aspect of reasonable suspicion that they're here undocumented. At that point, we have an obligation to contact ICE and determine whether they're documented or not. Let me be clear about this: There's a big question as to how long we can detain somebody. To me, it's no longer than you would on a traffic stop on any other case. We'll make an attempt to contact ICE, and if we're successful, they'll give us the information we need. If not, we'll let the individual go. If we don't get an answer from ICE, we have no obligation but to let them go, or, in fact, if we contact ICE and they're not here illegally, then of course we're going to let them go. We are going to enforce the law, but we're going to do it with dignity and respect, and we're going to do it within the parameters of the law.

Q: What assurances can you offer to people out there who are afraid?

A: If you don't have a drivers license, don't drive. We're going to treat everybody with dignity and respect. We're going to follow our policing principles in relation to ensuring that we're policing with a purpose: Reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred, reasonable suspicion that will lead us to someone (who) is here illegally.

Q: What about officers who want ID from passengers during traffic stops?

A: The only person who has to have a driver's license in a vehicle is the driver. That doesn't prevent an officer from having a conversation with other people in the car. That does not prohibit us from doing that. But again, those other individuals do not have to have any kind of identification on them whatsoever. As far as I'm concerned, he can't at that point -- he has no reasonable suspicion.

Q: What instruction or policy if any is there on officers asking passengers for identification and using that to develop reasonable suspicion that they are in the country illegally?

A: An officer has a responsibility first and foremost with a driver of the vehicle. They either have a license or they don't. Based on reasonable suspicion of a crime, you're going to make your stop.

The second thing is, you're going to have to have reasonable suspicion that this person is here illegally. That's all pertaining to the driver. There's nothing that prohibits a police officer from having a conversation with the other occupants of the car, and I'm just talking a general conversation. I'm not talking about an investigative process. Now, as far as pushing that and taking it to another level in relations to a process of investigating someone being here undocumented, no, I don't support that.

Q: The law seems to allow for an officer who feels strongly about this law and is zealous about enforcement to ask everyone for ID and develop reasonable suspicion from there.

A: If an officer makes a determination that the driver is here and is undocumented, that opens the door for the other people in the vehicle, as well. There is a process where we have a lot of people transporting illegal aliens. That would open that. If the driver is here legally, then I don't think you have a position to ask anyone anything else.

Q: You mentioned traffic enforcement. We've seen other agencies target areas where day laborers gather as a traffic-enforcement issue. Do you anticipate that?

A: In relation to that type of activity, I believe very strongly that, right now, anytime you make that kind of a traffic stop, you're not going to be dealing most of the time with someone who is undocumented. You're going to be dealing with someone who is trying to get day labor. The driver of that vehicle is probably going to have identification.

Q: What is the reaction from ICE these days?

A: Sometimes, we get a response, and sometimes, we're not able to make contact with them. I can't be held responsible for ICE's actions or inaction.

Q: What instructions have you given officers on situations where there's no state law violation and ICE won't respond?

A: If ICE refuses to respond, then they're free to let go whoever they stop.

Q: On stop length ... do you expect to have a way to gauge that? Are you looking at a way to see if there are officers who are excessively stopping people?

A: All our traffic stops have a start time and end time. It's the officer coming on the air designating a traffic stop, and we'll review those stops, as well.

Q: Do you anticipate doing more of those reviews?

A: We're always looking at it as part of our management and supervision of our officers.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/19/20120919phoenix-police-chief-garcia-prepared-enforce-sb-1070.html
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Incomes, poverty rise in Phoenix

by Ronald J. Hansen - Sept. 19, 2012 11:25 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Household incomes in Phoenix rose last year, but poverty also increased as housing values, health-insurance coverage and preschool enrollment tumbled in the city at the same time, newly available Census Bureau data show.

Taken as a whole, the key indicators suggest the city continued to struggle to escape the grip of the economic downturn. Figures for Arizona also show a state that often lags the nation.

Median household income in Phoenix reached $43,960 in 2011. That was $6,500 below the national average and in the middle of the 25 most-populous cities in the country by that measure, according to the Census Bureau's latest American Community Survey.

In Arizona, median household incomes fell 2.9 percent, adjusted for inflation, to $46,709. That's a steeper decline than the 1.3 percent drop in income nationally. For the U.S., median income fell to $50,502.

Median Phoenix incomes grew $1,700 from the 2010 estimate without adjusting for inflation.

While median income appears to have climbed, insurance coverage fell.

An estimated 22.7 percent of Phoenix residents lacked health coverage in 2011. By comparison, 15.1 percent were uninsured nationally.

In 2010, 22.1 percent of Phoenix residents were uninsured. As the city's overall population estimate grew by about 24,000 in 2011, its uninsured population grew by 13,000.

Arizona was one of five states where insurance coverage grew last year because of public programs rather than private insurance. This was driven partly by an increase in coverage for adults between 19 and 26 years old, the Census Bureau reported.

Median home values in Phoenix came in at $137,500 for 2011. Nationally, homes were worth $173,600. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimated Phoenix homes were worth $158,600.

The estimated number of vacant housing units in the city fell from nearly 90,000 in 2010 to fewer than 86,000 last year.

The percentage of Phoenix families living in poverty grew from 17.5 percent in 2010 to 18.4 percent last year. Statewide, poverty jumped from 17.4 percent of Arizonans to 19 percent last year. Nationally, 15.9 percent lived below the poverty line in 2011, an increase of 0.6 percentage point from 2010.

In education, 27 percent of preschool-age children were enrolled in school compared with 47 percent for the nation. A year earlier, 32 percent of Phoenix children were enrolled in preschool.

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/19/20120919phoenix-incomes-poverty-rise-last-year.html
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Details released in Phoenix officer's sex-abuse case

by Cecilia Chan - Sept. 18, 2012 08:21 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

A 14-year-old boy told authorities he felt pressured to perform sex with a former Phoenix officer accused of molesting him and another boy, a police report released this week show.

The heavily redacted 97-page police investigation detailed the sexual encounters between Christopher J. Wilson and the two boys, age 14 and 17. The Arizona Republic does not identify sexual-assault victims.

Wilson, 43, resigned from the Phoenix Police Department shortly after his Aug. 7 arrest. He was a detective assigned as a liaison to the Valley's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The mother of the 14-year-old learned of the assault after going through her son's text messages on Aug. 4 and contacted the Avondale Police Department later that Saturday.

The 14-year-old's mother took him to a care facility whose name was redacted in the police report. A patient-care manager there contacted Phoenix police on Aug. 7 about a boy who had reported a sexual assault by a police detective in July and "didn't know how to deal with it."

The same day, Avondale police contacted Phoenix police.

The 14-year-old met Wilson through his friendship with the 17-year-old, authorities say.

The 17-year-old knew Wilson though work and what started off as a professional relationship turned physical several months later, the report said.

The 17-year-old and Wilson had two sexual encounters, the last one involving the 14-year-old in the older boy's apartment, police said.

Wilson had given money and purchased items for the 17-year-old, including suits for work, the report said.

After the July assault, which occurred after the three went out to eat, Wilson told the two boys not to tell anyone or he "could lose his job," police said.

The 17-year-old told police he was uncomfortable with the relationship with Wilson. However, he was reluctant to go to the police when he was contacted by the 14-year-old's mother, the report said.

The older youth was concerned that ensuing publicity would harm his future career, the report said. He later did go to the police and has indicated his willingness to testify against Wilson.

During the police interrogation, Wilson said what happened was not planned and "wasn't forced."

When asked if he thought he committed a crime, Wilson responded, "I know what I've done. I know I made a bad decision," the report said.

He was then asked if he wanted to write a letter of apology, to which Wilson replied, "No, no, I'm a good man."

Wilson also told police that there were no other underage victims.

Wilson is being held without bail on 10 counts of sexual conduct with a minor. An initial pretrial conference was set for Oct. 8.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/18/20120918phoenix-officer-sex-abuse-case.html
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Activists will turn parking spaces into public spaces

by Dustin Gardiner - Sept. 19, 2012 08:40 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Parks and pedestrian spaces, not parking.

That's the mantra of Phoenix community activists who on Friday morning will literally take over parking spaces in downtown and turn them into temporary parks and hangouts.

In what has become an annual rite, participants put quarters into city parking meters to "reclaim" the spaces for people. AstroTurf, potted plants, lawn chairs, umbrellas and other decor are used to transform each stall into a mini urban oasis.

"Think big," organizer Stacey Champion said in an e-mail. "Think creative. Bring your french press and a hibachi."

The event, dubbed PARK(ing) Day, is part of a one-day, international effort to promote green, public spaces. The intention is to get people to rethink how cities use their streets and public rights-of-way, and spark conversations about environmental sustainability.

Participants will take over Phoenix parking spaces from 7 to 10 a.m. They will gather in two downtown locations that have yet to be announced.

This year's PARK(ing) Day is expected to include live music, art, yoga and karaoke. Information: facebook.com/ParkingDayPHX.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/17/20120917activists-will-turn-parking-spaces-into-public-spaces.html
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Quicker city permit process could be model in SE Valley

by Gary Nelson, Dianna Náñez and Amy B Wang - Sept. 19, 2012 09:17 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com

A new Phoenix permitting-process model with efficiencies suggested by Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio could become a model for the Southeast Valley region.

DiCiccio is pushing a new system that in many cases boils the permitting process to a day or less. The program is called self-certification.

Southeast Valley permit figures

After a period of training, the design professionals are entitled to walk into Phoenix City Hall with a set of self-certified plans and walk out all but immediately with their building permits.

The program, DiCiccio said, sprang from the deliberations of a 125-member committee representing such diverse groups as unions, builders, city staffers and the libertarian Goldwater Institute.

DiCiccio organized the panel along with Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot, even though the two differ on political philosophies.

The aim, DiCiccio said, was "to make the city of Phoenix literally the best in the country when it comes to job creation."

Government, he believes, is too cumbersome in approving construction permits.

So far, he said, 115 professionals are entitled to use the expedited process, and other individuals or companies can go through them if they want quick permit approvals.

Not all projects are eligible, however. Buildings taller than 75 feet, steep-slope projects and potentially hazardous land uses still must have full vetting by city staffers. Otherwise, every commercial and residential project in Phoenix can hit the fast track.

Further, DiCiccio said, the professionals undergo rigid scrutiny their first few times through the process.

"If they fail three times they can't do business in the city of Phoenix under this model for three years," DiCiccio said.

Similarly, a recent call from an irate entrepreneur struggling with Tempe's development department prompted a Tempe councilman to push for a permitting-process review. Councilman Joel Navarro said he wants to know if more can be done to make opening a business in Tempe easier.

Navarro said he is open to a new Phoenix permitting-process model, and efficiencies being suggested by DiCiccio.

"If there's a way to make things better for a business, especially in this economy," he said. "why wouldn't we look at it?"

In Chandler, starting this fall, certain businesses could be eligible for a pilot program that will allow an expedited permitting process, modeling the Phoenix program.

"It's a novel approach, but I think it addresses an old challenge," said Chandler building official Dave Nakagawara.

Navarro said he has heard from business owners frustrated with permitting delays. A recent call from Julian Wright, who is opening his third restaurant downtown, was the last straw.

Wright said he was tired of bickering with the city development-plan checkers and decided it was time to appeal to reasonable council members for help.

Among the problems, Wright said, was the city's concern that the lighting in front of his restaurant was not bright enough. Navarro checked it out for himself.

Not only was the lighting sufficient, Navarro said, but he had to shake his head in disbelief when he noticed that one of the city's newer brighter street lights is posted directly in front of Wright's new business, the Handlebar Tempe.

"That's the hold up? Come on," Navarro said.

Navarro said Tempe must acknowledge that the tough economy calls for more efficiencies, lower permitting fees and a speedier permitting process.

"It's just not business friendly,'' Navarro said. "We've lost businesses that have gone to other cities and they really wanted to be in Tempe."

According to Wright, "The permitting process in the city of Tempe, in my experience is extremely inefficient. However, there ... have been folks at the higher level who have gotten involved ... when I have run into a problem."

Despite his concerns, Wright said he has plenty of positive feedback for administrators in the development department. He singled out deputy community development director Michael Williams, who Wright said has intervened on behalf of his businesses.

"The plan checkers are the ones who cause me to pull my hair out," Wright said. "They interpret (city building and safety) codes to the nth degree without any flexibility."

Chandler hopes to start with a few projects, using those professionals who are already self-certified with Phoenix. The process tends to place a greater responsibility on architects and design professionals to "get their ducks in a row ahead of time," resulting in time saved when the city needs to review plans, Nakagawara said.

"The higher quality of product that comes in for review, the faster you can turn it around," he said.

However, Nakagawara stressed that in most cases, the amount of time spent from start to finish will be about the same for developers and others seeking construction permits. After all, there are few shortcuts to be made when it comes to planning for new construction or for building renovations.

"It might change the balance of where that time is spent, but the overall time that's spent is going to be comparable," Nakagawara said.

In Chandler's pilot program, the expedited permitting process would be for "non-hazardous" projects only, such as existing retail stores that need to be converted for different use.

Mike Perry, principal architect with Whitneybell Perry Inc., has worked on various developments in Chandler for about 30 years, and said the existing process works fairly smoothly.

"My experience has been positive on all aspects, from the rezoning process to the process that you go through the planning commission and then the permitting process," Perry said. "Maybe it's just because I've been here so long and done so many projects here."

Perry is a self-certified architect with Phoenix. He feels self-certification could be a positive addition to Chandler's permitting options but said he has not yet chosen the self-certification process for larger projects in Phoenix.

"I think it's going to work really well on smaller projects: single-family homes, tenant improvements, smaller custom homes," Perry said. "For the larger projects, I'm not totally sure."

20 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/17/20120917ahwatukee-quicker-city-permit-process-could-model.html
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To our readers: Southeast Valley constantly changing

by Paul Maryniak - Sept. 18, 2012 11:06 PM
Southeast Valley Communities editor

The evolution of the Southeast Valley since I moved here from Philadelphia in 1999 has been nothing short of astonishing.

Mesa is popping with the vitality of its arts center and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Gilbert is home to four hospitals, a regional mall and burgeoning high-tech center.

Buoyed by Intel, Chandler exudes a vibe that beckons all generations. And while Ahwatukee Foothills, Queen Creek and Apache Junction don't have the same resources, each has taken steps to help make the area vibrant.

From our Mesa office, we've charted these developments and more in our Community newspapers, The Arizona Republic, and community sites on azcentral.com. We continue to pay unparalleled attention to the area's local governments, school districts, neighborhoods, businesses and people.

Most of us live in the region and cover the good and the bad with the commitment you would expect from a good neighbor, as demonstrated by today's Valley & State story on Tempe's move to edit public comment out of its public- access channel.

We'll continue to demonstrate that dedication.

E-mail: paul.maryniak@arizonarepublic.com.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/10/15/20121015southeast-valley-constantly-changing.html
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Chandler getting 2nd KatyBug Faye Boutique

Sept. 18, 2012 10:46 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com

A women's boutique, KatyBug Faye Boutique and Trunk Show, will open a second shop, in Casa Paloma, at 56th Street and Ray Road.

Doors open at 10 a.m. on Friday, and the first 50 shoppers will receive a $10 gift card to use that day. Throughout the weekend, the boutique, 7131 W. Ray Road, Suite 39, in Chandler, will offer raffle giveaways and special promotions.

Nearly two years after owner Lisa Looney opened her first shop in south Chandler, KatyBug Faye has built a strong following and gained a reputation for offering fashionable and on-trend styles at a reasonable price.

Among the shop's popular items are designer denim, colorful dresses and accessories.

Looney said she had been wanting to expand for some time, and she wanted her second location to be near Ahwatukee, home to many of her customers.

"As a locally owned boutique, we have the ability to easily customize our offerings to meet the demands of our new customers," Looney said in a news release.

Looney, along with her teenage daughter, launched the business from her home nearly two years ago, planning to sell her limited collection of fashion finds only at private parties. But as party bookings quickly increased from once a quarter to several each week, Looney saw the potential to bring something to the community that was missing: a boutique filled with one-of-a-kind, trendy styles.

Among the brands she features are Miss Me, L.A. Idol and Sugar Lips. She also has an online store.

The new KatyBug Faye boutique will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Information: www.katybugfaye.com.

19 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/17/20120917chandler-2nd-katybug-faye-boutique-casa-paloma.html
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Ahwatukee family design business survives recession

by Coty Dolores Miranda - Sept. 18, 2012 06:53 AM
Special for The Republic

When Rosanne and Rick Youngblood look at the past eight years operating their Ahwatukee retail, painting and remodeling businesses, they're thankful for not only surviving the economic downtown, but emerging from it successfully.

Their secret?

"Versatility," Rosanne Youngblood replied. "We found ways to expand in different areas. That's the whole concept of how we got through the crisis."

When Prickly Pair Home Décor opened in 2004 at 4025 E. Chandler Blvd. in the Safeway retail center -- now more apt to be called the Trader Joe's shopping center -- times were good. Homes were selling briskly, often above listing price. Cash drawers were ringing as residents were spending more freely.

It was good enough that seven years ago, the couple considered opening a second store. "But something in me said to hold off, and now I'm so glad I did," Rosanne said.

Instead, she and her husband established Youngblood Painting Designs, a move that was to presage the increased interest in home remodeling during the economic downturn.

Rick Youngblood, who headed a security team responsible for protecting former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, earned his Arizona contractor's license in 2009, allowing him to offer a full-service home-remodeling operation through Youngblood Remodel and Designs.

That expansion, combined with Rosanne's interior-decorating degree and years of experience working as a buyer of housewares and furniture for a 30-store chain in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, helped their family business survive.

The couple, married 24 years, have twin children, former Mountain Pointe High School students who went on to Arizona State University.

Prickly Pair Home Décor Store is a small boutique with a wide and artfully displayed assortment of home accessories, art, lamps, jewelry and hostess gifts. A more recent addition is clothing from UbU, a line for mature women.

Rosanne also consults on design services at her store reviewing drapery, upholstery fabrics and custom furniture when not out making interior-design house calls.

"No longer can a small-business owner be a one-subject store," she said. "You need to add variety and change to keep customers coming back."

Since opening day, she has trained her sales staff in customer service, including greeting customers when they walk in the door.

"The comments I've had back from my girls giving friendly greetings are, 'You all are so friendly, I feel so comfortable here.' When you feel comfortable, you trust. That's what I want my customers to feel. I want them to enjoy all those qualities of customer service that seem to be lost now."

Besides her store, Rosanne is a muralist and faux painter who will add minor touches of faux or glazing to remodels or painting jobs at no extra cost.

"We've been doing a lot of cabinet painting lately. Ahwatukee houses were built with the white-washed cabinets, which was very trendy at the time," she said. "It took me five years to find my cabinet painter, and now all those ugly white-washed cabinets are gone."

Celebrating the start of their ninth year this September gives Youngblood pause.

"It is so possible to make something of yourself in America," she said.

Information: 480-236-8831 or www.youngblooddesign.biz.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/18/20120918ahwatukee-family-business-versatility-helps-endure-recession.html
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Ahwatukee author has plan so people don't 'Just Stay Fat'

by Caitlin Cruz - Sept. 18, 2012 07:09 AM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Shannon Sorrels, owner of the Ahwatukee personal-training gym Physix, for years struggled with her own weight.

"I was always either chunky or bordering on chunky," said Sorrels, 44. "I felt a constant pressure to address it."

Sorrels said she was introduced to calorie counting and caloric reduction at about age 30. And then when she opened her gym in 2009, she quickly discovered how frustrating it was to get clients to listen to her talk about how calories could work for them.

"It didn't happen," she said. "People still made excuses.

"One day I was in the car, trying to figure out how to explain the necessary work to lose weight. I had failed in person so I was practicing in the car and I got so frustrated that I suddenly burst out, 'Well, then, just stay fat!' "

And so her new fitness book, "... Then Just Stay Fat," was born.

Sorrels said most people are simply overfed.

"A lot of people would rather it be complicated because that would explain why they're having trouble, but the truth is, it's just about calories and not having too many," she said.

She began writing to maintain her sanity as she continued as a personal trainer.

The book describes the four P's of weight loss: planning, persistence, patience and perception.

"I wanted to state it as simply as possible, but you have to remember that execution can be complicated," Sorrels said.

Planning includes time management, meals or looking at a restaurant menu before you go out, she said.

"But the alternative is giving up, something I don't want them to do," she said.

To explain patience, Sorrels asked her clients how long it took them to put on their extra weight.

"Usually it's 20 to 30 years to gain it all," she said. "In a totally fair world, it would take the exact amount of time to lose (it) as it did to gain it, but we don't," she said. "We can lose it in as fast as one year. You just have to know it is not going to happen overnight."

One of Sorrels' gym clients, Joel Horne, 51, edited her book. He lost more than 20 pounds through her program.

"It's a different kind of diet book," Horne said. "I felt like she was writing directly to me."

Sorrels said the final topic, perception, requires clients to admit how they look at their problems. Within perception, Sorrels saw numerous clients with "fat ears."

"It was not uncommon to have a morbidly obese client who would describe themselves as a 'big boy' or 'curvy' when their weight is endangering their health," she said. "They're not ready to hear the truth yet."

Sorrels said understanding your limits is key. For example, Sorrels cannot have pastries in the house.

"I would rather suffer for 30 or 40 minutes at the grocery story than suffer an entire week with a box of doughnuts in my house," she said. "You have to make it easier on yourself."

The book was written because Sorrels believes that everyone has the capacity to overcome "their lazy streak."

"Acceptance is for things in our lives that we can't change," she said. "Do not accept not loving yourself as your fate."

'... Then Just Stay Fat'

Who: Shannon Sorrels, 44, owner of Ahwatukee personal-training gym Physix, and author.

What: Book signing.

When: 7 p.m. Nov. 17 .

Where: Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 85283.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/10/20120910ahwatukee-author-book-dont-just-stay-fat.html
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Council to decide League of Cities issue

by Dustin Gardiner - Sept. 17, 2012 04:11 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Phoenix City Council members will vote Wednesday on whether to pay dues to renew membership in the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, an influential lobbying and education association.

The city shocked Valley municipal leaders last month when the council voted 5-4 to block payment to the league, with several members raising concerns about the $142,250 cost and the league's lobbying activity. After the move, league officials planned to meet with city leaders in an attempt to smooth over relations.

City staff has placed the league membership on the agenda for Wednesday's formal council meeting. However, the cost of league membership is still listed at $142,250.

Other meaty items on the agenda for the 5 p.m. council session include a vote to amend the city's redevelopment agreement for CityScape, a two-block office and retail high-rise in downtown. The changes would allow more tax revenue from the project to go directly into the city's general fund as opposed to helping paying off debt.

Council members also will consider giving the city manager authorization to hire a chief innovation executive with a starting salary of $139,000. Darryl Speach, the former chief innovation officer at New York Life Insurance, already has been selected for the job.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/17/20120917council-decide-league-cities-issue.html
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Thousands of state workers opt for raises over job protections

by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez - Sept. 17, 2012 10:05 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Nearly 5,300 state employees have volunteered to lose certain job protections in exchange for earning an extra 3.65 percent more for one year, according to data obtained by The Arizona Republic.

About 40 percent of eligible workers signed up for the program, a cornerstone of Gov. Jan Brewer's legislative priorities last session, proving the program was far more popular than critics imagined. Arizona is one of several states to make major changes to their personnel systems in recent years.

The vast majority of the 5,276 employees who signed up were lower-wage workers. The average salary of the employees was $32,800; 629 employees made more than $40,000, and 50 earned more than $60,000.

The Governor's Office and the state Department of Administration, which oversees payroll, could not say Monday how much money the state will pay in raises to those workers. Employees had two weeks to opt into the program, and the deadline was Friday. Officials are still calculating the costs.

Based on salary data the Department of Administration provided, the pay-raise program will cost $6.3 million. That's an average of $1,200 per employee for the year, before taxes.

By opting into the program, the employees made it easier for their supervisors to terminate and discipline them -- but they also set themselves up for potential pay raises and other perks if they perform well.

"It's an exceptional number, and I think we've exceeded even our own estimates in terms of how many individuals would choose to go uncovered," said Matthew Benson, the governor's spokesman. "The fact that more than 5,000 state employees decided to voluntarily decide to go uncovered is the biggest possible endorsement of the governor's personnel plan."

Brewer and supporters of the personnel changes have said that Arizona's current system takes too long to hire workers and that it's too difficult to reward top performers and discipline or terminate poor workers. The governor has also said the new system will make executive-branch state government more responsive and efficient.

Matthew Gainey, 29, is a program specialist in the Department of Health Service's Office of Newborn Screening, where he earns $31,329 annually. He and his fiancee recently bought a home in central Phoenix and the extra $1,145 will go a long way, he said.

"I knew it was only for one year, but really, having just made this purchase, anything was going to help," he said.

Gainey said he's not concerned that it will be easier for the state to terminate him.

"The way that I understand it, it's just going to make more people accountable for the work that they do," he said. "I'm proud of the work that I do -- and I see that it gets noticed -- and that's not going to change."

Across the nation, other states have tried to add flexibility to their personnel systems over the past decade, said Leslie Scott, executive director of the National Association of State Personnel Executives.

She said Florida, Georgia and Tennessee are among the states that have made changes in hopes of improving retention and attracting top talent.

"States, like any other organization dealing with limited revenues, are doing business differently, and it's very important they have the best folks there to do the work," she said.

The Department of Economic Security and the Department of Transportation had the most employees opt out of job protections. The DES had 43 percent of the employees who decided to go uncovered. Transportation workers represented 27 percent. The remaining workers were spread over nearly 100other state departments, boards and commissions.

Under Brewer's sweeping personnel overhaul, 6,616 additional employees will automatically transition to uncovered status on Sept. 29, said Kathy Peckardt, the state's human-resources director. Certain supervisors, IT staff and attorneys were not given an option.

State officials bill the pay raise as a 5 percent increase based on a calculation of base pay. However, the raise will apply to only 19 pay periods instead of the full 26, dropping the bonus pay to 3.65 percent.

Critics say the governor and GOP lawmakers are making it easier to hire and favor allies.

Roman Ulman, executive director of Arizona American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, said the union is considering suing Brewer and the state over the personnel changes that became law earlier this year.

Ulman accused the governor of unfairly applying the changes by giving exceptions to certain law-enforcement and Corrections officers. Ulman said moving workers to an "at will" status is "morally wrong."

"She doesn't want to tell the taxpayers what's going on in her government, and that's why she wants all state employees to be at will -- so she can get rid of them if they go against her," said Ulman, whose union represents about 5,000 people.

18 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/17/20120917thousands-state-employees-opt-raises-over-protections.html
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As Phoenix-area city budgets remain tight, new park facilities on hold

by Weldon B. Johnson - Sept. 14, 2012 11:25 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

There is no crack of the bat on a baseball field, no laughter as children play on swings or teeter-totters in some of the Valley's newer neighborhoods, no grunts from a two-handed backhand on a tennis court, no families huddled under the shade of a ramada for a picnic.

City Comparison Guide

Plans to create parks, often the recreational lifeblood of a community, have stalled as the recession continues to exert economic pressure on municipal budgets across metro Phoenix.

New parks that were added to budget wish lists in more optimistic times have yet to be built. More parks, or improvements to existing parks, languish, especially on the fringes of several Valley municipalities, depriving newer residents of soccer fields, playgrounds and healthy green space.

Phoenix has 28 yet-to-be developed park sites, mostly in Laveen, northeast Phoenix and northwest Phoenix. Chandler's plans for eight new parks are on hold. Scottsdale has land set aside for four parks that it cannot develop until the economy improves. Surprise's plan for new parks is on hold for at least another year, maybe two.

Parks are more than a quality-of-life amenity. Although they often are among the first budget cuts by cash-strapped municipalities, parks can be beneficial not only to the well-being of residents but also for the bottom line of communities.

"We believe that parks and recreation are really one of our most important public trusts and are essential to quality of life on so many levels," said Lauren Hoffmann of the National Recreation and Park Association, a Virginia-based organization dedicated to advancing parks, recreation and environmental conservation.

Four out of five people use a local park at least once a year, according to association research.

"They nourish us physically, spiritually and mentally and provide such an incredible value to communities across the country," Hoffmann said.

Parks and recreation facilities are among the factors businesses consider when looking to relocate. And parks provide an economic boost in small ways, such as sales taxes and jobs connected to the purchase of sporting goods and recreational equipment and in greater ways, including boosting tourism.

The Outdoor Industry Association estimates the annual economic impact of outdoor recreation nationally is $730 billion, most of that associated with local parks and public land.

The downturn in the economy did not diminish the need for public parks and other recreational facilities. In fact, that need is even greater during tough times, according to Kirk Haines, Peoria parks manager.

"Quite frankly, during the slowdown, people weren't traveling and doing a lot of vacationing," Haines said. "They were spending more time at home because they couldn't afford to go out and do different things.

"The pressure was on to provide services and make sure we kept up things like our library hours, for example, not just parks."

Shrinking funds

As property values and sales-tax revenue declined over the past five years and less money went into municipalities' general funds, cities were forced to cut budgets. To cover core services such as police and fire, lower priorities such as parks became expendable.

Chandler's 2008-09 budget called for construction of nine parks. All but one remain on hold indefinitely.

Among the casualties is Mesquite Groves, a 100-acre regional park near Riggs Road and Val Vista Drive. Chandler has the land for it. An aquatics center opened in 2008, but ball fields, a lake, an amphitheater and other amenities still exist only in drawings.

Chandler resident Patricia Edquist, who lives near the proposed site of Mesquite Groves Regional Park, understands the budget constraints but wishes the park would open soon.

"We could use more parks around here," Edquist said. "Tumbleweed Park (7 miles away) is really the only place around here for the kids. It would be great if they could build another one."

Scottsdale has put its plans for new parks on hold, as well, including two in the DC Ranch area, Desert Mountain Park and Whisper Rock Park.

Valley parks that have been delayed run the gamut: from smaller, neighborhood parks that would provide playgrounds or places to play basketball or soccer to large regional parks that include amenities such as urban lakes, amphitheaters and hiking trails.

The shrinking budgets caused community parks departments instead to focus on maintenance of existing parks and recreation facilities. This strategy benefits residents in established neighborhoods, but people in newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of municipalities must wait.

"It's maintain what you have and explain to the citizens the situation we're in," said Mickey Ohland, Chandler's park development and operations manager.

"Everybody understands the economic downturn and how it's affected the city. It's affected their budgets, as well."

Phoenix parks and preserve Administrator Cynthia Peters said the silver lining is that it helps the city catch up on maintenance.

"We're able to fix some things that have been broken for a long time, and we don't have to compete with new development," Peters said. "We're able to actually do some studies in terms of what our future needs are. We're able to plan, whereas before, we were just trying to catch up with the new growth."

Parks directors said the recession slowed anticipated growth in many outlying areas, in turn easing the demand for new parks.

Chandler resident Steve Johnson, who regularly visits the aquatic center at Mesquite Groves, said he would visit a regional park if it was built, but he isn't concerned if it doesn't come.

"I think there are plenty of parks," Johnson said.

Relief is on the way

The Valley is richly blessed with parks, from large regional oases with their lakes, riparian areas, miniature railroads, water-play features and trails that offer a wide range of recreation opportunities, to nationally renowned large-scale parks like Phoenix South Mountain and Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Mountain preserves, and small community spaces in mature neighborhoods. But the need for more never diminishes.

And although many municipalities still have their park plans on hold, there are signs of relief on the horizon as an uptick in the economy improves revenue.

Peoria continued to build parks through the economic downturn. Scotland Yard, a neighborhood park, opened this month, and the city began construction of the $20 million Pioneer Park in June, which is scheduled to open in fall 2013.

Dust Devil Park, at 107th Avenue and Camelback Road in Phoenix, opens this fall, and Chandler will begin construction on its Roadrunner neighborhood park in the next year.

The Maricopa County parks system has plans to develop a 110-square-mile recreation area around the Vulture Mountains in the far northwest Valley. The $29 million, 30-year project would be the first large-scale county park project since the 1990s.

Mesa voters in November will consider a $70 million bond issue that would fund park construction and renovation.

Scottsdale is reviewing parks and other projects as it determines whether to ask its residents to consider a similar bond issue.

Municipalities recognize the need to offer recreational opportunities and outdoor space to their residents, and they're keeping their fingers crossed that they finally may move forward with stalled projects soon.

"Some day, they will be built," said Ohland, the Chandler parks manager. "We just have to let the economy turn around ... so we can build them."

Places to play

The recession forced Valley communities to delay and re-evaluate parks plans. Some proceeded after changes; some were postponed.

Chandler

The city has postponed park construction until economic conditions improve. Among the postponed parks:

Centennial Park, a 7.87-acre facility near Ocotillo and Cooper roads.

Mesquite Groves, a 100-acre regional facility near Val Vista Drive and Riggs Road.

McQueen/Queen Creek, a 70-acre site at the southeastern corner of McQueen and Queen Creek roads, originally called Nozomi Park, a name assigned instead to the former West Chandler Park.

Roadrunner Park, a 10-acre facility near Germann and Lindsay roads, expected to be completed in 2013.

Gilbert

Several major parks in Gilbert are on hold while the town works out a parks master plan and looks for money to develop hundreds of acres that sit vacant.

After overspending to acquire 143 acres of future parkland in southern neighborhoods, Gilbert doesn't have revenue to issue new bonds to pay for sports fields, playground equipment and picnic sites.

The town plans to build a 140-acre riparian preserve in south Gilbert to double as a water-recharge site. An 80-acre activity center near Greenfield and Chandler Heights roads likely would include ball fields, sport courts, a lake and ramadas.

Glendale

An 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road regional-park site had several phases delayed, including a sports complex, urban lake, library and dog park. Other portions of the park have been completed.

Improvements to two segments of Glendale multiuse paths are in the planning stage. Those trails are the Grand Canal Pathway, along the Grand Canal from Loop 101 to New River, and the New River Pathway, from Bethany Home Road to Northern Avenue.

Mesa

Voters will consider a $70 million bond issue in November, which would go toward building parks and renovating existing parks and recreation trails.

Some of the money would be used to comply with federal requirements to replace land occupied by Riverview Golf Course and an adjacent park, being converted to the new Chicago Cubs spring-training facility.

Peoria

The city proceeded with parks plans despite the recession. Construction of the 80-acre Pioneer Park was delayed for one year to ensure money for maintenance. Construction began in June.

Scotland Yard Park, an 8.5-acre neighborhood venue, opened on Sept. 8.

Osuna and Palo Verde neighborhood parks were completed during the economic downturn.

Phoenix

Some parks projects promised before the recession are under construction or completed. Among them is Dust Devil Park, 13 acres at 107th Avenue and Camelback Road, due for completion this fall.

The city has 28 undeveloped park sites, mostly in Laveen and in the northeastern and northwestern sections of the city.

Scottsdale

Reductions to the parks budgets forced postponement of new projects.

The city is reviewing possible parks projects if the City Council puts a bond issue on the ballot to raise funds.

Surprise

Capital-improvement projects, including parks, were postponed indefinitely. They will not be reconsidered for least a year, possibly two.

Among the projects postponed: an aquatics center at Surprise Farms Community Park, a skate park, trails, multi-use fields and a library.

15 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/11/20120911phoenix-area-city-budgets-tight-new-parks-on-hold.html
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Sales tax touted in rally to gain voters' support

by Luci Scott - Sept. 16, 2012 09:07 PM
The Republic | azcentral.com

Advocates of permanently extending the temporary 1-cent-per-dollar sales tax to benefit education rallied on Sunday in central Phoenix as they kicked off a campaign to persuade voters to approve Proposition 204. Early voting begins Oct. 11.

Participants painted their car windows with "Yes on 204" and picked up bumper stickers, yard signs, pins and T-shirts. Radio and TV ads were to begin today, and supporters were already making calls to voters.

"Things have gotten to a very dire level," said Ann-Eve Pedersen of Tucson, the campaign's chairwoman and mother of a sixth-grade boy, referring to education funding.

"Not only are kids being hurt, our state economy is being hurt."

The group rallied at the central Phoenix offices of Integrated Web Strategy, a company that is supporting the proposition.

Pedersen heads the Arizona Education Parent Network, a nonpartisan group that says it has grown discouraged by what it perceives as a lack of support for education in the state Legislature.

"We said, 'Stop calling legislators, stop calling the governor. It's not working,' " she said. "We started working on a more permanent funding solution."

Of the revenue from Prop. 204, known as the Quality Education and Jobs Act, 80 percent would go to education, with the rest funding road repair and construction, Department of Public Safety officers and KidsCare, which provides medical treatment for children of the working poor.

Among those at the campaign rally was Marisol Garcia, an eighth-grade social-studies teacher in the Isaac School District, which cut out all-day kindergarten three years ago.

"First-graders are coming in with way lower levels of learning in reading and math," she said. "Second-grade teachers are feeling it, as well."

Class sizes are larger, too: Garcia teaches a class of 32, which she says includes a mix of students with varying learning needs and some who are still learning English.

Another rally participant was architect Paul Winslow.

"As we have looked at (education) cuts, we keep hearing we need to do more with less," he said. "Having been in business, we tried to do more with less, and it got to the point where we were doing less with less."

He said American society is based on universal education.

"That is what has made our country great, but we have so underfunded education, we are shirking that responsibility."

The 1-cent-per-dollar sales tax is currently set to expire next year.

For more information, visit qualityeducationandjobs.com.

17 Sep, 2012

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Source: http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/2012/09/16/20120916sales-tax-rally-voter-support.html
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