Don Skousen - A True Community Leader

I'd like to express appreciation to Don Skousen for the MANY contributions he has made to our community. Undoubtedly, Mr. Skousen has had a hand, either directly or indirectly, in the life of every Gilbert citizen for the last 35 years. While I don't know Don well, I have had some good chats with him over the last several months and it has been an honor to get to know him. I wish Don and his family all the best and I appreciate the contributions and the sacrifices that both he and his family have made on our behalf. Don Skousen is a true community leader.

Sundays Start the Week Right!

I love Sundays. Sunday is such a perfect day to sit down, re-evaluate, organize and complete a thought or two. When I am able to sit quietly and think clearly for a few moments, I think I have a better perspective and always a greater appreciation for both people and opportunities.


While this week is going to be fun-filled and action-packed, I'm glad to have had the opportunity to take a step back today and recognize that this opportunity before me will never come again.

And so operation "Work My Little Heart Out" continues...

Support for Jenn!

I've been given lots of support over the last several weeks and I am so very appreciative of everyone that has contributed their time, energy and funds to help with the campaign. I know that WE CAN WIN WITH YOUR SUPPORT!

This featured pledge of support came from Jeff Weninger - a Chandler City Councilmember and owner of Floridino's & Dilly's Deli - and it came in the form of a video email. CLICK HERE to check it out. Thank you Jeff!

Week is FLYING BY!

We've had an ultra successful week so far - still TWO more working days to go - and I don't see us slowing down.

Today I attended the Arizona Management Society Lunch - the speaker was from APS and shared with us the science, alternatives and challenges associated with renewable energy. An absolutely fascinating lecture. Here is the shortened summary of what I learned:

APS is very interested in renewable energy disbursement. They provide incentives to both customers and corporations in the form of a cost percentage return and they will buy from the customer unused wattage. (There is also a tax credit available through the government). The speaker said that solar water heaters have the quickest investment return. The problem with whole house solar power is that the technology is still relatively new, is being improved upon at a rapid rate and is still fairly expensive - similar problem to computers or plasma tv's or digital cameras - but that eventually nearly every home in Arizona will be powered by solar energy. They are actively searching out companies and municipalities that would be willing to partner with them to accomplish the goals set forth by the AZ Corporation Commission.

One of the most interesting things was the explanation of why we will always still need natural gas or coal, for example, as an energy source. Simply because solar, nuclear and wind powers can't be "ramped up" when energy demands are at their highest point. Rather those alternate forms of energy provide for the base energy needs and then in order to reach demand at peak times, natural gas or coal can be added to fulfill that need.

That's obviously shortened and condensed version - definitely worthwhile.

Busy Monday = A Good Kickoff to the Week

I'm writing this at 11:26pm - simply because I spent most of the day meeting with people in and around Gilbert and most of the evening answering emails, setting up appointments and planning for the rest of a very BUSY week. It's a good sign that this week will be a GREAT ONE!

FYI - tomorrow night, March 24th at 7:00pm (50 E. Civic Center Dr.) - the Town Council has a packed agenda. This may be one meeting that you don't want to miss. We've got Mother Nature's Farm, Edu-Prize elementary and a few other "hot button" items. If you can't make it down to council chambers, check out the meeting online or through Cox Cable Channel 11.

It's going to be a GREAT week!!!!

THE GAME PLAN!

Four months into this process and I am still fascinated by it all. We have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to be prepared to CHARGE FORWARD during the next 58 days (but whose counting, right?). Plans are in place - some of the best people are helping - the calendar is filling up - and we've got a momentum and energy that keeps us focused and working hard.

Here we go!!!

VICTORY!

We had a great and successful VICTORY for the Primary Election! I made it in the top four and will now go on to the run-off on MAY 19th! Mark your calendars!

Many thanks to all who took the time and effort to get out and VOTE - both through the early ballot and at the polling place.

The next few weeks will be an intense time of planning - we have LOTS of HARD WORK ahead of us!!! If you are interested in being part of the campaign, we'd love to have you join us so please don't hesitate to call. Thank you for putting your faith and trust in me!

TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY!

Hard to believe that tomorrow is already TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH - ELECTION DAY!!!

I've taken just a few minutes to reflect on what an amazing experience this has been and how grateful I am for the opportunities that I've had over the last several months. I'm in awe really...

I still maintain that the single BEST thing about living in Gilbert is THE PEOPLE! Running for town council has given me the chance to meet so many amazing people - from all corners of the town, all walks of life, all ages, all classes, all religions and all backgrounds. Collectively, we make up the greatest town in Arizona and I hope to be given the chance to represent you - to be your voice - on the town council.

Regardless of whether I am YOUR candidate or not, I would encourage all eligible voters to take a few minutes out of your day tomorrow and participate in what might be considered one of the greatest benefits to the American people - the chance to participate in an honest and fair election. We are one fortunate people!

Just a few tips:

If you have an early ballot and have not yet mailed it in, take your early ballot to ANY polling place. You do not have to wait in line, just walk up and drop it in the box.

To find your polling place, CLICK HERE. Don't forget ID!

The polls are open from 6:00am until 7:00pm. If you are in line by 7:00pm, you will be allowed to vote.

For other information, please CLICK HERE to visit the Maricopa County Recorder's website.

For Clarity

Bear with me...this might be a long one.

There have been targeted accusations from some candidates running for Gilbert Town Council who claim that “now is not the time for on the job training” and that experience is the only thing that matters in our local government. With all due respect to the great sacrifice some have made on behalf of our country and our community, I respectfully argue that now is not the time for the same old way of thinking in Gilbert. Our Town is facing new challenges and obstacles and we cannot approach those challenges while thinking the way we’ve always thought. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again but expect different results. It’s time for Gilbert to grow up. Our local government needs a fresh perspective and strong voices to speak out on behalf of the people.

Under our current leadership, relationships between neighbors, other communities and the county have been strained. Local businesses have grown tiresome of the challenges that are continually put before them by the Town that says they support them. Residents want steady and clear communication from the town – not just as a courtesy but because citizen input is genuinely valued. The people of Gilbert deserve something more from their elected officials. They deserve to have elected officials who sound an alarm when property rights, the rights of business owners and the rights of taxpayers are being infringed upon. The people of Gilbert deserve leaders who will be accountable for decisions, who pay attention to detail and who put service above self.

We don’t need elected officials with experience when that experience includes spending tax-payer money frivolously, dangling permits in front of local business owners or ignoring the voice of the people. Is that the kind of “experience” that will lead our Town to be the premier community in the valley?

Some of my opponents have said that they represent family values quite well. While I do not doubt their commitment to their own families, the Gilbert they raised their children in is very different from the Gilbert today. I can best represent families in Gilbert because I see the challenges you face every day in my own life. I understand the difficulties you encounter because every day, my life intersects yours.

Some want to dwell on my age as an example of my experience. I don’t think that age defines a leader. A true leader exhibits character, commitment, humility and respect for others. A true leader is someone who works tirelessly and does it not for accolades or awards but because they believe they can make a positive difference within their sphere of influence.

It’s time for new leadership. It’s time for fresh ideas, fresh voices and a fresh perspective. Vote for Jenn Daniels on March 10th.