A few days ago, I had breakfast with Tempe City Council candidate Doreen Garlid. Among other issues and values she espoused, Doreen stated that she feels small independent businesses help shape Tempe’s culture and neighborhood quality; yet some business owners have described the difficulty they’ve had navigating the City’s planning process, frustrating a few to contemplate locating their business elsewhere. Ms. Garlid is interested in working with the City Manager and his team to streamline such processes so that business operators, and individual homeowners too, have an easier time getting projects approved. As a former councilmember myself, I agree that locally-owned businesses are the backbone of our community and that residents want such businesses in their Tempe neighborhood. And Ms. Garlid is right that this is an issue that should and can be addressed by improved process management that still adheres to planning and zoning codes. Ms. Garlid’s pragmatic approach and track record of getting things done would be effective on Tempe City Council. Please join me in voting for Garlid for Tempe.

Pam Goronkin

Tempe City Council 2002-2006