Gilbert Watch supports Danny Ray for the next Mayor of Mesa.  The previous mayor was Scott Smith, a liberal Republican who is now running for Governor.  

Here is a statement from Mr. Ray's campaign:  

"Over the last few years we have seen huge increases in the size and reach of the Mesa city government.  Spending and bond debt have ballooned and property taxes have been instituted, making the average cost of living in Mesa substantially more than in Gilbert and Chandler. City plans, codes, regulations, and fees stifle small and medium-sized businesses, home improvements, and property rights. 

"Danny Ray is running for mayor to share the vision that Mesa can continue to have positive growth and be a premiere family community without massive debt and government overreach. The importance of your involvement cannot be overstated!! Citizen engagement in government is key to guarding our liberties at the city, state, and federal levels. 

"We invite you to get involved in the Danny Ray for Mayor campaign and make a difference in the future of your community. Volunteer, grassroots outreach will be the difference in changing Mesa's direction. It’s simple. Just do any of the following: Email Danny's campaign at info@votedannyray.com  and let us know you want to get involved. We'll contact you. Come to our volunteer meetings on Tuesdays at 8 PM at 1761 N. Silverton (near Mesa Dr. & McKellips). You can meet Danny and find out about what we’re doing to engage the voters of Mesa and why your participation is so important.

"Visit Vote Danny Ray and sign up to volunteer. Call or text the campaign office at (480) 725-1404. Early ballots go out July 31 and Election Day is Tuesday, August 26. Thank you for all you do."

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge David Udall has ruled that Mesa property owners won't be on the hook for $130,000,000 for a 1.9 mile light rail extension that 98% of them will never use, so there is no need for the Mesa taxpayers to have a vote on the project.  

The extension will run along Main Street, from Mesa Drive to Gilbert Rd.  

Mesa resident and business owner Joe Price, through his attorney Gary Lassen, had filed a lawsuit presenting facts and precedents which they asserted clearly demonstrates the Arizona Constitution's requirement that a public vote was mandated.

The judge rejected the plaintiff's arguments, stating that the funding will come from TPANs (Transit-Project Advancement notes), and that the law states that the notes "are not general obligations of a political subdivision" and that they are to be paid from transportation funds or "other monies lawfully available for application to that purpose."  Thus, the law does not require a public vote before TPANs are issued.

Gubernatorial candidate Scott "Light Rail" Smith (aka Scott "Common Core" Smith) came up with this  funding scheme that gets around the pesky public vote.  Were there's a determination to spend taxpayer dollars on government boondoggles, there's a "funding mechanism" to the rescue.  

The last thing Arizona needs is for Scott "Big Spender" Smith as our next governor.  Even after being chastised by three "Davids," on December 9, the Goliath Council defiantly voted themselves a massive salary increase.  

Mesa's government is growing stronger and more oppressive, while the citizenry is hanging on to full time work.     

Peter O’Malley, opposed a bike-share plan that was also approved Dec. 9 but managed during his comments to attack the pay raise as well.

A government-endorsed bike program, O’Malley said, will hurt local businesses and deprive the city of “taxes that support the scandalous, irresponsible, corruption-breeding pay raises you all have your dirty little hands stretched out for.”