Monday, May 18, 2009

Letter to Supporters

Hello! It is the day before the election and I've had a chance to reflect on the last six months. Last night, I sent this email out to my supporters which I share on the blog in an attempt to make clear my message. Please don't hesitate to email me with any questions that you might have. I'll be checking email late tonight and getting back to you!

Thank you!

Dear Supporters,

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your time and effort on behalf of my campaign. Your support and friendship have meant a great deal to me throughout this process. As many of you are aware, the election is Tuesday and I would like to take a moment to reiterate why I am running for Gilbert Town Council.

This is a critical time for our town. I have based my campaign on three principles that I believe will sustain Gilbert families both now and in the future.

Fiscal Responsibility
Due to massive debt and overspending in both the private and public sector, it is imperative that we not allow Gilbert to fall into a cycle of spending more than we have. Tax dollars should first pay for essential services including police, fire, streets and water. Many moved to Gilbert for a certain quality of life that we want to see maintained. We must cut frivolous spending and create priorities in our community. This can be done by eliminating waste and a line by line analysis of the budget so that the taxpayers of Gilbert know that their money is being spent in the most responsible way possible.

Economic Growth

Gilbert is a town with tremendous potential for growth particularly in the area of commercial development. In order to successfully draw businesses to Gilbert, we must streamline processes and enhance the image of Gilbert in the business realm. This is accomplished by marketing Gilbert effectively, making it easier for businesses to thrive here and ultimately becoming a help to business rather than a hindrance.

Communication

In order for government to function properly, it is necessary for elected officials to communicate effectively with the citizens, employees, neighboring communities and businesses. My communication skills will help the town function effectively, draw new people and businesses and engage the families of Gilbert. Quality communication is essential to Gilbert’s ability to thrive now and in the future.

Your vote in this election matters. We need a leader who will represent the best interests of Gilbert. I have the skills and qualities that are necessary to lead Gilbert into the future and to continue to create a place where families are successful.

Once again, I appreciate your support and would ask that you encourage others to vote for me, Jenn Daniels, on Tuesday.

All the best,
Jenn

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Last My Turn Article

I submitted this final "My Turn" article to the Arizona Republic last week. Thought I'd share it with you to make clear my position on several current issues.

While Gilbert has much to be proud of we must also recognize that there is tremendous work to be done. Gilbert is on the brink of remarkable opportunity and it will take council members with vision and leadership to tackle present challenges without compromising the future. It will take council members with great communication skills, an ability to prioritize the community’s needs and someone who understands the challenges that the people of Gilbert face everyday. I have a strong work ethic, the skills necessary to communicate clearly and effectively and I have the ability to draw people together to accomplish our goals.

Our priorities for our community must include maintaining and improving public safety, improving streets and traffic flow, preserving current infrastructure including parks and town facilities and improving business processes that will allow Gilbert to be poised for growth now and in the future. It is essential that Gilbert open and maintain lines of communication with the citizens, keep our high quality of life through sustaining and properly managing our open spaces, properly manage your tax dollars and engage the young families in our town so that there is a continuum of leadership and a legacy for our children and grandchildren in the years to come.
A vote for Jenn Daniels is a vote for a fresh perspective, vision for the future and a voice for the people. www.voteforjenn.com

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Countdown Continues...

13 days till the election
:)

Sheeesh!!!

Last I checked 29 was the age of a completely functioning adult. Plus, I've had a birthday recently and so now the number 30 gives me LOTS more credibility. And so I've been led to my next article rebuttal. This time in response to an AZ Republic columnist named Mike McClellan - which to his credit actually gave permission for me to respond to his column. In a nutshell, Mr. McClellan claims that I believe in affirmative action and so believe that I DESERVE to be granted the office of councilmember. Nothing could be farther from the truth - and so I include my rebuttal not only to drill holes in his argument, but to share with all why I have worked so hard to be included in this process. Here it is:

Throwing around words like “affirmative action” is an attempt to deflect attention from the real issue: who has the ability to lead and inspire? As a candidate for town council, I am not asking for special treatment or a free pass.

It is unfortunate that some have criticized me for making comments on my website about my young family. My family is a large part of who I am. That is my life and because of it, I have a unique perspective of the needs of other families just like mine who make up the majority of Gilbert residents.

Despite the facts, some continue to state that I will bring nothing to the council except my age and that I am not "qualified by experience, or ability, or achievement." I strongly disagree. I have the ability to bring people together, to listen to all sides of an argument and then use my skills, knowledge and perspective to decide what is best. My experience includes my financial background, owning a successful small business, serving on the board of a non-profit, participating in an appointed position in my assembly district and involving myself in a leadership role on several state ballot initiatives. As a leader, I will work hard to keep taxes low, to help make Gilbert a place where businesses want to come, to open and maintain lines of communication, to keep our quality of life high through sustaining and properly managing our open spaces and I will be fiscally responsible by not increasing spending during this economic downturn on new, non-essential projects. Finally, I will engage the young families in our town so that there is a continuum of leadership and a legacy for our children and grandchildren in the years to come.