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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Over 5K sign petitions to recall Spilsbury from Mesa City Council
JoAnne Robbins arrived at Mesa City Hall May 27 with a box containing petitions signed by over 5,000 voters wanting to boot Councilwoman Julie Spilsbury from her District 2 seat. Robbins, who filed for the recall Jan. 30 and needed to gather 3,070 signatures, turned in the petitions three days before the deadline. The petition cited Spilsbury's vote to hike council members' salary, allowing the purchase and renovation of a former hotel for an emergency homeless shelter and raising the city's utility rates as the reasons to remove the second-term councilwoman. 'A lot of people are not happy,' said Robbins, who lives in Spilsbury's district, which covers central and south-central Mesa. 'The main reason is she's not representing her constituents. She voted for the homeless hotel despite the outcry from her constituents. 'Basically, she said, 'I'm going to vote what I believe is right. I'm never going to say what people want me to say. Elected representatives represent their constituents, not their own well-being.' Robbins also rapped Spilsbury for 'tripling down on DEI practices' and 'maintaining the transgender agenda of men (using) women's bathrooms and boys competing on girls' sports and using their locker rooms and bathrooms.' And there's the council pay raise, according to Robbins. 'They voted to give themselves a raise out of our pockets,' she said. 'I wish I could vote to give myself a raise. We went to many council meetings and spoke out about that. You know, give us a year, give us a chance to rebound. But no.' The council in 2023 unanimously voted for a 7% salary hike that went into effect this year. Nearly 40 people showed up Tuesday morning at City Hall. Some also were unhappy that Spilsbury, a Republican, threw her support behind Democratic candidates. Spilsbury called the move against her politically motivated, pushed by an outside group. According to the City Clerk, the petitions bore 5,235 signatures but they haven't been verified yet. The clerk will have 10 days to do so. Afterwards the petitions will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Recorder, who has 60 days to check if any signatures must be disqualified for reasons such as the individual was not a registered voter, didn't live in District 2 or because the signature was illegible. If the petitions have the minimum required number of signatures, Spilsbury has the option to resign or fight for her seat in an election. According to Deputy City Clerk Lisa Anderson, the election would likely be in March. The deadline for submitting items for an all-mail ballot this November is June 9. Should the recall move forward, candidates who want to run for the seat would have to first gather signatures to qualify for the ballot – 2% of the total votes cast for the District 2 seat at the last election, or 246 signatures, according to the City Clerk. Spilsbury said she has no intention of giving up her seat. She won a second, four-year term in last year's primary. In that nonpartisan election, she captured 8,120 or 65.91% of the 12,320 votes cast. Her opponent Melody Whetstone garnered 4,158. 'I will not resign my position,' Spilsbury said in an email. 'I have been an extremely involved and engaged council member and I care deeply about the residents of District 2 and the whole city. 'We have accomplished some amazing things in Mesa during my first four years in office. This Council has seven individuals who belong to different parties and who run the spectrum of political ideology,' she continued. 'But we are able to work together to focus on the needs of Mesa residents and find real solutions rather than score political points. When we disagree and discuss really difficult issues we treat each other with dignity and respect, which allows us to end up with better solutions.' Spilsbury added that she will continue to work to continue that success. Recall supporters showed the material they handed out to secure petition signatures. Gender issues raised But Dorean Taylor had a different view. 'I've had many neighbors sign the petitions,' said Taylor, who gathered about 30 signatures. 'There's a lot of people in the LDS community that live in my neighborhood. I think they had a great deal of trust in her based on the platform that she stands on in their faith and she kind of, she basically violated what they have. 'It's called The Family Proclamation, which says gender is not fluid (and) we don't agree with what the LGBTQ community promotes.' Taylor also accused Spilsbury of 'breaking her code of ethics' by campaigning for Democrats Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz during the Presidential election. 'In this (council) position, you can't campaign for anything,' Taylor said. 'On top of that she also campaigned for the morals – or the amorals, if you will – that they stand for. She showed herself through that, basically saying, 'I'm going against what I say my faith believes in, and I'm going to go for a man-made agenda.'' Taylor said her neighbors also were aware that Spilsbury (along with the entire council) voted to increase utility rates. 'She's OK to spend our money when we're already in debt,' Taylor said of the embattled councilwoman. 'She's OK for standing on platforms that the Republican Party traditionally does not support. 'You can do whatever you want to do in the privacy of your own home, but to allow males into female public restrooms and locker rooms and vice versa endangers not only young children and people that are maybe more vulnerable. It also puts liability on the City of Mesa.' The council in 2021 on a split vote approved an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in the city against protected groups like race, sex, age, ethnicity and gender identity. State Sen. Anthony Kern, R-Glendale, who also showed up, said he supported recalling Spilsbury because she 'was dishonest to her voters,' namely for supporting a homeless shelter in her council district and approving the non-discrimination ordinance. 'They would not have elected her,' Kern claimed. 'So you want honesty in front of the voters. We want to let the voters know who you are and what you believe, and then let the voters decide on whether or not they're going to cast their vote for you. So she was dishonest to the voters.' Kern also pointed to Spilsbury being part of a coalition of Republicans who endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket, calling it 'disingenuous to the voters.' Kern was endorsed by President Trump in 2022 for his current seat. 'We have thousands and thousands of signatures,' said Matthew Martinez, who was pointed out as the spokesman for the people gathered outside City Hall. 'So many people in Mesa are ready to recall Julie Spilsbury. 'The citizens of Mesa had no idea about her voting record, also that she's been campaigning for Democratic candidates. People are fired up. They don't like when someone is claiming she's a Republican but endorsing all these Democrats and campaigning as a Republican. And with all of her nasty voting record, too.' Martinez, who grew up in east Mesa and now lives in Phoenix, said he got involved with the recall because Mesa is his hometown and his parents still live there. He insisted the recall was a grassroots effort with students, teachers and moms who went out and gathered signatures for the petition because 'they're disappointed, they're let down by Julie.' According to his LinkedIn account, Martinez is a field strategist with Chase the Vote, Turning Point Action, which targets and brings out the conservative voting base in elections. Martinez, like the others, also pointed to the city ordinance that he says allows transgender women to use women's bathrooms and locker rooms. 'So when she votes like that, it gets everybody involved,' Martinez said. Spilsbury rebuttal Spilsbury said she is a proud member of the Republican Party and have been registered as such her entire adult life. 'I want my party to succeed but reserve the right to disagree with those in my party,' she said. 'That is America. Those filing the recall petitions against me did not list as a reason for their efforts my position on a partisan political race. 'The truth is that my loyalty to the City of Mesa and all its residents will always outweigh any allegiance to a political party, social group, church or any other organization or group.' She pointed out that the council seat is nonpartisan and that her duty is to serve all residents in the city without regard to political affiliation or position. 'The issues we deal with, police, fire, roads, water, etc. are neither Republican nor Democrat,' Spilsbury noted. 'They are issues that affect all Mesa residents without regard to political philosophy.' She also called out the critics of the city's non-discrimination ordinance. 'This type of political mis-speak would make George Orwell proud,' Spilsbury said. 'I voted to approve an ordinance that respects the rights of all community members under the law while protecting our religious liberties of conscience. Nothing more. Nothing less. 'Opponents forecast Armageddon-level upheaval if the law passed. However, nothing of the sort has happened. In the four years since the ordinance became law, there has not been a single instance or issue raised under it with the city. None.' Spilsbury also addressed the homeless shelter. 'Once again, this is a gross misrepresentation,' she said. 'Nearly every issue before the Mesa City Council draws support and opposition from residents, who are often passionate. The homeless shelter vote was no exception. 'Homelessness is a serious issue in our city, and we are constantly working to find solutions to manage it. Ignoring the homeless in our community will not make the problem disappear. "A necessary part of the solution is providing emergency sheltering for female adult homeless Mesa residents who are victims of domestic violence, their children, families and veterans. That is what this shelter provides.' She said that after she studied the issue in depth, she supported the action to purchase and convert the former hotel. 'I believe it makes Mesa safer and serves the most vulnerable members of our community,' she said. Among the recall supporters who helped deliver the petitions to the City Clerk were, from left, Matthew Martinez, Dorean Taylor, Antonnette Andruzzi and JoAnne Robbins. Outsiders slammed Proving her point that the recall is being spurred by an outside group, Spilsbury said that 'the signature gathering effort for this recall has been directed and paid for by Turning Point USA, a special interest organization who is active in partisan politics.' The flyer included a disclaimer that it's paid for by 'Turning Point PAC with 100% of contributions coming from out of state contributors,' according to Spilsbury. 'I have no intention of cowering to an organization who is funded 100% by out-of-state donors,' she said. 'Last July, the same people who now oppose me ran a hand-picked candidate against me in the city election. They had their chance to make their case with voters at that time. I won the election in a landslide. 'The losers of that election do not respect the will of the voters, and they are simply trying to undo the results of the election they lost, and have brought in a big-money partner in who is funded 100% by contributions not only from outside of Mesa, but from outside of Arizona. 'Their disrespect of our election process is disappointing, but unfortunately not surprising' Also, in February, a social media post offered to pay people to gather signatures on the recall petitions – $200 for 100 valid signatures. The contact person was Merissa Hamilton, a one-time Phoenix mayoral candidate and activist with ties to ultra-conservative groups. Anticipating that she might have to face a recall, Spilsbury in February reached out to her constituents asking for them to call her with any concerns before signing the petition. She also in March asked her supporters – over 400 names from her previous two elections – if they still backed her and if so to let her know so she could add them to a list on her campaign webpage. Also in March, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce's Good Government Committee issued a message on social media in support of Spilsbury, saying the chamber has been proud to endorse her twice. 'Councilmember Spilsbury is currently facing the prospect of a recall petition and election,' the state read. 'This effort is not supported by the Mesa Chamber or the business community at-large. "Throughout her tenure, Councilmember Spilsbury has displayed professional conduct and voted time and time again with the Mesa business community on issues before the Mesa City Council. 'Recall is not something to be taken lightly. The only basis for a recall should be professional malfeasance or misconduct while in office. Neither has yet to be identified by any of the Spilsbury recall petitioners. Councilmember Spilsbury deserves thanks from and the support of the Mesa business community instead. 'To be clear, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce does not support the recall of Julie Spilsbury and encourages the Mesa community to do the same.'
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Lincoln Avenue Communities Breaks Ground on its First Build-to-Rent Affordable Housing Development in Maricopa, Arizona
MARICOPA, Ariz., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven acquirer and developer of affordable housing, broke ground this week on The Ranches at Gunsmoke Apartments, a ground-up development that will provide 271 units for individuals and families in Maricopa earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. 'We are excited to break ground on LAC's first Build-to-Rent development and to partner with WNC & Associates to bring high-quality affordable housing to Arizonans,' said Ben Taylor, LAC vice president and project partner. 'The Ranches at Gunsmoke will provide sorely needed units in one of the nation's fastest-growing metro areas.' The Ranches at Gunsmoke is LAC's first Build-to-Rent (BTR) development and will consist of two- and three-bedroom duplexes and standalone homes, with each unit featuring a patio, walk-in closets, and private fenced backyards. Communal amenities will include a fitness center, pool, grilling areas, a clubhouse, and rental storage units. Additionally, a solar carport system will be installed to offset approximately 50% of the community's electricity usage. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. 'We're excited to see this new community taking shape thanks to Lincoln Avenue Communities,' said Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith. 'This new development addresses the needs of those who work in the city of Maricopa, whether they're hourly workers, teachers, new police officers, or even our retired senior citizens who want to be a part of a community in which they don't have to take care of the property itself.' The development's financing includes back-to-back construction and permanent loans from Citibank, $65 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the Arizona Development Authority, and $49 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and solar equity from WNC. About LAC: Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC) is one of the nation's fastest-growing developers, investors, and operators of affordable and workforce housing, providing high-quality, sustainable homes for lower- and moderate-income individuals, seniors, and families nationwide. LAC is a mission-driven organization with a presence in 28 states and a portfolio of 170+ properties comprising 30,500+ units housing 80,000+ residents. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lincoln Avenue Communities
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chandler boy's death highlights pool safety as temps warm up
The Brief The death of Trigg Kiser, 3, following a Chandler pool incident on May 12 has first responders giving reminders about pool safety. They say to know the ABCs about pool safety: adult supervision, barriers and classes for CPR and swim lessons. The three-year-old boy pulled from a backyard pool in Chandler last week died on May 18. His mom is popular TikTok influencer, Emilie Kiser, so his death is getting a lot of attention online. SkyFOX flew over their home on the evening of May 19, showing a cover over the pool, but not a fence around it. Trigg Kiser's death marks the first in Maricopa and Pinal counties this year, and it's putting the spotlight on safety. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas spoke with Chandler Fire and a pool safety expert about water safety as we head into the hot months when children are most likely to be around the water. What they're saying In Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 years old. A drowning can happen in seconds, which is why city lifeguards on May 19 got hands-on experience training with the Chandler Fire Department before pools open. "We want to make sure that we're prepared for the worst when these kids start heading out to our pools," said Tegan Keil, assistant manager at the city of Chandler's Folley Pool. In the training, a lifeguard was rescued in a drowning scenario, pulled out of the pool, then lifeguards performed CPR on a dummy until Chandler Firefighters got there. "The firefighters come on scene. There is a transition, so they wanted to see, and we wanted to see how we transition between the lifeguards here and the firefighters that are advanced care professionals coming in, and what that looks like, the communication, the types of tools that we use, the diagnostic equipment," Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Blas Minor explained. "If we did pull an unconscious person out of the pool, we would have to assess the situation. If it did get to the point where we need CRP or use that aid, we'd call the fire department to come and aid us in that," Keil said. The Chandler Fire Department says parents can protect their children at home by installing a pool fence and double locks on the back door and windows. They also say to know the ABCs of water: adult supervision, barriers and classes for CPR and swim lessons. "Adult supervision, that's the key. Eye-to-eye supervision. People can be outside, but not paying attention to the children in the water. You could even have individuals as water watchers, but when they get overrun with so many kids in the pool, you have to have multiple water watchers," Minor said. What you can do Here are some links for pool safety around the Valley:
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Fox News
Arizona pastor found dead with hands pinned to wall in homicide at home
The death of a pastor in New River, Arizona, under bizarre circumstances has been ruled a homicide. Pastor Bill Schonemann, 76, head of the New River Bible Chapel, was found dead in his own bed last Monday, April 28, with his arms spread wide and pinned to the wall, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Foul play is suspected. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office officially ruled Schonemann's death a homicide, as police continue to investigate. TESLA ARSON SUSPECT ARRESTED IN ARIZONA AFTER FIERY ASSAULT ON CYBERTRUCK According to FOX 10, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) said there are "unique, specific circumstances to the case," and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Schonemann's neighbor, Mike Anders, was puzzled by the pastor's death. "I mean, we locked our doors last night. It's just something that we are just not used to doing. Everybody is just, until we know what's going on, we don't know if it was a family member, or, we don't know what, who could do this to him," Anders told FOX 10. ARIZONA SUSPECT IN BUS STOP HATCHET ATTACK CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER VICTIM DIES MCSO declined to offer an update on the case, citing the ongoing investigation. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Autopsy records were not immediately available. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office declined to comment.
