Surprise District 5 City Councilmember Jack Hastings

City of Surprise

As you may know, the city of Surprise has cut property taxes for two consecutive years-putting hundreds of thousands of dollars back into the hands of our residents. I write this letter to ask that we consider reinvesting some of those savings into one of our most critical assets: our schools.

Strong schools are essential to our city’s economic vitality and quality of life. Dysart and the city of Surprise recognize that our futures are intertwined. Together, we must ensure that Surprise remains a premier place to live, work and raise a family — a city that attracts new businesses and provides a safe, thriving environment.

Over the past year, our partnership has grown. Together, we added 14 school resource officers in schools, ensuring every Dysart school in Surprise has a dedicated officer on campus. This collaborative investment keeps students safe.

What’s being asked is not a new tax. The tax rate is projected to remain the same. Approving these ballot measures will protect and strengthen our city’s long-term prosperity-without raising taxes.

That’s why, even as a fiscal conservative, I will be voting yes on both the bond and the override. It’s practical, forward-thinking and supports both Dysart and our city.

Jack Hastings is Surprise’s vice mayor and a city councilmember for District 5. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.