Hugh: I'm running again to continue Glendale's gains

As Glendale’s Vice Mayor and Cactus District city counci lmember, I am running because I plan to continue the positive change that has occurred in Glendale in the past decade. As one of Glendale’s leaders and policy makers, we took a city on the verge of bankruptcy to now having a AAA bond rating.

Why is this so important? It means that when the city has to issue bonds that must be repaid, it gets the most favorable and lowest interest rates possible. In essence, if Glendale had a personal FICO score it would be in the 900s.

We have created a job center around the Loop 303 corridor and at full build out the area will have more than 24,000 good paying jobs closer to home for Glendale residents. We created an ongoing street pavement program that remediates several miles of streets per year.

We have approved funding for upgrading all parks within the city. We have also begun a program to upgrade all of the city’s rights of ways over a multiple year period. Because of our successes in economic development, we have earned enough excess tax revenue to tackle these issues and more.

I have supported the economic development of VAI resort and Mattel Adventure Park as these two projects, when completed, will bring the city more than $30 million dollars each year to be used not only for city operations but to bring even more new and upgraded amenities for each and every Glendale resident.

We have not raised property taxes for eight years because in today’s economic climate every dollar counts. We continue to provide excellent water, sewer and sanitation services and are one of the very few cities in the Valley that still collect bulk trash once a month.

I have lived in Glendale my entire life. I love Glendale. My roots are deep. I know Glendale, its history, its neighborhoods and the needs of residents. I operated a successful business in Glendale for 47 years.

I have always served every person, the entire district, without favoritism. I have been and will continue to be, a strong supporter of police and fire. They have acknowledged my support by endorsing me.

My goals are simple because they are the people’s. We all want safe neighborhoods in which to raise our families. We all want clean, safe, well-built and maintained parks for our families. We all want our property values to increase or at the very least, remain stable. We want a community that still believes in faith, family and freedom.

I ask for your vote on an early ballot or in person, at the voting center on July 30. Please exercise this most fundamental right we share. Your vote for me will guarantee that Glendale remains well run, financially prosperous and a great place to live and raise a family.

Ian Hugh is the current Cactus District councl member and vice mayor. He is running for reelection.