Keeping Gilbert Great!

I love Gilbert. I’ve called it home for over 27 years and it has become a big part of who I am. My wife and I have chosen to raise our children here for the same reasons that many of you have chosen to do so: friendly families, strong schools, involved faith groups, and quality community design. We love the fact that Gilbert has attracted big city amenities while keeping a safe, small hometown feel.

I am optimistic about Gilbert’s future, especially when it comes to attracting business and employment. In my view, our Town has never been better positioned than it is today to capture the high-wage jobs that will strengthen our community, broaden our tax base, and enable our small businesses to thrive. For example, we have remarkable momentum in growth areas such as the biomedical industry. We also have a huge economic engine developing in nearby Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. And finally, we have available land and buildings that are well connected and ready for development.

These truly are unprecedented times ”“ and we are well positioned for a bright future. I am excited to help because my small-business background and my economic development experience at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council are tailor-made for our times. I believe I can add an important perspective that will enable our community to reach its economic goals much faster than we might otherwise.

In addition to economic development, Gilbert will face several other critical issues over the next few years that call for the experience of a leader who sees things from a business perspective, including: balancing the Town budget, hiring a new Town Manager, and keeping the community clean, safe and vibrant while remaining fiscally responsible. We will need to streamline processes, employ technology where it creates efficiencies, and encourage public-private partnerships to ensure that Gilbert residents get the most value for their money and that the community remains one of the most desirable places to live and work in the country. All of this will protect our property values and contribute to our economic development success.

As I said at the outset, I have a passion for our Town. I am grateful for how Gilbert has shaped my life over the years and I look forward to contributing my time back to the community to show my appreciation. Please join with me as we keep Gilbert great!

Please learn more about my tradition of service to the Town and my business background in real estate development consulting at www.bencooperforcouncil.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bencooperforcouncil.

Jay’s Note: I have invited all of the candidates running for Gilbert Town Council to publish a guest post here. This should not be construed as an endorsement for any particular candidate. Nor is this in any way connected to my position as a Commissioner on the Town of Gilbert’s Redevelopment Commission. I’m simply providing another venue for all of the candidates to get their message out to the residents of our lovely Town of Gilbert. I do encourage you to vote on May 17, 2011. Our local elected officials can have a tremendous impact on our daily lives, so please vote for the candidates of your choice!