Surprise, AZ News blog

The Arizona RepublicAug. 6, 2004 12:00 AMSurprise Vice Mayor Bob Vukanovich doesn’t believe he has done anything to deserve being recalled from office.

But Vukanovich will face a recall election on Sept. 7 nonetheless.

He will face two challengers for his District 5 council seat: Sharon Antes, a 54-year-old public works administrative assistant, and Joe Johnson, a 41-year-old business owner.

Vukanovich says he believes he has done a good job as a councilman. But, he says, the voters will decide that.

“If they think I’m doing a good job, then they will keep me,” Vukanovich said. “If they want a change, then they will vote for a change.”

Antes said her motivation for running for Vukanovich’s seat is she wants to serve. She says she has no political connections, no ax to grind and no agenda.

She said she doesn’t know Vukanovich and has nothing against him.

“I saw an opportunity to participate, and that motivated me,” Antes said.

Antes says some new faces on the council would be a good thing. She says there is too much negativity around the council.

Antes said the use of the council’s discretionary fund must be looked at so that it can be determined what its intended use is and what the guidelines for its use are and what the current policy is.

Antes also says Surprise needs an identity.

“You think of Scottsdale and you think of golf and spas and arts,” she said. “You think of Glendale, you think of antiques, chocolate and balloons. I would like to find an identity that we can say ‘This is what Surprise is about’ and draw people to Surprise.”

Vukanovich became the target of a recall after a group called Save Our Surprise began collecting petition signatures to remove him from office. Save Our Surprise accused Vukanovich and two other council members, Don Cox and Gary “Doc” Sullivan, of eroding staff morale and seeking personal power.

Lyn Truitt, who lost a mayoral run against Mayor Joan Shafer, was the chairman of the recall committee. Truitt said Surprise residents had to band together to stop the councilmen from transferring the power to hire and fire three department heads from the city manager to the council.

Vukanovich calls Truitt a loose cannon who has just made the jobs of the councilmen being recalled more difficult.

“It’s pretty tough,” Vukanovich said. “I believe it (recall) does interfere with the work we do for the city.”

Johnson says he doesn’t have anything against Vukanovich either. He says Vukanovich is a great guy whose health is not too good right now.

He said the demographics of Surprise have changed but that the council is still made up mainly of retirees. He said he believes parents with children in school need more representation.

“I think I can do the job,” Johnson said. “I volunteer my time at the school. I know what parents want out there. It’s time for a change.”

Johnson also said he believes some on the council have been misusing their discretionary funds, saying that at least two council members facing recall are using the funds to run for re-election by sending letters to their constituents telling them what a great job they are doing.

“That’s one example of the shady ways they get around things,” Johnson said. “They are not supposed to be using city funds for their election.”
Johnson said he will support the residents of Surprise and vote for what is best for them.

Councilwoman Martha Bails nominated Bob Vukanovich for Vice-Mayor 06/10/04, she would not have nominated him if he had done anything wrong.

Joe Johnson has been whistling dixie ever since being elected

The chief’s car is an unmarked 2007 Chevy Tahoe with the license plate number CE-99179.

The police vehicle was recovered in Surprise later Friday night.

However, the service weapon, uniform, and badge have not been recovered.

The thieves also broke into a civilian’s locker and stole personal items and their vehicle.

That vehicle is a 2005 Silver Ford Excursion with the license plate number 797-SJB.

Surprise PD is following up on a few leads, but are not releasing any further information at this time.

With over 7,000 hit’s a month on this web site, I don’t need newszap to get my message out. God bless America.  

July 11, 2008 Council unanimously acknowledges AG Report

 SURPRISE, AZ( July 11, 2008 )

The Surprise City Council has unanimously acknowledged the Arizona Attorney General’s Office report that found Open Meetings Law infractions had occurred prior to 2008. The vote took place Thursday, July 10 at the council’s regular meeting.The Attorney General’s office had originally recommended that the council “accept” the report. The modification from “accept” to “acknowledge” is recognition by the Attorney General’s Office that council membership has changed dramatically since the infractions occurred, according to city staff.The Attorney General also agreed that the city did not need to pay for a compliance officer to monitor its meetings for one year, its original recommendation. Instead, the council can utilize an attorney pro bono, or at no cost, to assure council continues to operate within the provision of the Open Meetings Law.City Attorney Michael Bailey told the council the Attorney General will permit the officer to audit meetings off site via the city’s internet streaming of council sessions.Bailey also reported to council that the Attorney General’s Office acknowledges the extensive Open Meeting Law training the council has received since taking office. At the Attorney General’s recommendation, the council will receive additional training, especially on the potential pitfalls of unintentionally falling afoul of the Open Meetings Law when using the telephone or e-mails. July 10

Youth flag football/soccer registration time- coaches needed SURPRISE, AZ( July 10, 2008 ) The Surprise Community and Recreation Services Department is gearing up for another season of fall sports with co-ed Youth Flag Football and Youth Soccer, which begin in September. Boys and girls ages 5-12 years old are encouraged to learn the skills of the sport and have fun!The resident registration period runs from July 14 – July 26. The July 26 date is a special Saturday registration for Surprise residents at the Community and Recreation Services Office, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Late and non-resident registration will be held July 28 – August 1. Registration is also available online at www.surpriseaz.com/recreation. The fee for residents is $40 and $60 for non-residents.Youth Flag Football: Boys and girls, ages 5 – 12 years old learn the fundamentals of football in an atmosphere where participation, development and fun are stressed.Youth Soccer: This program offers boys and girls, ages 5 -12 years old, the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals and skills associated with the game of soccer in an atmosphere where participation and fun are top priority.The City of Surprise is looking for volunteer coaches. If you are interested, please fill out a Volunteer Application and get fingerprinted at the Surprise Community and Recreation Services office, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue. 

Construction

Bell Road, East of Reems Rd possible thru July 25.Sarival closed due to construction.

For those interested in becoming a Master Gardener, the Spring 2009 classes will begin on January 13 and meet on every Tuesday through May 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Canyon Ridge Elementary School, 17359 W. Surprise Farms Loop North, Surprise, AZ., 85388.

The course fee is $275, which includes a publication notebook, training manual, and related handouts.

To become a certified Master Gardener, participants must complete the initial training class and donate 50 hours of volunteer service. Service opportunities include answering gardening questions from the public, planning public events, even working with school gardens. To remain in the program after the first year a donation of 25 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing education are required.

For application information please call 602.470.8086 x311, or visit this link to print your own application: http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/mgs/mg-broch.htm#What .