Chandler, Arizona news and views roundup - Nov. 16, 2006

I had a delightful interview with Councilwoman Trinity Donovan today. I hope to transcribe and post it online within the next few days. She is a remarkable public servant and Chandler is fortunate to have her on the Council.

Thank you, Councilwoman Donovan, for the generosity of your time and attention today!

Also, here are a few news politics / public policy items in our community:

1. Nichols’ margin widens in District 21 race (no permalink)

A two-term Republican representative is breathing a little easier this week after his Democrat challenger threatened to unseat him in the Legislative District 21 race.
Rep. Warde Nichols has pulled ahead of challenger Phil Hettmansperger by almost 800 votes as of Tuesday, according to unofficial primary election results. Nichols was losing to his Democratic counterpart by eight votes at the close of last week’s Nov. 7 election.

“Things are definitely looking up,” Nichols said Wednesday, who was exactly 788 votes ahead of Hettmansperger. “If things continue to go my way, I continue to look forward to representing the people of District 21.” District 21, which is known as one of the most conservative districts, is usually a lock for Republicans. Hettmansperger said he hopes his election will inspire future Democrats to run in the district.

2. Ryan Park dedication set (no permalink)

Park and civic officials will honor its farming heritage with a dedication and historical kiosk at a new city park in south Chandler. A new interpretive history kiosk will be unveiled at the dedication ceremony for the new Ryan Park tomorrow, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. This free, family-friendly event will celebrate the opening of the new 17.5-acre neighborhood recreation space located at 2450 S. Hartford St.

3. Elementary? Not exactly: Chandler district attempts to ease boundary confusion (no permalink)

The Chandler Unified School District is attempting to make its boundary options for its two new elementary schools as simple as possible this year, although district administrators admit the plans can appear a bit complicated. “There’s so much to go into them that there really are somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 options,” said Terry Locke, director of community relations for the Chandler district.

4. Keep new Chandler homes away from airport

Chandler council should heed noise warnings

Chandler planners like to talk about creating a development plan for the city and then developing according to that plan. So it's odd that they seem happy to recommend building homes near Chandler Municipal Airport, an area not planned for neighborhoods, kids and pets.

The city has a Chandler Airpark Area Plan for land use, yet some planners and the Planning and Zoning Commission are recommending that City Council discard that and rezone to build two neighborhoods.

5. Interesting Kyrene school board mix faces challenges

As the national and state election hubbub dies down, we can turn attention to local issues. Few elected positions are more important to communities than their school boards. Voters in Ahwatukee Foothills, west Chandler and Tempe apparently have chosen an interesting mix for the Kyrene Elementary School District governing board in a race that remains tight. A candidate who ran against member Rae Waters during a recall election in March will be joining her on the board in January, it appears.