—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
Phoenix • Tucson • Mesa
FEB 19–MAR 3
THE VOICE OF THE EAST VALLEY SINCE 1891 AND WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR LOCAL REPORTING
East Valley group helps troops abroad
THE SUNDAY
Chandler/Tempe Edition
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This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.
Where Art Connects Heaven & Earth
Early Purchase Special Code: Early19 Get best seats & waive fees by 11/30/2018
FEB 19–24
Prepare for an experience that will take your breath away.
FEB 26–27
MAR 1–3
Phoenix Orpheum Theatre Tucson Music Hall Mesa Arts Center
ShenYun.com/AZ 800-880-0188 Tickets
ShenYun.com/AZ 800.880.0188
S
hen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.
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Sunday, November 11, 2018
Bond votes threaten Mesa schools, disappoint city BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Reporter
M
ALL-NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
EAST VALLEY
Defense carries Red Mountain
esa voters last week were not as generous as the city and Mesa Public Schools would have liked. They approved a sales tax increase to fund police and fire salaries but rejected a school district bond issue and the funding for the Mesa Plays soccer complex, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election. But even though at press time Friday the county recorder had yet to count nearly 350,000 votes, Mesa Schools Superintendent Ember Conley announced a series of austerity moves and city officials pondered their next steps. The combination of $500 million in bonds requested by the two separate divisions of local government – $300 million by MPS and $196 million by the city – appeared to represent too much debt for many voters. As of press time Friday, the school bonds vote showed a razor-thin margin between those op-
posed and in favor of it – 53,428 “no” votes to 53,129 voting yes. But even before the gap closed to 299 votes, Conley ordered cutbacks that include a hiring freeze for all non-teaching positions and a hold on all capital projects – including the remaining $29 million left from a 2012 bond issue approved by voters. “We remain committed to delivering on our promise that all students are known by name, served by strength and need, and graduate ready for college, career and community,’’ Conley wrote in a statement to MPS employees. “With the loss of the bond and override, our main concerns are how to fund security and safety improvements, how to maintain and improve class sizes with appropriate social-emotional support for students, and how to remain competitive when recruiting and retaining students and staff.” Mike Hutchinson, executive vice president of the East Valley Partnership and a former Mesa city manager, said he was disappointed by the
early voting results on the bond issue and override. “The need for the bond issue is really critical. It’s essential for the community, for economic development and to train our workforce for the future,’’ Hutchinson said. Hutchinson, who worked on the bond campaign and whose wife won a seat on the Mesa school board last week, said people seemed to understand the bonds were needed when he explained that the bus fleet was aging, that buildings need renovation and that old computers needed to be replaced. But the long ballot with numerous requests for bond issues and tax increases probably had an impact, he said, noting that last week’s loss leaves the district with no choice but to pursue an override or a bond issue sometime in the near future. “With all the stuff going on nationally and locally, it’s hard to get people’s attention,’’ See
BOND on page 6
EVSpecial Veterans Parade honors those who served section inside Tribune News Staff
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he 2018 East Valley Veterans Parade is ready to step off again, with the theme “Kilroy Was Here.” The parade, originally born as the Mesa Veterans Parade more than 50 years ago, begins at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 12, the intersection of Center Street and University Drive. The parade will travel south on Center Street, turning west at the intersection of Center and First Street, then will continue west to Robson. The East Valley Veterans Parade honors veterans, active military and their families with the celebration of their service and sacrifice. School bands, historical military vehicles and floats will be featured. Lester “Les” Gray, Jr. is the 2018 Grand Marshal. He was selected for outstanding military service in World War II and in the Korean War.
(Special to the Tribune)
Bands, uniformed units and, of course, veterans will be marching tomorrow, Nov. 12, in Mesa starting at 11 a.m. at the intersection of University Drive and Center Street.
The United States Army Band and Chorus will give a free concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center. Tickets are at mesaartscenter.com. The Concert Band & Soldiers’ Chorus are the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field
Band’s performing components. For more about the East Valley Veterans Parade – and why “Kilroy Was Here” is this year’s theme – see the four-page special section inside,