How Jerry Lewis Won In Part

Arizona Capitol Times
Grassroots ‘Mormon Fall’ aided Lewis victory
by Evan Wyloge
Published: November 10th, 2011
...
Though Jerry Lewis was cautious about saying exactly how important the Mormon church was to his campaign, the political newcomer’s upset win over Senate President Russell Pearce largely relied on a quiet, grassroots effort among Mesa’s faithful.
As the final results of the Nov. 8 recall election became clear, Tyler Montague, an integral campaign insider for Lewis, revealed how vital early support was among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Yes. I can finally say it. From the beginning, we went to stake presidents and bishops to get their support,” Montague said of high-ranking Mormon members.
“I heard someone call it the ‘Mormon Fall,’ and I think that totally fits,” he said, comparing the recall election to the mass protests in North Africa and the Middle East known as the “Arab Spring.”
Their approach: Offer a simple choice to the most influential Mormons in Mesa. We said, ‘Here’s what the Mormon Church says about immigration, and here’s what Russell Pearce says about it. Where do you come down?’” Montague said.
...Daryl M. Williams, a member of the Paradise Valley Stake High Council and a trial attorney, said he could see the way the Mormon community responded to the church’s stance, and that he believes it played heavily in Lewis’ success.
“It was more than just a useful tool. It was a critical turning point in Mr. Lewis’ campaign,” Williams said.
Although Williams wasn’t officially part of the Lewis campaign, he said he developed the view that Pearce was damaging for the church and that he couldn’t back away from getting involved himself.
So Williams organized meetings where he tried to explain to everyday Mormon voters what the church’s stance meant.
“I held what’s called in the Mormon world a ‘fireside’ in Russell Pearce’s district. There were a lot of Mormons there,” Williams said. “I was not campaigning for Lewis, as much as I was campaigning for what is right and moral.”
Williams said Lewis attended one of the meetings where Williams spoke, and that Lewis took him aside afterward to express his agreement and encourage Williams’ message.
Springing from those initial conversations, the Lewis campaign felt it could build an alliance with the influential members in Mesa’s Mormon community.
“It’s a small community and we knew we needed to target opinion-makers at a neighborhood level,” Montague said.
Lewis said he knew early on that getting the support from leaders in the church and in the community more broadly would be a key to his success. That would happen, Lewis said, by approaching those leaders early in the campaign and on an individual basis.

This will be the last cometary I will make on Jerry Lewis

The Immigration Debate Justice & Mercy

There has been a lot of debate about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints statement on immigration. Those that demand Justice and those the demand Mercy. I think in this debate we need to be mindful of a parable told by Boyd K. Packer

Let me tell you a story--a parable.

There once was a man who wanted something very much. It seemed more important than anything else in his life. In order for him to have his desire, he incurred a great debt.

He had been warned about going into that much debt, and particularly about his creditor. But it seemed so important for him to do what he wanted to do and to have what he wanted right now. He was sure he could pay for it later.

So he signed a contract. He would pay it off some time along the way. He didn't worry too much about it, for the due date seemed such a long time away. He had what he wanted now, and that was what seemed important.

The creditor was always somewhere in the back of his mind, and he made token payments now and again, thinking somehow that the day of reckoning really would never come.

But as it always does, the day came, and the contract fell due. The debt had not been fully paid. His creditor appeared and demanded payment in full.

Only then did he realize that his creditor not only had the power to repossess all that he owned, but the power to cast him into prison as well.

"I cannot pay you, for I have not the power to do so," he confessed.

"Then," said the creditor, "we will exercise the contract, take your possessions, and you shall go to prison. You agreed to that. It was your choice. You signed the contract, and now it must be enforced."

"Can you not extend the time or forgive the debt?" the debtor begged. "Arrange some way for me to keep what I have and not go to prison. Surely you believe in mercy? Will you not show mercy?"

The creditor replied, "Mercy is always so one-sided. It would serve only you. If I show mercy to you, it will leave me unpaid. It is justice I demand. Do you believe in justice?"

"I believed in justice when I signed the contract," the debtor said. "It was on my side then, for I thought it would protect me. I did not need mercy then, nor think I should need it ever. Justice, I thought, would serve both of us equally as well."

"It is justice that demands that you pay the contract or suffer the penalty," the creditor replied. "That is the law. You have agreed to it and that is the way it must be. Mercy cannot rob justice."

There they were: One meting out justice, the other pleading for mercy. Neither could prevail except at the expense of the other.

"If you do not forgive the debt there will be no mercy," the debtor pleaded.

"If I do, there will be no justice," was the reply.

Both laws, it seemed, could not be served. They are two eternal ideals that appear to contradict one another. Is there no way for justice to be fully served, and mercy also?

There is a way! The law of justice can be fully satisfied and mercy can be fully extended--but it takes someone else. And so it happened this time.

The debtor had a friend. He came to help. He knew the debtor well. He knew him to be shortsighted. He thought him foolish to have gotten himself into such a predicament. Nevertheless, he wanted to help because he loved him. He stepped between them, faced the creditor, and made this offer.

"I will pay the debt if you will free the debtor from his contract so that he may keep his possessions and not go to prison."

As the creditor was pondering the offer, the mediator added, "You demanded justice. Though he cannot pay you, I will do so. You will have been justly dealt with and can ask no more. It would not be just."

And so the creditor agreed.

The mediator turned then to the debtor. "If I pay your debt, will you accept me as your creditor?"

"Oh yes, yes," cried the debtor. "You save me from prison and show mercy to me."

"Then," said the benefactor, "you will pay the debt to me and I will set the terms. It will not be easy, but it will be possible. I will provide a way. You need not go to prison."

And so it was that the creditor was paid in full. He had been justly dealt with. No contract had been broken. The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy. Both laws stood fulfilled. Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was fully satisfied.

Each of us lives on a kind of spiritual credit. One day the account will be closed, a settlement demanded. However casually we may view it now, when that day comes and the foreclosure is imminent, we will look around in restless agony for someone, anyone, to help us.

And, by eternal law, mercy cannot be extended save there be one who is both willing and able to assume our debt and pay the price and arrange the terms for our redemption.

Unless there is a mediator, unless we have a friend, the full weight of justice untempered, unsympathetic, must, positively must fall on us. The full recompense for every transgression, however minor or however deep, will be exacted from us to the uttermost farthing.

But know this: Truth, glorious truth, proclaims there is such a Mediator.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Tim. 2:5.)

Through Him mercy can be fully extended to each of us without offending the eternal law of justice. (From "The Mediator," Ensign, May 1977, pp. 54-56)

I think that we need to remember that in order for their to be MERCY there must be a mediator or someone to pay the demands of JUSTICE.

In the debate over immigration we know what the demand are for Justice are. What we don't know is who willing pay the demands of Justice in order for their to be Mercy.

Just something to think about.

Jerry Lewis, Russell Pearce and Mormon Church's Stance On Immigration.

At the last Republican legislative district 18 meeting on September 27, there was some discussion on the LDS churches stance on illegal immigration so I thought I would post the first couple of paragraphs and a link to the rest of the statement. The of  Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made this statement on June 10, 2011. There have been two statement made and this is the latest.

Around the world, debate on the immigration question has become intense.  That is especially so in the United States. Most Americans agree that the federal government of the United States should secure its borders and sharply reduce or eliminate the flow of undocumented immigrants. Unchecked and unregulated, such a flow may destabilize society and ultimately become unsustainable.

As a matter of policy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints discourages its members from entering any country without legal documentation, and from deliberately overstaying legal travel visas.

What to do with the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants now residing in various states within the United States is the biggest challenge in the immigration debate.  The bedrock moral issue for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is how we treat each other as children of God...... read full text here.

I think it is important to note that it is not a legal issue for the church but a humanitarian issue for the church and how to deal with those already here illegally in the country. I think it is also important to note that the church encourages its members to comply with the laws in the countries they reside and to square themselves with the law if they are not in compliance.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints also has a policy statement:

21.1.16

Emigration of Members

Generally, members are encouraged to remain in their native lands to build up and strengthen the Church. Opportunities for Church activity and for receiving and sharing the blessings of the gospel are increasing greatly throughout the world. As members remain in their homelands and work to build the Church there, great blessings will come to them personally and to the Church. Stakes and wards throughout the world will be strengthened, making it possible to share the blessings of the gospel with an even greater number of Heavenly Father’s children.

Experience has shown that those who emigrate often encounter language, cultural, and economic challenges, resulting in disappointment and personal and family difficulties.

Missionaries should not ask their parents, relatives, or others to sponsor members who wish to emigrate to other countries.

Members who emigrate to any country should comply with applicable laws.

When coming to the United States or other countries on student or tourist visas, members should not expect to find jobs or obtain permanent visas after entering that country.

To be considered for Church employment in any country, a person must meet all conditions of immigration and naturalization laws. The Church does not sponsor immigration through Church employment.

The church also recognizes the difficulties that people encounter, which can also result in personal and family difficulties. The church also recognizes that in order to be employed a person must meet all condition of immigration and naturalization laws.

For Jerry Lewis and his supporter to say that the church doesn't agree with SB1070 or other immigrations laws is wrong.


What they are doing by bring the church in to immigration debate in this recall is mixing church and state and trying to confuse and miss-represent the LDS Church's position on the issue to gain the LDS communities support for their candidate. This is wrong!

I encourage anybody that has questions about the LDS Churches position on immigration to study it out for themselves, make their own determination and not relay upon political candidates or their supporters for interpretation of the churches position.

Democrats Attack Mesa Board Members Over Redistricting Vote!

Every 10 years the City of Mesa has to go through a process of adjusting district boundaries based on the census. That process is going on right now and on October 3 the Mesa City Council is scheduled to take a vote on the proposed plan.

This plan is a modified version of Plan B. Plan be is supported by a majority of the council I've been told. Their is one detractor and that is Dennis Kavanaugh.

Mr. Kavanaugh would prefer a plan that would allow him to get his hands into the Riverview Park Area, that would be bad for West Mesa and the planed redevelopment of the area. Unfortunately many of those in West Mesa are more focused on the Russell Pearce Recall and have taken their eye off the mark of making West Mesa a better place.

The process has not been very simple for residence of Mesa to follow. First there have been problems with the consultant that was hired in planning and providing information and documentation to council members, they also haven't been able to dictate to the public very well what is going on.

When was the last time you heard anything about redistricting?

Even though Mesa's elections are non partisan in nature and 4 of the 5 members are Democrats that hasn't stopped the Democrats from attacking one of their own over their vote for modified plan B.Saying now that individual didn't know what they were voting for.

The Democrats are now trying to redo the process before it is sent to the city council for a vote on October 3. I would encourage anyone interested to attend the meeting and tell the council that modified plan B is the best one for Mesa and if you are from West Mesa make sure that you tell them to keep Dennis Kavanaugh out of the area.

There will be more to come as I find out more information about what is going on.

Read What Supporters Of Jerry Lewis and Randy Parraz Are Saying Now!

Here is more of what Randy Parraz and Jerry Lewis supports are now saying about Russell Pearce. These comments have been posted in a FB group supporting Jerry Lewis and watching Pearce.

These comment had been made in regards to a October 14th & 15th event to support the Senator. I think it does a pretty good job of showing the hate these people have.

Where did the love go that Jerry Lewis has called for?

Tommy O. Collins It will get really filthy from the pearce camp now... they have no class at all and their candidate has not the chance of an ice cube in a hot oven.Friday at 8:29pm · 5 people

Julie Legler Jorgensen It's been filthy for 11 years.22 hours ago · 1 person


Tommy O. Collins ‎@Julie, DO NOT make the mistake of underestimating the corruption and criminal nature of pearce and his gang of miscreants, including MCSO. If I were Mr. Lewis I would have security systems installed at home, along with 24/7 surveillance...20 hours ago · 3 people

Julie Legler Jorgensen Do you think they were behind the padlock incident?

18 hours ago

Tommy O. Collins ‎@Julie, if your question is directed at me... it's possible, but there is no way to find out until one of the goobers (or his girlfriend) brags about it in an open bar where someone else hears it and reports it. OR (as is most common) the guy involved beats up his girlfriend (which he learned to do from watching his dad beat up mom) and she turns on him to have his sorry ass put in jail with his brother...

3 hours ago

No doubt these comments will be removed the same as the last one got removed after I post about what they want to do to Mesa businesses. 

Russell Pearce & Business Owners! Here What They Say.

Claude & Kathy Adams, Owners Pete's Fish n Chips:

Running a small business is always a challenge. Senator Pearce understands this so that's why he has always been a strong supporter of small business by passing legislation that lowers taxes and regulations. His legislation helped our business and others grow. We need leaders like Senator Pearce to help stabilize and grown this economy.

Earl Johnson, Owner Johnson Stewart Company:

As a longtime Mesa resident and small business owner, I proudly stand in support of Senator Russell Pearce. Senator Pearce is a rarity among politicians these days in that he keeps his word to his constituents and does exactly what he tells them he's going to do. Senator Pearce has been a strong supporter of small business by consistently voting to keep taxes low and removing burdensome regulations.

National Federation of Independent Business had this to say:

Small business job creators support Senator Russell Pearce because he's one of Arizona's most pro-small business lawmakers. We stand by Senator Pearce because he consistently stands by small business. We need his in the legislature to help ensure Arizona's private sector can create jobs and get economy growing again.

Do you stand with these businesses or do you stand with Randy Parraz in the recall election?

Citizen's For A Better Arizona (Mesa), Ya Right!

I've taken some heat for the Randy Parraz recall signs that went up pointing out who is behind the recall effort. Gilbert Watch has done a really good job pointing out who Randy Parraz is in To the Supporters of Jerry Lewis: So why should I be the only one to take a little heat?

Now Randy Parraz and Citizen's for a Better Arizona are up to it again.

It was recently brought to my attention that this group who wants to make "Arizona a better place" is targeting businesses that support Russell Pearce.

Below are just a couple of the comments these people are making from one of their Facebook Pages.

Robert H McDonald Jr said:  

I was driving down mesa Dr and spotted the first of several Russell Pearce signs. Most were posted at businesses like Norm's watch repair and Millitts insurance Co. We need to boycott any business that supports that criminal.

Moiro Carney said:

I agree w' Robert, boycott those businesses. Or better yet-make it a point to stop in as if you were going to give them your business, and then mention that you can't in good faith support their business because they support Pearce

Respect Respecto said:  

My recommendation is to walk in an establishment, THEN notice the sign ... make small talk about "I can't believe you support Pearce ... " and walk out. Don't forget to make sure other customers hear you.

Robert Hassch said:

Probably banking on the assumption that they will survive between today and Friday. (signs)

Is Randy Parraz and the recall supporters of Russell Pearce really for a better Arizona?

These are the kinds of tactics that Unions and their thugs use to break a business. It is also the kind a antics open border advocates tried to use against Pruitts Furniture in Phoenix, in which finally the police had to be brought in. It is similar to what they did when they tried to invite themselves to a private part party sponsored by supporters of Russell Pearce of which Michael Wright of the Wright House was involved in.

The recall groups, supporters and candidates talk about civility, but yet their actions don't show it. Is this really the kind of people you want down at the legislature? I have never seen Russell Pearce advocate these kinds of tactics against a business.

Russell Pearce on the other hand looks to built build business up by fighting to keep taxes low, by fighting to keep government regulation down, by keeping jobs in Mesa i.e. the Cubs, Arizona Regional Medical Center (300 jobs), and Cindi's Cafe to name a few. 


Big difference between advocating for a Better Arizona and Mesa than that which Randy Parraz and his recall supporters are doing.

Will Cardon Enter Race for US Senate Seat Being Vacated by Jon Kyle

Will Cardon a valley philanthropist, business owner and real estate developer is throwing his hat into the race for U.S. Senate for the seat being vacated by Jon Kyle.

This is great news and gives people a choice in who to vote for.

I will be supporting Will Cardon and doing what I can to help him.

Read More Here

Mesa Public Schools - Should They Be Rewarded For Failing?

The Mesa Tribune News paper recently published a story indicating that 32 schools of Mesa's 83 schools failed Arizona's and the federal government's educational standards. That is a nearly 39 percent.

Michael Cowan, superintendent of Mesa's public school system, comments are a little shocking. He basically said that he wasn't surprised because most districts didn't pass.

And get the attitude of Ray Chavez, the principal at Carson Junior High. His attitude is we haven't made it for give years so it is really no big surprise. This guy was hired to be a turn around specialist. He also put the blame back on the kids insinuating that it is because the kids qualify for free or reduced lunches. That to me sounds like an excuse.

And just think that Mesa's School Board was going to ask for millions of dollars in additional taxes on your home to pay for these failing schools.

First I think the schools need to show significant improvement in meeting the educational standards before asking me and you the tax payer to pony up any more money.

You do not reward bad behavior with more money.

What do you think should Mesa Public Schools be rewarded when 39 percent of the schools fail to make the standard?

Pearce Recall Election - Is It Only About West Mesa?

I receive a copy of an email today written by some residents in West Mesa who are supporting Jerry Lewis in a supposed run against Russell Pearce. I have to say supposed race because no formal campaign committee has been formed and no announcement has been made

The letter was disturbing to me in more than one sense. What stood out to me more than anything was that it kept referring to West Mesa. It starts out "We love West Mesa", it goes on to say "Many of you have heard about the recall election for Arizona State Senate on ballot for the Nov. 8th in West Mesa's District 18" and in conclusion is states "We need an army to stand up and  fight for what is best for West Mesa..."

Mesa's District 18 is bigger than West Mesa and it's residence (Maricopa Stake)! Sorry my friends who live there, but that is what people think of when they say West Mesa. Even when I ran against my friend council member Dave Richins it was all about West Mesa.

For those who don't know, Mesa's Legislative District 18 starts at the Tempe border runs East along the Salt River to Gilbert road, then South to Broadway, then East to Lindsey, then South to Baseline Road and West to the Tempe boarder. I think that it would be helpful for those in West Mesa to remember that.

So when I got a copy of this letter my first thought was here we go again, West Mesa against the rest of District 18 and I know others have the same view. I know that is not the intention but it just give the impression.

Good people can disagree and hold different views. So those in West Mesa take note and not just make the issues about you. West is no better than Central Mesa, East Central Mesa, East Mesa, Southeast Mesa, South Central Mesa, Southwest Mesa or West central Mesa,

Pearce Recall - Does Daryl M. Williams, Esq Speak For The Mormon Church

Dee Dee Garcia Blase, President of Somos Republicano, one of the organization behind the recall of Russell Pearce and as some would say part of the "Recall Cartel" introduces Daryl M. Williams, Esq as an authority on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints position on SB 1070 and immigration at a fireside that was held on April 8, 2011 in Mesa Arizona.

To bring authority to what Mr. Williams has to say to the Mormon community she Dee Dee Blase cite his many accomplishments within the Mormon faith. " He is a member of the High Council of the Paradise Valley Arizona Stake. He has been a life-long Mormon, served in several bishoprics, on several High Councils, and in many other callings in the Church. His ancestors lived and are buried in Missouri, Nauvoo, and walked across the plains to Utah. He is a scriptorian."

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints I find it offensive that she would use the positions that Mr. Williams has held in the Mormon faith to justify her cause in recalling Senator Pearce. I also find it offensive that Mr. Williams would pretend that he speaks for the church when he states “Russell Pearce, ... views, however, do not reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ... Indeed, Mr. Pearce’s views are inconsistent with the official position of his church.” I find nowhere on any official church website where it indicates that Mr. Williams is a spokesman for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Arizona. Mr. Williams does not speak for the church in any official capacity, therefore his words can not be taken as the churches official position. (A wolf in sheep clothing)

For the members of the church that believe Mr. Williams words are/is the official position of the church I would ask them to think about the stories in the Book of Mormon about the Freemen and the Kingsmen. I would ask them to think about the Title of Liberty and ask them what they are fighting for and if this recall fits into those standards.

My position is that this recall is wrong, it is going against the voice of the people who elected Senator Pearce to the Senate. I would ask you to look at who is behind this recall, not the people who gathered signatures but those behind it and their motives. They don't like the voice of the people, they don't like who the people elected into office. So they seek to destroy the will of the people by their craftiness, cunning, lies and flattering words . They seek to destroy the the rule of law by calling good bad and bad good.

Remember how other governments came crashing down, it was by the perversions of their laws. The recall was meant to be used to remove an elected official who committed a crime. I ask you what crime has been committed here? A man stands up for the rule of law and what do the Kingsmen do, they attempt to tear him down, they attack his family, they attack his friends and when they can't bring him down that way they turn to subverting the laws. In this case by the use of recall.

I don't care where you stand on the recall that is not as important to me as is the subversion of the laws by those who seek to gain from Senator Pearce being removed from office. They are corrupting the laws of this state and they need to be stopped, they need to be exposed for what they really are and for whom they work.

Is Mesa Safe?

I just finished reading a book by Seth Godin called "Poke the Box" and it caused me to think. A passage from the book is as follows:

"Halloween is not safe. Something bad might happen. In fact, sooner or later, it probably will.
Flying is not safe. You and I both know a dozen or a hundred or a thousand  ways an angry person can wreak havoc.
Selling is not safe. You might (in fact you will) be rejected.
Golf is not safe. My grandfather died playing golf.
Speaking up is not safe. People might be offended.
Innovation is not safe. You'll fail. Perhaps badly.
Now that we've got that out of the way, what are you going to do about it? Hide? Crouch in a corner and work as hard as you can to fit in?
That's not safe, either.
Might as well do something that matters instead."

After reading the book it I had nagging question, is the City of Mesa playing it safe? Are the residents of Mesa playing it safe? Is the DMA playing it safe?

Is the city of Mesa crouching and hiding in the corner trying to fit in with what other cities and communities around them? If so they really aren't safe they just think they are.

Is the DMA playing it safe by not causing waves? Are they trying to please everybody by not doing anything at all? If so they really aren't safe.

Playing it safe doesn't get you anywhere. It just makes you ordinary. Neither the City of Mesa or the downtown is ordinary so lets do something that matters.

So what matters to you as a resident?

Light Rail Is Coming, Lets Get On Board Downtown Mesa

The writing is on the wall and it is time for those in the community to get on board or get out of the way before they get run over and squashed. Legitimate arguments can be made against the system and when I ran for a seat on the council I opposed the expansion of the system on the grounds of cost without further consideration of other forms of mas transit.

While there are businesses and people who don't like the idea of light rail going down Main Street and the area being torn up again, the fact of the matter is, it is coming like it or not. Now the question for those opposed to the planed expansion is whither or not they will come on board and make the system the best it can be.

Sometimes City & Citizens Don't See Things the Same Way,

Sometime the City of Mesa and it's citizens don't see things the same way. I've had my share of miss understandings and disagreements with the city. As a property manager at JMT Management, I've had my share of problems because of tenants and their refusal to abide by city codes.

Sometimes government employees get over zealous as in this store posted on The Blaze about March Madness: Nanny State Runs Amok .....

I hope the City of Mesa would never pull a stunt like this, tell it's citizens one thing and then do another.

Share with us. Has the City of Mesa ever done this to you, that is tell you one thing and then do another.

Is This What Civility Looks Like In The Immigration Debate?

This didn't happen here in Mesa, but it goes to show how uncivil the immigration debate has become.

Wow, Mesa Is On The Move, With Solar

If you haven't heard it by now, the City of Mesa landed a huge win in the announcement of First Solar building a manufacturing plant in the city of Mesa on the old General Motors proving ground.

First Solar is buying 135 acres and has an option on another 100 acres. The job will pay on average $48,000 according for Mesa's economic developement director Bill Jabjiniak. At capacity the facility could employ up to 4,000 people.

The construction project will provide an immediate boast of about 400 jobs as the project gets under construction. This project along with the construction of Cubs new stadium and training facilities will help to boast our economic development.

I'm in agreement with Mayor Smith, economic policies and business tax incentives are great for attracting these kinds of big project, in the long-term what is going to keep these projects coming is an educated work force and educational institution.

Way to go City of Mesa, and those involved. The possibilities are unlimited when we look forward and don't rely upon the past for our future.

Mesa's Downtown, What Is Missing

What Is Missing In Mesa's Downtown

A little over a year ago when I opened a new business in downtown Mesa, I made the choice to get involved, find out what was going and how I could help. I was invited to attend a merchants meeting and participate, which I did.

At that time a few of the merchants sat on the Downtown Mesa Association board (DMA). About that same time I also got a questioner from the DMA, shoved under the door of my office. The questioner asked how, I thought the association was doing with the downtown area. My first thought was for who? It certainly wasn't an organization for the merchants and it certainly wasn't an organization interested in bring new business to the downtown, but was more resolved and interested in keeping the status quote.

My interpretation, right or wrong, was that the DMA was created by the City of Mesa to put forth the ideas of city staff and property owners but not the merchants. The $1 million operations budget of the organization is funded by the city of Mesa with about $300,000 of it coming from a property tax paid by the merchants who rent in the downtown area and the one or two property owners who do business from their buildings

The Complaints DMA & City of Mesa

As I began to be involved with the merchants, some of following complaints about the DMA and the City of Mesa began to surface. (The DMA is a child of the City of Mesa)

Who Really Pays When Legislation Is Passed?

Who Really Pays, Not the State, Not the City, But Me and You!

The the state legislature is looking to cut cost in order to balance the state budget as they are required by the Arizona Constitution. One way they are doing this is by passing along cost to the local governments and cities, in this case that means the City of Mesa.

Arizona's state legislature over the years has done a piss poor job of managing the revenues and have spent money they didn't have figuring that revenue would increase year after year. In addition to bad management, the citizen initiatives process has done damage to the budgeting process by taking out of the hands of the legislature the power to appropriate funds where they are needed.

Who Is Staying In Mesa's Hotels & Motels? Me, You or Shady Joe

Crime In Mesa Hotels and Motels?

In 2009 Mesa's police department did a review of crime statistic of 49 short-term stay hotels and motels and according to the study determined that 65% of the 2970 calls for service came from 10 locations. So Monday night the council introduced an ordinance to require guest to prove who they are and requiring the hotels and motels to keep the information for 30 days. Guest will also be required to give their age, so much for little old grandma now being able to say that she is 25 when she really is 75.

Concerns With New Ordinance

1. The figures used are from 2009. I would like to know have those statistics been updated since then?

Mesa, Illegal Immigration & Russell Pearce

Mesa's Political Controversy on Illegal Immigration

One of Mesa Arizona's most noteworthy and controversal politician is Russell Pearce, a stanch supporter of protecting our freedoms through the enforcement of our laws. Senator Pearce has a no holds approach when it comes to illegal immigration, if you're in this country illegally then you need to go home and come back the right way, which is to follow the laws. I would say, a lot of people love him, some people like him and others hate him. No matter which side of the table you are on, you know where you stand with Russell Pearce on illegal immigration, this is more than can be said for some of the other politicians in Mesa.

Senate Bill 1070