skip to main |
skip to sidebar
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
It is time for leaders to listen -- to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future. Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy.
I pride myself as a problem solver who will get people together to help resolve conflict. Leadership also requires the ability to listen, discern and act in the best interest of the residents of Phoenix.
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 my 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.
However, I also want to hear more from you. That is why I asking you “What’s the most important issue facing our city?”
*****
It is time for leaders to LISTEN -- to work with the citizens of our great city to chart a course for a prosperous future. Phoenix should no longer accept a back seat in the area of public policy. I am proud to present this comprehensive public policy document called "The Phoenix We Want" Here are the critical issues:
Attract Jobs and New Businesses
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.
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.
Balance City Budget and Reduce the Size of Government
Phoenicians want leaders capable of managing their tax dollars. They expect us to weigh the benefits of programs and initiatives. Precious public funds must be spent wisely. We should agree that future budgets will deliver core city services at a level that our residents can afford. We must do a better job of setting priorities. Once those are funded, then we should look to reduce taxes, and spend remaining funds on other desired services on a pay-as- you-go basis to minimize debt.
Zero based budget - - For the City’s Enterprise Funds – Aviation, Water, Wastewater, Golf, Solid Waste, and in part the Civic Plaza fund - - we should start fresh every year with a clean budget slate. No more starting from last year’s budget to decide future spending.
Implement cost saving measures - - We must comb through each department looking for ways to reduce costs. We should look at best practices from cities nationwide for new ways to reduce spending.
Pension reform - - The mayor and city council should have greater oversight of the pension board and the process. Employees should be compensated fairly, but we must address pension reform and issues such as “double dipping.”
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 2.5 percent. We also should require that these funds be spent before considering any city tax increase.
Increase Efficiency - - Mayor, City Council and staff should work to implement recommendations of the Efficiency Task Force. We must also make it a practice of rewarding employees for operational efficiency ideas and customer satisfaction.
Regionalization of public services - - Phoenix is the biggest city in the state and therefore bears significant responsibility when it comes to encouraging regional cooperation. Public services such as transportation should be regionalized to increase efficiency. Even with Phoenix paying its fair share to operate the system, it should reduce costs.
Preserve bond ratings - - Phoenix has a long track record of maintaining a positive bond rating and currently has some of the highest ratings in the country. We must develop financial policies that maintain that record.
Protect Public Safety
Although we face budgetary issues, our top priority should always be public safety, a critical element to maintaining our quality of life and attracting businesses. Those who protect our neighborhoods should not have to worry about budget cuts or job losses because their leaders couldn’t manage a budget. Likewise these departments should be expected to be efficient with funds available. By working together, we can serve the public safety needs of the community, and increase accountability, without reducing public safety.
Transitional response vehicles - - Many Phoenix fire calls are medical emergencies. Sending a full fire truck requires additional manpower and causes wear and tear on expensive vehicles. Partnering with local healthcare providers, we should find ways to send smaller response teams and vehicles on medical emergencies and offer more help in the field to reduce emergency room visits.
Police social response - - Many Phoenix police calls are from people in need of social services or support. We should develop a program for dispatching social workers instead of police officers when appropriate.
Implement recent Police Task Force recommendations - - We should improve police officer accountability by implementing the recommendations of the recent task force. Suggestions such as requiring patrol officers to carry business cards with their badge numbers and supervisors' contact information will help them improve relations in the community and lead to more citizen cooperation in fighting crime.
Enforce immigration laws - - We should expect the City of Phoenix to uphold and enforce all state laws, including SB1070, as efficiently and effectively as possible. While I have concerns about any legislation that may come with unfunded mandates, as a public servant, I am committed to upholding the law.
Demand border security - - Phoenix should be using its influence as a leader in the southwest to do more to demand border security and enforce our immigration laws. I will work with the Governor, Mayors and others to demand that the Federal government do its job to ensure that our border is secure.
Increase Accessibility and Transparency
Transparency and accessibility are critical for citizens to have confidence in their government. They are important now more than ever, especially when we are making tough decisions that lead to reductions in services or the allocation of scarce funds. As elected leaders we must be open and transparent in everything we do. Emergency tax hikes, bureaucratic red tape, and confusing websites shut the citizens out of the process and foster mistrust in the way government is being operated.
Ethics policy - - We must establish an ethics policy that fosters openness, trust and integrity when interacting with citizens, employees, and others.
Lobbyist reform - - We must require lobbyists to file their reports sooner than they do today and make those reports available to the public on the Internet immediately.
Increased financial disclosure - - I believe we should make available online yearly financial disclosure forms from all candidates, council members and the Mayor – in the same way campaign finance reports are available to the public.
Online campaign finance reporting - - We should transform our online campaign finance report system from scanned documents to an electronic filing program improving access for candidates and citizens alike.
Tax discussion period - -We must formalize a process that requires a thorough public discussion any time a tax increase is being considered by the Council. We must never approve another tax hike of any kind without a full public debate.
Improve the City of Phoenix website - - I want to work with citizens, business owners, and news media to improve city website accessibility and usability.
Encourage Quality Education
Education is a cornerstone of our quality of life. As a mother, my first priority was to ensure a quality education for my daughters. That is why I became actively involved in the United Parents Council. We can’t afford to keep a hands-off approach to education and expect things to change. If we are to attract business and investment to Phoenix, we must offer quality K-12 education for their families and university education that produces highly trained and skilled workforce to fill their needs.
Promote academic innovation and competitive education - - We must foster and encourage choices in public education to boost competition and build an abundant, talented workforce to attract business.
Support quality university education - - We must capitalize on our higher education opportunities building on our relationships with local universities and actively attracting other institutions to locate in Phoenix.
Recognize and encourage success - - Recognize quality teachers and successful students on a regular basis and connect educators and administrators with local government and business leaders to understand what is working and what needs improvement.
Encourage student participation - - Foster student participation and engagement in local government in areas such as developing policy, expanding volunteerism, and creating a sustainable city.
Support Strong Neighborhoods
Our neighborhoods are filled with people who work every day, focus on raising their families, take care of loved ones and connect at a very personal level in the areas of the city that they live, work and play. The interactions they have with city government on a daily basis are somewhat limited. They expect that the garbage will be picked up on time, the water they use is safe, the parks are clean, and their neighborhoods are free of crime and police and fire will arrive if called. We must ensure that Phoenix remains neighborhood friendly by meeting and exceeding the expectations of our residents.
Community policing - - I want to work with our police and fire departments to encourage their officers and firefighters to stay engaged in the community as a way to build public confidence in our unsung heroes.
Neighborhood advocate - - I will designate a position on the Mayor’s staff that will be a clearinghouse for neighborhood issues affecting the city. This person would interact with city departments to make sure neighborhood concerns are heard and factored into any decisions that are designed to improve the City.
Neighborhood and business cooperation - - Part of strengthening neighborhoods is understanding what leads to decline. Business and industry being chased away leads to more vacancies in strip shopping centers and malls, reducing jobs and revenue and displacing homeowners who lose their jobs. This does not do anything to strengthen neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods can and should be compatible with strong business and industry.
Source: Peggy Neely for Phoenix Mayor
