Opinion
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August 2 - 15, 2014
Community Commentary
Letters to the Editor
Why the sudden increase in panhandler sightings? BY RICK HEUMANN
Many residents have noticed the increase in panhandlers throughout our community and are wondering what can be done about this issue. Indeed, individuals and Vice Mayor Rick families begging Heumann. Submitted for money have photo been reported at numerous sites, including entrances and exits of freeways and shopping centers. While this practice is currently legal, it is not necessarily ethical. Residents need to realize that handing out money at street corners is not a solution. The timing of this practice coincides with a federal court’s ruling, brought forward by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), against an Arizona law aimed at prohibiting panhandling. The state law was found to be unconstitutional because it infringed on the right of free speech, as prescribed in the First Amendment. Therefore, beggars are allowed on public property as long as they don’t commit any illegal acts. With that said, the Chandler Police Department is working with the Arizona Department of Transportation to add “no trespassing” signage to freeway on and off ramps, and private property owners can ask that “no trespassing” be enforced on their property. Additionally, the City of Chandler has been very proactive in the past few years regarding homeless issues, and City staff has developed successful collaborations with various agencies to address these needs.
Homeless advocates have approached panhandlers in an attempt to connect them with services. Most of the time, there does not appear to be any interest in receiving assistance, and in some cases, individuals have stated that they are not homeless. Chandler police check on individuals, particularly when children are present. Officers assess health and safety concerns and determine if any laws are violated. They can also provide referrals for services, including food banks, shelters, medical treatment and more. As mentioned, several advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations are dedicated to assisting people in need, especially those who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness. It is much better to support these efforts than to give money to random individuals. Throughout Maricopa County, the Valley of the Sun United Way coordinates a strong homeless initiative referred to as Project Connect. It is a one-stop service that takes place at different locations each month. Project Connect mobilizes local businesses, elected officials, faith-based organizations and diverse partners to serve those experiencing homelessness, in an effort to provide short- and longterm solutions. Locally, Chandler has also implemented a temporary housing solution by offering shelter several nights per week at various church facilities. The program is referred to as I-Help, Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program. Individuals in need are provided with shelter, meals and access to resources. Homeless veterans receive even more services. Specific programs are dedicated to locating and assisting them. SEE COMMUNITY COMMENTARY PAGE 50
Reader dislikes chairman’s EPA dig Dear editor, In the July 19 through Aug. 1 Opinion page, the article “Progress in the air for Maricopa County” by Denny Barney, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, is exclaiming a “major milestone!” Barney is telling your readers about the good news where, after 44 years, our county has finally had five straight years where we have been able to meet the national standards for dust and particulates! But that’s not all, he also goes on to tell your readers just how important this achievement is for those who suffer from a variety of respiratory diseases and whose health will directly benefit from this achievement. Good news, right? Not if you’re not a fan of the EPA and its “heavy-handed intrusion into local affairs.” Apparently, Barney believes that Maricopa County would have worked this hard for the last 44 years to meet these standards without the EPA’s “federal thumb” keeping us to the task. I sincerely doubt that all of the “sophisticated forecasting and dust control compliance measures” would have been implemented. Or that a “rapid-response” plan to warn residents of dirty air conditions would have been developed. Does anyone really think that those partnerships (or the money spent) between state, county, municipal, health advocates and private industry would have been accomplished without that horrible federal agency making us do it?
To those who don’t like regulation I say this: Next time do the right thing without having to be told to—even if it takes you 44 years to do it—and those regulatory bodies you so despise will fade from existence. Heather Matthies Breathing air in Chandler since 2001
Former colleague endorses Roe Dear editor, This is the first time I have been compelled to submit a letter on behalf of anyone running for public office. Terry Roe is a candidate for Chandler City Council. He is also a retired police sergeant, who I have worked with on and off over the course of 20 years. Terry was always committed to doing the right thing for the public. As a police officer, he worked on complex investigations, taught prevention programs in the schools and helped citizens through difficult situations that they never expected they would have to deal with. Terry supports the Chandler business community, and he recognizes the importance of responsible spending at all levels of government. He is endorsed by the Chandler police and firefighters along with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. He is a longtime trusted friend, and when I sit down to complete my ballot the choice will be easy. I’m voting for Terry Roe for Chandler City Council. Mike Doherty Retired Mesa police sergeant and Longtime Chandler resident SEE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PAGE 48
Corrections Corrections have been moved to the Community section.
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August 2 - 15, 2014
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 47
Councilman Weninger offers slate of candidates support We need a strong council going forward that will continue to lead this great city. For that reason, I am supporting Kevin Hartke, Rene Lopez and Terry Roe. I have worked with City Councilman Jeff Kevin as a fellow Weninger. Submitted councilmember photo for the last four years so I know his ability to do what is best for Chandler. I have worked closely with Terry and Rene on various City issues over the years and have full faith and confidence in their ability to lead Chandler forward. These individuals are ready to serve our community in a meaningful way. They are people of integrity and character and, therefore, have my unequivocal support. I feel an obligation to speak out on this. I am concerned that with sparse media coverage of this campaign, a couple things are being lost. There is one candidate running for City Council that I do not support. Jon Beydler touts his record as the mayor of Fountain Hills, but what he doesn’t tell the voters
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Letters to the Editor is that he was recalled shortly after he became mayor. He is now a candidate for the Chandler council with the platform of strong schools. I want to be clear. The City of Chandler does not regulate or control education in any way. We have separately elected school boards that run our school districts. His attempt to link the City elections to the education of our children is disappointing. Please vote for Kevin Hartke, Terry Roe and Rene Lopez by early ballot or at the polls on Aug. 26. Jeff Weninger Chandler City Councilman
Vote for diversity on Chandler City Council I believe that it is important for our city councilmembers to reflect the diversity of our community. That is one reason I have selected the following three candidates as my choices to represent me in the City Council race. They are all quality individuals, bringing different skill sets to the council. Chelle Daly offers passion, experience, integrity to council With three seats open on the Chandler City Council, I urge you to cast one of your votes for Chelle Daly, 16-year resident and former systems engineer at Intel, now raising three
children (with husband, Brendan) and devoting her “spare” time to our city through many important projects and organizations. Chelle wants what we all want for Chandler: • Safe neighborhoods, quality jobs and a world-class community. And she has many ideas as to how to achieve these goals: through public safety—first responders need training, resources and adequate personnel; • Quality services. Low rates, low taxes and AAA bond rating • Educational excellence. Sense of community through partnerships with the City and our schools to develop the highest level of workforce • Responsible growth and sustainability. Housing, employment centers, office parks, service and retail; redevelopment through updated planning • Strong economy. Local and regional economic development; • Transportation. Expanded options • Recreation. Parks, recreation programs, aquatics and organized sports. Daly brings much experience to the City Council table: She serves on the Chandler Airport Commission and chaired it for two terms; was a member of the Citizen Bond Committee in 2007; has worked on recycling, ambulance service, solid waste
electronics recycling and helped get more preschool classrooms at Snedigar Recreation Center. Chelle serves on the Site Committee at Arizona College Prep School—Oakland Campus. She is the vice president of the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona and is an avid Girl Scout volunteer, having been honored for her service to that organization. Chelle Daly is a woman of passion, values and action. She will bring intellect, education and leadership experience to the Chandler City Council. Visit www.daly4chandler. com to learn more about this amazing candidate. Vote Daly on Aug. 26. Keep Hartke on our council My next pick for Chandler City Council is incumbent Kevin Hartke. The only incumbent running for Chandler City Council, Kevin Hartke is more than qualified to fill a seat. He has served with distinction, watching Chandler—and helping Chandler— become a leader in innovation and technology, maintain a AAA bond rating, and add 5,000 jobs in 2013 alone. Kevin and his wife, Lynne, have lived in Chandler since 1985, and he has been lead pastor at Trinity Christian Fellowship for that same length of time. The family and Christian values that Kevin brings to our community
Opinion
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August 2 - 15, 2014
49
Letters to the Editor are evident in his thoughtful, ethical decisions as a councilmember. Holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he also values education for others, serving as a literacy advocate, reading to fifth and sixth graders at Galveston Elementary School weekly. Hartke has paid his dues as a community servant and leader on the Planning and Zoning Commission and chairing the Human Relations Commission as well as the 2010 “Complete Count Committee.” He is statewide director of the nonprofit “For Our City,”—a collaborative effort of government, business, nonprofit and faith bodies, as well as director of “For Our City—Chandler. A board member of The Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona, member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, he also volunteers for the American Cancer Society and sits on the Chandler Regional Medical Center Trauma Advisory Council. Hartke is chairman of the Continuum of Care Regional Committee on Homelessness for Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and a member of Arizona SERVES Governor’s Task Force. “Ask a busy person”...you know the rest! Kevin Hartke has the ideas and the work ethic Chandler needs. Join me in making sure we keep Kevin on Chandler City Council.
Strong schools make a stronger Chandler I also support Chandler real estate broker, Jon Beydler for Chandler City Council. As children head back to school, I remember how fortunate we are to have great choices for our students. City Council candidate Jon Beydler understands the important relationship between our schools and the city. Some have criticized his campaign’s focus on education, implying that the City Council has no association with our schools. While the City does not “oversee” public schools—that is the work of school district governing boards—the City and the school districts within its boundaries do work together, forming partnerships resulting in a healthy community and well-educated citizenry. Chandler Center for the Arts is a premiere example of the City of Chandler partnering with Chandler Unified School District. Students benefit from the opportunity to learn and perform in this facility, and Chandler citizens enjoy the world-class performances held there. Chandler Public Library, with branches in two public high schools, provide an excellent resource for students and the community alike, as do public swimming pools and parks located near schools.
Finally, the economic growth of Chandler is directly linked to the quality of education our schools provide. Orbital Sciences, Intel, Wells Fargo and PayPal chose Chandler because our great schools prepare well-qualified workers. As a Realtor, Mr. Beydler knows that families choose to purchase homes in communities with great schools. The idea that the City Council has no influence over public schools is shortsighted. Jon will support existing partnerships between the City of Chandler and our local schools and actively look for new opportunities that benefit both. Show your support for strong schools and a strong Chandler by voting for Jon Beydler in the Chandler City Council election on Aug. 26. I urge you to keep the diversity of our community in mind when considering the candidates for Chandler City Council by voting for Daly, Hartke and Beydler. Respectfully, Paula Wirth
What’s after 60,000? If a citizen breaks the law, and no law enforcement action is taken, what message does that send to everyone else? This is exactly what’s happening with our immigration laws in America. That’s
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Submitted photo
why my deputies encounter many criminal illegals who admit to being deported as many as 15 times. The laws apply to American citizens, but if you’re an illegal from a foreign country—it appears the laws do not apply, and there are few if
any real consequences. The very hope of 60,000 unaccompanied juveniles from Central America was realized when they were welcomed with open arms. What message does this send the millions of future illegals in Mexico and Central America? If you make it to the border and say you’re fleeing violence—you’re home free. The most humanitarian response would be to place these children on planes, return them back to their country of origin and reunite them with their families. If we fail to do this, we invite future waves of refugees. Paul Babeu Pinal County sheriff
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Opinion
August 2 - 15, 2014
www.SanTanSun.com
Community Commentary
COMMUNITY COMMENTARY FROM PAGE 47
Unfortunately, as long as people continue to give cash to panhandlers, they will see begging as a lucrative endeavor and will increase their visibility
in our city. Instead, residents wishing to help are encouraged to support established programs that serve those in need.
Donating to faith organizations, nonprofit and advocacy groups is not only tax deductible but it ensures that funds are used for the benefit of those
who truly need it. Rick Heumann is the vice mayor of Chandler.
Auto dealers helping lead the Arizona comeback BY BOBBI SPARROW PRESIDENT, ARIZONA AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
It’s been a long road back from the depths of the recession, but there signs that the state’s economic engine is revving up, Bobbi Sparrow. and Arizona Submitted photo Automobile Dealers Association is proud to be playing an important leadership role. According to media reports, for the first three months of the year, taxable sales of motor (vehicles) went from $1.7 billion in 2013 to $1.9 billion in 2014. That’s an increase of 13 percent. That does not include the millions spent on automobile parts and related items. That’s not only good for our local economies it’s also good for the State
of Arizona. And it’s a very encouraging sign for consumers. Statewide, association dealer members generate over 20 percent of all retail sales tax revenue. That’s in addition to any city or town sales taxes. It’s a significant number at a time when state and local governments are dealing with budget challenges. Growth in other retail sales has not been as robust, which means auto dealerships are more of a factor in helping Arizona recover from the recession. The industry is also an economic engine in terms of jobs. Arizona auto dealers directly employ over 28,000 people statewide. Thousands of other jobs are supported indirectly by dealership business activity. Our association also plays a major role in auto safety and service. Advances in technology help protect drivers. Accident rates have dropped. Automobiles are more reliable than ever before. The average age of an automobile on the road today is 11.4
years. Getting more than 100,000 miles from a car is a new normal. All that technology requires a greater degree of expertise for repairs, and auto dealers are the ones who must rise to that occasion. Without these dealers, there are no guarantees that a greater level of expertise will be maintained for every type of car and truck. A neighborhood mechanic cannot be expected to have encyclopedic knowledge of every make and model. Automobile dealers do business in every corner of Arizona. That’s why someone who drives a Ford in Flagstaff doesn’t have to drive all the way to Phoenix for specialized repairs. It means a Chevy driver in Sierra Vista doesn’t have to make a trip to Tucson to replace a hard to find part. When there are recalls, it’s up to the local dealerships to make things right. In April, a General Motors recall covered more than 2.5 million vehicles nationwide. In Arizona 83 GM franchises jumped into action to take care of the problem locally.
And we compete every day amongst ourselves to create the best prices for you. The current system is based on a lot of trial and error over the years, and to prevent any company from gaining a stranglehold, like occurred in the early 20th century. That is not good for consumers. Vertical monopolies must remain a thing of the past with competition always our mantra moving forward. The Arizona Automobile Dealers Association welcomes our informal partnership with your readers and the many communities the Association serves. They are why we are here. Our members are committed businesspeople who not only value their own reputations, but also the reputation of the industry itself. We look forward to growing with the communities in which we are located. Together let’s keep working toward our brightest Arizona days.
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