Marchione: Looking back, looking forward

As I enter my second year as a member of your city council, I find myself reflecting upon the previous year, and the many accomplishments we as a community have made.  The past year has been full of both education and personal growth for me, and I sincerely appreciate your giving me the opportunity to serve you.

I promised you I would tell you what you needed to hear; that I would be straightforward; that you would know where I stand on many of the challenges facing our young city.  If you've attended or watched any of our council meetings, you'd see that I've kept my promise, and done so even though I knew at times it wouldn't be popular.  I must always remain true to my principles, and use the voice you gave me to express what I believe government should be and how I feel your tax dollars should be spent. 

At a time when our federal government is attempting to raise its debt ceiling, and Arizona has sold off its capital buildings, your local city council has delivered to you a truly balanced budget.  I've been very outspoken regarding my expectation the city must set an example on fiscal responsibility.  Many Americans have lost so much, and have been asked to do so much more with so much less, what kind of example would be set by your community leaders if they were to not balance your city's budget?

As I've mentioned in a previous letter to you, bringing a balanced budget would have its share of unpopular and uncomfortable decisions, but still they're necessary to effectively maintain services to our community and exercise fiscal conservatism in these economically depressed times.  I would be remiss not to mention my thanks for the release of the 2010 census data, which brought Maricopa a higher level of entitlement in State Shared Revenues.  We’re now a community of nearly 44,000, and not 15,000 as previously recognized.  If it weren't for these funds, attempting to bring you a balanced budget would have been a much more difficult task, and the result of much more uncomfortable and unpopular decisions. 

I continue serving you today with the same level of humility I did a year ago; understanding I have an obligation to represent your interests with integrity, professionalism and truth.  I have not forgotten who it is I work for, and that it is to you I am, and will be, held accountable.  You and I might not always agree on every issue affecting our ever-evolving community, but I'll take the guess work out of it for you, and at least let you know where I stand. 

As we look forward to the coming year, the future of our city is bright.  I'd like to thank my fellow members of council, the city manager, our professional city staff, involved members of the community and the city's many partners for a productive year.  I look forward to moving forward with you in the next.