September 2015
Sven and Britta Westbye keep the beat at Sound Beginnings at Mesa Express Library.
MPS opens board meetings to public comments
Helping horses, one country song at a time
By Tracy House After a resident’s inquiry, the public may now voice their concerns or ask questions of the Mesa Public Schools’ board during its second meeting of each month. The change was prompted by a citizen who questioned MPS about not having time for public comment on the agenda, said Tom Pickrell, general counsel for MPS. After some consideration, the governing board allowed setting aside time every other meeting for people to come forward if they have issues that are not on the agenda. “Our policy has always welcomed public comment for items that are on the agenda,” Pickrell said. Citizens interested in speaking fill
By Kenneth LaFave The event, at the Carefree Resort Horses and country music go to- and Conference Center, 37220 Mule gether, even when the country artist is Train Rd. in Carefree, starts with dina self-professed “city girl.” ner at 5 p.m. In addition to Hoffman’s “I love horses, and if I had the time performance, it will feature both live and a bunch of money, and silent auctions. RobI’d have horses and ride,” ert J. Leary, the volunteer said Mesa country singerhead coach and founder of songwriter Mary HoffASU’s Western equestrian man. team, will serve as master Instead, Hoffman hopes of ceremonies and aucto help raise money to help tioneer. Tickets for Hope horses in need of rehabilifor Horses are $75 and can Mary Hoffman tation and new homes. be purchased at www.triHoffman will perform Saturday, plerhorserescueaz.com or via email to Oct. 3, at the Hope for Horses Gala, Sallie@triplerhorserescueaz.com. benefiting Triple R Horse Rescue, a Hoffman got involved four years 501(c)(3) organization that rescues ...continues on page 13 horses and burros.
out a form at the beginning of the meeting. They must state their name, Pickrell said. Speakers may also share thoughts during call to the public. “The two rules we have is that the subject they want to speak about has something to do with the school district,” Pickrell said. “The second point is we do caution in our rules, this forum should not be used as a place to criticize an employee, student or parent.”
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