August 2016
Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities
Stargazers
Derek Boehm introduces his daughter, Teagan, to the wonders of astronomy. More photos, page 18.
Lewis bows out to standing ovation
Mayor Daniels promises to move town forward
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Mayor John Lewis is known for being inclusive and humorous. There’s video evidence to show that while out and about in the community, he thrust a microphone under the noses of a pair of lively Terriers and asked: “What do you see happening in Gilbert?” Generous, optimistic, responsive, inclusive: the complimentary adjectives and speeches — interjected with jokes and a catching of breath — flowed when wellwishers, colleagues and dignitaries from around the Valley assembled in Gilbert Council Chambers on July 19 and offered a standing ovation to mark Lewis’ last day as mayor. “It’s been a privilege to serve alongside Mayor Lewis,” Councilman Jordan Ray said. see
LEWIS page 12
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Mayor Lewis cuts a cake to mark the end to his seven-year mayoralty. The inscription reads “What we do, we do together. Mayor John Lewis 2009-2016.”
Running uncontested is “a bit surreal” said Gilbert’s newly appointed Mayor Jenn Daniels. “I very much prepared myself for a contested race; I had no inclination that I was going to be running unopposed,” she said. On July 19, at a special meeting convened to accept the resignation of Mayor John Lewis, Daniels was appointed the town’s mayor. She will run uncontested in the primary elections on Aug. 30 and begin her first full term in January. The former town council member see
DANIELS page 8
2 Community 14 Neighbors 26 Business 28 Neighborhood Map
Outgoing Mayor John Lewis hands a baton to Jenn Daniels to symbolize her taking over as the town’s new mayor.
38 Youth 44 Spirituality 46 Arts 52 Opinion
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