Chandler AZ news roundup - October 13.

A few key developments going on this past week in Chandler, culled from the latest edition (Oct 7) of the "relentlessly local" San Tan Sun News (24 MB .pdf):

1. Covance facility going ahead, but not at Price and Germann (page 1).

Under tight security and surrounded by numerous dignitaries, including former Gov. Fife Symington, three former Chandler mayors, current Mayor Boyd Dunn and four council members, Covance executives announced they will build their medical research facility on a 50-acre site off Gilbert and Ryan Roads instead of the original 38 acres on Price Road near Germann.

2. Chandler teachers receive grants (page 4).

Teachers at 20 Southern Chandler schools were recently surprised with mini-grants totaling $19,682 when the Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) “grant patrol” awarded grants to 124 teachers at 34 CUSD schools.

3. City Councilwoman Donovan's commentary boosts A-OK program (page 5).

Chandler’s Acts of Kindness program recently received a boost after a SanTan Sun News commentary encouraged more community participation. The City’s A-OK program, which helps residents in need, is funded by utility customers who add a dollar to their monthly payments. After Councilmember Trinity Donovan’s commentary appeared in the SanTan Sun News, August contributions to the program jumped to $5,484 – a 21 percent increase over the previous four-month average.

4. Early Voting at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (page 9).

Get ahead of the crowds by casting your vote at Chandler Gilbert Community College’s Pecos Campus, which serves as a Maricopa County General Election Early Voting site Mon., Oct. 9 through Fri., Nov. 3. All registered Maricopa County voters are eligible to take part in the early election. Voting takes place in the campus library 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 21 and 28 only.

5. Commentary by City Councilman Orlando: AAA bond upgrade (page 31).

The City of Chandler received its second AAA bond rating from one of the nation’s leading financial firms, Standard and Poor’s. This is tremendous news for the community on many levels, but primarily, we will save taxpayer’s money on future interest costs as we issue new bonds to pay for major infrastructure projectsnumber of projects with one-time money – a term that means we spend it one time and do not program it into the budget in future years so that there are no ongoing costs. Basically, we rebalanced our portfolio by reinvesting those funds back into the community.

6. Letters to the Editor (page 31). Always interesting, occasionally insightful.

And, as we've come to expect from the San Tan Sun, pages upon pages upon pages of advertisements. Enjoy!