AUTHORS AT THE TEAGUE

Former Local News Pilot Jerry Foster

Signs “Earthbound Misfit” at the Library

Glendale, Ariz. –– Former TV news personality and helicopter pilot Jerry Foster will discuss and sign his new book, “Earthbound Misfit,” during the Authors @ the Teague event at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 8 at Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58^th Ave.

The most decorated civilian helicopter pilot in history, Foster spent more than 20 years covering the news for three different Phoenix stations. After starting out reporting traffic conditions, he progressed to breaking stories in the Valley, including many daring rescue and recovery missions. Foster even inadvertently became part of the news a few times during his career. For more information, see his website at www.sky12.tv.

Prior to becoming a news helicopter pilot, Foster trained pilots bound for Vietnam. He is the recipient of the Harmon Trophy, the highest civilian honor in aviation. After retiring, he has continued to fly various aircraft. He is married and lives in Phoenix and Show Low. His book is co-authored by Dee Dees, a personal historian, writer and ghostwriter residing in Gilbert.

The program is free and books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information, call 623-930-3431.

Earthbound Misfit is the story of Jerry Foster, a pioneer in the field of news helicopter pilots. What began a routine flying job reporting traffic for a local TV station, soon became much more, as Jerry began reporting news stories as well. His former training as a paramedic for the AMES project (for which he was Chief pilot), and his association with several law enforcement agencies, also allowed him the opportunity to help with rescues and recoveries. Very often, instead of just reporting the story, Jerry Foster was the story. The book also covers Jerry’s early life, and the demons that followed him for years, as well as his life after 20 years in the TV business. It covers his fall from grace, and his years of reclusiveness, before venturing out into the world of Facebook and discovering that he was still loved by many.

 

Annual State of the City Address
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers
February 27, 2014
Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet

 

GOOD EVENING . . . . THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE GLENDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL DINNER. IT’S GREAT TO SEE SO MANY OF YOU THIS EVENING AT THE BEAUTIFUL RENAISSANCE GLENDALE HOTEL AND SPA.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE CHAMBER’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS NEW PRESIDENT ROBERT HEIDT FOR PROVIDING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT MY ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AT THIS EVENT.

TONIGHT, I’M GOING TO FOCUS MY SPEECH ON THREE VERY IMPORTANT TOPICS TO THE CITY OF GLENDALE . . .

. . . . AND THEY ARE:

• THE REALITIES . . . .

THE PRIORITIES . . . .

AND, FINALLY, THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE CITY

((pause))

WE HAVE TWO POPULAR SAYINGS IN THIS COUNTRY. THE FIRST ONE IS "AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY." AND ANOTHER IS "I’VE GOT GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS."

UNFORTUNATELY, TONIGHT’S TALK DOESN’T INVOLVE APPLES . . . BUT THERE IS SOME BAD NEWS I NEED TO SHARE WITH YOU.

AND, I’VE DECIDED TO START WITH THAT BAD NEWS LARGELY BECAUSE THERE IS NO BIGGER ISSUE FACING THE CITY RIGHT NOW THAN OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.

THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO SAY THIS THAN --- GLENDALE IS FACING ONE OF ITS WORST BUDGET SHORTFALLS IN THE CITY’S HISTORY.

A HIGH DEBT LOAD IS STRAINING GLENDALE’S OPERATING BUDGET. AND TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR OUR CREDIT RATING HAS BEEN DOWNGRADED TO REFLECT A DETERIORATION OF THE CITY’S FINANCIAL POSITION.

AS A RESULT, THE CITY’S BUDGET DEFICIT IS NOW PROJECTED TO GROW TO MORE THAN 30 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY IN THREE YEARS.

((pause))

I’M SURE ALL OF YOU WILL AGREE THAT 30 MILLION DOLLARS IS A VERY BIG NUMBER, ESPECIALLY FOR A CITY OUR SIZE.

GLENDALE’S PENDING BUDGET SHORTFALL DIRECTLY IMPACTS THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND. THIS IS THE FUND THAT PAYS FOR DAY-TO-DAY SERVICES, SUCH AS POLICE, FIRE, LIBRARIES, PARKS AND REC CENTERS.

BUT, IT’S PROBABLY DIFFICULT FOR MOST OF US TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS REALLY MEANS IN THE OVERALL SCHEME OF THINGS.

TO GIVE YOU A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT THE CITY IS DEALING WITH, I’VE STOLEN AN IDEA FROM MY GOOD FRIEND KEN BENNETT, WHO IS THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ARIZONA.

A FEW YEARS AGO, SECRETARY BENNETT USED TISSUE BOXES TO VISUALLY EXPLAIN THE STATE’S FINANCIAL SITUATION WHICH, AT THE TIME, WASN’T MUCH DIFFERENT THAN GLENDALE’S.

SO NOW, I’D LIKE TO ASK THAT YOU PLEASE TURN YOUR ATTENTION TO THE LARGE VIDEO SCREENS.

((step away from podium))

((video plays))

((at podium))

I HOPE THE VIDEO HELPS ILLUSTRATE AND PUT INTO BETTER PERSPECTIVE THE REALITY OF WHERE OUR CITY IS TODAY.

GLENDALE’S FINANCIAL PROBLEM IS REAL . . . AND IT IS VERY SERIOUS.

THE ISSUES THAT CREATED THIS SITUATION EXISTED BEFORE MANY OF US ARRIVED IN OFFICE. BUT NOW IS THE TIME TO STOP KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD AND ACTUALLY DEAL WITH THE FINANCIAL MISTAKES OF THE PAST.

WE MUST TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM.

((pause))

I HAVE TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, THIS BUDGET CHALLENGE THE CITY IS FACING JUST SICKENS ME TO NO END.

BUT, I ALSO REALIZE IT’S OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND NO ONE ELSES. WE NEED TO FIX THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL. AND LIKE IT OR NOT, GETTING TO 30 MILLION DOLLARS WILL REQUIRE DIFFICULT DECISIONS BEING MADE.

MY FELLOW COUNCILMEMBERS AND I MUST COME TOGETHER AS ONE TO PROVIDE THE LEADERSHIP NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT REAL SOLUTIONS.

I KNOW THAT OUR CITY MANAGER BRENDA FISCHER WILL WORK WITH HER TEAM TO ENSURE THAT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES UNDERSTAND THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS WE ARE DISCUSSING IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THIS MATTER.

((pause))

THE SECOND TOPIC I’D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT TONIGHT IS UPDATING YOU ON SOME OF MY MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES AS MAYOR OF YOUR CITY.

I’M SURE ALL OF YOU KNOW THAT GLENDALE WILL BE HOSTING THE SUPER BOWL NEXT YEAR ON FEBRUARY 1, 2015.

((pause))

AS WE ALL KNOW, THIS HUGELY POPULAR NATIONAL EVENT BRINGS WIDESPREAD EXPOSURE TO AUDIENCES AROUND THE WORLD AS WELL AS GENERATES REVENUE FOR THE STATE OF ARIZONA.

DURING THE LAST SUPER BOWL IN 2008, VISITORS TO THE STATE SPENT A TOTAL OF 213 MILLON DOLLARS ON NEW DIRECT TAXABLE PURCHASES. THIS CONTRIBUTED TO GENERATING NEARLY 370 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE ARIZONA ECONOMY.

THAT’S THE GOOD NEWS . . . . THE BAD NEWS IS THE CURRENT MODEL OF HOSTING MAJOR EVENTS IN ARIZONA OBLIGATES THE LOCAL HOST CITY TO PROVIDE AND PAY FOR THE SIGNFICANT POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES THAT ARE REQUIRED BOTH BEFORE THE GAME AND ON GAME DAY ---- SERVICES THAT COST MILLIONS TO PROVIDE.

WHEN WE LAST HOSTED THE SUPER BOWL, GLENDALE SPENT MORE THAN 2 MILLION DOLLARS ON PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS ALONE.

AND FOLKS, IN THE WAKE OF THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING LAST YEAR AND WITH ALL THE SECURITY SCARES AT THE RECENTLY COMPLETED WINTER OLYMPICS, THE SECURITY COSTS REQUIRED TO HOST THESE TYPES OF EVENTS ARE INCREASING YEARLY!

IN FACT, THE BID THE ARIZONA SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE SUBMITTED TO THE NFL ESTIMATED THAT MORE THAN THREE MILLION DOLLARS MAY BE NEEDED FOR NEXT YEAR’S SUPER BOWL.

THESE COSTS ARE THE NECESSITIES – REQUIRED BY FEDERAL AGENCIES SUCH AS THE FBI AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. SO THERE ISN’T A WAY TO CUT CORNERS OR OPT OUT.

((pause))

PRIOR TO MARICOPA COUNTY VOTERS PASSING A PROPOSITION FOURTEEN YEARS AGO THAT PROVIDED FUNDING TO BUILD THE STADIUM, REGIONAL AND STATE LEADERS HAD ALREADY DETERMINED THAT ARIZONA WAS GOING TO COMPETE TO HOST THESE NATIONAL EVENTS.

WOULD IT MAKE MORE SENSE THAT THE STATE – BEING THE LARGEST BENEFACTOR – HELP PAY FOR THESE NATIONAL EVENTS THAT ARE HELD IN ARIZONA?

UNFORTUNATELY, THE PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS ARE SO LARGE THE HOST CITY ENDS UP LOSING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVEN AFTER ACCOUNTING FOR REVENUES THAT COME INTO OUR COMMUNITY.

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TASK FOR A CITY LIKE GLENDALE THAT MIGHT BE FORCED TO ELIMINATE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO SHORE UP OUR BOTTOM LINE. FOLKS, WE SIMPLY DON’T HAVE THE MONEY!

I MEAN, HOW DEVASTATING WOULD IT BE IF THE STATE AND THE PHOENIX METRO AREA WERE NOT ABLE TO EVEN BID ON THESE EVENTS IN THE FUTURE BECAUSE THE HOST CITY CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR REQUIRED POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS?

((pause))

IT WOULD BE A SHAME AND A HUGE BLOW TO OUR STATE’S COFFERS AS WELL AS TO ARIZONA’S TOURISM INDUSTR Y . . . AN INDUSTRY THAT RANKS AS ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE STATE.

((pause))

OTHER STATES THAT FREQUENTLY COMPETE AGAINST ARIZONA TO HOST THESE TYPES OF EVENTS HAVE ALREADY FIGURED THIS OUT ----- THEY’VE COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT PLACING THE BURDEN ON THE HOST CITY TO PAY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS IS NOT A SUSTAINABLE MODEL. SO, THESE OTHER STATES PAY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS WHEN THEY HOST NATIONAL EVENTS.

WE DON’T THINK ARIZONA’S CURRENT MODEL IS FAIR AND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE AT THE STATE, REGIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS DO NOT THINK IT’S FAIR EITHER.

THAT’S WHY I’VE MADE THIS MY #1 PRIORITY THIS YEAR. WE NEED TO GET STATE LEGISLATION PASSED THAT WILL REIMBURSE HOST CITIES FOR THESE SECURITY COSTS.

THE COMMITTEE CHAIR AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE ---- RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT IS KNOWN AS HOUSE BILL 2547 --- HAS ALREADY PLACED AN AMENDMENT ON THE BILL.

THE AMENDMENT WILL MAKE THE STATE’S REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM A ONE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM. THIS WILL ALLOW GLENDALE TO SEEK UP TO 2 MILLION DOLLARS IN PUBLIC SAFETY REIMBURSEMENT COSTS FOR THE 2015 SUPER BOWL.

FOLLOWING NEXT YEAR’S GAME, A MAJOR EVENTS STUDY COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW ALL THE INFORMATION REGARDING COSTS AND REVENUES FROM THE SUPER BOWL. THE COMMITTEE WILL THEN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHETHER THE PROGRAM SHOULD CONTINUE AND IN WHAT FORM.

NOW, I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THIS BILL IS ONLY ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY – PERIOD!

IT DOESN’T MATTER IF THE MAJOR EVENT IS HELD IN PHOENIX, TUCSON, SCOTTSDALE, TEMPE OR GLENDALE . . . . OR IF THEY ARE SPORTS OR NON-SPORTS RELATED.

THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD ALLOW ANY CITY IN THE STATE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR PROVIDING POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES. THIS APPLIES FOR SUCH EVENTS AS THE
N-B-A OR M-L-B ALL-STAR GAME, REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTIONS, THE FINAL FOUR OR OTHER MAJOR EVENTS.

THE REAL BEAUTY OF THIS STATE BILL IS THAT THOSE REIMBURSEMENT DOLLARS WOULD COME DIRECTLY FROM TAX COLLECTIONS THE STATE RECEIVES FROM THE EVENT ITSELF. SO, IF ARIZONA DOESN’T HOST A NATIONAL EVENT, THE STATE SIMPLY ISN’T OUT ANY MONEY.

((pause))

BEFORE I GO ANY FURTHER, I NEED TO CLARIFY SOME CONFUSION ABOUT THIS BILL --- I’VE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY: "WHY IS GLENDALE GOING OUT AND BIDDING ON THESE EVENTS IF THEY CAN’T AFFORD THE PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS."

TO BE CLEAR, THE CITY OF GLENDALE DOES NOT BID FOR THESE LARGE MEGA EVENTS.

GLENDALE DID NOT SUBMIT THE BID FOR THE SUPER BOWL IN EITHER 2008 OR 2015. AND WE DIDN’T SUBMIT THE BID FOR THE NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THAT WILL BE PLAYED HERE IN 2016.

RATHER, THESE COMPETITIVE BIDS ARE PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM SUCH GROUPS AS THE ARIZONA SPORTS AND TOURISM AUTHORITY - - - - THE ARIZONA SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE - - - - THE ARIZONA CARDINALS - - - - THE GREATER PHOENIX CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU - - - - ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY - - - - AND THE ARIZONA HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOCIATION.

NOW THINK FOR A MOMENT ABOUT THE LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS I JUST MENTIONED.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON?

THAT’S RIGHT -- THEY ARE ALL STATE AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.

((pause))

THE LATE, GREAT VINCE LOMARDI IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE GREATEST COACH OF ANY SPORT OF ALL TIME. ONE OF HIS GREATEST QUALITIES WAS LEADERSHIP.

COACH LOMBARI ONCE SAID:

"PEOPLE WHO WORK TOGETHER WILL WIN, WHETHER IT BE AGAINST COMPLEX FOOTBALL DEFENSES OR THE PROBLEMS OF MODERN SOCIETY."

((pause))

WE TOO NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

IT’S GOOD FOR ARIZONA . . . IT’S GOOD FOR THE REGION, AND IT’S GOOD FOR GLENDALE. AND FOLKS, IT’S TIME TO SUPPORT OUR HOME TEAM!

((pause))

WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, OUR FOREMOST PRIORITY WILL ALWAYS BE TO KEEP OUR CITIZENS AND COMMUNITY SAFE.

I’D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE FIRE CHIEF MARK BURDICK AND ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS, EMTS AND SUPPORT STAFF FOR THE GREAT JOB THEY DO EACH AND EVERY DAY.

I ALSO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE POLICE CHIEF DEBORA BLACK AND THE DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN OF THE GLENDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THEIR EFFORTS HAVE NOT GONE UNNOTICED. FROM THE OFFICER ON THE STREET, TO THE DISPATCHER TAKING THE 9-1-1 CALL TO THE FOLKS LOCKING UP THE BAD GUYS, THEIR EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

I’M PLEASED TO SHARE WITH YOU THE IMPACTS OF THEIR HARD WORK, WHICH HAS RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF CRIMES OCCURING IN OUR CITY. VIOLENT CRIMES AS WELL AS PROPERTY CRIMES DECREASED IN GLENDALE IN 2013.

VIOLENT CRIMES DECLINED NEARLY 20 PERCENT WHILE PROPERTY CRIMES DECREASED 9 PERCENT COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

IN FACT, THE LEVEL OF VIOLENT CRIME TODAY IS AT THE LOWEST LEVEL WE’VE SEEN IN FIVE YEARS!

THIS REDUCTION IS SIGNIFICANT AND MY GOAL OF OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT IS FOR EVERYONE – OUR RESIDENTS . . . OUR BUSINESS OWNERS . . . OUR VISITORS TO "FEEL" SAFE – WHETHER THEY ARE IN THEIR HOMES, GOING TO WORK OR ENJOYING ONE OF THE MANY FESTIVALS THE CITY OF GLENDALE HAS TO OFFER.

I HAVE ALL THE CONFIDENCE IN OUR FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR ABILITY TO FUNCTION AS A HIGHLY TRAINED AND PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TEAM.

((pause))

ON A RELATED NOTE, I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR THEIR GRANT THAT ENABLED THE CITY TO PURCHASE 18 NEW POLICE VEHICLES. FIVE OF THESE VEHICLES WERE RECENTLY CONVERTED TO PROPANE.

THIS WAS DONE AS PART OF A PILOT PROGRAM TO EXAMINE THE COST AND EFFECTIVENESS OF USING PROPANE AS AN ALTERNATIVE FUEL. THIS INITIATIVE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LOWER OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT AS WELL AS DECREASE FUEL COSTS TO OUR TAXPAYERS.

((pause))

HOW ABOUT IF WE LIGHTEN THINGS UP A LITTLE BIT NOW AND TALK ABOUT OUR RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

GLENDALE STILL REMAINS THE CITY OF CHOICE IN THE REGION – ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION.

IN FISCAL YEAR 2013, WHICH ENDED LAST JUNE – GLENDALE FACILITATED MORE THAN 1,200 NEW JOBS COMING TO OUR CITY. AND SINCE THAT TIME, NEARLY 2,000 ADDITIONAL JOBS HAVE BEEN CREATED.

ALL THIS DEMAND SPURRED THE CITY TO HOST A JOB FAIR IN NOVEMBER IN AN EFFORT TO FILL MORE THAN 1,000 JOBS WITH OUR RESIDENTS.

THE MOST-RECENT COMPANY TO BRING IN THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF JOBS WAS EMPEREON MARKETING. THE NATIONAL CALL CENTER HIRED MORE THAN 750 EMPLOYEES TO WORK AT ITS FACILITY AT 51ST AVENUE AND BELL ROAD.

ALL THIS POSITIVE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY HAS HELPED LOWER GLENDALE’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO 6.2 PERCENT. THIS IS LOWER THAN BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES AT THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS.

((pause))

AS I ALLUDED TO IN MY VIDEO EARLIER THIS EVENING, THE CITY HAS TO INCREASE ITS REVENUES IN ORDER TO STABILIZE OUR FINANCIAL PROBLEM.

AND, IN THE WORDS OF THE LATE WALT DISNEY: "THE WAY TO GET STARTED IS TO QUIT TALKING AND BEGIN DOING.

AND GLENDALE HAS BEEN DOING JUST THAT.

ONE NEW COMPANY, WHICH IS PLANNING TO START CONSTRUCTION ANY DAY NOW, WILL SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE CITY REVENUES. AND, THAT COMPANY IS AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE.

BUT THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL RETAILER AS AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE WILL OCCUPY 600,000 SQUARE FEET AT 99TH AVENUE AND BETHANY HOME ROAD.

FOR ALL YOU SHOPPERS OUT THERE -- THAT’S ROUGHLY HALF THE SIZE OF ARROWHEAD TOWNE CENTER! NOW THAT’S HUGE!

IT IS ESTIMATED THIS STORE WILL GENERATE MORE THAN
3 MILLION DOLLARS TO THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND DURING ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION --- AND APPROXIMATELY
2.5 MILLION DOLLARS EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER! TO SAY THIS NEW REVENUE IS MUCH NEEDED TO HELP SUSTAIN CITY SERVICES WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, WHICH WILL EMPLOY ABOUT 300 PEOPLE, IS EXPECTED TO OPEN THIS SEPTEMBER.

((pause))

WE ALSO HAD A NUMBER OF COMPANIES MOVE OR EXPAND THEIR OPERATIONS INTO OUR CITY LAST YEAR. SOME OF THESE BUSINESSES WERE:

• CANADIAN-BASED ZYTECH BUILDING SYSTEMS

BARRON LIGHTING GROUP

ARROWHEAD CADILLAC

PERFORMANCE STEEL

TERMINIX

NORTHERN PIPELINE

HARVARD DRUG GROUP

AND HENSLEY BEVERAGE COMPANY

ALL THESE NEW BUSINESSES WILL HELP STRENGTHEN GLENDALE’S ECONOMY WHILE CREATING NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR RESIDENTS.

((pause))

THIS IS ALL VERY GOOD NEWS . . . BUT THERE’S MORE!

NOW I WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOME EXCITING WAYS GLENDALE IS THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. IN FACT, YOU MIGHT SAY WE’RE RECYCLING THE BOX.

JUST LAST WEEK, COUNCILMEMBER SAM CHAVIRA AND I PARTICIPATED IN A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR A NEW SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT AT OUR CITY-OWNED LANDFILL.

THE RECYCLING CENTER IS THE FIRST OF TWO PHASES THAT REPRESENTS A NEW PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY AND VEE – ES – TEA ENERGY.

THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO PROCESS UP TO 180,000 TONS OF TRASH EACH YEAR AND PULL OUT ABOUT 26,000 TONS OF RECYCLEABLE MATERIAL FROM THIS TRASH. THE TRASH TURNED COMMODITY WILL THEN BE SOLD TO RECYCLERS AT MARKET PRICE.

AND I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL CONVERT TRASH INTO ELECTRICITY. NOW THAT’S REALLY COOL!

THIS PROJECT HAS SEVERAL POTENTIAL KEY BENEFITS:

• IT PROMOTES ENVIRNOMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

IT COULD EXTEND THE LIFE OF OUR LANDFILL BY DIVERTING THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF RECYCABLES OUT OF THE TRASH THAN WE CURRENTLY GENERATE.

THE AGREEMENT WITH VEE-ES-TEA GUARANTEES MORE THAN 500,000 DOLLARS ANNUALLY IN NEW REVENUE FOR THE CITY.

((pause))

THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT OF SOME OF THE RECENT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY THAT IS HAPPENING IN GLENDALE. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS THAT WILL ALSO OCCUR THIS YEAR.

BUT, YOU CAN ALL RELAX AND QUIT LOOKING AT YOUR WATCHES BECAUSE I’M GOING TO WAIT AND COVER THAT IN MY STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS NEXT YEAR.

BEFORE I END THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS PORTION OF MY SPEECH, THERE ARE SOME DISTINGUISHED GUESTS HERE TONIGHT THAT I’D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE.

THESE VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE ARE THE GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS LEADERS RESPONSIBLE FOR MOVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY, OUR GREAT STATE AND OUR GREAT CITY FORWARD.

DUE TO THEIR DEDICATION AND SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY, I’D LIKE TO ASK EACH OF THEM TO PLEASE COME UP ONTO THE STAGE WHEN I CALL THEIR NAME. I WILL THEN PRESENT EACH OF THEM WITH A SPECIAL COIN THAT REPRESENTS MY VERSION OF THE MAYOR’S "KEY TO THE CITY."

((pause))

FIRST, PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERVISOR CLINT "THE EGGMAN" HICKMAN.

((lead applause))

GOVERNOR OF THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY GREGORY MENDOZA. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROUS GRANT THAT PAID FOR THE 18 NEW POLICE VEHICLES!

((lead applause))

ALSO WITH US TONIGHT IS PRESIDENT OF THE SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY DIANE ENOS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND GENEROUS GRANT FOR A BRAND NEW FIRE TRUCK!

((lead applause))

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY DR. KATHLEEN GOEPPINGER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN GLENDALE AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OPENING OF THE STATE’S FIRST VETERINARY SCHOOL THIS COMING FALL.

((lead applause))

PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE JAKE JABS. THANK YOU FOR MAKING GLENDALE YOUR CITY OF CHOICE FOR YOUR NEXT MEGA RETAIL LOCATION.

((lead applause))

AND FINALLY, IT’S MY PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE BRIGIDIER GENERAL AND THE COMMANDER OF THE 56TH FIGHTER WING AT LUKE AIR FORCE BASE . . . . . MY "WINGMAN" MICHAEL ROTHSTEIN.

((lead applause))

((present coins to distinguished guests on stage))

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT AS MY GUESTS – IT REALLY MEANS A LOT TO ME.

NOW, THERE ARE A FEW OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS THAT I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE TONIGHT.

((pause))

THIS SPECIAL PERSON IS SOMEONE WHO I AFFECTIONATELY REFER TO AS GLENDALE’S FIRST LADY ---- MY BRIDE OF 31YEARS SANDY.

((pause))

NOW, I WASN’T SURE IF MY NEXT VIP WAS GOING TO MAKE IT TONIGHT AS HE HAD A PRIOR COMMITMENT LAST YEAR. AFTER ALL, YOU NEVER KNOW IF ONE OF YOUR SPECIAL GUESTS IS GOING TO ATTEND THESE TYPES OF EVENTS ---- ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY’RE STILL IN DIAPERS!

BUT, HE IS HERE TONIGHT. SO PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME GLENDALE’S FUTURE MAYOR – MY GRANDSON CONNER, WHO IS ACCOMPANIED BY MY LOVELY DAUGHTER CHRISSY.

((pause))

AS I WRAP UP MY SECOND ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS, I WANT TO LEAVE YOU WITH THIS . . . .

SINCE TAKING OFFICE IN JANUARY OF LAST YEAR, I’VE BEEN ACTIVELY WORKING TO BRING NEW ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO GLENDALE.

IN JUST MY FIRST YEAR, I’VE HELPED THE CITY OBTAIN MORE THAN ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND NON-PROFIT GROUPS . . .

I HAVE FORMED A MAYOR’S BUSINESS ADVISORY GROUP MADE UP OF KEY BUSINESS LEADERS FROM GLENDALE AND SURROUNDING CITIES.

I’VE HOSTED AN EVENT TO HELP OUR MILITARY VETERANS . . . BROUGHT BACK FIREWORKS ON THE FOURTH OF JULY . . . AND ESTABLISHED AN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE TO PROMOTE AND BRING EVEN MORE VISITORS TO HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GLENDALE.

THESE EVENTS HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS, INCREASED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE CITY AND – MOST IMPORTANTLY – DID NOT USE ANY TAXPAYER MONEY.

((pause))

AS I’VE OUTLINED TONIGHT, THERE IS TREMENDOUS WORK AHEAD OF US.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, 2014 WILL BE A VERY CHALLENGING YEAR.

BUT IF THE COUNCIL AND I ARE HONEST WITH OURSELVES, SET ATTAINABLE GOALS AND WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE THEM, THIS WILL BE THE YEAR WE GET GLENDALE BACK ON THE ROAD AND MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

THIS IS GLENDALE’S UTMOST PRIORITY.

AND, WE HAVE TO EARN BACK OUR CITIZENS TRUST IN THEIR CITY GOVERNMENT. AND, WE HAVE TO GET OUR CITY EMPLOYEES ONCE AGAIN BELIEVING IN THE ORGANIZATION THEY WORK FOR.

SO, WHAT I’M ASKING FROM CITIZENS, CITY EMPOYEES, BUSINESSES AND EVERY ONE IN THIS ROOM TONIGHT IS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND INTEREST IN THE CITY . . . . AND TO NOT GIVE UP ON US AS WE MAKE WHAT WILL BE SOME VERY DIFFICULT DECISIONS.

WITH THAT . . . I’LL LEAVE YOU WITH ANOTHER QUOTE FROM COACH LOMBARDI. AND THAT IS:

"INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO A GROUP EFFORT – THAT IS WHAT MAKES A TEAM WORK . . . A COMPANY WORK . . . A SOCIETY WORK . . . A CIVILIZATION WORK."

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE ARE GOING TO SOLVE THE CHALLENGES FACING US AND GET GLENDALE BACK ON SOLID FINANCIAL FOOTING ONCE AGAIN.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT ----
GOD BLESS!

 

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet

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Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet                                                                    Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet

Glendale Video Production of Catlin Court Historic Homes Wins Platinum AVA Award For CouryGraph Productions.

Ed Sharpe

 

Glendale AZ: Ed Sharpe director of CouryGraph Productions, who oversees The Glendale Daily Planet - KKAT Streaming TV, Glendale Arizona's own homegrown Internet video news source; is the recipient of a Platinum AVA Award  from the 2008 AVA Awards Competition. 

The award was given for CouryGraph Productions video Catlin Court Historic Home Tour Sampler 2008, which was narrated by Journalist Ed Sharpe and homeowners Tim Quinn and Bud Zomok.

Catlin Court, which began in 1914, was one of the earliest, fashionable neighborhoods in the township of Glendale. Many of the former mayors, wealthy merchants, doctors, reverends, builders and educators lived in these homes. Through the work of Tim Quinn and Bud Zomok, and other proud homeowners, this neighborhood is quickly becoming a sought after address once again.

Bud and Marci Zomok's home  - Photo from Catlin Court Homeowners website.

Bud Zomok  works as the Arizona Division Manager at Advantage Nurse Staffing when  he is not busy on his and Marci's Labor of love, their  house in Catlin Court.

Historic building are not a new  thing for Bud Zomok as he is  the Chair of the Arizona Historic Preservation Commission and Secretary Treasurer of Historic Catlin Court Property Owners Association.

 

Bud and Marci's House -   Frame pull from video

Tim Quinn, who has an eye for the art and unique, works in the engineering department for the City of Glendale. Quinn is  involved in the  creative and artistic construction projects such as the  alley-scaping that  took place in Catlin Court and re  re-work and re-design of Murphy park in downtown Glendale.

Tim Quinn has been a significant and driving influence in the improvement of Catlin Court over the past few years. He moved to Catlin Court in 2002 and worked to restore his historic home gaining the admiration of neighbors and even national recognition through HGTV filming of his home.

In addition,  Quinn and others aided in bringing the entire neighborhood together to accomplish projects ranging from clean-up drives to obtaining grants for restoration of properties.

Commenting on CouryGraph Productions award, Tim Quinn said, "Your video profile on the Home Tour has proved invaluable as a tool in the Catlin Court District's efforts to bring knowledge of our neighborhood to a broader segment of the public. I am appreciative of your skills in capturing the very essence of my home."

Quinn Continued, "On behalf of myself and the entire Catlin Court Community thanks for the coverage of the 2008 Home Tour; you’ve skillfully captured what makes the area special to us and presented it in a manner that allows the public at large to understand what embodies “Catlin Court” ………….. Thanks again for your time and talent"

Bud Zomok commented "Ed's done it again... Turned a quiet time into something special!

Ed Sharpe   stated, "Our office is in the commercial section of Catlin Court Historic District and seeing the residents taking such active steps to revitalize this area is heart-warming!"  Sharpe continued, "I have seen many of these houses go from Hovel to restored Paradises... it makes ones heart happy to see life  brought back to these noble structures."

Ed Sharpe -   Photo by Bette Sharpe

"It is an honor to receive a the highly respected Platinum AVA Award for work in publicizing events that take place in the city of Glendale," said Ed Sharpe, Director for CouryGraph Productions and its subsidiaries. "This national award highlights the high standards of excellence we wish to achieve. In addition, it is our wish to provide our viewers with information they can trust and enjoy."

Sharpe elaborated "Quinn's and Zomok's narration brought life and depth to the  production" he continued" Having just a reporter on camera at a scene does not cut it.... you have to have  participation with other people that are involved in the story and allow them time to sincerely address the audence."

  

Sharpe said "Also to be thanked is Bette Sharpe who assisted in the videoing and did many of the production stills and some stills that were inserted into the footage" He continued" may times it is really handy having another set of hands or another set of eyes to run a second camera."

The international Ava Awards are for creative professionals and organizations involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging .film, analog and digital productions viewed in a wide variety of mediums- from movie screens to televisions to computer screens and mobile devices. The Platinum is the highest level achievable. The Ava awards are sponsored by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

 

Photo Courtesy AVA Awards

www.smecc.org/media/Historic-Home-Tour-3-256kbps.wmv

 Watch The Video! Click The Link Above!

3MBPS - WMV File - Large - Please Right Click and "SAVE AS"

 
Bud and Marci's House -   Frame pull from video                Tim Quinn  - Photo by Ed Sharpe 

   

Frame Pull of Bud and Marci's Kitchen         Photo by Ed Sharpe  Frogs  From House #2

Ed Sharpe and  Tom Quinn
Photo by Bette Sharpe

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Services for Long will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Community Church of Joy in Glendale.

Long was best known for creating Maryvale, a master-planned community in west Phoenix that was the first development of its kind in Arizona when it was begun in 1954.

To see  some of the Late 50's Maryvale Kitchens and a visit between John Long and Ronald Reagan, who at the time was the 'Voice of General Electric'.

1958 -  Ronald Reagan, Voice of General Electric, Visits John F. Long in Phoenix Arizona.
(See at Southwest Museum of Engineering, Communications and Computation)

^{All Photos of John F. Long and Ronald Reagan
© John F. Long Properties 2004
They are not to be copied, distributed or
published in any form.}

About the Crane!

Left - Gary Lively from Southwest Industrial Rigging. When asked  about how massive this crane is he smiles and replies... "The one I usually work with is twice this size!" Gary has worked  with Southwest for 16 years. The Grove GMK5275 is the largest  "Rough Terrain Crane" that the company offers.  Truck mounted cranes for larger capacity and greater boom length are available but are unable to traverse rough terrain as this unit will do. Although there were no rough terrain issues to deal with, this  crane was just the right size for this job. Want something larger? Try out their Grove GMK7550 550 ton hydraulic with mega lift attachments that turn it into the largest crane in Arizona. -es To see more cranes and learn about Southwest Industrial Rigging go to the site:  http://www.swirusa.com/

About Grove

Grove was founded in 1947 and is one of the world’s leading producers of mobile hydraulic cranes with manufacturing facilities in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, Wilhelmshaven, Germany, and Niella Tanaro.

GMK5275

Grove’s newest offering in the five-axle AT class boasts an impressive 223 foot, seven section full power MEGAFORM boom with TWIN-LOCK technology and luffing jib. The 275 ton capacity crane can lift loads up to 354 feet with inserts and jib. Standard features include automatic transmission, MEGATRAK independent suspension, and tilt cab. Product Guide (PDF FILE)

Link for company info. http://www.manitowoccranegroup.com/MCG_GRO/Products/EN/GMK5275.asp

American Idol Jordin Sparks Read Christmas Story and Sings Two Songs.

Watch The Movie!

Listen! Even  without music  her incredible voice shines! 

 Olivia Fiero of  3TV emceed the event and Mayor Elaine Scruggs, councilmen Steve Frate, Manny Martinez, Yvonne Knacck and David Goulet join Jordin onstage.

This was the largest crowd for Glendale Glitters opening  to date and the multitudes turned out to show Jordin plenty of love and promised to buy her new CD on sale now. What a night it was!

Jordin was presented with the official U.S. postmark celebrating the hometown American Idol champ. The inked postmark of Sparks may be applied to any item bearing first-class postage stamps were available  at the Glendale Post Office but the program has now expired... they are collectible now!.