This month marks the 100th year of women having the right to vote. My grandmother marched in support of this right. My mother was born in 1929. By then women had earned the right to vote and to own property in their own name.
It would be years before women would have the right to sign for their own credit without having a man co-sign with them. It seems that things took a long time to change “in the old days.”
Now it seems that things change faster and faster. Our city has grown over the almost 18 years that I have lived here. The 2000 census showed the population of Surprise at 34,200. I moved here in December 2002 from Los Angeles County.
By 2010, Surprise had survived the economic and financial crisis of 2008 and had grown to a city of 117,674. The estimated population is now at 141,664; a 314% growth over 2000.
Surprise used to be considered an agricultural community then a retirement community; now only 22% of the community is over the age of 65. We have our own University, Ottawa Arizona, right here in town. We are a city for people of all ages. Only 20 years and so many things have changed.
There is a new challenge facing us this year. COVID-19 brings health issues that impact our daily lives, our city’s economy and the opportunities for our children’s education.
I am looking forward to helping lead our city in dealing with these issues for the next four years; finding ways to support our local businesses and support each other as we find new ways to deal with the impact of the pandemic.
When I am asked what is the best thing about Surprise: I always say the people. People who work together to assist a family impacted by a fire. People who donate and volunteer at the local food banks. People who volunteer to take cancer patients to their treatments.
People helping people, making things better. These same people can shop at our local businesses, donate to local non-profit organizations and volunteer their time. People who care.
I have a lot to learn about my new job as your city councilmember. I want to find more ways of reaching out to the residents of District 2. Sharing what the city is doing and how District 2 can participate in citywide efforts and events.
If you have ideas for 2021 and beyond; I can be reached by email at ajcline21@gmail.com or on Facebook. I can arrange a Zoom meeting for your group or club while we can’t meet in person. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you to everyone who encouraged me, helped with my campaign and voted for me. I am ready to work for you.
Editor’s Note: Aly Cline won election to the Surprise City Council in District 2 in the Aug. 4 primary election.
