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Joyce Clark Unfiltered

For "the rest of the story"

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

To date in Part 1, I explained the use of a city ProCard and how seriously it is taken. In Part 2, I showed what travel expenditures Councilmember Turner has publicly posted as well as all of the trips he has not posted publicly.

In this Part 3, the public information request I made includes any and all emails between city staff and Councilmember Turner:

  • February 15, 2022, Councilmember Turner is sent an email with an attachment that specifies his councilmember responsibilities with regard to travel as well as other items.
  • March 7, 2022, Councilmember Turner is sent an email with the city’s Travel and Reimbursement Policies.
  • February 1, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent a ProCard audit of his ProCard use.
  • February 2, 2024, Councilmember Turner’s ProCard limit is increased to $7500; there     are also requests for receipts covering April 7, 2023; September 12, 2023; October 24,  2023 and February 2, 2024.
  • March 18, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent a request for various receipts.
  • March 25, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent a request for various documentation.
  • April 17, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent the City Travel Policy.
  • April 24, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent a request for documentation of travel
  • April 24, 2024, Councilmember Turner is notified that his ProCard is suspended.
  • April 24, 2024, Councilmember Turner is notified that his ProCard limits are set to zero and his card is inactivated.
  • June 25, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent a request for receipts.
  • June 28, 2024, Councilmember Turner is sent a request for receipts.
  • December 20, 2024. Councilmember Turner is notified that his ProCard is deactivated.

Please note that I received no emails reflecting Councilmember Turner’s responses to repeated staff requests for receipts and documentation. He may have responded verbally and that would not be within the scope of my public information request. However, verbal responses are not sufficient according to city policy. All documentation and receipts are to be in writing.

There is no problem with elected officials attending the National League of Cities and Towns (NLC) meetings. It is a good way to learn by attending workshops and lectures. There is also the opportunity to network with other elected officials from throughout the country.

Typically, elected officials will attend the annual state and national NLC Conferences and in March will go to Washington, D. C. to meet with Congress members to lobby for projects that benefit their communities.

It was at one of these NLC conferences that Mayor Weiers learned about veterans’ housing. He brought the concept back to Glendale where it was then implemented.

Councilmember Turner seems to have no problem spending money – your taxpayer dollars – when traveling. For example, he, Councilmembers Malnar and Tolmachoff and the Mayor attended the National League of Cities Summit in Kansas City, MO from November 16-19, 2022. Mayor Weiers’ total for the trip was $1,968.23. Councilmember Malnar spent $2,269.60. Councilmember Tolmachoff spent $2,296.29. Councilmember Turner spent $3,285.79. Turner spent 67% more than Mayor Weiers; 45% more than Councilmember Malnar and 43% more than Councilmember Tolmachoff.

Here’s another example. Mayor Weiers and Councilmembers Malnar, Tolmachoff and Turner attended the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D. C. from March 9 to March 13, 2024. Mayor Weiers’ total was $4,038.66; Councilmember Malnar’s total was $3,844.89; Councilmember Tolmachoff’s total was $2,973.60 (may have used airline miles to reduce the cost of her airfare); and Councilmember Turner’s total was $4,631.96. Turner spent 13.47% more than the mayor. He spent 20.47% more than Councilmember Malnar and 55.77% more than Councilmember Tolmachoff.

It was also on these two trips that Councilmember Turner received seat upgrades. On his Kansas City NLC trip an additional $96.59 was spent on seat upgrades and on his Washington, D. C. he spent $143.00 on seat upgrades. This is contrary to city policy which states the ProCard cannot be used to pay for seat upgrades.

He also tends to overtip (more than 20%) Uber drivers. Again, city policy caps tips at 20%.

As is documented under my public information request, Turner was asked repeatedly for receipts and documentation for various trips which apparently, he did not provide. This lead to the termination of his ProCard in December of 2024. 

Why did he not respond to repeated staff requests for further documentation and receipts for his travel expenditures?

He tends to spend more than any other Glendale official on these trips. It appears that he certainly doesn’t have you, the Glendale taxpayer, in mind. It may be that he forgets exactly whose money is being spent.

In Part 4 and last of this series, we’ll look at some problematical trips Councilmember Turner has taken and then draw some final conclusions about his travel expenditures.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

 

 

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

In Part 1 of this series, I explained the use of the city’s credit card and how seriously travel expenditures using the ProCard are viewed. It is taxpayer-funded, and the expenditure is expected to benefit you, the taxpayer, by attending conferences or meetings that will improve an employee’s productivity. The city requires accountability in the form of receipts and transparency by publicly posting.

There is a lot of information that had to be organized and simplified. It was no easy feat. That is why it is taking so long to share this information with you. Special thanks goes to “anonymous” who helped me to break down the over 500 pages of documents I received through my public information request.

One way that anyone can view travel expenses for city councilmembers is to go to the city’s Follow Your Money page. Here is the link: https://www.glendaleaz.com/your_government/city_council/council_expenditure_reports

Since we are reviewing Councilmember Turner’s expenditures, for purposes of comparison I also looked at Councilmembers Malnar’s and Tolmachoff’s expenditures. I did not compare the Mayor’s travel expenditures as they would be quite different to those of a councilmember. I also did not compare with Councilmembers Guzman, Baldenegro or Conchas as they are new and have no previous years of expenditures. Here is what is publicly available regarding Councilmembers Malnar, Turner and Tolmachoff:

Malnar travel

Malnar Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee Trip Mexico City February 2019

 Malnar NLC Washington DC March 2019

 Malnar Annual League of AZ Cities & Towns Conference in Tucson, AZ

 Malnar NLC City Summit in Kansas City, MO Nov 2022

 Malnar Annual League of AZ Cities & Towns Conference in Tucson, AZ 2023

 Malnar NLC City Summit in Atlanta, GA Nov 2023

 Malnar NLC Conference Washington DC March 2024

 

Turner travel

Turner NLC Washington DC March 2019

 Turner AZ League of Cities August 2019

 Turner WATEC Conference Nov 2019

 

Tolmachoff travel           

Tolmachoff NLC Los Angeles Nov. 2018

Tolmachoff NLC Washington DC Mar. 2019

Tolmachoff NLC San Antonio Nov. 2019

Tolmachoff NLC City Summit in Kansas City, MO Nov 2022

Tolmachoff NLC Congressional City Conference Mar. 2023

Tolmachoff League Annual Conference Aug. 2023

Tolmachoff NLC City Summit Atlanta Nov. 2023

Tolmachoff NLC Washington DC Mar. 2024

What is astounding is that Councilmember Turner has only listed travel expenditures for one year, 2019. Yet expenditures from 2019 to 2024 should be listed but are not. The question is why? Your guess is as good as anyone else’s. I’m sure he’ll try to provide a reasonable explanation, but it does not excuse the fact that he has not bothered to list 5 years’ worth of travel expenditures.

So much for a councilmember that repeatedly calls for transparency and accountability. We can see that he has traveled quite a bit and yet not bothered to publicly list any of it. All information obtained through a public information request as it is not publicly posted under Follow Your Money.

Let’s begin with a list of all of the travel that Turner did not bother to post publicly. (This information was obtained via my public information request. Please note I received no public information on travel expenditures prior to November, 2022. It is most likely due to COVID in 2020 and 2021). Here is the list of Turner’s travel not publicly available:

  • National League of Cities Summit, Kansas City, MO, November 16-19, 2022, $3285.79
  • National League of Cities Conference, Washington, D.C., March 26-28, 2023, $3650.37
  • Indoor AG Tech Innovation Summit, New York City, Jun 29-30, 2023, $3165.36
  • Sister Cities trip, Memmingen, Germany, July 19-23, 2023, $917.46
  • League of Cities and Towns Conference, Tucson. AZ, August 29 – September 1, 2023*
  •  Renaissance Weekend, New York City, October 5-9, 2023, $3683.63
  • Colorado River Water Users Association, Washington, D.C., October 17-20, 2023, $1353.21
  • National League of Cities Conference, Atlanta, GA, November 15-18, 2023, $1979.50
  • Colorado River Water Users Association, Las Vegas, NV, December 13-15, 2023, $1651.32
  •  Renaissance Weekend, Charleston, SC, December 28, 2023 – January 1, 2024, $4661.51
  • National League of Cities Conference, Washington, D.C., March 9 -13, 2024, $4631.96

Total expenditures for these 10 trips: $28,980.11 (*League August 2023 expenditures unknown).

City travel policy states under Section D, examples of what is not allowed: “Priority boarding fees and airline seat premiums or upgrades, unless other options are not available.”

For the trips listed above $836.73 was charged for seat upgrades/preferred seats/main cabin extra seats.

There is certainly more to cover but this is enough overload for you, the reader. In Part 3 of this series, we will take a deeper dive into Turner’s travel expenditures.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

On January 16, 2025, I made the following Public Information Request of the Glendale City Clerk: “All available information held by the city relating to Councilmember Bart Turner and his travel and any requests for reimbursement as a result of the use of his ProCard for his travel from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024. That includes, but is not limited to, correspondence, emails, charts, and memoranda between the Councilmember and any member of the City of Glendale staff.”

On March 12, 2025, I received the public records I had requested.

I had heard from various sources that Councilmember Bart Turner’s Procurement Card (also referred to as ProCard or pcard) had been terminated. This is highly unusual. That is why I made the Public Information Request. It was to verify that his ProCard had indeed been terminated and why.

All of the information used is a public record and can be obtained by making the same request to the City Clerk for information that I did.

If anyone from the media wishes to confirm this public information or do further reporting, I will make the public records I received available.

First, it is important for you, the reader, to know some background information. A ProCard is, in essence, the city’s credit card. Certain levels of department personnel and elected officials have a ProCard issued to them. Routinely it is used for educational courses, office supplies, event supplies and travel. With the exception of travel, the charges are usually small.

The city takes the use of a ProCard very seriously. It must be used exclusively for small purchases, education, travel or city business that will benefit an employee’s (including elected officials) productivity by learning new methods or procedures related to one’s job or by networking with others in the same field or by gaining instruction on new or amended federal or state laws that can impact the city. There are miscellaneous reasons, such as grant procurement, for use of the ProCard but they must be related to and in some way bring a benefit to the city. Under no circumstances may a ProCard be used for any personal reason or to purchase alcohol.

Here is the city policy regarding employee reimbursement from SimpliCity Employee Expense Reimbursement (EER) dated 4/14/2020:

“An employee expense claim can take the form of a travel expense per Financial Administrative Policy (FAP) #7, education expense, or other expenses such as vest/supplies/professional development/miscellaneous expense.”

Many years ago, the Glendale City Council adopted a policy that it, too, would be subject to the very same employee policies related to reimbursement for travel or any other legitimate expenditures.

The city’s Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy dated 12/15/20 and last revised on 4/01/2022 states,

Purpose: “It is the duty of all travelers to carefully weigh any expenditure of public funds. Travel expenditures should only be incurred when there is a clear business need that benefits the city. It is the responsibility of the traveler to maintain correct and proper records to report only authorized city business related expenses when reporting expenses for travel. In addition, it is the employee responsibility when requesting reimbursement for expenses to make sure the expenditures reflect allowable City business, are documented and receive proper authorization.”

Application: “This policy is applicable to all City of Glendale employees, contract employees, temporary employees, agents, volunteers, and contractors unless otherwise specified. To the extent that elected officials resolve to follow this policy, certain exceptions may apply.”

Now that I have shared the responsibilities and requirements for the use of a city issued ProCard, in Part 2, we will take a deeper dive into Councilmember Turner’s use of his ProCard. Look for Part 2 to be posted soon.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the city opened the newest addition to Heroes Regional Park. Heroes Park is 88 acres, and the sports complex uses about 30 acres of the total acreage. The week prior to its opening Councilmember Dianna Guzman and I toured the complex. My thanks to Mike Keane, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation and Fred Sanchez, CIP Project Manager, Parks and Recreation, for sharing their knowledge and their pride in this newest addition to Glendale’s vast park system.

Heroes Park has the following existing elements: the library, a four-acre fishing lake, a splash pad, an archery range, basketball courts, an X-court for skaters and bikers, and a large picnic area with 10 reservable ramadas. By the way, you will soon see construction activity at the library as the city begins its expansion of meeting space at that facility.

This newest addition to Heroes Park adds eight new pickleball courts, the city’s first synthetic field with lights, two natural grass multi-use fields, a dog park, a play structure for adventurous and creative activity, plus additional 300+ parking spaces.

On my tour I took some photos that share the flavor of this new Heroes Park area. Here is the soccer field. It is lighted and boasts the first use of artificial turf for a sports field in Glendale. All lights in the park are shielded. Consequently, the light does not spill over into neighborhoods surrounding the park.

Here is a connection between the homes to the north of the sports complex. Residents in that neighborhood can simply walk into the park. This area also has a very large buffer area to protect the neighborhood.

There is a large, fenced maintenance area that will store the necessary equipment and supplies to make sure the park stays in tip-top condition.

Perhaps the jewel of this area is the children’s play area. It is a new concept as it has a raised area adjacent to the children’s play area that allows parents to keep an eye on their little ones as they play. Large shade trees were deliberately planted in this area to provide instant shade for children and parents alike. There are tables and benches for the use of parents while they keep an eye on their children.

There are 8 pickleball courts, a mini pitch area and a dog park separated with one area for small dogs and another for large dogs.

I am proud that during my tenure as the councilmember of the Yucca district, home to Heroes Park, I secured the funding for the design and construction of the new area as well as the coming library expansion. After waiting for 27 years (Heroes Park was added to the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) in 1998 the final element has yet to be built. That is the recreation and aquatic center. It is my goal to see those elements under construction in the next 3 years. Once they are completed, Heroes Regional Park will offer the explosion of new population in the Yucca district a full compliment of activities — serving all from the youngest to seniors. The City of Glendale will have finally fulfilled its commitment to the people of south and west Glendale after decades of waiting. I look forward to that day.

I drove through the area this past Sunday and some families have already discovered the children’s area and the ramadas. I suspect that as people become aware of this new area it will be lovingly and heavily used. This coming weekend I invite you to check it out and explore all the wonderful new activities that the sports complex provides. You will not be disappointed.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

It has come to my attention that Worker Power while sending people to knock on doors has been spreading lies about the upcoming May Glendale special election (costing you the taxpayer about $250,000) on Propositions 401 and 402 in an effort to get your vote.

They have become desperate enough to become unethical. The very latest tactic is to tell voters when going door to door that there already is a playground on the 9-acre parcel (subject of the Propositions) and that children are playing there.

This is an outright lie. Nothing could be further from the truth. VAI Resort bought that 9-acre parcel  over a year ago and has nearly completed its administrative building and parking lot. They acknowledge that they are building at their own risk should Worker Power’s latest attempt to stop VAI succeed.

Once again, let me reinforce, as the retired councilmember (24 years of service) for that area which is part of the Yucca district, the Open Space designation on that parcel was intended to be a placeholder until it was developed commercially. It was never intended to become any kind of park. Period.

Worker Power, instigator of this special election:

  • Has cost you the taxpayer to pay about $250,000 for this special election
  • Has told voters many lies about the parcel in question as they go door to door
  • Is trying to bring California-style governance to Glendale

Outside unions want to decide Glendale’s future for us, but we know what’s best for our city. Props 401 & 402 will approve the VAI Resort and ensure local control. Keep decision-making in Glendale, not out-of-state unions. Vote YES on Propositions 401 and 402 to determine our own destiny.

When you get your mail in ballot, please vote YES and guarantee that VAI Resort will be able to finish their development.

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 401

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 402

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

 

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Councilmember Lupe Conchas, Cactus district, is truly an ambitious politician. He appears to have greater ambitions than being a Glendale councilmember. He seems to have his eye on the State Legislature and then on to a Congressional seat. Glendale is but a way point to build some credibility before he runs for other offices.

He appears to be a true politician, saying whatever benefits him at the moment, in every sense of the word. Case in point. In his January 24, 2025, weekly digital newsletter, he posted this photo with the caption, “I toured the incredible VAI Resort with Councilmember Baldenegro and Councilmember Guzman. It is amazing to see such an impressive project come to life! This will bring tremendous opportunities and excitement to Glendale and our residents.” He is very positive about VAI and publicly recognizes the value of VAI to Glendale.

Yet the City of Glendale published its Publicity Pamphlet regarding the upcoming $250,000 (voter expense) May 2025 special election generated by Worker Power, Conchas writes, “To the residents of Glendale: Please vote no on Proposition 401 (and 402). As one of the newest councilmembers, my vision is for Glendale to be a city that works for everyone. I believe it is my responsibility to listen to residents and learn where and how our governance can improve. Propositions 402 gives us the chance to correct what I see an oversight by the prior council. Corporate interests must be balanced with elected officials’ representation of their constituents. The VAI Resort development has asked for deals, waivers, and exemptions that are good for their business. City Council’s responsibility should be to ensure that the community, the residents, the people of Glendale are not left behind. These deals have not been good ones for the citizens of Glendale. Do you think that allowing VAI to exceed our dark sky ordinance and the flush of water from this resort into our city’s existing sewer system will be good for Glendale residents? I don’t. Thousands of residents signed the petition to put Proposition 402 on the ballot – people who live in Glendale. I want the VAI Resort to succeed, but they MUST make a better effort to address the concerns of our community. Let’s not let VAI Resort have another deal that costs the residents of Glendale. Let’s stay focused on what is best for our community. Join me and VOTE NO ON PROPOSTION 402.”

His position should come as no surprise to anyone. After all, Conchas received financial and manpower support exclusively from the unions, including Worker Power. In his councilmember acceptance speech, he made it very clear that he owed them and would not forget their support.

 Which is it Councilmember Conchas? Do you support VAI Resort or not? How do you reconcile saying, “This will bring tremendous opportunities and excitement to Glendale and our residents” and then turn around and say, “Join me and VOTE NO ON PROPOSTION 402” when VAI has said this action could delay or stop the project?

Your job as a councilmember is to support adopted policies of the city.

Which face is the true face of Lupe Conchas? I suspect it is that of an ambitious politician.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

This is a blog that just had to be written after I read some social media comments. As many of you know, I am now retired but I was the Yucca district councilmember for 24 years beginning in 1992. The open space Worker Power refers to is in my district so I am very familiar with its history.

A little background is necessary. The land that VAI Resort sits on was purchased from a farmer by Michael Bidwill. He planned it as a massive commercial development with many, many apartments. He called it “Organic 101.” When the recession back in 2007 occurred, Bidwill let the parcel go into bankruptcy. It was picked up by a bank with the intention of selling the property for commercial development. The land was eventually sold to IKEA. It would have been the second such IKEA in the Phoenix Metro Area. However, IKEA decided to change its business model and become more of an online retailer and so, they never developed the land. For years it sat vacant and was rented by a local farmer to farm, mostly cotton.

Along came the Crystal Lagoon Company and Mattel and they subsequently bought the property. Crystal Lagoon morphed over time as Tommy Fisher acquired total interest and removed Crystal Lagoon interests. That is how we are fortunate enough to have VAI Resort.

Now, the second part of the history. For many years I protected and advocated for the interests and needs of the Pendergast neighborhood, adjacent to VAI. They were and are, to this day, a county island. At one time they were eager to become annexed into Glendale. Former Mayor Scruggs threw up enough roadblocks to scare them off. Pendergast Neighborhood is like my neighborhood. People live on a minimum of one acre. They have no curbs, gutters, sidewalks or streetlights. They are still on septic tanks. They love their lifestyle and have worked hard to preserve it.

One of their paramount requests was to have Maryland Avenue dead end at 95th Avenue. They recognized that if Maryland Avenue punched through to Loop 101, their lifestyle would disappear. Over time, working with the support of Glendale’s senior management team, I was able to get a dead end for Maryland Avenue.

But in doing so it created a remnant parcel owned by SRP. SRP used that strip of land to protect its adjacent irrigation ditch (open). The ditch served all of the water users in the area. Eventually SRP tiled the ditch (put it in a pipe underground). The remnant parcel was no longer of use to it and the city purchased the remnant parcel.

Glendale did what all Valley cities do. When it acquired the parcel, it had to put a zoning designation on it. Glendale, like other cities, uses the Open Space designation as a place holder. We knew it would never be Open Space because it was adjacent to a large commercially zoned parcel. Typically, what happens is a developer will buy the land, come in with a plan and seek rezoning. That is exactly what VAI did. If VAI had not purchased it, some other commercial developer would have. No one had plans to use it as Open Space. It was too valuable.

Worker Power is using the “hook” that it must be preserved as Open Space even though that was never the intention.

Another social media comment I read, and I have also heard residents say this, is along the lines that when I bought my home there were farm fields around me. Here’s some reality. Glendale became a full-fledged suburban community back in the 1970’s and 1980’s when Arrowhead was developed. In a suburban community, vacant land, especially large farm acreage, becomes increasingly more valuable as the years go by. Eventually, the purchase price of farmland becomes too enticing for a farmer and he sells. In an urban/suburban community expecting farmland to remain farmland is just not realistic.

Here’s an example. Our neighborhood of 30 homes is 1 acre parcels (and in some cases, 1+ acre). We have no curb, gutter, sidewalks or streetlights and are on septic. Some people have horses, sheep, goats and chickens. We love it. It’s a mini oasis even though we are a mile from Westgate. Years ago, the parcel immediately to our north of approximately 50 acres was farmland. We loved that too. We also knew it was inevitable that it wouldn’t remain farmland forever. About a dozen years ago a developer purchased that land. Rather than fighting the developer we worked with him and as a result, won concessions. The lot sizes are 8,000 square feet and there is an 8-foot wall between the development and our one acre properties. Those actions helped to save our lifestyle and recently one of the homes on our street sold for slightly less than a million dollars.

Expecting farmland near or around a home in a suburban area is not a realistic assumption. Expecting a remnant parcel adjacent to large commercial acreage to retain a place holder designation of open space is also not realistic.

Yet Worker Power in a desperate attempt to hurt VAI Resort (since their attempts to unionize VAI’s workers has failed to date) is trying to convince the Glendale voters that was always the intention. It was not and it never was.

Many on social media have commented on the aggressiveness of Worker Power people coming to their doors as they work the neighborhoods trying to convince people to support them. Please don’t accept their rhetoric. They are like Pinocchio and you may see their noses grow before your very eyes.

Many perceive Worker Power as a radical, socialist organization. It is based in California and is trying to bring California’s style of governance to Arizona. It claims that it is responsible for knocking out football legend Herschel Walker and electing Democrat Raphael Warnock as US Senator from Georgia. Whatever…

Worker Power is bad news not just for Glendale but for the State of Arizona. It’s time to deliver the knockout punch to them by voting ‘yes’ on Propositions 401 and 402 in Glendale’s special May 20 election. Send the message that Arizona is not California nor do we aspire to be. This election is costing you, the taxpayer, about $250,000 thanks to Worker Power.

Since this May election will be done exclusively by mail-in ballot it is important that when you receive your ballot, you vote ‘yes’ right away and mail it back quickly. About a third of the electorate do exactly that. Another third will think about it and mail it back before the deadline. The last third of the electorate never bother to mail back their ballots. Please don’t be in that last third. Please make an effort to vote ‘yes’ and get it back in the mail as soon as possible.

VAI Resort is good for Glendale and I, for one, am pleased that they chose Glendale as their home.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

How did we get here with the expense of yet another $250,000 (cost to you, the Glendale taxpayer) special election this May? It’s Worker Power up to its tricks once again. The group is oftentimes the political arm of the Unite Here Local 11 labor union. First Worker Power started collecting petition signatures to kill the use of a GPLET between the City of Glendale and VAI Resort. That action became a moot point when the city and VAI Resort may clear publicly that they would not be using a GPLET. Round #1 lost by Worker Power.

Then Worker Power got a proposition on the November 2024 general election seeking a $25 an hour minimum wage for hospitality workers exclusively in Glendale. Glendale voters said, ‘no’. Round #2 lost by Worker Power.

Now this, their third attempt. This is a special election in Glendale at a cost of about $250,000.

They seek to overturn City Council decisions granting VIA Resort the ability to construct support office space and parking for the Resort. They say the “third time’s a charm.” Let’s finally put Worker Power’s shenanigans to bed and vote ‘yes’ on Propositions 401 and 402.

Propositions 401 and 402 are not about preserving “green space” as Worker Power claims. It’s another “in you face” attempt to unionize workers at the largest resort in the state. If they succeed they will go after every resort and hotel in the state. That’s the prize they are seeking. This effort is merely a smoke screen to cover their true motive. If they cannot get their way and unionize then they seek to kill VAI Resort.

In Proposition 401 Worker Power seeks to kill the city council Amendment GPA23-03 of the General Plan Map through Resolution No. R24-131 and Ordinance No. O24-46, both adopted by the Glendale City Council on November 26, 2024. These measures changed the land use designation on approximately 9 acres owned by VAI from “Parks and Open Space” to “Corporate Commerce Center.”

In Proposition 402 Worker Power seeks to kill city council Ordinance No. O24-46 amending the VAI Resort, Centerpoint Planned Area Development (PAD) to conditionally rezone that 9 acre parcel of land.

Worker Power is contending that swath of land along 95th Avenue, just south of Montebello Avenue, should be preserved for green space. Its use for commercial purposes, the nonprofit believes, won’t benefit residents and will exacerbate environmental issues. I ask you, exactly how much help to our environment will 9 acres be?

What they fail to tell you, the Glendale voter, is that the Resort will not only benefit Glendale residents but schools, the county and the state as well with projections estimated at $2 billion dollars. All of these entities will get more money earned from sales tax. In fact, Glendale is projected to receive $32 million dollars a year in sales tax once VAI is operational. That is a major benefit that Worker Power chooses to ignore.

Worker Power wants that piece of land to become green space. Hello, has anyone driven by that site lately? The office building is nearly completed along with the adjacent employee parking areas. I ask you, exactly how much help to our environment will 9 acres be? It’s akin to trying to empty an ocean with a teacup.

If Worker Power were to succeed all of that infrastructure would have to be torn down. VAI has stated that its plan to construct an office building and parking lot on the adjacent land is vital to the overall project. Without it, the resort’s construction can’t proceed or would be severely delayed.

In the Publicity Pamphlet guess who wrote in opposition to VAI Resort? Our three pals, Jamie Aldama, failed mayoral candidate; Rory Goree, desperately hoping to run against current Ocotillo Councilmember, Leandro Baldenegro through yet another $250,000 (paid by the taxpayer) special election; and current Cactus Councilmember Lupe Conchas. These three guys feed off one another. Their collective agenda is the same and that is to form a new, liberal, WOKE majority on city council. It’s enough to make your head spin.

I have lived in Glendale for 57 years. When I moved here in 1968, Glendale had a population of 45,000 and development only went as far as Northern Avenue. I served on city council for 24 years as the Yucca district councilmember. Over the years I have witnessed many positive changes and have been part of many of the extremely successful decisions that occurred in Glendale. I support VAI’s request to build an office and parking lot on that 9 acres. Everyone wants VAI Resort to open and to be wildly successful.

City council received all information necessary to make a positive decision to allow VAI to build on the land that they already own. I am not asking you to trust our decision for no one trusts government these days. Rather, look at how ridiculous Worker Power’s propositions are. They want VAI to tear down the building and parking lot and replace it with green space on 9 acres. Which do you think will be more impactful to the city? Green space on a postage size piece of land or a building that will house the administrative functions of VAI Resort? It’s kind of a no-brainer.

What can you do? Share this blog on your social media. Talk to your friends and neighbors and ask them to vote yes on these two propositions. When your mail in ballot arrives in May, take immediate action. Vote yes on both propositions and mail it back immediately. If you just put it somewhere to deal with later, it will probably be forgotten.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

This bill is passing through the Arizona State Legislature but there is still time for you to let your legislators know exactly how you feel about this bill. I recently read a very good guest Letter to the Editor in the InBuckeye news written by Kim Owens, a resident of Buckeye, Arizona. It sums up this bill quite nicely and so I am sharing with you her commentary:

“Residents of Buckeye should be aware of a threat to our community, as the Arizona legislature, under the protection of homebuilders with deep pockets, pushes forward a bill that will drastically change our city – and not for the better. The bill, Senate Bill 1229, will strip Arizona cities, meaning the voters, of the right to determine what their communities will become in the future. Buckeye is particularly vulnerable due to our abundance of open land.

In the name of providing ‘starter homes,’ this sleight of hand trick will take away local control, our method of protecting our investment, and expressing our voice on how we want our city to grow.

It is quite simply the big hand of government taking over our city, putting developers in complete control.

SB1229 is being forced upon us despite overwhelming public opposition from cities, towns, police, and fire departments, as well as voters. It epitomizes government overreach. The Buckeye general plan, approved by voters, serves as our roadmap for growth and development; however, it becomes irrelevant under SB 1229. This plan is crucial for maintaining the balance between residential, commercial, and open spaces in our city. Without it, Buckeye faces unplanned, chaotic development that disregards the needs and desires of its residents.

This bill will:

Require cities to allow high-density housing, with lot sizes as small as 3,000 square feet, in all new developments zoned as single-family residential,

Prohibit cities from requiring community parks, amenities or open space that is vital for quality of life,

Require cities allow remove any regulations stating a minimum square footage for a single-family home,

Forbid any maximum or minimum coverage requirements for a single-family home with no limit on the number or size of other structures on the lot,

Forbid regulations requiring the distance between property lines be more than 5 feet from the side lot lines and 10 feet from the front and rear lot lines,

Prohibit any design, architectural, or aesthetic requirements for a single-family home.

Essentially, build whatever the developer wants, as close as they want, out of whatever materials they want. This bill is designed to strip local cities and their citizens of the right to control the size and quality of growth in their communities, leading to second-class neighborhoods that are visually and structurally inferior.

Say hello to a future where the minimum standards for lot sizes and home dimensions can lead to overcrowded, blighted neighborhoods. Subdivisions could have as many as 12 to14 homes per acre built from any materials, such as cargo boxes.

Picture it – 3,000-square-foot lots, no fencing, five feet between each house, and free-for-all approach to architectural design. With no requirement that these “starter homes” be sold to working families or be owner-occupied, they will be little more than corporate, short-term housing money machines for developers that can be built anywhere, without regard for community input. Meanwhile, the property values in surrounding neighborhoods plummet, our streets become congested, police and fire are pushed to the limit, and schools are more crowded.

The threat posed by SB1229 to Buckeye is substantial and should not be overlooked. It compromises our ability to govern our community’s growth, protect our investment, and preserve our unique character. By mobilizing and taking action, we can safeguard our city’s future and ensure that development reflects the wishes and needs of its residents. It is essential to stand together and make our voices heard to prevent the irreversible changes that SB1229 threatens to impose.”

Although this commentary was written for Buckeye residents, make no mistake, this bill will affect all of us. residents must speak out against SB1229. So far, this bill has the votes to pass – it is time for us to make out voices heard! Here’s what you can do:

Voice your concerns to our State Representatives by email – tell them to VOTE NO ON SB1299:

Spread the Word: share this info with your neighbors, ask them to send an email.

Utilize Social Media: Provide information to wider networks – this affects every city in the state. Please contact your Arizona State legislators and make your voices heard. Here is a list of those legislators that represent Glendale:

Senator Eva Diaz District 22                 Email:  eva.diaz@azleg.gov

Rep Elda Luna-Nájera District 22        Email:  eluna-najera@azleg.gov

Rep Lupe Contreas District 22             Email:   lcontreras@azleg.gov

Senator Analise Ortiz District 24         Email:  analise.ortiz@azleg.gov

Rep Lydia Hernandez District 24         Email:    lhernandez@azleg.gov

Rep Anna Abeytia District 24               Email:  aabeytia@azleg.org

Senator Tim Dunn District 25              Email:   tdunn@azleg.gov

Rep Michael Carbone District 25        Email:  mcarbone@azleg.gov

Rep Nick Kupper District 25                 Email:   nkupper@azleg.gov

Senator Flavio Bravo District 26          Email:   fbravo@azleg.gov

Rep Cesar Aguilar District 26               Email:  caguilar@azleg.gov

Rep Quanta Crews District 26              Email:  qcrews@azleg.gov

Senator Kevin Payne District 27          Email:  kpayne@azleg.gov

Rep Lisa Fink District 27                        Email:  lfink@azleg.gov

Rep Tony Rivero District 27                  Email:  trivero@azleg.gov

Senator Janae Shamp District 29        Email:   jshamp@azleg.gov

Rep Steve Montenegro District 29      Email:  smontenegro@azleg.gov

Rep James Taylor District 29                Email: jtaylor@azleg.gov


© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.

Since there had been no whisperings of continuing a recall against Councilmember Baldenegro of the Ocotillo district many thought the opposition had realized that the regular election for the office was only a year away. That appears not to be the case.

Apparently, the opposition is actively collecting signatures for their recall petition. It won’t be difficult as only about 400+ signatures are needed. Another sign that the opposition hasn’t quit is that this week Rory Goree pulled papers to run as a candidate in the Ocotillo district.

Having done a Google search on Mr. Goree, I found the following public record from the Mayer AZ Justice Court:

Court Criminal Records

Case Number: J-1301-TR-2017004825  
Title: ST OF AZ VS GOREE RORY SCOTT Category: TRAFFIC
Court: Mayer Justice Filing Date: 10/16/2017
Judge:   Disposition Date: 4/18/2018
RORY SCOTT GOREE    DEFENDANT  –  D1  
Citation Count Description Disp. Date Disposition
AZ0909550617287002 1 *** 4/18/2018 PLEA OF GUILTY OR RESPONSIBLE, SENTENCE IMPOSED
AZ0909550617287002 2 RECKLESS DRIVING W/PRIOR VIOLATION W/IN 24 MONTHS 4/18/2018 DISMISSED ON MOTION/REQUEST OF PROSECUTOR
STATE OF ARIZONA    PLAINTIFF  –  P1  
 

Case Activity

Date Description Party
5/15/2018 COURT MANDATE COMPLIANT – LIFESKILLS PROGRAM D1
5/15/2018 MISCELLANEOUS D1
4/19/2018 Case WorkSheet Event D1
4/19/2018 LIFESKILLS PROGRAM COURT MANDATE ORDERED. DUE DATE: 07/30/20 D1
4/18/2018 Case WorkSheet Event D1
4/18/2018 DISPOSITION SET: 11-PLEA GUILTY/RESP SENT IMPOSED. DATE: 04/ D1
4/18/2018 DISPOSITION SET: 44-CHARGE DISMISSED BY PROSECUTOR. DATE: 04 D1
4/18/2018 Fees/Fines Receivable# 41337 generated for amount $580 D1
4/18/2018 PLEA – GUILTY/RESPONSIBLE WITH A PLEA DATE 4/18/2018 2:51:11 D1
4/18/2018 Receipt# P00001832 generated for the amount of $ 580.00 D1
3/22/2018 MISCELLANEOUS D1
3/12/2018 MISCELLANEOUS D1
2/7/2018 ORDER PRETRIAL HEARING D1
12/5/2017 ARRAIGNMENT D1
12/5/2017 ORDER CHANGE OF PLEA HEAR COP D1
12/5/2017 PLEA-GUILTY/RESP CODE 11 & 12 D1
12/5/2017 PRETRIAL HEARING D1
11/15/2017 DISCLOSURE FILED D1
11/3/2017 ORDER PRETRIAL HEARING D1
11/2/2017 ORDER SIGNED BY JUDGE D1
11/1/2017 MINUTE ENTRY & ORDER D1
11/1/2017 MOTION FILED D1
11/1/2017 NOTICE OF APPEARANCE FILED D1
10/17/2017 COMPLAINT FILED-UNIFORM CITATN D1
     

 

He was charged with two offenses. The first was reckless driving with a prior violation within 24 months and was dismissed on a motion by the prosecutor. Apparently, in return for this dismissal he pleaded guilty to speed exceeding 85 mph. He was fined $580.00 and mandated by the court to attend a Lifeskills Program.

I also did a Google search on Mr. Baldenegro and found nothing in his background of either a criminal or civil nature.

Rory Goree desperately wants that Ocotillo district council seat. It appears he had always planned on running once Jamie Aldama left the position.  It is interesting to note that he did not apply for the vacant seat after Aldama resigned. Could it have been because he knew that he would probably be rejected by a majority of city council?

Goree’s treasurer is Warren Wilfong. Mr. Wilfong established a Political Action Committee called Responsible Leadership for Ocotillo on February 12, 2025. He is listed as the Chairman and Kathleen Collins is the Treasurer. It can be expected that this PAC will support Goree’s candidacy. Mr. Willfong has no love for the City of Glendale and especially its Code Department. Willfong rejected Baldenegro after he realized that Baldenegro would not be supporting Willfong’s entire agenda regarding code compliance.

Both Goree and Willfong had been strong supporters of Jamie Aldama’s attempt to run for mayor of Glendale. Unfortunately for Aldama, many of his petition signatures were found to be invalid for various reasons and that prevented him from becoming a mayoral candidate. That action killed his opportunity to run for mayor…this time. Make no mistake, he will be back and is expected to run for mayor again in 2028.

Right now Goree is distancing himself from Aldama as Aldama is not that popular with the electorate in his former Ocotillo district. Goree remains a strong supporter of Aldama and when Aldama makes his move to run for mayor, Goree will be right behind him.

There are good reasons as to why this impending recall election is foolish and wasteful. The regular election for the Cholla, Barrel and Ocotillo seats will occur in a year. Council candidates for the Ocotillo district seat will have to pull nominating petitions this Fall. Forcing the city to spend approximately $250,000 for a special district election is wasteful and frivolous. If the recall election occurs, no matter who wins that person will still have to go through the process to run again in 2026.

Councilmember Baldenegro has proven to be a good councilmember. He listens to his constituency. Hence his reversal on the Velma Teague library issue. He is thoughtful and reasoned. He is adapting to his role as councilmember very well. He is smart and tactful in his speech (something I never learned!). He has lived in Glendale his entire life and his family does as well. He truly cares about Glendale and especially the people of the Ocotillo district. It shows. He has never been a supporter of Aldama. He has an unblemished record both criminally and civilly.

Rory Goree is not a lifelong resident of Glendale and moved here from Phoenix. He is a past State Racing Commission member and past President of Greyhound Rescue. It’s one thing to advocate for horses and dogs. It’s quite another to advocate for people. Mr. Goree is an Aldama supporter although right now he is doing his best to hide that fact. He seems to love the spotlight as seen by his speaking during citizen comments at every single council voting meeting. He loves that face time. His record is blemished with a plea of guilty for a criminal traffic violation and he seems to be a repeat offender. Rory Goree may think he is the right man for the job of Ocotillo councilmember but he is not.

Why reject a man who is doing an excellent job of representing the people of the Ocotillo district for a man who craves the notoriety of the job? When you are offered the opportunity to sign the recall petition, do not.

I support Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro, and I urge you to do so as well. He has earned your confidence and your vote.

© Joyce Clark, 2025   

FAIR USE NOTICE

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which is in accordance with Title 17 U.S. C., Section 107. The ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law and who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democratic, scientific and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such material. For more information go to http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond ‘fair use,’ you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.