Higley adjusts pandemic funds
$20M downtown building deal
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An edition of the East Valley Tribune
INSIDE
This Week
NEWS....................... 4 State yanks Gilbert group home’s license.
COMMUNITY......... 14 Jeep, dog inspire Gilbert author’s children’s book.
SPORTS..................25 Gilbert High seniors savor football bond. COMMUNITY....................................... 14 BUSINESS..............................................17 OPINION................................................ 19 SPORTS.................................................. 25 PUZZLE..................................................28 CLASSIFIEDS........................................31
FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Voting begins in contentious council election Candidates make their campaign pitch. See Page 9. BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
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esidents have until Tuesday, July 5, to register to vote in the Town Council race that could potentially change its political dynamics as four of the seven seats are up for grabs. The two council members who favor limited government and are often at odds with the rest of their peers are not seeking
re-election. Aimee Yentes is leaving public office and Laurin Hendrix has his eyes set on the state Legislature. The nine candidates competing for the four-year, nonpartisan jobs are incumbents Yung Koprowski and Scott September, joined by Chuck Bongiovanni, Bobbi Buchli, Mario Chicas, Michael Clark, Bus Obayomi, Bill Spence and Jim Torgeson. Also running in the Aug. 2 primary is write-in candidate Garrett Glover, who as an 18-year-old high school student in 2019 successfully got lemonade declared the state’s official drink. Glover declined to be interviewed on his bid for office. Koprowski and September were both ap-
Duggan taking reins of Gilbert Fire July 11 BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
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fter a grueling interview process of five top candidates, Gilbert chose one of its own to lead the Town’s Fire and Rescue Department. Assistant Fire Chief Rob Duggan will take over the helm July 11 from Chief Jim Jobusch, who retires July 7. “Mayor, council, town manger’s office: thank you for the trust with this responsibility,” Duggan said. “I’m dedicated to continue the tradition and legacy of three previous fire chiefs in ensuring the safety
of our community and our citizens.” Duggan also thanked his wife, Sally, and other family members for their support throughout his 23-year career with the department, the last seven as assistant chief. Duggan, whose selection was approved by Council last week, will earn $188,000 a year. “You’ve been part of the fire family for a very long time and I look forward to working with you in this new role,” Mayor Brigette Peterson said. Dugan, who grew up in
see DUGGAN page 4
pointed by council. Spence also was appointed in March 2020 but lost his seat to Hendrix in a special election later that year. Unlike in the past, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce did not come out and say who it endorsed. Instead it identified those who are pro-business by assigning them a letter grade. It handed Koprowski an A-plus; September, A; Spence, A; Bongiovanni, B; Obayomi, B; Clark, C; Torgeson, C; Chicas, C and Buchli, C. The West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley endorsed Koprowski, September,
see ELECTION page 8
No problem here
Unlike many of its East Valley neighbors, except Mesa, Gilbert will be treating residents and nonresidents alike to a full-fledged fireworks show at Gilbert Regional Park tomorrow. Many cities, including Chandler and Tempe as well as Phoenix, acted too late and fell afoul of a critical supply line disruption that forced them to cancel their fireworks show. For details, see page 6. (Town of Gilbert)