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Water costs rise / P. 4
Back on stage / P. 33
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
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Sunday, September 19. 2021
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Energy company makes $250M pitch to MPS BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor
A
company made the kind of “savings guaranteed or we pay” pitch normally seen on TV infomercials or by doorto-door pitchers. But this one was at the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting as Midstate Energy said, “Money saved on energy and operating costs can pay for building improvements. Guarantee: If the project fails to reduce costs as guaranteed, Midstate pays the difference.”
Mesa school vandalism fueled by social media
Midstate Energy is the company that made the big pitch. No action was taken, as this was an information item on the board agenda. It was quite a lot of information. Indeed, the total cost for a district-wide equipment replacement project: $200 million. With interest, the plan runs a cool quarterbillion: $250 million. “Big projects mean a lot of savings to be able to put away from the utility company and into your buildings,” Randy Falconer, the pitchman, said. “We’re redirecting money you guys pay in
utilities to buy new equipment,” he continued. “There’s a statue in Arizona for this. I have to guarantee this takes place. If the savings do not materialize, I’m responsible for writing a check to the district for the difference.” He claimed Midstate has worked with “50 some schools just in this state alone.” The plan is highlighted by replacing heating and air conditioning systems, installing equipment to increase energy efficiency and adding a massive solar system.
�ee ENERGY page 6
The other 9/11 victim
BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor
BUSINESS ............ 26 Housing price and rent increases aren't slowing. COMMUNITY ............................... 20 BUSINESS ..................................... 26 OPINION .. ..................................... 29 SPORTS ........................................ 31 GET OUT ...................................... 33 PUZZLES ...................................... 38 CLASSIFIED ................................. 43 Zone 2
M
esa and other East Valley school districts are struggling with a rash of vandalism fueled by a challenge to teenagers on the social media platform TikTok. Lured by the desire to score “likes” from their peers around the world, middle and high school students are stealing school property, then posting photos or videos of the items. The trend has been loosely called “The Bathroom Challenge” or the “Devious Licks Challenge.” “Lick” is slang for stealing.
�ee TIKTOK page 6
Several days after the 9/11 attacks, a beloved Mesa man was murdered in cold blood by a hatefilled killer. Last week, on the 20th anniversary of Balbir Singh Sodhi's slaying, family, friends and local dignitaries honored his memory. See page 3. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff)
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