Infrastructure needed

Speaking of Gateway, there is an interesting article in the Republic today about the need for infrastructure out in south-east Mesa including a fire station that is equipped to handle the needs of the growing area. In fact, they have planned for a dual purpose station that can help handle the needs of the community and one that can handle fire emergencies of the airport.

Sometimes lost in the midst of the budget cuts that we have suffered through for the past few years is the fact that there have been no money to pay for the needs of the growing parts of Mesa. East Mesa has grown, but the facilities have not. They simply don't have the same police, fire, and street amenities that some of the more established parts of Mesa have.

These types of basic needs are what is included in the $170 million proposed bond package. Take a look at the package for yourself so you know what you will be voting on. If you recall, the Mayor and Council took a look at the bonds and made some siginifcant cuts to the original package.

Two years ago, voters rejected a property tax. Since then, they have voted in a new Mayor and Council touting change and building trust. We are seeing change in things like Gateway, but how does that become an economic engine if the people aren't safe and they have no way to get to and from their jobs?