AZRepublic: "Mayor Meck has earned chance for re-election"

"Our View: Mayor Meck has earned chance for re-election"
The Arizona Republic editorial board, West Valley
February 22, 2012

At first blush, the mayoral race in Buckeye appears similar to the 2008 runoff: Jackie Meck, a town native, squaring off against an opponent representing “new” Buckeye.

But this time, Meck has the title of mayor in front of his name and a record of notable accomplishments.

Early voting in the March 13 all-mail election begins this week. Council members Brian McAchran, Robert Garza and Michelle Hess are running unopposed.

We recommend Meck for re-election as mayor.

Meck has been mayor during one of Buckeye’s rockiest periods. With an eye toward growth, the town annexed extensive land holdings in the early 2000s. When the housing-market bubble burst in 2007, so did Buckeye’s plans for development. Foreclosures hit the town particularly hard and home sales just now are showing signs of life.

Town management was also in disarray. There was a revolving door to the city manager’s office and budget deficits called for restructuring and streamlining the town’s departments.

In recommending him for mayor four years ago, The Republic said, “His priorities are finding a qualified town manager, pursuing industries and jobs, establishing better communication and unifying the town’s far-flung residential enclaves.”

Meck tapped Goodyear veteran City Manager Stephen Cleveland to lead the town’s transition. It was a smart choice. He also has put significant effort in arranging job fairs and meeting with businesses looking to relocate or expand in Arizona.

There’s still work to be done in unifying divergent communities in Buckeye, a town spread over 650 square miles. There is a disconnect, certainly physically but also socially, between the old town and communities like Verrado, Sundance and Sun City Festival.

Meck, a lifelong resident, served on the council from 1968-1975 and 2002-06. We believe his council experience and his time as mayor give him the necessary experience to get the job done.

Challenger Thomas Campanella, a five-year resident of Sundance, has council experience, too.

He was a two-term city councilman in Hellertown, Pa., a borough in the southeastern part of the state. Campanella is community manager of the Sundance Residential Homeowners Association and has served on the Buckeye Community Services Advisory Board.

Buckeye, however, is a far cry from Hellertown and Meck knows the town better than Campanella.

Campanella brings a valuable perspective to Buckeye. He already has invested himself in the betterment of the town. We wish he would have sought a seat on town council before leaping into the mayoral race.

Meck is a confident leader who works collaboratively throughout the region to boost Buckeye and the entire West Valley.

He has helped restore confidence in Buckeye government and has earned the opportunity to continue in the job he loves.

Mayor Meck endorsed by West Valley View

"Buckeye should re-elect Meck"
West Valley View - "Our Viewpoint"
February 21, 2012
www.westvalleyview.com

Buckeye’s Town Council all-mail primary election gets under way Wednesday, the day ballots will start to be sent to registered voters.

Only one seat is being contested in this election: the mayoral seat. Two candidates are running: incumbent Jackie Meck and challenger Tom Campanella. We’ve spoken to both candidates and they are both well-informed, competent individuals who care deeply about Buckeye.

This race may come down to a question of old vs. new. Meck is a third-generation Buckeye native. His grandparents settled in Buckeye in the early 1900s. Campanella, on the other hand, has lived in Buckeye since 2006.

Both men have extensive experience in public service. The first time Meck was elected to the Town Council was in 1968 and he’s been serving in one public capacity or another ever since then. Campanella served two terms on a city council as well as planning and zoning boards in Pennsylvania before moving to Arizona, and since moving to Buckeye, he’s been a member of the Buckeye Community Services Commission.

Campanella would probably do a pretty good job as mayor, but Meck has already proven he can do a good job in the position. Before he was elected mayor in 2008, the town government was in chaos. Since then, it has stabilized. That might be because of the economy — growth has slowed to a standstill giving town employees a chance to breathe — or it might be because Stephen Cleveland was hired as the town manager, bringing a level of professionalism to the position that Buckeye had not seen before. Or, it might have something to do with Meck, who was instrumental in bringing Cleveland on board.

Whatever the reason, Buckeye is a much better-run town than it was before Meck was elected. Voters should consider that when casting their ballots. We recommend Jackie Meck for another term as mayor of Buckeye.

Please Vote Yes on Home Rule

A yes vote on Home Rule continues to authorize the town to pay for and continue to provide the level of services you currently receive, fire, police, water, sewer, streets, library, parks, etc. There is no increase of any tax associated to "Home Rule"...please vote YES on Home Rule.

Banner Health breaks ground on Verrado Health Center

BUCKEYE, Ariz. (Feb. 9, 2012) -- More than 150 people today came to the groundbreaking for the Banner Health Center in the Verrado community of Buckeye.

The first phase of the health center is expected to open its doors late Fall 2012. The 12,000 square-foot building will cost $7.5 million and will include 20 exam rooms, laboratory and general radiology, a large waiting room and staff support areas.

Those participating in today's ‘tossing of the ground’ included Town of Buckeye’s mayor, Jackie Meck, vice-mayor Brian McAchran, councilmembers Craig Heustis and Michelle Hess, vice president of operations for Banner Medical Group, Robbie Carlson, and Dan Kelly, senior vice president, DMB Associates, Inc.

Along with the adults, children from Odyssey Preparatory Academy also donned hard hats and dug shovels into the dirt.

The center will focus on primary care, including family practice, internal medicine and pediatric services. The center will open with two primary care providers and as the population around the center increases, Banner will expand the development and increase the number of physicians in the center, which will include selected specialists to support their primary care colleagues.

“We are excited to move forward with this development in the Town of Buckeye that will mark the start of a long-term Banner presence in the community – we are in this for the long haul and look forward to growing our health care services delivery along with the city’s growth,” said Jim Brannon, chief executive officer of Banner Medical Group.

About Banner Medical Group
Banner Medical Group operates physician clinics in six states that Banner Health serves. Our employed physicians fill a critical role in the communities where they practice by providing both primary and specialty care. Currently, more than 800 physicians are part of the Banner Medical Group.

http://www.bannerhealth.com/About+Us/News+Center/Press+Releases/Banner+Health+breaks+ground+on+Verrado+Health+Center.htm

BUHS District dedicates 4.29MW Solar Generation Project

Mayor Meck was honored to join in the celebration of a unique solar generation project. Located at three sites -- Buckeye Union High School and Youngker High School in Buckeye, Ariz. and Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear, Ariz. -- the installations collectively generate enough electricity to power the three high schools, meeting up to 70 percent of the school district's electricity needs.

Read More: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/arizonas-buckeye-union-high-school-district-dedicates-429-megawatt-solar-generation-project-from-constellation-energy-2012-01-31

West Valley View: Meck: Jobs top Buckeye's priorities

West Valley View - January 31, 2012
by Sara Clawson
staff writer
www.westvalleyview.com

After nearly 20 years of service to Buckeye, current Mayor Jackie Meck is not quite finished.

The native began his elected service in 1968 as a councilman but his upbringing introduced him
to service long before, he said.

Meck’s grandparents came to Buckeye in the early 1900s; his father, Bill Meck, was Buckeye’s justice of the peace for 30 years.

“This has always been a part of me and I want to see it grow,” Meck said. “I welcome residents coming in; I just want them to become part of the community.”

Creating more citizen advisory boards and commissions, along with workshops teaching residents about how government functions, will help the community grow, he said.

When Meck first took office in the late 1960s, Buckeye’s population was fewer than 2,000 residents. There are now 50,000 people scattered among more than 20 master-planned
communities.

“The circumstances have changed because of the population increase,” he said.

Challenges currently facing Buckeye include major infrastructure problems, along with water and sewer issues, Meck said. “What we had then, was not anything like we’re dealing with now,” he said.

Dis-connectivity hurts the future of the town, he said.

“Those issues we’re dealing with now need to be looked at today for the next 50 years, the next 100 years,” he said.

Meck’s re-election platform focuses on more than just roads. He said he seeks a second four-year term to continue efforts to bring jobs, education and better neighborhoods to communities.

“My concern now, that’s never been before, is jobs. That’s what I’m after,” he said. Since February 2011, Meck has pushed a “jobs initiative,” which includes setting up job fairs and sending out email blasts announcing job opportunities to some 6,000 email addresses.

He calculates more than 500 people have found jobs because of his efforts, though admits not all may be from the town because neighboring residents are welcome to participate.

“I want people to have jobs. I want people to live in Buckeye and love it as much as I do,” he said. “That’s why I spend my retired years doing everything I can to make it a better community for people to live in. If I can help people get jobs and keep their cars or their houses, that’s all I care about. My commitment is to my community.”

Mayor Jackie Meck announces run for second term

Buckeye, Arizona - Mayor Jackie Meck today officially kicked off his bid for reelection for Mayor of Buckeye. Mayor Meck reconfirmed his ongoing commitment to bringing new jobs to Buckeye, building strong neighborhoods, and supporting education opportunities for the West Valley.

Meck submitted nearly double the required signatures more than a week before the deadline and has begun his fundraising efforts leading up to the March 13th election.

“I am excited for the opportunity to build on what we have started here in Buckeye,” said Meck. “Creating jobs and opportunities for our residents has been my number one focus and we will continue that work for four more years.”

Meck, a lifelong resident of Buckeye, was elected Mayor in 2008 after a lifetime of community service and leadership. As Past President of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, Meck understands how critical it is for town leaders to be a part of helping create jobs and economic opportunity.

“No one has worked harder than Mayor Meck to create jobs and bring businesses to Buckeye,” said Buckeye resident and past Chairman of the Board of the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce Dorothy Lockard. “I know his weekly email blasts showing all the jobs available in Buckeye is a sign that things are starting to turn around out here.

As Mayor, Meck represents the Town of Buckeye on many different regional boards and commissions including the board of directors for the Maricopa Association of Government (MAG), West Valley Hospital Board of Trustees, Estrella Mountain Community College Advisory Board and others.

Buckeye Resident Wayne Polk said, “Jackie understands how important it is that the West Valley cities work together so that we can all succeed and grow as a region. We need his leadership and dedication to Buckeye.”

Jackie attended the University of Arizona and recently retired from the Buckeye Water Conservation and Drainage District. His wife, Verlyne, retired as the librarian from Buckeye Union High School. Both Jackie and Verlyne have resided in Buckeye their whole lives, where they raised three children and now are the proud grandparents of Gracie, William, Audrey and Jackson.

To learn more about Mayor Jackie Meck, you can visit his website at http://www.mayormeck.com/ or call him directly at 480-684-0715.

Paid for by Meck for Mayor

East Buckeye Park and Ride Ribbon Cutting

by John Yantis
The Arizona Republic
12/20/2011

Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck talked some politics before the grand opening of the town's first park and ride.

Meck joined Town Council members, transit officials and other dignitaries last week in a ribbon-cutting for the $5 million facility. Only this ribbon, while being held by the mayor on one side of the road and others on the opposite side, was to be split by a moving Valley Metro bus.

"I asked the bus driver whether he's a Republican, Democrat or independent," Meck shouted to about 75 onlookers while standing in front of the bus. "He's independent. We're good."

The driver drove slow. The ribbon cut nicely, and the East Buckeye Park and Ride was christened.

Starting Jan. 23, there will be two weekday morning and two afternoon express trips from the new transit center to downtown Phoenix. The center is north of Interstate 10 on the southwestern corner of Jackrabbit Trail and Palm Lane.

Buckeye Express Route 563, formerly known as the Papago Freeway Express, will leave the park and ride at 5:35 a.m. and 6:40 a.m., making stops at the Goodyear Park and Ride, First Avenue and Van Buren Street and 17th Avenue and Jefferson Street. Buses will return commuters to the park and ride at 5:10 p.m. and 6:25 p.m.

Transit officials say the Buckeye route is intended as an extension to Route 562, which runs to the Goodyear Park and Ride. Officials expect that someday, Route 685, a popular rural route that runs to Ajo and Gila Bend, will stop at the Buckeye park and ride.

The center will service what they say is an undetermined number of residents who live near the park and ride, as well as those who live farther west. In time, they say, the buses will fill up.

Officials expect residents to also take advantage of vanpools that will be stationed at the facility.

The first phase of the project was funded by the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority. There are 250 parking spaces, some of which are covered, a security building and a small silo that doubles as a waiting area. Eventually, the 7-acre site will expand to as many as 500 parking spaces and arrival-and-departure slots for up to four buses.

The center contains a number of signature architectural features, as well as a kiss and ride: an area separated from buses and parking where commuters are dropped off to board public transportation.

The design of the project reflects elements of the area's agricultural heritage. Inside the silo will be displays of historical documents and photos.

A small dry canal runs through the center. Wild grasses in the canal are expected to grow and wave in the breeze to represent the flowing of water, said Lara Serbin, an architect and co-founder of Serbin Studio in Goodyear.

The distinct angles on shade and bus-waiting canopies are derived from a 1950s gas station that operated on Monroe Avenue in downtown Buckeye

Colored panels at the park and ride were an analogy to the Eastman Cotton Gin, which operated from 1928 to 2005. The gin building remains on the Heritage Park site today.

While they could not get inside the building, Serbin said her team members were inspired when they saw colored panels and siding while looking through its windows. Blue, orange and white tones were incorporated in the bus shelters.

Sustainability also will be incorporated into the design, from LED bulbs in the lighting system to canopies designed to install solar panels that will one day power lights.

Meck called the park and ride a good example of regional cooperation.

"It's another milestone in Buckeye's history and, at the same time, it offers a glimpse into the future," he said, adding the center is expected to ease traffic along I-10 while lessening air pollution.

Councilwoman Elaine May lived, breathed Buckeye

By Jackie Meck

Tribute to Councilwoman Elaine May, as published in the Arizona Republic.

Elaine May will be remembered for her sense of humor, her vitality for life and family and for Buckeye and its people. She will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/WestValleyVoices/148386

Mayor Meck comments on I-10 Widening

This is an exciting time for the Town of Buckeye. For sure, the widening of Interstate 10 to Verrado Way/Airport Road makes the trips to the east and back easier and safer for Buckeye residents. In addition, the anticipated opening later this year of the Buckeye East Park and Ride will offer Buckeye area residents a commuting option they haven't had before.

I want to especially thank the our state leaders, the MAG Transportation Council and the professionals at ADOT for moving the schedule for the improvement of this section of highway up almost 10 years. It will make a big difference in saving lives and saving commuters time.

Mayor Meck's Jobs Initiative

I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you that are sending out my weekly emails to other persons/organizations. I am sending out approximately 6,000 emails to all of you. I think with your help, we are reaching 12,000 to 14,000 persons in the West Valley/Buckeye area.

To date, of the six job fairs we have held, attendance has been 120-350 persons signing/talking to recruiters.

Also I would like to thank Richard Burrell for allowing Manpower representatives the use of the B.O.S.S. facilities. Ted Burton of B.O.S.S. has been diligently helping individuals file applications and resumes consistently on Mondays and Fridays for the past several months. The persons he has helped are not included in the above numbers.

“THANK YOU THANK YOU”


===========================
JOBS JOBS JOBS
==============================

West Valley Emergency Center / Abrazo hospitals

On July 26th, Town of Buckeye hosted a job fair for the West Valley Emergency Center that opened for patients on August 2nd. They announced that they would be hiring 450 persons for employment opportunities at the seven (7) Abrazo owned hospitals in the Valley. West Valley personnel estimated 200-225 persons from the Buckeye area attended the job fair.

==============================

Straight Line Construction Co. Labor positions

$11.00 an hour, 40 hours a week
Night Shift Monday - Thursday 9 p.m.-7:30 a.m.
Solana Solar Power Plant on I-8 & Exit 102 Painted Rock Road (15 miles west of Gila Bend)

REQUIREMENTS:Pre-Employment Drug Test, Steel toe boots

Will be hiring about 40 employees over the next month.

Please mail or email the application ONLY to: employment@straightlinepier.com (see attachment above)

Do not come to project--you will be turned away.
Thank you,
Sadie Thomas
Arizona Project Manager
STRAIGHT LINE CONSTRUCTION INC

==============================

Adecco

Adecco will hold a job fair at Buckeye Town Hall on August 23rd, 2011 from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM for Amazon.com.

Adecco is accepting applications for positions at Amazon Fulfillment Center in Goodyear, AZ for forklift, packing, picking, shipping and receiving.

Steps to a successful application process:
Step 1: (If you have not already applied to Adecco):
1. Go to http://www.adeccousa.com
2. Search by zip code 85338
3. Choose “Amazon” on the drop down list
4. Click “apply” and follow instructions for completing your application
5. After completing your on-line application, or if you are already
registered on-line, contact us at (623) 932-7735.
Step 2
1. You will then be emailed assessments for completion.
2. Upon completion of your asse4ssments, please contact us at (623) 932-7735
Step 3:
1. An addendum & tax info will then be emailed to you for completion
2. When completed, please contact us at (623) 932-7735 for an appointment

==============================

Zachry Construction - builder of the Sempra/Mesquite Solar Power Facility

Zachry Construction builder of the Sempra/Mesquite Solar Power Facility in Tonopah has opened their office at 303 North 4th Street, phone numer is 623-386-9803. A Sign has been placed on the front of the building.

==============================

Manpower

Manpower continues to meet at Buckeye Outreach for Social Services (BOSS) Monday and Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM., 501 E. Mahoney St., Buckeye, AZ

A Day in the Life of the Mayor

Article from West Valley View - 7/5/2011 - by Ray Thomas

Some people seek celebrity and notoriety while others quietly roll up their shirt sleeves and get busy. Jackie Meck of Buckeye is a sleeve-roller-upper.

Born in Buckeye in 1941, Meck's birthplace is directly across the street from his mayoral office of today, a connection he carries with him close to his heart. Further back, his grandparents came to Arizona in the early 1900s from Tennessee and began farming in Liberty. Meck's father was the town's judge, coroner and justice of the peace for 30 years with Meck tagging along at his side from time to time, watching and learning.

Read Full Article...

Mayor Meck participates in televised West Valley Mayoral Forum

Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck joins Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord as they discuss issues that are important to our communities in the West Valley Mayoral Forum, hosted by The Arizona Republic's Michael Ryan, vice president and general manager for community newspapers.

View Video

Mayor Meck's Jobs Initiative

Opportunities for Job Seekers:

ELECTRICAL & CONTROLS JOURNEYMAN (Solar Operator)

• Monitor, troubleshoot and repair of large scale solar facility.


• High understanding of Electrical and Jobsite Safety


• Able to read detailed drawings, loop and wiring diagrams and data sheets. Able to prepare input/output lists, process control descriptions, and participate in system design reviews, testing and commissioning.


• Working knowledge with PLC programming, Distributed Control Systems and HMI interfaces


• Experienced in safely working with Low, Medium and High Voltage


• Conduct duties in a professional manner and is viewed as a team player including written and verbal communications with the Site Team, sub contractors and vendors.

This is permanent full time position including a compressive benefits package.

If interested please apply on-line at the following website: http://www.semprageneration.com/careers.htm

==========================

CLP Representative –are asking for resumes for immediate solar related jobs in the Gila Bend area known as “Cotton Center.” Please email your resume to tsandoval@clp.com

==========================

Remember Manpower Rep at B.O.S.S., 501 E Mahoney Ave, Buckeye, AZ 85326 every Monday and Friday 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.

These are solar facilities located or possibly could be located in the Gila Bend, Buckeye and Tonopah/Wintersburg areas: Solana, Mesquite Solar West, AVSE 1 & 2, Sun Streams, Gillespie 1, Hassayampa 1, Aguila, 1 & 2, Shrimp Farm, Cotton Center and Hyder Sentinel.

As I meet contacts and learn more, I will forward the information for jobs as soon as I can. Also, I will continue to hold job fairs in conjunction with the companies.

Triple-digit growth bodes well for 3 Southwest Valley cities

If you want to talk about impressive growth in the Southwest Valley, look no further than Buckeye, which is the fastest-growing community in Maricopa County, with a growth rate of 678 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the census.

That growth was no surprise to Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck.

"Everyone knows that Buckeye has been growing fast," he said. "But the bottom line is there will be no substantive changes to our planning efforts, because the official census numbers are in line with what our expectations have been for some time now."

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/2011/03/15/20110315southwest-valley-census-growth.html#ixzz1patGM6mA

Mayor Meck's Jobs Initiative

I have confirmed the “solar job fair” to be held on March 23rd from 1-5:00 PM at Youngker’s High School gymnasium. (3000 S Apache Road). There will be staff from SOS Staffing present to help facilitate applications and positions relating to the Solano Solar in Gila Bend.

Please pass the word to others.

Hope to see a large group from Buckeye, Gila Bend, and Tonopah present.

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.