<body><div>The City of Mesa’s two bonds came out strong with voters right out of the gate election night.By the latest unofficial results Thursday, both the $150 million public safety and the $135 million transportation measures had each garnered a 65% approval at the ballot box.Voters also overwhelmingly passed two City Charter amendments and gave city Councilwoman Alicia Goforth a second term.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3khAw7_1GrViYRi00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3khAw7_1GrViYRi00" width="1000" height="1250" >“I’m grateful for the support of our residents and the leadership of our mayor and City Council in recognizing these needs and planning for the future,” City Manager Scott Butler said of the bond votes.“The approval of these measures gives Mesa the ability to continue making important investments in public safety, transportation and the infrastructure needed to serve our growing community.“Our employees take great pride in serving this community, and we understand the responsibility that comes with this support,” he continued.“Our focus now is on putting these resources to work, delivering meaningful improvements and continuing to provide the reliable, high-quality services Mesa residents expect and deserve.”The public safety bond garnered 68.68% “yes” votes, or 87,624, according to the latest results. Approval of the transportation measure received 64.14% of the votes, or 85,511.The public safety bond will fund projects such as acquiring land for future fire stations, upgrading emergency radio and communications systems and renovating the Central Police Station. It also will fund a joint training campus for police and fire recruits.The transportation bond will fund projects to improve safety and relieve congestion on city roadways.Voters last approved a public safety bond in 2024 that totaled $90 million, and one for $157 million in 2022. A $100-million transportation bond was last approved in 2020.The projects in the latest bonds were identified through several avenues, including citizen and city council input and staff recommendations, according to the city.Bond debt is repaid through second property taxes. Mesa estimated the average tax rate for the bond authorization at $0.2226 per $100 of assessed limited property valuation.So, for example, owners of homes assessed at $250,000 can expect to see their property taxes increase by $69.13 annually for 26 years during the payback period, according to the city.The impact on commercial property was estimated at $414.17annually for 26 years.According to the city, Mesa currently has $484 million in outstanding general obligation bond debt. Mesa estimated the total cost of the two bond authorization, including principal and interest, at $459 million.Mayor Mark Freeman also released a statement thanking voters for their support of all four questions on the ballot.“Your vote is a show of confidence in Mesa, your elected leaders and the work we are doing to move our city forward,” Freeman said. “I don’t take that trust lightly.“We are committed to making responsible decisions, being good stewards of your tax dollars and continuing to elevate Mesa.”In the run-off election to represent northeast Mesa, Goforth held a hefty lead over challenger Aleks Vranicic.Over half of District 5 voters gave her their support, ensuring her a second term. The latest results on Friday showed Goforth with 59.59%, to Vranicic’s 40.41%.Goforth’s campaign platform included a focus on policies that protect neighborhoods, strengthen public safety and protect quality of life.Calling herself a “commonsense conservative” who advocates keeping taxes down and utility rates under control, she garnered endorsements from Freeman, Vice Mayor Scott Somers and Council members Rich Adams and Jenn Duff.Maricopa County Elections reported Wednesday that it had an estimated 207,300 uncounted ballots, including 172,000 early ballots that have an issue that needs to be addressed with the voter or have been signature verified and going through the pre-tabulation processing.Meanwhile, former Mesa Mayor John Giles will become Arizona’s first lieutenant governor after Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs won a second term by easily defeating Republican Congressman Andy Biggs by about 14 points.The lieutenant governor position was created in 2022 by the Legislature with the goal of first placing it on the 2026 ballot as each party’s gubernatorial running mate.Also falling to the Democratic wave across Arizona was former Mesa City Council member Kevin Thompson, who lost his bid for a second term on the Arizona Corporation Commission.His Republican running mate, Ralph Heap, a former Mesa legislator, also was defeated as Democrats took both seats up for election.</div></body>

Block Source: East Valley Tribune

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The City of Mesa’s two bonds came out strong with voters right out of the gate election night. By the latest unofficial results Thursday, both the $150 million public safety and the $135 million transportation measures had each garnered a 65% approval at the ballot box. Voters also overwhelmingly...

Mesa bond measures pass as Goforth wins 2nd term

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The City of Mesa’s two bonds came out strong with voters right out of the gate election night. By the latest unofficial results Thursday, both the $150 mil

Mesa bond measures pass as Goforth wins 2nd term

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