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.