Court: Mesa didn’t need to put rail plan to voters
A state appellate court says Arizona law didn't require Mesa to get voter approval for borrowing to pay for a light rail extension project.
Failed Apple Mesa plant operator GT says SEC investigating its business
Sapphire materials maker GT Advanced Technologies, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in October, said Thursday that the Securities and Exchange Commission has opened an inquiry into its business.
Glass maker deals to exit Apple, Arizona plant
A deal between Apple Inc. and a synthetic sapphire glass maker that was gearing up to produce huge amounts of the product for Apple in an Arizona factory allows for the sale of more than 2,000 furnaces to repay Apple.
Soured Apple, glass maker deal to remain secret
Apple Inc. has reached a deal with a synthetic sapphire glass maker that will allow details of contracts between the companies and the business problems that led GT Advanced Technologies to a financial crisis to remain secret.
Developer to use ‘organic development’ strategy for expansive east Mesa project
The mixed-use project attempting to rise from the ashes of the once-esteemed General Motors Proving Ground in east Mesa is using a somewhat contrarian approach to success. Developers plan to allow the master-planned, five-square mile community-within-a-city to grow organically.
Firefighters union backs Smith, will focus on independents
The Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona threw its weight behind Scott Smith in the Republican primary for governor, giving the former Mesa mayor an endorsement that will likely come with some considerable campaign assistance.
Two top GOP gubernatorial candidates look to geography for a boost
As a primary field becomes more crowded, the portion of votes needed to win the nomination becomes smaller and smaller. With as many as seven or eight Republican gubernatorial candidates on the ballot this year, any advantage can help lead to a win.
For some, the advantage may be geography.
Conservative group bashes Smith for role with mayors’ group
An Iowa-based conservative group is airing television ads attacking Mesa mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Smith for his role as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which the group deemed liberal and supportive of President Obama’s agenda.
Downtown Mesa businesses readying for light-rail construction
MESA – In the not-too-distant future, Metro light-rail trains will travel along Main Street in front of Muralt’s Custom Jewelers, and owner Matt Muralt expects other changes to follow.
Targeted Democrats continue stockpiling funds for congressional re-election bids
WASHINGTON – With a year until the next election, Democratic freshmen in three competitive Arizona congressional districts are continuing to stockpile cash for their re-election bids, according to the latest campaign finance reports.
Rail and roads
The iArizona Committee is headed by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and backed by a broad coalition of local politicians, construction contractors and business interests. Their ultimate goal is to boost Arizona’s economy and status as a transportation hub connecting Los Angeles, Dallas and Mexico, as well as linking Arizona’s manufacturing and economic hubs to one another.
Farnsworth, Fillmore and Townsend nominated as next LD16 state senator
GOP leaders in Maricopa County selected Republicans Dave Farnsworth, John Fillmore and Rep. Kelly Townsend as nominees to serve as the next state senator in Legislative District 16. The slate of nominees will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, which will select one of three to replace former Sen. Rich Crandall.