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Articles by Tom Blodgett
Gilbert Public Schools revenue falls $7.5 million as expenses rise in annual financial report
By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett Gilbert Public Schools saw revenue decline $7.5 million while expenses rose $3.2 million during fiscal 2026, reflecting the financial pressures of declining enrollment and rising operating costs. The district's annual financial report, presented to its governing board on Oct. 13, showed state and local revenue for maintenance and operations and unrestricted capital falling from $300.2 million to $292.7 million, a 2.5% decrease.
Three candidates for Higley USD's four-year seats answer questions
By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett The Higley Unified School District has three open seats being decided in the November election, but under two different conditions. Two full-term, four-year seats are open with the incumbents, President Amanda Wade and Board Member Anna Van Hoek, running for re-election, and challenger Michelle Morris also on the ballot. The third seat is a write-in election to fill former Board Member Scott Glover's final two years on the board.
Higley write-in candidates share views of district issues
By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett The Higley Unified School District has three open seats being decided in the November election, but under two different conditions. While there are three candidates competing for two full-term, four-year seats, the third seat is to fill former Board Member Scott Glover's final two years on the board. However, because of the timing of Glover's resignation in July, it is a write-in election.
Gilbert Public Schools seeks voter approval for $136M bond
By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett Gilbert Public Schools is asking voters for $136 million to address aging buildings, improve school security and upgrade technology while confronting declining enrollment and a difficult environment for passing school bonds. Proposition 422 on the Nov. 3 ballot would authorize general obligation bonds repaid through secondary property taxes.
Gilbert approves townhomes in Power Ranch, with Rose Law Group Land Use Attorney Jon Gillespie presenting the case
(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Raintree Investment Corp.) By Tom Blodgett | YourValley Gilbert Town Council has approved a 171-unit townhome development that would replace plans for a denser rental project on a Power Ranch property that has sat vacant for nearly two decades. The council approved a minor general plan amendment and rezoning Sept. 15 for Woodcrest Village West, a 16.8-acre site at the southwest corner of Ranch House Parkway and Germann Road.
Gilbert crews respond to more than 50 downed trees after Wednesday storm
Gilbert residents reported more than 50 downed trees or branches creating traffic obstacles in town after Wednesday night's storm. Courtesy Town of Gilbert Public Works crews were cleaning up widespread damage Thursday after a Wednesday night storm toppled more than 50 trees and more than a dozen streetlight poles across Gilbert. Some of the hardest-hit areas included the Adora Trails, Seville, Coronado Ranch and Marbella Vineyards subdivisions, according to the town.
Gilbert keeping Flock cameras as council members weigh crime-fighting benefits, privacy
Gilbert has no plan to sever its contract with Flock, a camera company, that has received backlash recently in the Valley. Courtesy Flock Security Gilbert has no plans to abandon its network of Flock license plate readers, but two Town Council members who split over expanding the system last year remain divided over whether its crime-fighting benefits outweigh privacy concerns.
Gilbert teen’s simple act of kindness saves senior citizen’s life
The town of Gilbert honored Royal Cothrun, center, for saving a senior woman's life when she was struggling in the heat, including giving him a key to the city. Honoring Cothrun is Fire & Rescue Chief Rob Duggan, left, and Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Royal Cothrun was hot, sweaty and ready to head home when something along his e-bike ride made him stop. An elderly woman carrying heavy bags was stumbling near South Valley Junior High. She seemed confused.
East Valley teen’s simple act of kindness saves senior citizen’s life
The town of Gilbert honored Royal Cothrun, center, for saving a senior woman's life when she was struggling in the heat, including giving him a key to the city. Honoring Cothrun is Fire & Rescue Chief Rob Duggan, left, and Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Royal Cothrun was hot, sweaty and ready to head home when something along his e-bike ride made him stop. An elderly woman carrying heavy bags was stumbling near South Valley Junior High. She seemed confused.
Gilbert Public Schools adds campus specialists to prevent classroom behavior crises
Students at Greenfield Elementary School get in line. Courtesy Gilbert Public Schools Gilbert Public Schools is placing student support specialists at four elementary campuses to help teachers prevent classroom disruptions before they escalate into disciplinary incidents. The specialists will spend most of their time working alongside teachers, modeling classroom-management techniques and developing routines intended to produce orderly and predictable learning environments.
Gilbert council postpones Residences at the Reserve apartment hearing
Gilbert Town Council continued its hearing on the proposed 121-unit Residences at the Reserve development to Sept. 1 while the applicant revises the site plan. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Gilbert Town Council postponed a decision on a proposed 121-unit apartment development near Gilbert and Germann roads after the applicant requested more time to revise the project’s design. Council unanimously continued the public hearing on the Residences at the Reserve proposal to Sept. 1.
Gilbert looks to tighten data center regulations amid water, power concerns
Gilbert is looking at restrictions on data centers in its land development code. MetroCreative Connection Gilbert officials are looking to put some of the Valley’s toughest restrictions on data centers into town code amid concerns about their potential effects on water, electricity and neighboring residents.
Gilbert Public Schools approves first revision to 2026-27 budget
Gilbert Public Schools has made its first budget revision for fiscal year 2026-27, but the numbers did not change, only the forms. MetroCreative Connection Gilbert Public Schools’ first budget revision for fiscal year 2026-27 changed the district’s paperwork but not its budget capacity. The Governing Board unanimously approved the revision Aug. 11, maintaining a $288.08 million maintenance and operations budget limit and $53.08 million in unrestricted capital capacity.
Higley board forwards three candidates to county superintendent for vacant seat
Higley USD has a board seat to fill after the resignation of Scott Glover. Courtesy Higley Unified School District The Higley Unified School District Governing Board has chosen Brooke Garrett, Kimberly Jackson and Travis White as its three recommendations to fill the seat vacated by Scott Glover. The board voted 3-1 Aug. 12 to forward the names to Maricopa County Schools Superintendent Shelli Boggs, who will make the appointment. Board Member Anna Van Hoek voted in dissent.
Gilbert could move to Stage 2 water plan as Colorado River cuts loom
The Central Arizona Project canal carries water from the Colorado River to the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Courtesy Central Arizona Project Gilbert could move into the second stage of its water shortage plan next year as proposed Colorado River reductions threaten to cut the town’s supply from the river by about 20%. Town Water Resources Manager Lauren Hixson told Town Council during an Aug.
Higley board to narrow candidates for vacancy
Gilbert board to take up budget revision Higley USD has a board seat to fill after the resignation of Scott Glover. Courtesy Higley Unified School District The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will choose three candidates Tuesday to forward to Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs for consideration to fill its vacant board seat. The board meets at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at the district office, 2935 S. Recker Road.
Gilbert ranks third among midsize cities for first-time home buyers
Data show first-time home buyers today often are older and more established in their careers. MetroCreative Connection Gilbert’s housing prices may not immediately bring first-time home buyers to mind, but a new WalletHub study ranks the town among the nation’s best places for people making their first purchase. Gilbert ranked third among midsize cities and sixth overall among 300 cities in WalletHub’s Best & Worst Cities for First-Time Home Buyers study.
Park University renews lease for Gilbert campus through 2029
Park University has extended its lease with the town of Gilbert. Special for Independent Newspaper/Arianna Grainey Park University will remain in Gilbert’s Heritage District for at least three more years after renewing its lease with the town for space in the University Building. The approved third amendment to the university’s lease extends the agreement through June 30, 2029. The three-year extension represents the final renewal option available under the existing lease.
Gilbert council to consider 121-unit apartment project
The next Gilbert Town Council study session and meeting is Aug. 11. Courtesy Town of Gilbert Gilbert Town Council will consider a proposed 121-unit multifamily development near Gilbert and Germann roads Tuesday in the lone public hearing on its regular meeting agenda. The Residences at the Reserve proposal would require a minor General Plan amendment and rezoning of about 4.9 acres southeast of the intersection from office and business park uses to multifamily residential.
12 seek appointment to vacant Higley school board seat
Higley USD has a board seat to fill after the resignation of Scott Glover. Courtesy Higley Unified School District Twelve people with backgrounds ranging from education and technology to business, the courts and community volunteering have applied for the vacant seat on the Higley Unified School District Governing Board. The group includes two who have previously been candidates for the board: Brooke Garrett and Kathleen Richards.
Chef W returns to his own kitchen with Don Pastrami’s
Chef W Rieth is set to open Don Pastrami's in Mesa, hoping to do so by Sept. 1. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett The daughters of W Rieth — "Chef W" to most everybody — grew up in their dad's restaurant, Not Your Typical Deli, in Gilbert. So when his 11-year-old walked into his new restaurant and told him, “Dad, this feels like right again,” it hit him hard. That new restaurant is Don Pastrami’s in Mesa, part of the Sheraton Hotel Mesa at Wrigleyville West near Sloan Park in the Riverview area.
Gilbert certifies election that ousted three council incumbents
Gilbert's new council members received their certificates of election right after town council accepted the canvass of the vote. From left are Melissa Coen, who accepted for her husband, Joel; Beth Goulden; Bus Obayomi; and Bill Spence. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Gilbert Town Council formally certified an election Tuesday that will dramatically reshape the council in January, with voters ousting all three incumbents who sought reelection.
Outgoing Gilbert council members plan podcast
Plan is for mixing local politics, satire, civic education Councilmember Jim Torgeson and Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni are planning a podcast to poke fun at Gilbert politics and educate listeners how things work. Courtesy Chuck Bongiovanni Gilbert Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni and Councilmember Jim Torgeson are taking their sometimes blunt approach to local politics into a new venue: podcasting.
Gilbert nonprofit Undie Chest tackles ‘hygiene poverty’ in Arizona schools
Undies Chest works with several organizations, like Threadz in Tempe, to distribute clean underwear to students in need. Courtesy Elaine Birks-Mitchell A Gilbert nonprofit is tackling a basic need that often goes unmentioned in discussions about barriers facing students at school: having clean, properly fitting underwear.
Gilbert nonprofit Undie Chest tackles ‘hygiene poverty’ in Arizona schools
OPINION — For the first time in several years, America has encouraging news in the fight against suicide. New data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, based on the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, show that suicides have declined modestly since reaching a record high in 2022. Expanded access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, greater public awareness and improvements in crisis response may all be contributing to that progress.
Mesa photographer in exhibit celebrating the stories behind America
Kerrick James has an affinity for automobiles and public art, and he's fascinated by how someone buried these Cadillacs under the stars at "Cadillac Ranch" west of Amarillo, Texas, where people paint them endlessly. It serves as a public palette that is always changing, and he's particularly drawn to photographing it under different lighting conditions—with setting full moons, sunrises, and thunderstorms.
Gilbert home prices rise as pending sales tumble in June
Home sales are up, but pending sales down in Gilbert for June 2026. MetroCreative Connection Gilbert home prices continued to climb in June even as a sharp decline in pending sales raised questions about whether the local housing market could lose momentum in the months ahead. The median sales price reached $627,500, up 4.6% from a year earlier, while the average sales price rose 3.3% to $760,981, according to June market data from Phoenix Realtors.
Torgeson launches 2028 campaign for Gilbert mayor
Gilbert Town Councilmember Jim Torgeson has formed a committee to run for mayor. Courtesy Town of Gilbert Gilbert Councilmember Jim Torgeson is getting an early start on the 2028 election, filing paperwork this week to run for mayor. Torgeson filed a committee statement of organization with the state of Arizona July 28 for Torgeson for Mayor, more than two years before voters will choose the town’s next mayor.
Gilbert declines to investigate incoming council members
Mayor congratulates newcomers but criticizes their policy statement Mayor Scott Anderson congratulated newly elected council members but cautioned that current council retains policymaking discretion. Courtesy Town of Gilbert The Town of Gilbert will not investigate claims that four council members-elect may have committed violations through their activities before taking office, while Mayor Scott Anderson is pushing back against how they have approached the transition.
Gilbert launches youth-focused Instagram account
Town wants to connect with teens, families Gilbert's new "Growin' Up Gilbert" account is an effort for the town to engage with youth and families. Courtesy Town of Gilbert Gilbert is hoping to meet young residents where they already spend much of their time online with the launch of Growin' Up Gilbert, a new Instagram account aimed at middle and high school students and their families.
Council-elect statement sparks town response
Vice mayor adds rebuke for overstepping boundaries Gilbert's incoming town council members are, clockwise from upper left, Beth Goulden, Bill Spence, Bus Obayomi and Joel Coen. Submitted photos Gilbert's four council members-elect outlined an ambitious governing agenda July 29 that they said is already influencing town decisions, prompting an unusual public response from the Town of Gilbert and a sharply worded private rebuke from outgoing Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni.
Council-elect statement sparks town response
Vice mayor adds rebuke for overstepping boundaries Gilbert's incoming town council members are, clockwise from upper left, Beth Goulden, Bill Spence, Bus Obayomi and Joel Coen. Submitted photos Gilbert's four council members-elect outlined an ambitious governing agenda July 29 that they said is already influencing town decisions, prompting an unusual public response from the Town of Gilbert and a sharply worded private rebuke from outgoing Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni.
Park University halves tuition for Gilbert residents
Park University in Gilbert is deepening its partnership with the town with the "Gilbert Advantage Scholarship" for residents and those working in town. Special for Independent Newsmedia/Arianna Grainey Park University is expanding its partnership with the town of Gilbert by offering a scholarship that cuts tuition in half for Gilbert residents and employees of Gilbert-based businesses.
Higley school board begins process to replace Scott Glover after resignation
Scott Glover resigned from his seat on the Higley Unified School District Governing Board. Courtesy Scott Glover Scott Glover's unexpected resignation from the Higley Unified School District Governing Board last week has set in motion a process that will determine who fills the remainder of his term through the end of 2028. The district is accepting applications from residents interested in being appointed to the five-member board after Glover resigned July 20. His term was scheduled to expire Dec.
Olson, Rogers win Republican House nominations in Legislative District 10
OPINION — When President Trump, on the first day of his second term, closed the U.S. Agency for International Development and began dismantling the Voice of America, he also severely curtailed what had been America’s soft-power dominance in the world. With those actions, we abandoned something of inestimable value: the ability to project Americanism, our ideals. Trump retired an entire diplomatic system that had served the United States well.
Olson, Rogers win Republican House nominations in Legislative District 10
The Arizona Legislative District 10 candidates for Senate and a Democrat for House are running unopposed in their primaries. Justn Olson and James Rogers are the unofficial winners for the Republican House nominations. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Rep. Justin Olson and James Rogers have won the Republican nominations for the two Legislative District 10 seats in the Arizona House of Representatives, according to final unofficial primary election results.
Mark Lamb wins Republican nomination for Arizona’s Congressional District 5
OPINION — When someone dials 911, the expectation is that help will arrive and restore order during one of life's most difficult moments. What often goes unseen is what happens after the call ends. OPINION — Re: My suggestions for curbing prostitution in Arizona — drugs, gambling and prostitution are inherently and constitutionally legal individual behavior and cannot be outlawed in that context. When unconstitutionally outlawed, it only worsens the lives of those who do it and society at large.
Mark Lamb wins Republican nomination for Arizona’s Congressional District 5
Mark Lamb Instagram Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb won the Republican nomination to replace Andy Biggs in U.S. Congressional District 5. Biggs is running for governor. Posted Sunday, July 26, 2026 12:25 pm By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has won the Republican nomination for Arizona’s Congressional District 5, defeating Daniel Keenan in final unofficial results that now await the official canvass.
Mark Lamb wins Republican nomination for Arizona’s Congressional District 5
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb won the Republican nomination to replace Andy Biggs in U.S. Congressional District 5. Biggs is running for governor. Mark Lamb Instagram Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has won the Republican nomination for Arizona’s Congressional District 5, defeating Daniel Keenan in final unofficial results that now await the official canvass. Lamb finished with 52,084 votes, or 58.6%, to Keenan’s 36,723 votes, or 41.4%.
Gilbert transit agreement provides 619,000 bus miles, expands RideChoice use
Gilbert residents will have access to seven Valley Metro bus routes in the coming year. Valley Metro Gilbert residents will have access to seven Valley Metro bus routes covering more than 619,000 service miles in fiscal year 2027 without the town paying toward the cost of the fixed-route service. The town also expects nearly 29,000 paratransit trips and more than 30,000 RideChoice trips under its annual agreement with the Regional Public Transportation Authority.
Gilbert voters oust three incumbents, elect four new council members
Unofficial results show the incumbents on Gilbert Town Council being defeated. Courtesy Town of Gilbert Gilbert voters appear to have swept all three incumbents seeking reelection from the Town Council, choosing three newcomers and a former council member to fill four seats. Final unofficial results show Beth Goulden as the top vote-getter with 24,452 votes, or 17.42%, followed by former Councilmember Bill Spence with 22,622, or 16.12%.
LD-14 House Republicans ticket leads primary as Lyons congratulates Farnsworth
By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett Republicans running together as a ticket maintained a commanding lead as Maricopa County Elections Department results showed 99% of ballots counted Thursday in the Legislative District 14 House of Representatives primary. Newcomer Tyler Farnsworth led the field with 17,280 votes, or 41.67%, followed by the lone incumbent, Rep. Laurin Hendrix, with 15,802 votes, or 38.11%. Challenger Jedidiah Lyons received 8,385 votes, or 20.22%.
LD-14 House Republicans ticket leads primary as Lyons congratulates Farnsworth
The Arizona Legislative District 14 candidates for Senate and a Democrat for House are running unopposed in their primaries. Tyler Farnsworth and Laurin Hendrix lead for the Republican House nominations. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Republicans running together as a ticket maintained a commanding lead as Maricopa County Elections Department results showed 99% of ballots counted Thursday in the Legislative District 14 House of Representatives primary.
Higley Unified launches new communications hub as families return to school
Higley USD is making ParentSquare its communications tool of choice. Courtesy Higley Unified School District As thousands of students return to classrooms Thursday for the first day of the 2026-27 school year, Higley Unified School District is rolling out a new communications platform designed to simplify how families receive information from their schools.
Jared Ryan presides over first Gilbert Public Schools board meeting as superintendent
The Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board has approved a three-year agreement with Jared Ryan to be the next superintendent of the district. Courtesy Gilbert Public Schools Gilbert Public Schools' first governing board meeting under new Superintendent Jared Ryan was a brief, routine session Tuesday that reflected a district preparing for the start of another school year rather than tackling major policy issues.
Lamb takes early lead on Keenan for CD5 Republican nomination
Arizona Secretary of State Daniel Keenan, left, and Mark Lamb are seeking the Republican Party's nomination to the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizon Congressional Distrct 5. Posted Tuesday, July 21, 2026 8:44 pm By Tom Blodgett Mail | X: @sp_blodgett Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is bucking negative media accounts of his personal life and is out to a strong lead in the first results for the Congressional District 5 House Republican nomination.
Lamb takes early lead on Keenan for CD5 Republican nomination
Daniel Keenan, left, and Mark Lamb are seeking the Republican Party's nomination to the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizon Congressional Distrct 5. Arizona Secretary of State Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is bucking negative media accounts of his personal life and is out to a strong lead in the first results for the Congressional District 5 House Republican nomination. Lamb has 33,072 votes for 58.7% to Daniel Keenan's 23,259 votes, which is 41.3%.
Incumbents have early trouble in Gilbert Town Council race
There are seven candidates for four Gilbert Town Council seats. Courtesy Town of Gilbert The three incumbents running to return to their seats are in early trouble from the first release of ballots Tuesday. Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni and council members Jim Torgeson and Bobbi Buchli are running fifth through seventh, the bottom of the ballot.
Republican team gets lead in Legislative District 14 first results
The Arizona Legislative District 14 candidates for Senate and a Democrat for House are running unopposed in their primaries. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett Republicans running together as a ticket raced out to a commanding lead in the first drop of ballots for Legislative District 14 House of Representatives. Newcomer Tyler Farnsworth had 10,722 votes for 41.26%, followed by the lone incumbent, Laurin Hendrix with 10,152 votes and 39.06%. Challenger Jedidiah Lyons was at 5,115 for 19.68%.
Olson out to early lead in LD10 House
The Arizona Legislative District 10 has competition for one seat without an incumbent. Independent Newsmedia/Tom Blodgett The lone incumbent from the State House of Representatives from Legislative District 10 is holding a commanding lead in the first round of results released from the primary election. Rep. Justin Olson has 12,784 votes, 43.97%. James Rogers holds a strong lead for the second spot on the November ballot with 9,769 votes for 33.6%, while Ciara Anderson trails with 6,523 and 22.43%.
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