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| | Author | Messages | |
anewman
Posts:660
 | | 04/29/2008 9:41 AM |
 Alert | Posted By Kelly Haddad on 04/29/2008 9:22 AM
clenaupthecopa
First question: Was the city staffer that sent this alleged degrading email fired?
No. City staff is hired under a merit system and this particular employees file including the email did not merit termination.
Second question: So the city could not read a contract and understand that they might have to notify someone if there is a delay?
Do to prior agreements, I am not at liberty to discuss this.
Third question: Why didnt we hear about people losing their jobs over a screw up like this?
Refer to question #1
Fourth question: If a small school project like this created such a mess for the city, what makes you think for a second that the city has the capacity to handle building an airport where state and federal agencies are involved? I got bad news for the city....when building an airport, there WILL be a few contracts that they have to read and understand and follow.
I am 100% confident that our staff and council have the knowledge to handle any contracts and agreements.
Thank you for you comments
KH To be Honest - these all sound like very short political answers. No honesty- no conviction. So a single employee costs the city tax payers $2Million does not warrant termination?? I think the city will be flooded with resumes if that is the case! | |
"The jouney of life is as much in oneself' as the roads one travels"
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 9:41 AM |
Alert | Also, When I say "pick up your packet right before a meeting" I dont mean on the way to the meeting, I mean the same day of the meeting. Our city clerk has said that while most councilmembers pick up their packets early, you pick yours up the day of the meeting almost always. The packets are prepared earlier to give the members time to read them, research the information to be discussed so an informed decision can be made, and hopefully solicit some public input. In other words...To be prepared so that screw ups such as say.....The MA Maricopa project comes along, the city doesnt make stupid mistakes!!
So my question is this: If you work a full time job, like it appears you do, and you dont get your packet until the day of the meeting, when are you preparing? When are you talking to the public about any issues? When are you asking questions and researching? Because you ask very few questions AT the meetings.
And, if you are picking up your packet before the day of the meeting, then Ms Bueras must be being untruthful, is this what you are indicating?
I respect Mrs. Bueras very much and would never accuse her of being untruthful; however, the packets are placed on a table in a hall. I do not have to sign them out with her; therefore, I am not sure how she would know when I they pick them up as I do not report to her when I do. As I have stated before, I always do the necessary research prior to the meetings in order to make an informed decision.
Thank You
KH | | | |
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 9:49 AM |
Alert | Also, When I say "pick up your packet right before a meeting" I dont mean on the way to the meeting, I mean the same day of the meeting. Our city clerk has said that while most councilmembers pick up their packets early, you pick yours up the day of the meeting almost always. The packets are prepared earlier to give the members time to read them, research the information to be discussed so an informed decision can be made, and hopefully solicit some public input. In other words...To be prepared so that screw ups such as say.....The MA Maricopa project comes along, the city doesnt make stupid mistakes!!
So my question is this: If you work a full time job, like it appears you do, and you dont get your packet until the day of the meeting, when are you preparing? When are you talking to the public about any issues? When are you asking questions and researching? Because you ask very few questions AT the meetings.
And, if you are picking up your packet before the day of the meeting, then Ms Bueras must be being untruthful, is this what you are indicating?
I respect Ms Bueras very much, I think she does a fabulous job; however, the packets are on a table in the hallway not in her office. I do not have to sign the packet out with her; therefore, I am not sure how she would know when I pick it up as I do not check in with her when I do. I always pick up my packets with more than enough time to do the necessary research needed to make informed decisions.
Thanks You
KH | | | |
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| | anewman
Posts:660
| | 04/29/2008 9:54 AM |
Alert | I have a few more questions:
1. Where is the cities comprehensive growth plan located? 5yr- 10yr & 20yr?
2. Where is the cities comprehensive development plan for the same time frames? Does it include limiting sprawl development based on factors such as public works- public services head count to population ratio? If not- why?
3. Where are we at with a city hall and downtown center? Site- architectural design- time frame?
4. When are the open town hall meetings- public surveys- and small focus groups on such issues?
Why are all of these so difficult to find? They should be large bold links on the city website! I have talked with many residents and none of them have any idea where this city is going. | |
"The jouney of life is as much in oneself' as the roads one travels"
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| | CyndiWitczak
Posts:182
| | 04/29/2008 10:06 AM |
Alert | Mr. Haddad, My husband and I moved here last July. We have never been terribly involved in politics other than researching and informing ourselves prior to an election. Politics don't interest me. Since moving here, we have been barraged with negativity and nonsence from the decision making that comes from city hall. How can you, as an incumbant, explain to us why we should vote for you? I am not looking for a defensive answer, more an informational answer. What will voting for you do for us? We own our home, have 2 children (one at Legacy and one on her way to NAU). My husband works at ASU and I am a nursing student. Why should we vote for Kelly Haddad instead of other choices? Will you have open communication with us after the election if you are chosen? Perhaps because Maricopa is small, we are more aware of what goes on at city hall than we were when we lived in Scottsdale. We didn't move here to invest, we moved here to live. The value of our house frankly isn't even something we are concerned about. Maricopa will be our home until we depart this earth. This will be the home of our family, and the place where our grandchildren (in many, many years) will come to visit. We will celebrate holidays and family here until we are no longer. Help us make an informed decision as to why you should be our choice. | |
Yes, that's really my name | |
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 10:07 AM |
Alert | Kelly, I would like to know why you approved the parking contract for the Maricopa Express? I find that unforgiveable! There are many land owners who would have benefitted from such a contract with the city, yet the city simply hands it over to the Mayor's family. I'm amazed that Farrell said something, but didn't fight it and I'm amazed any of the current council didn't reject the contract. This was a situation where a councilmember took full advantage of something the city had to offer.
And, please don't tell me that Mr. Anderson didn't ask for it. He accepted it, without giving anyone else the chance, and that's all I needed to know.
The short and honest answer is because of its vicinity to the police department. With the rate of vandalism we are seeing and knowing that there will be so many unattended vehicles out there I saw it as a deterrent. The truth of the matter, is that there were several properties that were looked at and this one was the only one that had all of the facilities needed for the project, shaded areas, pavement, etc.
Thank you for your support and kind words. I hope I answered your question. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
KH | | | |
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|  | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 12:22 PM |
Alert | CyndiWitczak
My husband and I moved here last July. We have never been terribly involved in politics other than researching and informing ourselves prior to an election. Politics don't interest me. Since moving here, we have been barraged with negativity and nonsence from the decision making that comes from city hall. How can you, as an incumbant, explain to us why we should vote for you? I am not looking for a defensive answer, more an informational answer. What will voting for you do for us?
Voting for me will guarantee that you have a voice. My web page contains my email address and my cell phone number. If you have issues, I would implore you to use them. I have been on the council since the city incorporated and feel that I have a full understanding of what it is going to take to move this city forward and ensure that we become the place that you will call home, the place where you not only live, but also work and play.
We own our home, have 2 children (one at Legacy and one on her way to NAU). My husband works at ASU and I am a nursing student. Why should we vote for Kelly Haddad instead of other choices?
While I have a great deal of respect for all of the other candidates, I bring a realistic point of view. I am not going to promise you that I am going to be the instant fix to the problems that we are facing, in fact, a councilmember is only 1 of 7, so if they tell you they are going to fix something, that is a promise they can't fulfill. I know that we can fix the majority of the problems that we are experiencing, it is just going to take more time than most want to admit.
Will you have open communication with us after the election if you are chosen?
Absolutely, my cell phone number and email will not change.
Perhaps because Maricopa is small, we are more aware of what goes on at city hall than we were when we lived in Scottsdale. We didn't move here to invest, we moved here to live. The value of our house frankly isn't even something we are concerned about. Maricopa will be our home until we depart this earth. This will be the home of our family, and the place where our grandchildren (in many, many years) will come to visit. We will celebrate holidays and family here until we are no longer. Help us make an informed decision as to why you should be our choice.
Thank you so much for doing your part to become an informed voter and I hope that I have gained your support. If you should have any questions, please fell free to use any avenue available to contact me and I will always be more than happy to visit with you.
Thank You
KH | | | |
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 12:43 PM |
Alert | Cactus Rob
On your website you state “Alternate routes to the Valley would require approval from the Gila River Indian Community and that would take decades and dollars we don’t have”.
And in a response to a poster in this thread, you state “With Ak-Chin Casino to the south, Gila River is not going to allow better transportation to a competitor. That is why we need to increase our efforts in Economic Development and ease the stress on our only route to I-10".
I believe both are true.
Don't you think that you're putting the cart before the horse? Don't you think Economic Development will increase, not decrease, traffic on the 347? Won't many of the employees of firms that locate here never live here, choosing instead to keep their homes in Chandler and other valley cities and commute to their jobs here?
I would hope that one of the reasons that a company would relocate to Maricopa is because of the highly educated population and the vast majority of the positions would be filled locally, which would absolutely ease the stress on 347.
And won't the new businesses need dependable roadways to get timely delivery of products, supplies, equipment, raw materials, etc.? And likewise, won't they need to deliver their products and/or services to their out of town customers without the inevitable delays that occur when there is only one way in and out of town?
Very valid points; however, if we can entice a company that would employ 200-500 quality jobs, that is 200 - 500 cars off the road. these companies are not going to produce 200-500 big rigs incoming or outgoing.
Have we met with ADOT and the Gila River Indian Community and discussed whether there is any way that Smith-Enke can be extended to I-10?
I do not think Smith-Enke would be the road of choice as it runs parallel to I-10; however, the talks have taken place and will continue to happen over the years. As Jim_Green pointed out, working with the tribes is a slow and arduous process that could take many many years.
And if so, can Maricopa taxpayers accelerate the project by paying part of the cost?
Not sure on this one, I am not sure if the taxpayers would vote for another tax or not; however, we would have to wait for the tribes to concede to the idea before we moved on this path.
Thanks You
KH | | | |
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 12:45 PM |
Alert | Go Eagles
KH, I got to give u some props. At least you are engaging now. You still do not have my vote but you are not cowardly out like your peer Dunn seems to be. He doesn't even have a banner on this site. Maybe he has finally come to the realize that he to will not be elected.
Thanks for the comment and honesty...we still have some time...I might sway you yet.
Thanks
KH | | | |
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| | meistersinger
Posts:0
| | 04/29/2008 1:04 PM |
Alert | Kelly Haddad (speaking of liars!) you said: I respect Ms Bueras very much, I think she does a fabulous job; however, the packets are on a table in the hallway not in her office. I do not have to sign the packet out with her; therefore, I am not sure how she would know when I pick it up as I do not check in with her when I do. I always pick up my packets with more than enough time to do the necessary research needed to make informed decisions. Why don’t you go ahead and say it – you are calling Ms. Bueras a liar? Whether they are, or are not, in her office, in a tray in the hallway, or nailed to the ceiling, don’t kid yourself for a minute, she knows when the packets are picked up. She runs a tight shop! When the packets are completed (one week ahead of regular meetings), she contacts each Councilmember to let them know the packets are ready, and when they are not picked up she calls again. Believe me she knows! Most of the staff at City Hall know when you, Councilmember Haddad, pick up your packet, and if they are reading this thread, I’m sure they know you are lying. Many people walk past that table during the day. Your reputation precedes you. To some on this blog, I know, it’s more harping. But I despise lying and people who lie to me! And you know, Councilmember Haddad that you are lying about when you pick up your packet, and to me that means you are lying about representing our interests. In other words, how can you pick up your packet on the day of the meeting AND read/digest/question/ etc., the contents and then make informed decisions?
I believe you know you are lying and I think that is the most disturbing part of it. | | | |
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 1:16 PM |
Alert | jeffrey james
What I want to get an honest answer to is, did you pay for a year contract amount for the banner ad, or because you are on the council you got a month or two special? Answer this and I will know what kind of polotician you intend to be. You can pm me the answer if you want and I'll leave it answer unknown.
If you are referring to the banner ad on this site, I am paying for the number of times it appears, not month to month or yearly.
Thanks
KH | | | |
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 1:40 PM |
Alert | meistersinger,
I am not sure where you are getting your information regarding the protocol for packets, I must say you are misinformed. The packets have never been ready 1 week prior to the meeting, they are typically ready the thursday and often times friday before the meeting. We are emailed once and never called by Ms. Bueras. I am not calling Ms. Bueras a liar, I am merely pointing out that you have your facts wrong.
Once again, I pick up my packet with more than enough time to prepare for our meetings.
Thank You,
KH | | | |
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| | LadyAmalthea
Posts:86
| | 04/29/2008 8:17 PM |
Alert | Councilman Haddad, I thank you for your reply to my post. I also apologise for my antagonistic tone.
I don't, however, apologise for or withdraw my support for alternative means of transportation. No matter if Intel, or any other employer, decides to relocate to Maricopa, we still need a way to get from here to there and back again. I mean, isn't Phoenix/Tucson supposed to become a megopolis in the not-so-distant future? And isn't Maricopa smack dab in the middle? Heck, even on the City website, it talks about Maricopa's convenient location - 1/2 hour or so from both Phoenix and Casa Grande.
Economic development is fine. But it won't solve everyone's commuting issues the way improved transportation to major metro centers will. | |
"Ain't nothin' but a barn dance, sugar. Ain't nothin' but a round de round" - Sara Tidwell and the High Tops | |
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| | Ringo
Posts:81
| | 04/29/2008 8:55 PM |
Alert | Posted By Kelly Haddad on 04/29/2008 12:43 PM
And won't the new businesses need dependable roadways to get timely delivery of products, supplies, equipment, raw materials, etc.? And likewise, won't they need to deliver their products and/or services to their out of town customers without the inevitable delays that occur when there is only one way in and out of town?
Very valid points; however, if we can entice a company that would employ 200-500 quality jobs, that is 200 - 500 cars off the road. these companies are not going to produce 200-500 big rigs incoming or outgoing. That is small apples, do you even drive in and out of this city? 500 cars is next to nothing. The amount of trucks within the city is outrageous. The streets are already torn apart again.
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 9:14 PM |
Alert | LadyAmalthea
No need for an apology, I could not agree with you more and I will work for solutions to our transportation issues, I just feel that a quicker, short term fix is to work on economic development and try to take cars off the road.
Thank You
KH
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| | Kelly Haddad
Posts:41
| | 04/29/2008 9:20 PM |
Alert | Ringo,
I drive on 347 regularly, and you are right 500 cars are a drop in the bucket, I was merely using that as an example, proving that Economic Development can and will make a difference and that it will not make the problem worse. The problem is much larger than that; however, as I stated in my reply to LadyAmalthea, ED is a short term fix that can be accomplished relatively soon. Other more permanent solutions will take a great deal of time and money.
Thank You
KH | | | |
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| | meistersinger
Posts:0
| | 04/30/2008 5:11 AM |
Alert | Posted By Kelly Haddad on 04/29/2008 1:40 PM
meistersinger,
I am not sure where you are getting your information regarding the protocol for packets, I must say you are misinformed. The packets have never been ready 1 week prior to the meeting, they are typically ready the thursday and often times friday before the meeting. We are emailed once and never called by Ms. Bueras. I am not calling Ms. Bueras a liar, I am merely pointing out that you have your facts wrong.
Once again, I pick up my packet with more than enough time to prepare for our meetings.
Thank You,
KH No sense in playing, "He said...They said..." but 30+ people say you don't pickup your packet until late on the last day. None of them have any reason to lie. The packets are ready 7 days prior to the Council Meeting according to the "Agenda Process Handbook," p7, issued by the City of Maricopa, dated, March 6, 2007. The reason for the 7-day interval is so that "... Council [has] the facts necessary to make informed decisions." | | | |
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| | CleanuptheCopa
Posts:32
| | 04/30/2008 8:30 AM |
Alert | Haha, hey meistersinger, dont you know you arent supposed to know about the "secret" handbooks that state those ever elusive facts.
Ok, lets try this, a simple question..
My Haddad, How often have you picked up your council packet on the day of the council meeting? I am not being nit-picky, it is relavent to me that our city council be well informed on the issues being presented. Picking up the packet the same day is not even close to enough time to prepare for a vote. Keep in mind there are some people who know exactly when you pick up your packet, most times. Honesty, integrity, responsibility, and the simple act of being human and making mistakes are what this question is getting at. I would prefer to hear you say "yes, I pick up my packet late because of my work schedule, or whatever reason, but I will work hard to improve on that." | | | |
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| | CleanuptheCopa
Posts:32
| | 04/30/2008 8:37 AM |
Alert | One more thing..When referring to Economic Development, I would call it that and not "ED" because noone thinks erectile dysfunction is a good "short term fix for our transportation issue.
Just a suggestion.. | | | |
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| | gilbertglcn
Posts:202
| | 04/30/2008 8:52 AM |
Alert | Mr. Haddad - You did not provide very good responses to the following, so here are my follow up questions.
First question: Was the city staffer that sent this alleged degrading email fired?
No. City staff is hired under a merit system and this particular employees file including the email did not merit termination.
QUESTION - If in fact, one of the primary reasons for giving away nearly $2 million dollars was due to an email, why would this not merit termination? You could also just eliminate the position due to budget cuts, as you have other city positions. How can this not merit termination, as again this stsaff member has cost the city nearly $2 million.
Second question: So the city could not read a contract and understand that they might have to notify someone if there is a delay?
Do to prior agreements, I am not at liberty to discuss this.
QUESTION - why not? What are you hiding from us? Are you saying that the City was dumb enough to agree to payment, and not let the specifics as to what led to this be brought to light?
Third question: Why didnt we hear about people losing their jobs over a screw up like this?
Refer to question #1 - Please respond, as do you think we accept that the City has confidence in staff that cost us, the taxpayers $2 million.
Fourth question: If a small school project like this created such a mess for the city, what makes you think for a second that the city has the capacity to handle building an airport where state and federal agencies are involved? I got bad news for the city....when building an airport, there WILL be a few contracts that they have to read and understand and follow.
I am 100% confident that our staff and council have the knowledge to handle any contracts and agreements.
QUESTION - You have already stated publically that the city staff caused this problem, so how can this be? If the staff are so inept and caused this to begin with, how can you place faith in them now?
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