12 Dec. 15 - Jan. 18, 2008
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
Sepulveda from Page 1
happen during my absence. I don’t members can appoint someone to “I think what caused a lot of issue back then was that
comment on military or family that seat as a temporary member we had never been through it before. So lots of the
status during deployments, for until the elected member returns. discussion was about how to go about doing it. So it
various reasons. “Last time, in my opinion, we took some time to come up with the procedure. Once
“I appreciate your interest, but I were not able to have a temporary we had the procedure, the process itself went fi ne.”
can assure you that my deployment replacement because of the However, many Chandler residents were left
is no different from the thousands politics that existed on the Council wondering why the Council could never agree on a
of others who have deployed at that time,” Dunn shares. “This replacement for Sepulveda at that time.
since the war began. Personally, I Council is different. There’s new “We had a lot of great fi nalists and then we got hung
think your biggest challenge is to membership, and we now have a up at the end,” Dunn says. “During that time there
convey that we are still at war. The Council that focuses primarily on were Council members who felt like it had to be one
average person appears to have getting the business of the City individual and no other individual. And I think that
no connection or interest in this done. And I think the Council will will be avoided this time because I feel like that was
war, unless it creates some sort of want a replacement in order to be a very political situation and I think now we have a
inconvenience. I have no interest effective in doing the business of Council that doesn’t want to get into those politics,
in garnering attention to what I the City.” that we want to choose someone who will be the
chose to do many years ago.” best individual, probably with experience that will
Tie votes could help these Council members with critical upcoming
First deployment stall action issues.”
precedent setting
STSN fi le photo
If the Council is again left with Regardless of the process, Bigos shares that the
According to Dave Bigos,
DEPLOYING: Martin Sepulveda, a
six members, it could lead to less City’s thoughts are with Sepulveda and his family and
mayor and city council assistant, commander in the Navy Reserves and action and more possible ties that everyone involved will work hard to make the
Sepulveda was deployed and
a Chandler Council member, will be
redeployed to Iraq. This photo was taken
during a period where the Council transition process as smooth as possible.
vacated his Council seat previously from his last tour of duty in Iraq in 2005. will be making critical decisions “I commend him,” shares Dunn. “I have enormous
in August of 2005, returning in about the budget and numerous respect for his willingness to serve this country, and
February of 2006. At the time of his departure, no upcoming projects. we’ve been very supportive of that with his pay. I
offi cial process was in place regarding how to handle “There would be a potential for tie votes,” states think, on the other hand, we just need to be able
the vacated seat. Bigos. “So, yes, I believe it would be important to to get through this to make certain that we have
“After his departure, the Council agreed upon a fi nd a replacement during the Council member’s full representation as we continue making critical
process to fi ll the vacant seat,” says Bigos. “However, absence.” decisions for the City.”
a series of 3-3 tie votes on potential candidates left the Mayor Dunn agrees and has deep convictions about
seat open.” how that replacement will be chosen.
Natalie Morris is a freelance writer and lives with her husband
The current City charter states that once the City “I feel very strongly that it needs to be a process
and their two sons in Cooper Commons. She can be reached at
Natalie@SanTanSun.com.
Council receives confi rmation that a Council member where the citizens have the opportunity to apply and
will be absent for more than three months, the other six ask to be considered for appointment,” asserts Dunn.
Memorial golf Mercy Gilbert adds beds, units
tournament planned
Two new patient units open their doors early next 28-room Post Surgical Unit. The facility will provide
year at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. care to patients who receive general surgical
An upcoming golf tournament celebrates the life of
The 22-bed Lund Family Pediatric and Adolescent procedures involving the gallbladder, appendix, ear,
John Lepito, a respected golf professional at Ocotillo
Unit will provide health care services to East Valley nose and throat, vascular system, urological system,
Golf Resort who passed away from pancreatic cancer
children ages 17 and younger. The facility will feature gynecological system and breast.
in October 2006.
private rooms; a KidsZone playroom with movies, “In preparation of the unit opening, we are taking
The 1st Annual John Lepito Memorial Golf
toys, books and arts and crafts activities; and a Chill several steps to ensure we will provide quality care
Tournament is held Jan. 13, with all proceeds
Room in which teens can relax, enjoy music, play for our patients,” says Director Veronica Bargas.
benefi ting the 1st Tee Program of Arizona, a nonprofi t
video games or use a computer. “For example, the nursing staff will be collaborating
organization that provides junior golfers with
The Kids Korner Grocery and Café will be open 24 with our Operating Room department … to ensure
affordable access to the game.
hours a day, and the facility offers accommodations consistency in patient care.”
To learn more about the tournament and how to
for parents who wish to stay overnight with their Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is currently hiring
get involved, visit www.ocotillogolf.com.
child. registered nurses for both the Lund Family Pediatric
“We have a specialized pediatric nursing staff who and Adolescent Unit and the Post Surgical Unit.
know it’s important for kids to be kids even when Applicants must have an Arizona state RN license in
they’re in the hospital,” explains Director Deanna good standing and a current Basic Life Support card.
Grey. The center is located at Val Vista Drive and the Santan
The facility, due to open Feb. 4, was named for the Freeway. To learn more about job requirements,
Lund family, which donated $2.5 million for Mercy call human resources at 480-728-8396 or visit
Gilbert’s Tower B expansion. www.mercygilbert.org.
Also scheduled to open Feb. 4 is Mercy Gilbert’s
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