Mitchell outraises Hayworth in 2nd Quarter

Republican Hayworth is a six-term Congressman and got an early start on fundraising because of his incumbency, but his opponent, Harry Mitchell, is outpacing him in fundraising the second quarter of the year.

“Whether you want to see that as Hayworth is highly vulnerable or Mitchell is just a great candidate and stands a good chance of winning, irrespective, there’s organization support in back of each of them. One is worried. One is very optimistic,” said Grossfeld, who is not affiliated with either candidate.

Hayworth raised $526,000 during the second quarter, which ended June 30. His top fund-raiser featured former Vice President Dan Quayle. His campaign is are working on more fund-raisers tentatively slated to feature House speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and conservative talk show host Sean Hannity, said campaign manager Todd Sommers.

Meanwhile, Mitchell raised $566,000 during the second quarter, which put him slightly ahead of Hayworth during the period. Mitchell’s top event was headlined by Democrat commentator James Carville.

This is pretty amazing in a district that has a Republican registered voter advantage and spells good news for Harry Mitchell!

Out of town for a bit.

To those who've asked where I went and may be wondering if I've dropped off the edge of the world, thank you all for your patience as I haven't posted much in the past two weeks. I'm in a two-week development conference in Spain and have had pretty much every hour of my waking day occupied by presentations, strategy sessions and meetings. The good news: it's an excellent conference and we're making a lot of practical progress on a number of projects. And the presentations and work sessions I've been responsible for leading have gone extremely well. The less good news: I won't be contributing much to P134 for a couple of weeks, yet.

After the conference I'm doing some traveling on-location. I should be back in the States later this month - first to Georgia to visit some relatives, and then back to Chandler on August 8th. I trust you're enjoying your summer and can find some cool air conditioned room or a swimming pool to enjoy during the hot AZ days!

Meanwhile, here's another article on the streaming video from our City web site. This is a very exciting development for a lot of people and I especially appreciate it, as it will allow me to keep up with City Council meetings when I'm traveling. So much better than having to wait for the minutes to be posted and then sifting through them for key points.

Sadly, Chandler Connection has no permalinks, so scope it out soon before the article evaporates!

Streaming video gives Chandler global dimension

Chandler has added another dimension for residents and public watchdogs to keep abreast of civic issues wherever they have Internet access. The city’s Web site launched streaming video of its public programming over the World Wide Web last month, which will enable residents to watch City Council meetings and other programming on a computer screen wherever they may be. “It’s an added communication tool for residents and it gives Chandler a global dimension,” said Kim Kaan, Chandler’s Web editor. “It also gives people an alternative for those who physically can’t be at a City Council meeting.”

Chandler news and views roundup - July 6

After a week of packing and moving, I finally have a moment to do a recap of some key news articles. Here you are!

1. Public can watch city meetings online

Chandler politicians and neighborhood activists are playing to bigger audiences these days because the city has quietly started streaming videos of public meetings on the Internet.

2. Class reunion on City Council

There's nothing like a 20-something City Council member to make a mayor and councilman feel old. When new Chandler councilwoman Trinity Donovan, 29, took her seat this month, mention was made that she was a member of the Chandler High School Class of 1995.

3. Project C.U.R.E. to have Chandler facility

Chandler will be the new permanent home for a warehouse that will be a gateway for shipping medical supplies to people in developing countries.

4. $3 million in liens filed over high-rise

Five subcontractors that have worked on the high-rise hotel south of Chandler Fashion Center have filed mechanic's liens worth more than $3 million against the property.

5. 4 on San Marcos JP ballot new to law
No experience needed for job paying 3 times more than Chander's mayor

Four political newcomers with no legal experience are running for San Marcos Justice of the Peace, an elected court position with a high salary, a sordid history and few qualifications.

6. No regrets about years of service to Chandler, region
by Former City Council Vice-Mayor Phill Westbrooks

Looking at the past eight years, it is unbelievable how much this community has changed. From our historic downtown, to the huge convergence of retail at the mall, to the amazing growth in southeast Chandler, this community has experienced tremendous success. That is why I am so proud to have been a member of this City Council since 1998.

7. Selling homeowners hurt as Pinal Co. builders cut prices

Home builders in Maricopa and other parts of Pinal County have started slashing prices, making it tough for existing residents who are trying to sell.

8. Founders Circle a charity with cachet

A new kind of neighborhood gathering is gaining momentum among the city's up-and-comers, all while raising money for a good cause.

It's called the Founders Circle, a fund-raising arm that benefits Chandler Regional Hospital.

9. Ak-Chin economic leaders provide growth playbook

Economic development leaders with the Ak-Chin Indian Community provided a growth playbook for business leaders Wednesday that envisions development on tribal lands ranging from retail and industrial projects to health care.

10. New I.C.A.N. leader plans stronger role models for children

Since opening its doors more than a decade ago, Improving Chandler Area Neighborhoods has strived to offer children stronger role models.

Now, 32-year-old Christy McClendon, who succeeds Lyra McCoy-Contreras to become I.C.A.N.'s executive director, says she plans to follow in that tradition.

11. City Council crafts Pentz’s new contract in executive session (no permalink)

Ousted former City Manager Mark Pentz will rip up his $300,000 separation agreement with the city in order to get his old job back. Pentz’s new contract agreement, which comes before the City Council Thursday, doesn’t contain any special demands other than to be reimbursed for legal fees he accrued while fighting for his job.“What I’ve negotiated with the mayor is fair to the city of Chandler and is fair to me,” Pentz said June 16. “I hope the council meeting goes well so that we can get all of this behind us in the very near future.”

12. Animal rights activist, doctor shares views in exclusive interview (no permalink)

An animal rights group from the nation’s Capitol has found itself in the middle of a heated community debate. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization, has now set its sights on Chandler as a result of Covance International’s intentions to build an animal testing facility in the city. The group has recently drawn fire for revealing the medical records of Dr. Robert Atkins, who was clinically obese at the time of his death, its ties to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (P.E.T.A.) and that approximately 5 percent of its membership are actual physicians.

13. City clerk honored by county for distinguished service (no permalink)

A rather inconspicuous building in the heart of downtown holds all of Chandler’s history. Minutes from council meetings held in the 1920s to the present reside in antique albums next to shelves upon shelves of city-owned property deeds and zoning ordinances. Luckily, there is a group of employees in the city clerk’s office, including the clerk herself, who oversee the city and keep track of all of Chandler’s records.

14. $91 million: CUSD bond asks for highest amount in Chandler history

About $6 million in funding to cover unexpected construction costs at Perry High School, set to open in July 2007, a $4 million allotment for renovations at 30-year-old Willis Junior High, and $11 million for school bus upgrades and purchases highlight a $91.6 million bond that will go on the ballot this November.