Nearly 100 people attended the luncheon at the Tempe History Museum. The first council women to serve, which also included Beverly Hermon, Barbara Sherman and Pat Hatton, treated us to stories about their time on council and the accomplishments they have seen as a direct result of their efforts.
Once again, I must thank the Tempe Historic Society and the Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation for sponsoring this event as well as Jodie Heisner and Michael Monti.
When I am at City Hall, I can thank Dottie Nelson. She voted to build Tempe City Hall here on Fifth Street and Mill Avenue. She also voted on building the Tempe Public Library complex.
Former councilmember Barb Carter was also acknowledged for her years of service. She was on council when the vote was cast to build the Tempe Center for the Arts. Former councilmember Pam Goronkin, also honored, was one of the people who celebrated its grand opening with us.
Nearly every council member has the opportunity to decide about building public facilities. There are so many functions that government serves – new police and fire stations are needed as a community grows. Multigeneration centers serve the needs of a diverse community with programs from senior care to computer service, wellness programs and recreation classes.
Balancing the needs of community development with the economics of a budget is one of the toughest and most important roles of a council member. Prudent use of taxpayers dollars is so necessary. We leverage local and federal funds, as well as grants and review whether we have funds to operate our facilities once they are open. We must assess that we are getting top value for the money of which we are stewards.
During the coming months, you will see the finish of the construction of the Pedestrian Bridge over Tempe Town Lake. This is another one of those projects that required planning and approval by the Tempe City Council. This bridge is going to cool and shade the bladders that make up the Town Lake west end dam. More than that, it’s a beautiful way to cross the lake.
The choices we make today result in the concrete and steel developments of tomorrow. They become the memories of our residents and visitors – our community. I’m proud to be part of the discussion and decision making process.
This Friday, the Technology, Economic and Community Development Council Committee meets at 10 a.m. On the agenda are items including wifi for our city, green waste composting, construction recycling, grease recycling, policy progress for community gardens and programs for business start-ups. Agenda: http://bit.ly/eRDDdE
Be part of our future history. We hope to see you there.
Photos: 1) Leading Ladies Luncheon at the Tempe History Museum. 2) From left: Dottie Cooper Nelson, Barbara Sherman, Beverly Hermon and Pat Hatton share their experiences 3) All current and former council women who were present at the luncheon. Missing are Linda Spears and Carol Estes Smith. From left: Shana Ellis, Onnie Shekerjian. Robin Arredondo-Savage, Pat Hatton, Dottie Nelson (seated), Barbara Sherman, Beverly Hermon, Barb Carter and Pam Goronkin.
