This post started titled.. “Queen Creek Go Fuck Yourself”. That’s right. I said it. There is a time and place for all things. Putting the self interest of the oldest families at the center of running a city is just bad government. I don’t have time currently to run for an elected position or I would (and maybe this is the thing that will make me stop using that excuse). However, these latest shenanigans are enough to make me seriously consider picking up and moving residence, yet again. I moved out of Gilbert when it became clear that their Town Manager was incompetent to build the future of the Town (as I am writing this I see that he announced his retirement) . I have now come to the realization that Queen Creek is probably even more fucked up.
My neighbor to the North is Gail Barney. Seems like an okay guy. Old Queen Creek farmer. Long track record of serving on the town council and hasn’t really seemed to cause issues. Recently he stepped down as council member. I found out recently he is now running for mayor (uncontested since his first cousin stepped out of the race). My gripe is that he has 1,300 acres of farm property he is doing land development on. This land happens to be across the street from me mind you.
I got this in my e-mail today…
Barney Farms General Plan Amendment Open House Feb. 9
Posted Date: 1/28/2010
Queen Creek residents are invited to attend a public open house from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to review and comment on General Plan Amendment (GP09-58/RZ09-60) as it relates to modifications of the current master planned Queen Creek Sports Complex. The open house will be held in the Zane Grey conference room at the Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road.
As a part of a proposed general plan amendment by Barney Farms (GP09-58/RZ09-60), the Queen Creek Town Council has been asked to consider the possible relocation and redesign of the Queen Creek Sports Complex located on Signal Butte and Queen Creek Roads, and is seeking public input. Various conceptual alternative drawings of the Queen Creek Sports Complex on the alternative site will be presented for public review and comment. Questions from the public will be entertained.
For more information please contact Lisa Padilla at 480-358-3700, or lisa.padilla@queencreek.org. For more information about the Town of Queen Creek, please visit queencreek.org or facebook.com/queencreek.
Barney Farms General Plan Amendment Open House Feb. 9
So what is my problem? The problem is this park has been slated for a number of years at this location. Mr. Barney decided to build a PRIVATE sports facility on his property, which is totally within his right. Only now, he wants to change the rules for his own personal gain (see above). By moving the PUBLIC park he is driving business to his private facility. In addition, he is dictating general planning around his desires as a land developer. All of this in isolation isn’t the end of the world. I have a problem because he is doing this while serving as an elected official. Simply put, Arizona will continue to be fucked as long as we have land developers dominating our political landscape. As citizen’s it’s time for us to start calling ducks, ducks. Gail do the right thing. Get out of government and just stick to doing land development.
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wow, that’s a whopper of a conflict of interest
This is why Peggy Neely shouldn’t even be allowed to run for major of Phoenix, too.
The barrier for entry into the real-estate market is far too low and gives people way too much power, ESPECIALLY here in AZ where real estate is one of the top drivers of our economy.