Mesa Issues

• Happy Thanksgiving

  Quiet week here at Mesa Issues, but we wanted to take a moment to wish Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
  
  Enjoy the time with your family and take some time to be thankful for the many blessings in your life. Even in these tough times, we still [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 10:51am EST
  

• Mayor slams legislative dysfunction - immediately validated

  Mesa Mayor Scott Smith is in Washington DC at a national League of Cities conference. During a panel, he criticized the Arizona Legislature, stating that "We're having a contest with California to see which state government is the most dysfunctional." The off-hand joke proved, almost immediately, to be true.' [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 5:12pm EST
  

• Flashing lights - what do you think?

  Mesa is going in with the school districts to place flashing lights in several school zones. The total cost to the city is $92,000 to place the lights at 6 Mesa district and 2 Gilbert district schools. The city has found that these measures reduce speeds near schools by [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 4:15pm EST
  

• Aviation good and bad news

  Mesa continues its rollercoaster of news and jobs - especially when it comes to aviation. First, a new type of helicopter produced by Boeing may bring more jobs and manufacturing to Falcon field. This would help diversify Mesa's current plant which is pretty much dependent on the Apache helicopter.
  [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:03pm EST
  

• @MesaIssues and Twitter Friday

  Everything sounds better with Friday after it. #FollowFriday, Football Friday, and even Mesa Issues and our Twitter Friday. Get ready for our weekly recap, post of the week, and all things Mesa.
  
  Check out our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. We would always appreciate [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 11:11am EST
  

• MPS continue to ponder big changes

  We mentioned last month that Mesa Public Schools was considering creative ideas for using their existing facilities and diversifying the education options. We are starting to hear even more of these big changes that are being pondered.
  
  First, as reported last week, MPS is considering closing Powell [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 4:04pm EST
  

• More on the visit from the Cubs last week

  Sorry we missed this before, but the Arizona Republic ran an account of the Cubs event which sounded almost exactly the same as the eye-witness account that we received. All in all, it sounds like it was a very well done event.
  
  Still no word on exactly [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 3:53pm EST
  

• MCC looking to connect through social networking

  Here is an interesting article from an MCC student about MCC's efforts to connect via social networking. Although the program has an awkward name MCConnect (sounds like getting wi-fi at McDonalds), the research that it is trying to accomplish is very relevant and interesting.
  
  It wasn't that long [...]
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  Posted: November 11, 2009, 3:47pm EST
  

• Chavez opens "Campeones" in Mesa Today

  Today is the opening day for "Campeones" the 30,000-square foot entertainment venue owned by boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez. The hype started earlier this week, with the venue being described as a cross between "ESPN Zone and Dave & Busters."
  
  This is exciting news especially since this [...]
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  Posted: November 10, 2009, 5:35pm EST
  

• Twitter Friday @MesaIssues

  Sure, you know #FollowFriday, but do you know Twitter Friday? Get ready for our weekly recap, post of the week, all things Mesa.
  
  Check out our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. We would always appreciate a follow! [...]
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  Posted: November 06, 2009, 2:02pm EST
  

• Mesa Public Schools override passes - Others fail countywide

  Mesa voters approved the Mesa Public Schools bond override last night with a 58% to 42% margin, which for some reason AZCentral was calling "slim." This is a big deal, because as we mentioned before, these elections can no longer be taken for granted.
  
  These school [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 12:58pm EST
  

• Cubs Owners in Town: Reception Last Night - Tour Today

  Turns out that the Cubs Reception with Governor Brewer, Senator McCain (via video message), Speaker Adams and other officials and business leaders was last night. Keep the Cubs has it right, having so many leaders in the room shows a real commitment to the Cubs.
  
  We also got [...]
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  Posted: November 04, 2009, 12:38pm EST
  

• Cubs are in town today

  Mayor Smith tweeted this morning welcoming the Cubs into town. According to the timeline last week, we would guess that the reception for the Cubs would be soon, maybe even as early as tonight. If anyone has intel on how the reception goes, we would love to hear [...]
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  Posted: November 03, 2009, 5:47pm EST
  

• Tribune shutting down at the end of the year

  This is truly a sad day. The East Valley Tribune has announced that they will be shutting their doors on December 31st. From the sound of it, it appears that, since the staff will be offered severance packages or reassignment, the Trib's website will soon be gone as well.' [...]
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  Posted: November 02, 2009, 3:20pm EST
  

• Twitter Friday @MesaIssues

  You know #FollowFriday. Every week, Mesa Issues celebrates Twitter Friday. Get ready for our weekly recap, post of the week, newly added post of the month and so much more, all in 140 characters.
  
  Check out our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. We would [...]
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  Posted: October 30, 2009, 12:05pm EDT
  

• Mesa pitching the Cubs next week

  Aided by City and State leaders, the City of Mesa is going to have a chance to make their pitch to the new owners of the Cubs next week. Mesa has several land owners who would be willing to be part of a new stadium facility, and it [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 2:00pm EDT
  

• Saving $300,000

  The City of Mesa is taking another shot at a vision for downtown, this time with a $300,000 stimulus grant. Free money, right? Well, eventually, the taxpayers are going to have to foot the bill for this stimulus spree, so maybe this would be a good first place to [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 1:44pm EDT
  

• School Override Elections on Tuesday

  There hasn't been a lot of talk about it, but Mesa Public Schools along with nearly 30 other districts across the valley are headed to a school override election this Tuesday. Make sure you look at the issues for yourself, but with the current state budget taking such a' [...]
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  Posted: October 29, 2009, 1:35pm EDT
  

• Naples group is serious about the Cubs

  The group from Naples, FL is serious in their endeavor to attract the Cubs. They have several serious supporters and it looks like they may have a few funding options at their disposal. As Keep the Cubs mentions, however, they appear to have very little political support for their [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 2:18pm EDT
  

• Bad news for sales tax revenues

  Once again, Mesa's sales tax revenues have taken a turn for the worse. Once again, Mesa is on the sales tax revenue roller coaster. Once again, we are waiting for the end of the month and crossing our fingers that revenue should be okay. Last month it looked' [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 2:11pm EDT
  

• Safety Tips from the Mesa Police Association

  POLICE HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR THE SPOOKY SEASON
  
  Mesa, AZ - It is important to keep our kids and community safe during Halloween. As you are getting yourself and family ready for the spooky festivities, the Mesa Police Association (MPA) has a few tips to consider. "
  
  Children" [...]
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  Posted: October 27, 2009, 1:26pm EDT
  

• State of Mesa: Councilmember Scott Somers - District 6

  We have a new edition of our series, "State of Mesa." We have offered each councilmember an opportunity to submit their own editorial on the state of their District to be posted on Mesa Issues. Here is Councilmember Scott Somers' State of District 6:
  
  State of the District: Mesa' [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 10:57am EDT
  

• @MesaIssues Twitter Friday

  Everyone always talks about #FollowFriday. Here at Mesa Issues, it's also Twitter Friday. That means we'll be on Twitter today talking Mesa, recapping the week, and sharing our thoughts in 140 characters or less!
  
  Check out our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. We would [...]
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  Posted: October 23, 2009, 10:54am EDT
  

• Yankees one win from shutting out Cactus League

  Just 10 days ago, we said that we had spoken too soon about the Cactus League not doing well in the MLB playoffs. We guess we spoke too soon again. The Phillies beat the Dodger in convincing fashion in 5 games. Now, we are one Yankee win away from [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 2:40pm EDT
  

• Fewer DUI arrests in Mesa - Good or Bad news?

  Normally, a decline in DUI arrests would be considered a good thing, right? One could assume it meant fewer impaired drivers on the streets and that the harsher DUI laws are working. The Mesa Police Association doesn't think so.
  
  The Mesa Police Association believes that the reduction in' [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 2:24pm EDT
  

• Mesa lands national swim meet - every little bit helps

  Here is some good news for the local economy. Mesa has been tapped to host a national swim meet in 2011. The event is expected to attract over 2,500 swimmers (including former olympians) and is expected to generate over 12,000 room nights in hotels.
  
  They are estimating that [...]
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  Posted: October 22, 2009, 2:18pm EDT
  

• Keeping Gateway Affordable

  Mayor Smith wants to keep Gateway Airport affordable and simple and we think that's a good thing. Maximizing the amount of money squeezed out of something like parking only eventually leads to that money being programmed for something else unrelated. When this is done, it eventually means that when' [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 4:53pm EDT
  

• County In-fighting continues

  The Maricopa County Attorney's office wants to prosecute Supervisor Don Stapley so badly that they are trying to break procurement rules. As a result, the Board of Supervisors is not willing to approve the special prosecutors.
  
  Needless to say, the action was not taken lightly by the' [...]
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  Posted: October 20, 2009, 4:46pm EDT
  

• Find your own team!

  There is a great editorial from the Southeast Republic saying that the Gila River Indian Community should have a chance to woo a spring training team, but says that it shouldn't be done at Mesa's expense. The editorial makes a good point, these communities shouldn't be competiting for the [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 2:38pm EDT
  

• Please watch your children!

  Residents of Mesa: Please take the time to look after your kids. We have had a series of very tragic and unfortunate events that could more than likely be avoided with stronger parental supervision.
  
  Just in the past couple of days, a 3 year old girl was [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 2:27pm EDT
  

• Another Twitter Friday @MesaIssues

  We always appreciate the mentions on #FollowFriday and we hope you're ready for another edition of Mesa Issues Twitter Friday. Mesa Issues rewind, great people to follow in Mesa, and so much more.
  
  Check out our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. We would always' [...]
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  Posted: October 16, 2009, 11:24am EDT
  

• Stimulus to help hire 25 new police officers

  Mesa has accepted nearly $6 million in federal stimulus dollars and has dedicated the money to hiring 25 new police officers. This is great news for Mesa, and will help continue trend in reducing crime throughout the city.
  
  The stimulus funds will help this program for the next [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 2:39pm EDT
  

• Economy still tough for local businesses

  The Human Bean, the donut shop turned coffee cafe, has closed its doors. The coffee house was the former site of the controversial Venchell donut shop that ran into sign ordinance issues a few years back.
  
  Apparently, the high profile corner of Country Club Drive and Main Street [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 2:32pm EDT
  

• Light rail in Mesa sluggish to help commerce

  Merchants along the light rail line in Mesa aren't seeing the financial benefits from being near the busiest stop on the system. Blogger Joanna Allhands blames the problem on the wrong types of merchants and the wrong type of development.
  
  We agree with Allhands on her points,' [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 5:28pm EDT
  

• Historical Museum closing

  When it comes to museums, its location, location, location. For the Mesa Historial Museum, its location nestled deep within the Lehi neighborhood has finally brought its downfall. The historical museum is closing its doors, but some of its exhibits will live on throughout the city.
  
  We have always [...]
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  Posted: October 14, 2009, 5:17pm EDT
  

• Matta's at Riverview breaks ground tomorrow

  The new Matta's at Mesa Riverview breaks ground tomorrow the 13th at 9am. Over at their blog, Got Matta's?, they say that the first 100 people who show up at the ground breaking will get a special gift. Will it be one of their new head turning t-shirts?[...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:49pm EDT
  

• 22 Mesa Public Schools have less than 80 percent capacity

  It has been known for awhile that enrollment was down in many of Mesa's schools, but we were surprised to see that there are 22 schools at 80 percent or less of student capacity. Here is the list of schools:
  
  Elementary
  Brinton; Irving; Whittier; Hale; Pomeroy; Lincoln; [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:18pm EDT
  

• Cactus League comes to play in MLB Playoffs

  We admit, we may have spoke a little too soon regarding the Cactus League representation in the Major League baseball playoffs. Two Cactus League teams (the Dodgers and the Angels) have made it on to their respective Championship series. The Rockies have an outside chance of going on, but [...]
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  Posted: October 12, 2009, 3:02pm EDT
  

• #FollowFriday @MesaIssues hosts Twitter Friday

  We always appreciate the mentions on #FollowFriday, and we hope you like our regular Twitter Friday performance at Mesa Issues, including our special features like another edition of Mesa Issues rewind.
  
  The blogging today will be micro-style via our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 12:21pm EDT
  

• Smith finds a nicer way to say "Back Off"

  Mayor Smith was joined by the Mayor of Denver and the Mayor of Tucson to extoll the virtues of regional cooperation instead of local competition. This latest message, of course, coming a week after Mayor Smith told everyone else in the Valley to stay away from the Cubs. [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 4:28pm EDT
  

• Creative ideas for Mesa Public Schools

  In light of the potential shifts in enrollment and moving grades around, Mesa Public Schools is looking into creative ways to use their existing facilities. From traditional schools to more specialized campuses, MPS appears to be taking the model of the past and changing it to specialize more for [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 4:19pm EDT
  

• Sheriff Arpaio continues to pick fights

  Last week, no one was willing to step forward and prosecute Supervisor Don Stapley. This week, County Attorney has finally found a team to prosecute the Sheriff's latest witch hunt. These Washington lawyers are the latest to be brought in to try to take down political enemies of Arpaio. [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 4:13pm EDT
  

• Clarificiation for "Thoughts on Mesa"

  Our friends over at Conservative Thoughts on Mesa have written a response to our observation that Mesa would do well with a diversification of revenue sources. First and foremost, to be clear, we are not in any way advocating for a property tax. The voters were very loud [...]
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  Posted: October 06, 2009, 1:12pm EDT
  

• Playoffs show why the Cactus League needs the Cubs

  The Major League Baseball playoffs are just about set, and from looking at the teams, you can see why the Cactus League should be working really hard to keep the Cubs in Arizona. Here are the teams that have made it into the playoffs and where they train:
  
  [...]
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  Posted: October 05, 2009, 3:16pm EDT
  

• Follow @MesaIssues - Twitter Friday

  Everyone knows #FollowFriday, but it's also Twitter Friday at Mesa Issues, including our special features like another edition of Mesa Issues rewind.
  
  The blogging today will be micro-style via our twitter page @MesaIssues. Check us out at [twitter.com]. We would always appreciate a follow! [...]
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  Posted: October 02, 2009, 11:20am EDT
  

• What is the future of the Tribune?

  As you may have heard, Freedom Communications, the parent company of the Tribune has filed for bankruptcy. The newspaper business has been slowly dying away for awhile now, and the Tribune may be one of the latest victims.
  
  However, there is a chance that a group from [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 4:43pm EDT
  

• Sales tax news good, but not great for Mesa

  The sales tax revenues have stabilized some after a couple months of dramatic decline. The good news is that Mesa won't have to face another round of dramatic cuts to bring the budget in line with revenue - at least not now. The bad news is that the sales' [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 4:33pm EDT
  

• Smith to Valley: Back off on the Cubs

  The Republic says that Mayor Smith fired a "warning shot" at any interests in Arizona who would seek to steal the Cubs. We'd say that he "laid the smack down." By basically telling everyone else to back off and challenging the fact that any efforts to move the Cubs' [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 5:03pm EDT
  

• Freshmen may return to Mesa High Schools

  With shrinking enrollment and growing competition, Mesa Public Schools is looking into returning freshman to high school campuses after a twenty plus year absence. This will boost the enrollment in many of the high schools, trickling down to the six graders moving to the junior highs and leaving fewer [...]
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  Posted: September 30, 2009, 4:49pm EDT
  

• The Power of Twitter - Cubs Update

  We started twitter at the beginning of the year, we had no idea that it would so quickly become the source of major information. From celebrities to sports stars, Twitter is the new great way to get the word out, or in some cases, get in trouble. As for [...]
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  Posted: September 29, 2009, 5:41pm EDT