My family has lived in Glendale since moving to Arizona from New Jersey in 1990.  We moved to Arizona by choice not by chance or the happenstance of a corporate transfer.  We chose to move to Arizona because of the opportunities we believed Arizona had to offer our family.  We believed that we would find a better economic and social climate in which to raise a family, relief from oppressively high taxes, affordable home prices and yes, even a great education for our daughter. 

In Glendale we found all that we anticipated and so much more!

Sadly I’ve found that so much that I love about Glendale is being eroded by leadership that is not putting our citizens first!  

• Unprecedented budget deficit – an estimated $25M
• Plans to cut essential city services – police, fire, libraries, park & recreation
• Debt and interested estimated in excess of $1B for sporting venues - $200M debt for a spring training facility in the City of Phoenix!
  
• Continuing payout to NHL for “management fees” of Jobing.com Arena - $325M over 20 years
  
• Regardless of court decisions – we must open productive channels of communication with the Tohono O’odom Nation.
• Unprecedented tax increases - sales taxes, property taxes.
  

We must continue unwavering support of Luke Air Force Base! It is vital to the west valley and to the defense of our nation.

Our city needs strong, experienced leadership to address and resolve these issues; get our budget balanced and provide the services our citizens deserve.

As a two-term member of the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board, I have already proven I have the experience to face these challenges. We have faced budget cuts without diminishing the quality of the education we provide or cutting the programs our students need and our community values.

If you share my concerns about the future of our city, then I ask for your vote by early ballots or at the polls on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Sincerely,

Diane Douglas