Transparent Surprise an Open Book to a Clearer Vision for our City
BREAKING NEWS: The city council agenda August 6, 2024 includes voting in 12 new commission appointments--11 of them to 5-year terms, which all had multiple applicants seen in the meeting minutes. Some of the commission appointment recommendations seem unusual and less than transparent in nature--furthermore, they are coming from 2/3 of a committee that is leaving office at the end of 2024 (less than 5 months right now). None of their meetings have been public hearings, so we are doing our own research into the appointments that are on the agenda, to be sure the candidates are eligible and have demonstrated trusted qualities to be recommended by the Boards and Commissions Nomination Committee, chaired by Aly Cline.
A live analysis that you can comment on is posted here:
MORE BREAKING NEWS: The city council working meeting agenda August 6, 2024 includes changes to the Council Policies and Procedures manual that raise the following concerns:
The mayor can form/abolish working groups at any time that are NOT subject to Open Meeting Laws. This would allow said working groups to meet behind closed doors in sessions not open to the public and not have the minutes or other records available to residents to see or view.
For an alleged violation of the Policies and Procedures manual, complaints can ONLY be originated by a City Council Member. The city is trying to make it so that normal residents CANNOT make a complaint on councilmembers like happened with Councilmember Aly Cline and her violations or their code of conduct about her behavior during the election season (outside of the law breaking).
These were recommended by the City Attorney Robert Wingo to the Rules Committee (Nick Haney & Ken Remley).
A live analysis that you can comment on is posted here:
Surprise Changes to Council Policies and Procedures Manual - 4 p.m. Working Session - Aug. 6, 2024
Over the past several years, the citizens of Surprise, Arizona have been awakening and understanding that we've been too complacent in our paltry participation and stoic selection of the leadership we expect to shape our future as a city. A city that humbly began as a beautiful array of neighboring farmlands that transformed quickly in the early 2000s into our inspiriting suburban bedroom community. As our city grows and faces increasing challenges, we have seen some troubling trends around us: a stark increase in special interests funding of campaigns; special interests paying high-powered lawyers to not only challenge but even threaten our elected officials on votes taken; unsustainable infrastructure (schools, roads, first responders) for the rapid growth we've experienced. Unfortunately we are left wanting for a clear vision for our city, and an effective plan to build this locality into the prosperous community our next generation needs.
"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." - Carl Jung
A few Surprise Community Resources: (Shared in a live HOA training session in early 2024)
WE CARE - is an automated system with Surprise PD designed to call a senior or home-bound person once a day to check on their welfare. The WE CARE program is made possible by grants and donations from Surprise businesses, organizations and numerous caring private citizens who support the mission of the Surprise Police Department.
Child Passenger Safety Program - Free Inspections 1st and 3rd Tuesday and 3rd Saturday of every month @ Fire Station 303-Greenway Rd & Cotton Ln. Make an appointment by calling 623-222-5000
Vacation Watch - The Citizens Patrol Division of the Surprise Police Department offers free Vacation Watch patrols to Surprise residents who are away from their home for two weeks or more. To request this service, call 623-222-4277 five days in advance of your departure. Online applications available at surpriseaz.gov/vacationwatch
Block Party Trailer - This is a free service for residents wanting to make new friends, meet city officials or establish a block watch! Includes the Party Trailer and a Block Party Kit. Request an application by phone at 623-222-1522 or in person at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N Hollyhock St, Surprise, AZ 85378 Submit your application to: Human Service & Community Vitality via email: larry.garcia@surpriseaz.gov or in person at the Surprise Senior Center. Reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance and are approved on a first-come-first-serve basis.
We hope you can join into the discussion by submitting your comments while visiting the documents shown above.