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Community
January 5 – 18, 2013
www.SanTanSun.com
Ellen joins veteran council by Susan Henderson
The new Chandler City Council to be sworn in Jan. 10 isn’t really that new at all. The recently elected Nora Ellen is the sole rookie on the team, with Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, Vice Mayor Jeff Weninger, Councilmembers Trinity Donovan, Jack Sellers, Rick Heumann and Kevin Hartke all returning to the bench. Councilmember Matt Orlando leaves his post this month, termed out of office after two consecutive four-year stints he began in 2004. It’ll be more of the same for the returning veterans, with the economy, budget preparations, job growth and neighborhood revitalization topping the to-do list for 2013, according to council staff. Ellen already met with city management staff for briefings on the tasks at hand, and says she is ready for the challenges ahead.
Supersized service
Ellen moved to Chandler in 2002, but has lived in the Southeast Valley since 1990. Already an experienced civil servant, she worked as a commissioner for the City of Chandler as well as with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce prior to her candidacy for council. “I was encouraged to run to take what I am doing to the next level in terms of helping our economy to grow.” Ellen has also held leadership positions for several schools, nonprofits, sports clubs and at church. “I have a heart to serve.” Public service runs in the family; Ellen’s
son is State Rep. J.D. Mesnard. She also has a daughter, Juel, now grown and married. In addition to public service and family, Ellen is busy as a real estate investor and self-described “multimillion dollar producer” for Keller Williams Realty East Valley. Ellen says she will spend her time on council helping Chandler transition from high-growth city to build out, something she expects in the next 10 years. The economy and new business are at the forefront too. “A city prospers the most when we have businesses to employ our residents, which brings in revenue for our needs and wants.”
Pressing priorities
Ellen isn’t the only one with economy on the agenda. Tibshraeny puts it at the top of his priority list for 2013. “We will begin budget discussions fairly soon, and we will remain cautious and diligent. While the Intel projects continue to highlight the success we have had in economic development, we will continue to seek new employers to the City.” The City of Chandler experienced fiscal stability amid an epic recession, and the mayor says while the economy is stronger, budget strategy is still critical. “The Council will remain vigilant and make prudent decisions in terms of the upcoming budget process. We have worked too hard over the years to get
COUNCIL 2013: New Chandler Councilmember Nora Ellen, lower right; clockwise, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, Trinity Donovan, Jeff Weninger, Jack Sellers, Kevin Hartke and Rick Heumann.
where we are to see that slip – AAA Bond ratings, strong reserves and recent honors, including being named one of the best managed cities in the U.S. and fourth best place for tech start-ups.” Tibshraeny says sustainable neighborhoods will continue to be an area of focus. He is also working with the Chamber to initiate a new program and paying attention to ongoing dialogue with all businesses, small business owners and operators in particular. Changes to Tibshraeny’s popular Listening Tour, where he meets with residents, are expected as well.
Predictions, goals
Tibshraeny expects to continue to see the economy return. He says current service levels and infrastructure will be maintained, and where possible, new roads and parks built. Roadrunner Park is next to be developed at Ryan and Gilbert roads. Though not ready to share any announcements, Tibshraeny says residents can expect further job growth in Chandler.
He’ll work with state representatives and Valley mayors on regional issues and concerns. “My main goal is to continue to see improvements in the economy: continued job growth, increased confidence and consumer spending and the return of the housing market.” To achieve those goals, Tibshraeny knows he’ll need help. “I also look forward to working with the City Council and welcoming Nora Ellen. We all have a very good working relationship, a shared vision for our community, and I see that continuing.” To learn more about the City of Chandler, Mayor and Council, visit chandleraz.gov, attend Council meetings or watch them on Channel 11 or streamed and archived on the website, like the City on Facebook, or follow Tibshraeny, Weninger, Heumann, Hartke and Sellers on Twitter. Susan Henderson lives, writes and raises a family in Old Stone Ranch. Reach her at SusanH@SanTanSun.com.
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