Well a big shout out to my constituents in District 1, and indeed every resident in this great city in which we are lucky to live in, and a happy and safe New Year to all.
A new eight-acre park at Greenway Road and Parkview Place will begin design in June of 2021. This new park will provide more programmable and rental field space.
In addition to the new park, …
The city of Surprise has experienced better-than-expected one-time revenues in Fiscal Year 2020 thanks to strong growth in housing permits and retail sales collections.
The idea of maintaining civil discourse when debating public issues of the day is more than lip-service at Independent Newsmedia.
At Yourvalley.net, which is powered by the work of local …
About two months back, you wrote an article about lack of pools in Surprise. In that article you stated for a community of 1,000 homes the additional cost would be $10 per month.
It has been my honor to serve the city of Surprise for the past three years. How little did I know that reaching out to serve my community would complete me.
I recently had the opportunity to tour the City of Surprise’s new Public Works Operations Facility. The facility was partially funded by the voter-approved 2017 General Obligation Bond. This …
As 2020 draws to a close, I wanted to take this last opportunity of the year to publicly thank you — the residents of Surprise — for your patience and support this trying year.
Due to rising COVID-19 case numbers, city of Surprise City Council and all city boards and commissions meetings have been reclosed to in-person attendance until further notice.
To protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 cases, beginning Dec. 1, and until further notice, city of Surprise public meetings will close to in-person attendance.
Across the country and our communities, people are isolated because of social distancing, a COVID-19 health and safety practice to prevent contracting the virus.
At 11 o'clock on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns fell silent, marking the end of the Great War in Europe. The day is remembered as Armistice Day as proclaimed by President Wilson in 1919.
November starts the season of thankfulness and gratefulness, from honoring our veterans to gathering as families and friends to count our blessings, this truly is a special season.
We were not able to have a veterans parade this year, but please take a moment on Nov. 10 through 12 to drive along Bullard Avenue and see the decorated signs thanking and celebrating veterans.
I can remember walking into the city council chamber in December 2018 for a special city council meeting that would determine who would fill the vacancy in District 5.
As a proud Dysart Unified School District parent, local business owner and former governing board member, I support the need for strong schools that continue providing a quality education for the children of our community.
As a family with many generations living in and around Old Surprise and attend Dysart Unified School District schools. I appreciate that all of the kids in our family are learning, growing and becoming successful adults as a result of their education in Dysart schools.
Here at the Dysart Community Center, we understand that a child’s education is critical to their personal enrichment and success. Adequate funding is paramount for a school district to deliver the best education possible to that child.
In reply to the comment by Paul Playford, we have to agree with him and his wife regarding the lack of people wearing masks in the city as the city does have a mask mandate.
In reply to Raymond Grim’s response to my letter of Sept. 23, I urge Mr. Grim to go to the documents rather than relying on hearsay and talking points.
I left the city of Surprise and returned to private life nearly two years ago. But no one should be surprised that I remain interested in the health and long-term success of the city.
Arizona seniors deserve to enjoy a future of economic security and prosperity for many years to come — and it’s imperative that we elect political leaders who have what it takes to build …
I’m very disappointed in the Sept. 30 front page Costco photo. Why would you select a person removing their face mask, in a store, for a front-page image?
Given this pandemic, which has adversely impacted all of our lives, it’s important that we keep our eyes on things that are important — one of which is providing our children an excellent educational system that produces high-quality, student graduates which helps them be successful in this ever-changing world.
We are retired. Our kids are grown. So, you might say we don’t have a dog in this fight [for the Dysart Unified School District override], but we most certainly do, and so do our friends and neighbors who chose to live in one of the greatest communities in the country.
When I think about the Dysart Unified School District, I can’t help but think of Luke Air Force Base. Luke AFB is a driving force in Arizona’s economy and a linchpin for our national security.
The business growth we have been fortunate to see in our community works in tandem with having excellent schools. Dysart schools play a significant role in attracting and retaining businesses, providing job opportunities and protecting our property values by providing an excellent quality of education.
The Dysart Unified School District has done a remarkable job for our kids thanks to community support. I was proud to chair the successful 2015 override, yet our schools today remain seriously underfunded as we face tremendous growth in our community.
City Council Meetings reopened to in-person public participation
City Council meetings have been reopened to in-person public participation. In order to continue to adhere to CDC guidelines, …
Firestone Complete Auto Care opened a new store, located at 13475 N. Litchfield Road, on Aug. 21. Mayor Hall and I had the privilege to cut the ribbon. Welcome to Surprise.
I am a reader of the Surprise Independent and was displeased by the Wednesday, Sept. 30 issue Opinions section. Your paper pledges (or should pledge) to be unbiased and fair and balanced in reporting on particular issues and viewpoints.
I’m responding to Leo Mankiewecz’s letter to the editor from the Sept. 23 edition of the Surprise Independent. I’ve read his letters a few times and I need to correct him on a couple of items.
Public Participation at City Council Meetings
City Council meetings have been reopened to limited in-person public participation. In-person participants will be required to wear a facial covering …
It has been difficult not being able to host my regular meetings with all of you. I miss being able to personally share all the new exciting things going on in our city.
Why should I vote for the Dysart Unified School District proposed override and school bond? My children are grown and my family does not benefit from this expense?
We recognize the key role that quality schools play in attracting businesses and economic opportunities to our area. We need good schools to train the quality, competitive workforce for companies to hire to support our area’s long-term success.
With three daughters who are products of Dysart schools, I am proud to support the Dysart override. I have seen firsthand what a quality education Dysart provides and as each one graduates and moves on to higher education opportunities, I know I made the right choice by choosing Dysart.
As a mayor in the northwest Valley and former chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council, I’m a strong advocate for regional cooperation — particularly when it comes to attracting jobs, improving infrastructure and maintaining our quality of life. There is no doubt that education plays an important part in our ability to grow and thrive as a region.
This year, the Dysart Unified School District will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is amazing to think how much our community has grown and changed over a century.
As many know, I am very proud of the education I received and I am a proud Dysart alumnus. The Dysart override is a continuation of property tax already in place.
I have been and will always be on the side of the children as they are our future. As a council member, we are constantly striving to bring good paying jobs to El Mirage so it is essential that we produce a well-educated work force to fill those positions.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel. 2020 has been the most challenging year of our lives (at least most of us anyway). It is my hope that this finds everyone well and getting back to some sense of normalcy.
Last November, Dysart Unified School District’s override was rejected by voters with 57% voting “no.”
The override funding currently in place from the 2015 Override election is …
Hello again to all the great folks in District 1 and indeed in the city of Surprise.I hope everyone is doing OK considering these special trying times. I do want to start off on a positive note in …
Although the school year began remotely for the first time in history, it is somehow novel that we are also celebrating the Dysart Unified School District Centennial year.
Revised development & design standards
Members of the public and community stakeholders now have the opportunity to provide comments related to the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) and the …
The mission of the Surprise Fire Fighters Association is to protect life and property, while providing the highest level of emergency services to the citizens, visitors, and businesses in our community.
The Surprise Police Employees Association represents the sworn and civilian employees of your Surprise Police Department and we support the Dysart Unified School District override.
This month marks the 100th year of women having the right to vote. My grandmother marched in support of this right. My mother was born in 1929. By then women had earned the right to vote and to own property in their own name.
As we all know, we are in election season. Every day I receive numerous letters in the mail asking for money, and am forced to watch dozens of negative ads. Over and over again.
I couldn’t help but be disappointed by Mortimer Snerd’s published opinion in the Aug. 12 paper. He wants DUSD to “do less with more” and suggests cutting arts, sports and cultural programs as the way to keep property taxes low.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association wants to open practices before returning [to school]. They have stated that health and safety is important, but is it really?
I am honored to represent Surprise, and I want to reiterate my commitment to serving you. I am confident that we have a united and talented team of staff and leadership in place to continue to move this city forward.
I read with interest Scott Phillips’ Guest Commentary in this week’s edition regarding progress in City Center development efforts. Interestingly, he points to “nearly $100 million of capital investment in the City Center over a 36 month period.”
In January 2020, we were all enjoying momentum. The Greater Phoenix region in particular had strong economic growth in jobs, home values, wages, and many other metrics, and new opportunities seemed to abound, especially in the West Valley.
The August heat is certainly upon us, and with all the uncertainty that surrounds us, at least we can count on our beautiful, but hot, Arizona weather.
This endorsement may come a bit late. By the time it is published, if it is published, we will only be a few short days away from our local election (Aug. 4).
Bravo, Greg Norberg,You did a great job on the [Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce] forum and really brought out how our current councilman is truly failing our city.
A recent letter writer critized Surprise Mayor Skip Hall and Councilman David Sanders for not staying safe, thereby testing positive for the COVID-19. This is her opinion and she is entitled to it.
The city just ended FY20 and embarked on FY21 on July 1. As we begin our new fiscal year and reflect on the last six months of 2020, I have no doubt that we are all thinking “what a year” it has been.
As a resident who loves Surprise, it is good to see the city moving in the right direction. Political volatility is high and trust in public officials is low.
I am honored to serve the residents of District 3 and I am always available for questions, concerns or comments. Please follow me on Facebook or email me directly at patrick.duffy@surpriseaz.gov.
It takes special individuals to start the spark, to light the fire, to support and raise our children’s expectations for themselves, and to never give up on them.
As a Surprise resident, and Stanford student, I am deeply concerned about voting security in the upcoming general election in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is most disheartening and disconcerting to read that Mayor Hall and Councilman Sanders have tested positive for COVID-19. I wish them a speedy and strong recovery.
I am throwing my support behind Jack Hastings for City Council. I started following him on social media and then I had the pleasure of meeting with him.
It’s your money. Just in case you have not been keeping up with the events within the Secretary of State, the Recorder’s Office, the county supervisors and the Attorney General’s office, let me briefly review what has happened:
I’ve lived in Surprise for almost 11 years now, having moved from Encinitas, California. I now call Surprise Farms home, and the experience has been very rewarding.
Our city council can benefit from a new perspective. Jack Hastings, teacher at Valley High School, past pool manager with the recreation department and longtime resident of Surprise can provide that.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jack Hastings for the 15 years he has been living here. Over that time, I have never seen someone so devoted to public service.
I don’t remember actually meeting Alyson (Aly) Cline. She is one of those people you feel like you have known your entire life. A sister, a best friend, a mentor.
I don’t remember actually meeting Alyson (Aly) Cline. She is one of those people you feel like you have known your entire life. A sister, a best friend, a mentor.
I saw something the other day that brought back a memory of a very sad episode of how our Surprise City Council voted 4-3 to reprimand Mayor Sharon Wolcott for endorsing a candidate for City Council back in 2016.
I read with interest the feature article in last week’s edition as well as the mayor’s column regarding the impending development of our City Center complex.
It has been my distinct honor and privilege to become a colleague and friend of Jack Hastings over the past four years. We both started teaching at Valley Vista High School in Surprise at the same time.
I don’t think many of us would have anticipated the events and circumstances that have transpired this year. It certainly has given us time to reflect.
In this year’s city election on Aug. 4, voters in District 5 will have a unique opportunity. They can elect a fresh new face to the Surprise City Council.
My name is Greg Norberg, and I’m asking for your vote to be your Councilman for District 3. I’m very involved in the city and attend council meetings regularly, which is what has driven me to meet you at your door to ask for your signature and your vote.
I could not believe the arrogance and gall of the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board for even considering another election a year after losing the last one by a wide margin.
I am running for a seat on the Dysart Unified School District governing board in this upcoming election. I became involved in the district toward the end of last year during their bond/override election.
After reading the recent article on the Dysart Unified School District override/bond issue [“DUSD debating override for voters,” April 29], I feel like I have to tell DUSD, …
Small businesses are the backbone of the Arizona economy and employ over one million Arizonans. These hard-working Arizonans often put everything they have into building their businesses from scratch …
I have known and worked with Alyson Cline during our time served on the Disability Advisory Commission for the city of Surprise. Her compassion for her volunteer work is admirable.
As the world and our community face ongoing concerns about the spread and impact of COVID-19, I want to assure you that the City of Surprise is working diligently to protect the health and safety of our community.
Alyson Cline is a community treasure. I’ve just recently met her through volunteering at Friends of the Surprise Library which she and her husband, Gary, founded.
I find the influx of escapees from the sanctuary state of California to be most lamentable. California immigrants have already ruined neighboring states to the north like Washington and Oregon with …
Area homeowners discuss the impact of new industrial development on their West Valley communities.
So, it’s been announced that the Red Bull distribution center being built on Peoria (was …
The Vista Center for the Arts, formally known as Valley Vista Performing Arts Center, has been rebranded as the regional entertainment venue in Surprise and the West Valley.
