Election letters to the editor: Aug. 20

Mesa deserves better than Sproul

It is going to be a bad political season. Nathan Sproul has become a consultant in the race for the state Senate in District 18 under the umbrella of Mesa Deserves Better. For those who do not remember, he was the executive director for the Arizona Republican Party. For a while, he was fairly effective in espousing Christian values and the conservative platform. Since then, he has become a hired gun for the highest bidder and has become an such an agent of smear that even his fellow consultants are amazed.

A 28-year-old allegation has been elevated as if it were attempted murder, complete with fliers sent out to all District 18 voters. Who was accused? Russell Pearce, of course. There is no doubt the cream-puff Republicans have a bone to pick with Pearce's unabashed conservative values.

In addition, Kevin Gibbons is an immigration lawyer (which is bad enough) with ties to the Flake family, who were offended when Pearce briefly contemplated running against Rep. Jeff Flake, the phantom House member from District 6.

The Mesa Deserve Better crowd will report for the record in the near future. I'll be interested in the contents.

Joe Brendel

MESA

 Pearce's opponents using dirty tactics

The race for the state Senate seat in District 18 is the sleaziest I can recall. The supporters of Russell Pearce's opponent have sunk to new lows.

I often wonder about groups like "Mesa Deserves Better." Why refuse to identify donors? If what you're doing is so honorable, why not tell us who you are?

As to the District 18 Senate race, I have already voted for Russell Pearce. While I may not always agree with him, I abhor the tactics of his opponent and his opponent's supporters!

Mary Lou St. Cyr

Orlando works for the public

Twelve years ago, my husband and I built our first home and settled our little family in Chandler. It is hard to believe that at the time our home sat next to a big open field which is now Casa Paloma on Ray Road. The entire area was surrounded by cornfields then. Five children later, it is surrounded by great shopping and dining, and we have since moved to southeast Chandler. Chandler has grown and evolved so quickly.

During this period of rapid growth, the city has faced some major issues. It was during my involvement with community issues that I first met Matt Orlando. I have been so impressed with his service and dedication to our community. I say service, because Matt has truly serves the citizens of Chandler while on the council. When tough issues arise, he doesn't offer lip service. He rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. When you call him about a neighborhood issue, he calls you back, and beyond that, he works with you until a solution to the problem is found.

Matt Orlando listens and responds to citizens concerns. He is a balanced leader who truly cares. If you are looking for a leader who represents the citizens of Chandler, vote Matt Orlando!

Christian Weems

CHANDLER 

Orlando striving for better transportation

Chandler is a beautiful place to live with lots of amenities to enjoy. However to take full advantage of all Chandler has to offer, you have to be able to get from point A to point B.

Matt Orlando has worked hard over the years to improve Chandler's transportation. During his last term as a council member, Orlando has supported the acceleration of the city's plans to widen street and intersections, as well as adding miles of new streets in high-growth neighborhoods.

If you want to get from point A to point B with ease, please join me in voting Matt Orlando for Chandler City Council.

Gantry York

CHANDLER

Penson could make a difference

The time is fast approaching for a vote on who will be the next justice of the peace in the newly-created Gilbert Highland District. Jolene Penson is by far the best candidate running for the office. I have known Jolene personally for some 17 years and absolutely know her to be honest, ethical, caring, knowledgeable about the law and a superior choice. Jolene is well-educated, has an extensive legal background having worked for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and Superior Court.

In addition to her education and experience, Jolene has been volunteering with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in their ALPA (drug rehabilitation program), has been a co-counselor with Girls for a Change for teenage girls at risk, is a member of the Kiwanis Club and has recently been accepted into the CERT training program (Citizens Emergency Response Team).

Jolene has conservative values and feels strongly about family, church and community. Jolene made the decision to run for this new office because she felt she could make a real difference. I deeply feel she should be given the opportunity to do so.

Linda Shupe

MESA

Dodge is dedicated

I am writing this letter in support of Dan Dodge for Highland Justice of the Peace. I have known Dan for eight years, and I am impressed with his dedication and service to our town. I have served with him for many years on Gilbert's Planning Commission, and I have never known him to jump to a conclusion in a case or fail to listen to and consider all sides of an issue. He has had to make difficult decisions, and not everybody has agreed with those decisions, but no one has ever left a commission hearing feeling that Dan had not really listened and taken their concerns seriously. I know that Dan will make a fine justice of the peace.

Brigette Peterson

GILBERT

What to think about before voting

On September 2, as Gilbert, South Mesa and Chandler voters go to the polls, they should remember that in deciding on a justice of the peace candidate, there are three important aspects to consider:

Experience - Dan Dodge has over 17 years of committed service to Gilbert as a zoning commissioner and hearing officer. His level of experience is incomparable, especially when combined with his years in court administration.

Community involvement - Dan Dodge has been effectively involved in numerous leadership positions for the more than 20 years he has lived in Gilbert, lending to the strong infrastructure that Gilbert benefits from today.

Leadership ability - Dan Dodge has shown himself to be a consensus-builder in numerous courts as a mediator. In addition, he has served well as a leader of many local and statewide organizations.

Cynthia Dunham

FORMER MAYOR, GILBERT

Cox is most prepared

If asked to define a man with integrity, you would say someone who was trustworthy, hard working, impartial, strong, dedicated and wise. JC Cox, Republican candidate for justice of the peace, is just that. JC is a man of character whom the people of Gilbert and southwest Mesa should desire to have presiding over them as justice of the peace.

With almost 20 years of professional management experience and studies toward a law degree (to be obtained with high honors this fall), JC comes with the tools no other candidate provides. He is well-educated, knows and understands the law, manages and works well with people, and represents honesty and justice.

With his combination of character, experience and intelligence, JC stands at the top of the list of justice of the peace candidates. He is well-equipped with the tools necessary to successfully carry out this important position and deserves your serious consideration.

Robert and Lisa Jones

GILBERT

Raise your 'Voice'

Readers are invited to submit their views for consideration for the East Valley Voice column. Submissions should be no longer than 650 words and should include the author's name and hometown for publication, and phone number and postal and e-mail addresses for verification.

Standard mail: East Valley Voice, c/o The Tribune, 120 W. First Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210

E-mail: forum@evtrib.com