Republican District #18 Meeting Minutes
The meeting began promptly at 7 p.m. at the Mesa Community College library’s conference room, as usual. Galen Updike led us in singing God Bless America and
JT Ready led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Jeff Groscost introduced Andrew Thomas who is running for the Maricopa County Attorney position. Thomas addressed the group regarding the position and his campaign.
It was then announced the House passed the informed consent bill. Reps. Russell Pearce and Karen Johnson were still at the capitol and had excused absences.
Jerry Landau and Andrew Pacheco, also running for Maricopa County Attorney, were introduced and spoke.
Mike Gleason took the podium and discussed rate cases, the shortage of natural gas, and asked for signatures for his reelection petition.
David Schweikert and Gary (___?), who are running for the Maricopa County Treasurer’s position, were next to address the gathering.
Groscost announced there would be more opportunities to meet the candidates running for the County Attorney and County Treasurer positions in the future.
Elected officials were recognized by Groscost. They included Janie Thom, Randy Pullum (sp?), Judge Lester Pearce, Senator Mark Anderson, and Fred Ash of the SRP Board.
Then City Council candidates gathered at the front table to present themselves and prepare to answer questions from those attending.
Senator Mark Anderson took the floor. He discussed the need for the governor to sign the informed consent bill and the importance of us calling and asking her to do so. He also discussed the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Groscost took the podium again and mentioned how we don’t yet know how the redistricting maps will be drawn.
Joe Brown was introduced as Volunteer of the Year for his work on the refreshment and music committees. He is running for the House of Representatives.
JT Ready was introduced as the chair of the MCC College Republicans. He is also running for the House of Representatives.
Last year’s Volunteer of the Year, Cecilia Fleming, was introduced and is also running for the House seat.
Groscost announced the website www.AZredistricing.org for the latest map as of February 23, 2004. He said the commission wants competitive districts but moving lines in the East Valley won’t really change the demographics. The voting patterns will be the same. He said the lines for the East Valley are incorrect; someone forgot to put them back. He asked us to email the Redistricting Commission and tell them we want the lines back to the pre-cleared positions. Groscost also asked people to show up at their offices on Monday at 9 a.m.
Precinct Committeemen petitions and affidavits are ready for use. Groscost could like them done this month to get them out of the way early. Ten signatures are required.
Groscost announced the Arizona Conservative Times newspaper will be available at monthly meetings on the back table.
The microphone was turned over to Galin Updike who introduced our city government panel and candidates. He organized questions for them from the audience. Present were Mike Whalen, Claudia Walters, a representative from the Theresa Brice-Heims for mayor campaign, Mayor Keno Hawker, Charlie Powell, Tom Rawls, Don Kenny, and Bob Hiserich was represented by Janie Thom. Tom Rawls was held up at the airport. A show of hands was taken on the various ballot questions, bonds, and propositions.
State Treasurer David Petersen and State Representatives Johnson and Pearce arrived and were recognized.
Last words were allowed by each candidate on the panel.
The by-laws for our district are available to view and vote for on our website, www.mesa18.com, or people can get copies in the back of the room. See Dean Cooley for details.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m. The next meeting will be March 25, 2004 at the same location.
Dawn Peltzer
Recording Secretary, District #18
3/24/04