Volunteer chaplain works closely with Buckeye PD

Volunteer chaplain works closely with Buckeye PD - from the Arizona Republic

Listening to the Citizens.

Last night was the final Public Meeting in a series held throughout the Town to receive citizen input on the temporary sales tax increase.

Understanding the economy affects all of us.

Buckeye mayor giving up salary, council taking 5% cut

Mayor Meck featured in MAG publication.

“I have a passion for my community, and it has been very much a part of my entire life. I was born here, I’ve never left. I love my community, and I’d just like to have other people love it as much as I do.” -- Mayor Meck

The November 09/January 10 issue of MAGAZine featured Mayor Meck on pages 4 & 5 (click to view in Adobe Reader). MAGAZine is a quarterly newsletter focusing on regional excellence, published by the Maricopa Assocation of Governments.

See the entire newsletter here.

Click here for the MAG web site.

Luke Forward, Ready for the Future

Please register your support for Luke Air Force Base, which is vying for the F-35 fighter plane.
Luke Forward, Ready for the Future

West Valley Mayors Oppose Casino within Glendale

Read the letter that was sent to the Secretary of the Department of Interior:

http://www.azcentral.com/ic/community/casino-mayorsletter0820.pdf

 

Here is the AZCentral Article:

http://www.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/2009/08/19/20090819gl-casino0819-ON.html

 

We Are Buckeye meetings continue

I attended the “We Are Buckeye” meeting Monday night at Jaskinsky Elementary School. Several persons involved themselves in the discussion and matched their visions for the Town of Buckeye with those that have been at prior meetings. Sometime in October the volunteers of “We Are Buckeye” will consolidate all of the material and bring to a town council meeting.

Mayor's Log - July 22 through August 13

On Wed, July 22 before the MAG meeting, I met with City of Phoenix Council woman Peggy Neeley. We discussed the upcoming proposal of Phoenix converting 1,200 acres of landfill into a solar facility. The original agreement between Town of Buckeye and Phoenix was that a total of 3,000 acres would be a landfill. More to come as town staff becomes involved.

On Wed. July 22, as a board member Town of Buckeye, I attended the Maricopa Association of Governments(MAG) Regional Council.

Gave blood via the United Blood Drive held at the Chamber of Commerce Pulte Room. Great turnout of donors.

"We Are Buckeye" presentation at the Robert Saide Recreation Center. Volunteers have contributed many hours for the past ten months. Doing a great job.

Mayor’s meeting in Goodyear. Surprise, Peoria, Youngtown, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear and Buckeye Mayor’s monthly meeting.

Had lunch with Dr Beverly Hurley, Buckeye Union High School Superintendent. Discussed issues between Town and High Schools relating to growth in town and schools.

Met with group of developers from Canada. Looking in Buckeye for investment.

Attended "We Are Buckeye" presentation at Buckeye Senior Citizens center.

Am on the Executive Board of “All Faith”-attended the meeting on July 30. Contributions are down due to the economy. More families are coming in and are being helped with food and clothing.

I meet weekly with the town manager.

Friday night fund raiser at the Senior Community Center. I called the numbers and many seniors played bingo.

Aug 4th, breakfast with the Southwest Valley Mayors. Avondale, Litchfield, Goodyear, Tolleson and Buckeye.

Meet with Senator John Nelson re: current state budget.

Town Administration and staff spent the first week in the new Town Hall. Several departments have been moved to the new quarters. This move has consolidated employees and will provide efficient service to our citizens.

Aug 6th, attended a Sonoran Solar Energy public meeting in Gila Bend. Plans are to develop a 4,000 acre facility east of the existing Southwest Landfill-15 miles south of Buckeye.

Aug 11-attended the Social Services board meeting for a few minutes. Really appreciate the volunteers meeting needs of our community.

Aug 12-Environmental and Sustainability Cabinet meeting was this morning. Discussion are about “green” and what can we as a town do now and in the future.

Aug 12-"We Are Buckeye" held a presentation in Verrado. Good turnout and comments.

Aug 13--Mayor and Town manager meeting.

Buckeye begins moving into Town Hall

Town staff moved into the new city hall on Monday. The 65,000 square foot building will house most all of the town departments. This will increase the efficiency of town government.

Buckeye begins moving into Town Hall

Charlie Leight/The Arizona Republic
Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck tests his computer under the watchful eye of IT specialist Greg Platacz at the new Town Hall.

I-10 Freeway Construction Update

I-10 Freeway construction-The stretch between Sarival and Verrado Way is scheduled to begin in September. ADOT is scheduled to sign the contract Monday July 27. Will add one lane each direction.

Buckeye Armed Forces Readiness Center

I was honored to welcome the Buckeye Armed Forces Readiness Center to our community on Thursday July 23rd. The 1,400 acre facility will house the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. They will be great partners with the Town.

See AZ Central article here:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/2009/07/24/20090724swv-buckeyearmy0724.html

Jack Kurtz/The Arizona Republic

Sun City Festival recognized as one of the best master planned communities.

Congrats to Buckeye's Sun City Festival...one of "America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities."

Magazine: Sun City Festival one of the best communities

Quest for Solar Panel Manufacturing Firm

Mayor Meck attended a meeting of Sempra Energy’s Mesquite Power Plant proposal in Tonopah last night. They are planning a solar panel facility on 2500 plus acres south of the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant. The facility will be on land owned by Sempra. It will provide an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 jobs over a span of three to five years. Not only jobs but purchases of supplies and materials.

The Mayor's quest is to bring a solar panel manufacturing firm to Town of Buckeye.

Sempra is currently working with Maricopa County to obtain permits to construct in 2010.

Throwing out the First Pitch!

Mayor Meck threw out the first pitch (a strike!) as the renovated Earl Edgar Recreational Facility is rededicated in Buckeye. Here, the Mayor is shown cutting the ribbon with the Earl Edgar family.

See article here: http://www.mayormeck.com/docs/2009-02-20-azrepublic-earledgar.pdf

Photo Credit: Eric Graf/The Arizona Republic

Promoting education and Buckeye's business environment

Mayor Meck continues to work toward the goals he stated during the campaign: promoting education and Buckeye's business environment. The following articles are from the Buckeye Valley News, January 1, 2009.

Gas prices drive push to reinvent America's suburbs

Buckeye featured in USAToday article about gas prices

Gas prices drive push to reinvent America's suburbs - USAToday

Speaking with Buckeye's groups and leaders

Mayor Meck has been speaking with groups and leaders throughout Buckeye. Jackie recently spoke of his current initiatives to the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce Connections group.

Article at inBuckeye.com (no longer a live link)
"Mayor sees housing boom after current downturn; Buckeye is still building now"

Time to move Buckeye forward...

To the residents of Buckeye,

How do you adequately say thank you to the many people who have encouraged us in this campaign? We are grateful for that support and hope as many residents as possible will get involved in creating Buckeye's future.

It has been a long 4 months, and it is time to move Buckeye forward. Michael Todd has graciously offered me his support. I accept his support as we all need to work together to accomplish the best that we can for the entire Town of Buckeye.

Whether you’ve lived here for one year or eighty…Buckeye needs your help to continue to be a great place to call “home”. I’m honored and humbled to represent all the residents of the Buckeye that I love.

--- Jackie Meck

Countdown to Election

To the residents of Buckeye,

Buckeye is my home and I have worked hard to make it a better place in which to live. I have worked as the General Manager of the Buckeye Water District, and been involved on the town council, in state legislation, worked with water, and electricity and have served on various boards, many in which I held a leadership position. I believe my leadership, experience and knowledge will serve the town of Buckeye in a positive way.

The next few years are crucial to Buckeye’s growth and recent changes in the economy have given us the opportunity to “catch up.” It is imperative that we take full advantage of this. Buckeye needs a mayor that clearly understands our past, has a vision for the future, can dedicate himself full time to the task, and can hit the ground running. I plan to hold several meetings the first few days of my term to begin the process of gaining stability, initiating commercial and industrial development into our community, and seeking ways to bring in institutions of higher education. My list of priorities will include finding ways to improve police protection, getting police officers housed or stationed within neighborhoods, and implementing community policing.

I have already met with communities on some important issues and we are moving forward. I also have the advantage of having developed the necessary relationships with various officials to help facilitate these processes. It is important that we have open government, as we are here to serve the needs of the people.

I encourage everyone to visit my web site at www.meckformayor.com and read the words of others who support my candidacy. I am humbled and appreciative of the support I have received in recent months and would appreciate your vote this coming Tuesday.

--- Jackie Meck

Thanks for your Support

To the residents of Buckeye,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your overwhelming support in the March 11th primary election. Although we fell just short of the number of votes needed for me to be elected outright in the primary, it was clear that the people of Buckeye understood my message and the experience, knowledge, and dedication that I will bring to the office of Mayor.

Our town will face many difficult issues over the next few years, and we need a full-time Mayor that clearly understands our past and has a vision for the future. With your help, we can face complex issues head on. As our Town grows, we must never forget that the purpose of our Town government is to serve all of the people of this community effectively and efficiently. I will be a mayor who openly communicates with the citizens, seeks valuable input from local advocacy and advisory groups, and listens to the needs of the community. My web site is http://www.meckformayor.com/ and my home phone is 623-386-4749.

If you share my vision, I will need your support again in the general election. It is imperative that you remember to vote, either by early ballot or on May 20th.

I am for change, but it will not happen over night. My name is Jackie Meck and with your vote and your help, we can work together for a better Buckeye.

--- Jackie Meck