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Although Darner Chrysler is on the list of dealerships who will no longer be receiving new cars, the owners have announced that they will not be shutting their doors. They are going to continue to sell used cars, trucks, and parts. Good for them for not giving up!
The move does mean some lay-offs, but its a lot better than the whole dealership shutting down. Don't get me wrong, this is going to be a challenge for them, but as a family run business, hopefully they can offer some competition to some of the corporate run dealerships.
Perhaps, they can also participate in the "shop mesa" program so people can get a bunch of Mesa Bucks for keeping their money in town. In the end, this is the type of fortitude that we should recognize and celebrate.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Auto crisis comes to Mesa
More bad news for a Mesa budget that is already overly dependent on sales tax revenues. Darner Chrysler was named as one of the nearly 800 dealerships nationwide that will be closed as part of the Chrysler's bankruptcy restructuring.
Today, GM is also slated to annouce the closing of over 1,100 dealerships nationwide. It is not clear if any of the Mesa dealerships will be on the GM cut list, but it probably goes without saying that everyone is on edge due to the possibility.
It wasn't that many years ago that cities all over the East Valley were battling for dealerships because of the huge numbers they generate in tax dollars. However, as the bottom has fallen out of auto sales, the cities are really starting to feel the pinch - especially in places like Mesa that have very few alternate sources of revenue.
Mesa has done its work, though, making the necessary cuts and convincing the voters that they needed additional revenue for critical services. Other cities like Gilbert are starting to feel the pinch and now just as the auto manufacturers, they are having to slim down.
While the economic decline has slowed, its hard to say if we have reached the bottom. Let's hope that we will start towards recovery soon.
Today, GM is also slated to annouce the closing of over 1,100 dealerships nationwide. It is not clear if any of the Mesa dealerships will be on the GM cut list, but it probably goes without saying that everyone is on edge due to the possibility.
It wasn't that many years ago that cities all over the East Valley were battling for dealerships because of the huge numbers they generate in tax dollars. However, as the bottom has fallen out of auto sales, the cities are really starting to feel the pinch - especially in places like Mesa that have very few alternate sources of revenue.
Mesa has done its work, though, making the necessary cuts and convincing the voters that they needed additional revenue for critical services. Other cities like Gilbert are starting to feel the pinch and now just as the auto manufacturers, they are having to slim down.
While the economic decline has slowed, its hard to say if we have reached the bottom. Let's hope that we will start towards recovery soon.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Missing Disabled Teen Found - UPDATED
Have you seen this teen?
Michael Anthony Lindsley, a 17-year-old Mesa resident with limited mental capacity, went missing Wednesday evening. He was last seen riding a silver razor scooter outside his home, near Alma School and University, around 5:30 p.m. If you have any information, please contact Mesa PD at 480-644-2211.
Update: GREAT NEWS. Lindsley has been found and is being returned home.
Michael Anthony Lindsley, a 17-year-old Mesa resident with limited mental capacity, went missing Wednesday evening. He was last seen riding a silver razor scooter outside his home, near Alma School and University, around 5:30 p.m. If you have any information, please contact Mesa PD at 480-644-2211.Update: GREAT NEWS. Lindsley has been found and is being returned home.
Gascon on his way out?
The City Council has taken quite a few votes and made some major personnel decisions in their first full year in office. None though would be as big as this one. Police Chief Gason is reported to be a finalist for the same job in San Francisco (Tribune version).
Gascon has had his fair share of critics, supporters, controversy and success - most of which has been centered on immigration and his battles with Arpaio.
From the beginnning, many thought Gascon was using Mesa as a stepping stone to get to a bigger city, most likely in California. In fact, Mesa thought the same, providing financial incentives for him to stay. That talk died down a little once Los Angeles found a permanent police chief who likely will be around for years.
Unlike Blogger Joanna Allhands, I don't necessarily believe that it means he is looking to leave. Being a finalist for San Francisco definitely fuels speculation that he may be open to bigger and better things. Bear in mind, Gascon was approached by a recruiter for the job, he wasn't looking up "police chief" on Monster.com. He has made great strides in reducing crime and finding innovative ways to do more with less. However, I think we all can agree that there is still work to be done.
At the same time, we should be realistic in the fact that this might be exactly what Gascon is looking for. A bigger California city, which allows him to be closer to his family, one that doesn’t quite have the budgetary problems or immigration fervor that characterize Mesa. Mesa leaders have repeatedly stated they are not a sanctuary city and even went as far as to change the policy regarding illegal immigrants last year. Still not enough for some, the repeated calls for Gascon's removal and the constant pitting of him against Sheriff Joe is a lot for any person to handle.
Perhaps, the biggest bonus for Gascon may be that he’ll have policies that will allow him to focus on what he is best at, community policing and reducing crime rates, without having to play the political games he’s had to face here in Arizona. Despite some bad decisions of late, I still think that he is a good for the community and we should be complimented that he is a hot commodity in the law-enforcement world. It would be best for him to stay and finish what he started, but ultimately, the decision is up to him.
We should all keep an eye on this story as it develops.
Gascon has had his fair share of critics, supporters, controversy and success - most of which has been centered on immigration and his battles with Arpaio.
From the beginnning, many thought Gascon was using Mesa as a stepping stone to get to a bigger city, most likely in California. In fact, Mesa thought the same, providing financial incentives for him to stay. That talk died down a little once Los Angeles found a permanent police chief who likely will be around for years.
Unlike Blogger Joanna Allhands, I don't necessarily believe that it means he is looking to leave. Being a finalist for San Francisco definitely fuels speculation that he may be open to bigger and better things. Bear in mind, Gascon was approached by a recruiter for the job, he wasn't looking up "police chief" on Monster.com. He has made great strides in reducing crime and finding innovative ways to do more with less. However, I think we all can agree that there is still work to be done.
At the same time, we should be realistic in the fact that this might be exactly what Gascon is looking for. A bigger California city, which allows him to be closer to his family, one that doesn’t quite have the budgetary problems or immigration fervor that characterize Mesa. Mesa leaders have repeatedly stated they are not a sanctuary city and even went as far as to change the policy regarding illegal immigrants last year. Still not enough for some, the repeated calls for Gascon's removal and the constant pitting of him against Sheriff Joe is a lot for any person to handle.
Perhaps, the biggest bonus for Gascon may be that he’ll have policies that will allow him to focus on what he is best at, community policing and reducing crime rates, without having to play the political games he’s had to face here in Arizona. Despite some bad decisions of late, I still think that he is a good for the community and we should be complimented that he is a hot commodity in the law-enforcement world. It would be best for him to stay and finish what he started, but ultimately, the decision is up to him.
We should all keep an eye on this story as it develops.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What is your vision for downtown?
As one of the major land owners, the City of Mesa wants to play a major role in determining the vision of downtown. It is wise of them to not to take over the process, but also not stand on the sidelines either. However, the issue remains the same, there really isn't driving traffic, people, and jobs to Downtown.
Downtown is not on a major freeway, its not really all that easy to find, and in some ways the boundaries are not all that easily defined. The Temple should probably be included in the planning process, but it is not clear if they have been invited or are even willing to participate in the process.
Perhaps a downtown university could provide the spark, or maybe bringing in even more museums could help spur the cultural aspect. Maybe there is something to the idea of attracting a Soccer team and a soccer stadium. In the end, it will probably fall to light rail to be the savior of downtown, but I don't know if its enough to do the job. The area needs a bonafide attraction if they think its not just going to be one failed rennovation after another.
Downtown is not on a major freeway, its not really all that easy to find, and in some ways the boundaries are not all that easily defined. The Temple should probably be included in the planning process, but it is not clear if they have been invited or are even willing to participate in the process.
Perhaps a downtown university could provide the spark, or maybe bringing in even more museums could help spur the cultural aspect. Maybe there is something to the idea of attracting a Soccer team and a soccer stadium. In the end, it will probably fall to light rail to be the savior of downtown, but I don't know if its enough to do the job. The area needs a bonafide attraction if they think its not just going to be one failed rennovation after another.
Some good questions for Arpaio
Author and occasional radio host, Austin Hill has some great questions about Sheriff Arpaio. Of course, just as he points out in the article, he comes under fire from those who think that the sheriff is infallable and anything he does in the effort to combat illegal aliens is completely justified. There are real questions here that should be answered.
The real question from Hill, is a good one. What is the deal with the money spent by the sheriff's office regarding their trip to Honduras? What were they treasure hunting....people hunting? Everyone was quick to line up to question Gascon when, where, and why he was in DC. As I have said before, his answer and his decision making was flawed. Meanwhile, the Sheriff can let's this thing ride, and everyone gives him a pass for it.
The real question from Hill, is a good one. What is the deal with the money spent by the sheriff's office regarding their trip to Honduras? What were they treasure hunting....people hunting? Everyone was quick to line up to question Gascon when, where, and why he was in DC. As I have said before, his answer and his decision making was flawed. Meanwhile, the Sheriff can let's this thing ride, and everyone gives him a pass for it.
So far, one guy likes "Mesa bucks"
The Tribune has interviewed one guy who has used the "Mesa bucks" cultural program and are now announcing that the early feedback is positive. Perhaps the author should take a few minutes and see if someone else could be tracked down to help add a level of credibility. Otherwise, the headline should have read, "Some Guy from Las Sendas Likes Mesa Bucks," since that is pretty much the crux of the story.
Anyway, as I have said before, this could be a pretty good move, because its getting people to spend their money in Mesa and then its getting them to spend even more on Mesa's cultural facilities. Still, the program seems a little confusing. Now, its clear that you take your receipts in and they will give you bucks based on your sales tax amounts. Okay, that is easy to understand, but then they have limited the denominations and are rounding amounts to $5 increments. That's nice for those who have spent less because it actually gets them more than they spent, but what about the people who say, spend $7 in taxes? Do they get $5 or $10?
Anyway, as I have said before, this could be a pretty good move, because its getting people to spend their money in Mesa and then its getting them to spend even more on Mesa's cultural facilities. Still, the program seems a little confusing. Now, its clear that you take your receipts in and they will give you bucks based on your sales tax amounts. Okay, that is easy to understand, but then they have limited the denominations and are rounding amounts to $5 increments. That's nice for those who have spent less because it actually gets them more than they spent, but what about the people who say, spend $7 in taxes? Do they get $5 or $10?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Gateway concerns
Boeing is moving 60 jobs in their F/A 18 repair facility to Florida. They are keeping their helicopter testing and operations here, but it still means 60 fewer decent wage leaving town. It sounds like that these plans were a long time coming, but its still disappointing.
In addition, a major piece of land near Gateway may be heading into foreclosure. The land was going to be used for a major mixed-use trade center. Now, they are going to switch gears and see if they can use some of the land as a "green zone" in an attempt to attract federal funds. Its not clear what happens if they are unsuccessful, but we should be expecting some setbacks like this during this economic climate.
Finally, as resorts are reporting record drop-off, blogger Joanna Allhands ponders if Mesa's Gaylord project will be able to meet expectations. It is anticipated (or at least hoped) that 2011 will lead the upswing, which completely fits the Gaylord's timeline, but if things are in fact a little slow, what happens then? She also wonders if the shift towards a more frugal lifestyle will impact Gaylord's high-end appeal.
All of this goes to show that while Gateway clearly has a lot of promise, its not all a guaranteed result. The City and everyone who is involved must make sure that they are doing everything they can to ensure that the area is successful. Losing 60 jobs is not as impactful if you can turn around and attract 300. Losing a plan to foreclosure can be fixed if you find someone with either better financing or a more solid plan for the land.
I still fully expect that the Gaylord will be built, and I think that their appeal will be able to survive the "new frugality" of the recovering economy. Their business model of "everything in one place" is going to be attractive to many people, and in fact, I think it may draw some traffic away from posh Scottsdale into Mesa where they could get more bang for their buck. However, it does bring up a good point:
Gateway's future should not depend solely in Gaylord's success. Gaylord will be an economic driver for the area, but it shouldn't be the only one, and the leaders shouldn't rest on their laurels.
In addition, a major piece of land near Gateway may be heading into foreclosure. The land was going to be used for a major mixed-use trade center. Now, they are going to switch gears and see if they can use some of the land as a "green zone" in an attempt to attract federal funds. Its not clear what happens if they are unsuccessful, but we should be expecting some setbacks like this during this economic climate.
Finally, as resorts are reporting record drop-off, blogger Joanna Allhands ponders if Mesa's Gaylord project will be able to meet expectations. It is anticipated (or at least hoped) that 2011 will lead the upswing, which completely fits the Gaylord's timeline, but if things are in fact a little slow, what happens then? She also wonders if the shift towards a more frugal lifestyle will impact Gaylord's high-end appeal.
All of this goes to show that while Gateway clearly has a lot of promise, its not all a guaranteed result. The City and everyone who is involved must make sure that they are doing everything they can to ensure that the area is successful. Losing 60 jobs is not as impactful if you can turn around and attract 300. Losing a plan to foreclosure can be fixed if you find someone with either better financing or a more solid plan for the land.
I still fully expect that the Gaylord will be built, and I think that their appeal will be able to survive the "new frugality" of the recovering economy. Their business model of "everything in one place" is going to be attractive to many people, and in fact, I think it may draw some traffic away from posh Scottsdale into Mesa where they could get more bang for their buck. However, it does bring up a good point:
Gateway's future should not depend solely in Gaylord's success. Gaylord will be an economic driver for the area, but it shouldn't be the only one, and the leaders shouldn't rest on their laurels.
Interesting Idea
Loyal reader Heath Reed has a very interesting idea about the WAC coming to Mesa to play baseball. It could be the perfect in road for MCC to make connections as they transition into a 4 year university.
For many years, MCC has had a respectable athletic program that has been very competitive (especially in areas like soccer), and MCC has also served as a stop-over point for talented athletes as they try to improve their academics before transfering to a big school. An eventual home in the WAC would be a great opportunity to bring even more competitive college atheltics to the valley.
And yes, its many years away, but having a vision of what you want to accomplish, and putting that into place during a formative transition would be a good idea.
For many years, MCC has had a respectable athletic program that has been very competitive (especially in areas like soccer), and MCC has also served as a stop-over point for talented athletes as they try to improve their academics before transfering to a big school. An eventual home in the WAC would be a great opportunity to bring even more competitive college atheltics to the valley.
And yes, its many years away, but having a vision of what you want to accomplish, and putting that into place during a formative transition would be a good idea.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
West Mesa violence prompts community safety meeting
West Mesa CDC is hosting a Neighborhood Safety meeting tonight:
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY MEETING TONIGHT !!
West Mesa Community Development Corporation
567 West 10th Street
(Corner of Date and 10th Street)
6:00PM - 7:30PM or call at 480-964-3751
The meeting comes after Mesa's first homicide of the year taking place nearby and the barbershop shooting that occured last night. So far this year, Mesa has been able to avoid some of the violence of the past few years. Let's hope that the violence doesn't rise as the temperatures do.
As always the case, the homicide discussion has turned into a wild conversation full of conjecture and talk of illegal immigration. However, in a rare move, Nathan Glum, the father of the stabbing victim posted comments and set the record straight on some items in the Tribune story.
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY MEETING TONIGHT !!
West Mesa Community Development Corporation
567 West 10th Street
(Corner of Date and 10th Street)
6:00PM - 7:30PM or call at 480-964-3751
The meeting comes after Mesa's first homicide of the year taking place nearby and the barbershop shooting that occured last night. So far this year, Mesa has been able to avoid some of the violence of the past few years. Let's hope that the violence doesn't rise as the temperatures do.
As always the case, the homicide discussion has turned into a wild conversation full of conjecture and talk of illegal immigration. However, in a rare move, Nathan Glum, the father of the stabbing victim posted comments and set the record straight on some items in the Tribune story.
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