The ACMA Harvard Scholarship committee received several outstanding applications this year from members interested in attending the Harvard Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program. After much discussion the scholarships were awarded to Gayle Mabery, Town Manager for the City of Clarkdale and Gary Burroughs, Deputy City Administrator for the City of Yuma. Read more

(Phoenix) - Arizona's cities and towns stand united in their opposition to a rate reduction in the state income tax, but would support the use of surplus revenue for infrastructure investment or even a one-time tax rebate. Read more

The most comprehensive conference on rebuilding economies and communities after a disaster, Restoration 2006 takes place at the New Orleans Sheraton on May 16-17. The conference's keynote speakers include George Foresman, America's first under secretary for preparedness at the Department of Homeland Security; James Lee Witt, former director of FEMA; and PBS's Ray Suarez, who will speak as well as host an interactive Town Hall where experts will discuss effective community recovery strategies. Read more

Arizona State University in partnership with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns are hosting the ninth annual orientation program for newly elected municipal officials Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10 at the ASU Downtown Center in Phoenix. Read more

The Summer Conference Planning Committee chaired by Gilbert Davidson, Assistant City Manager, Town of Marana meet for the first time on Friday, April 14, 2006. The committee worked together to develop ideas for a program that will appeal to members working for small and large jurisdictions. Read more

By Roxann Favors, MPIA
It is my pleasure and honor to serve as the 2006 Associate Chair. I wanted to take a moment and speak about the upcoming programming for the Associates Committee. With the support of the members of the Associate Committee, this year's programming activities will affirm ACMA strategic areas of Learning and Advocacy. Read more

ACMA and ICMA have partnered to offer a scholarship to the 92nd Annual ICMA Conference in San Antonio, Texas September 10-13, 2006. The scholarship recipient will receive a complimentary conference registration from ICMA and ACMA will reimburse 75% of the recipient's travel expenses up to $1,000. Read more

By Elizabeth Kellar Deputy Executive Director ICMA
Information Provided courtesy of ICMA

1. Hold yourself to a higher standard than is required. Your action may be legal but unethical. Some people see a line in the sand and ask how close they can get to it without crossing it. This line, however, is a starting point. Stay as far away from the "unethical" line as possible, to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Be sure your local government has an ethics law or ordinance. Just as important, actively promote and reinforce the ethical values that your organization supports. Read more

If you are an ACMA member in transition and would like your contact information featured in this section, please contact Mary Vinzant at 602-258-5786 or mvinzant@azleague.org.

Membership dues for in-transition members are waived for one year and in-transition members receive complimentary registration to a summer and winter conference. ACMA members are encouraged to contact these individuals to offer support and/or information about employment opportunities.

We are pleased to welcome Greg Flynn to the League staff. Greg will be the Staff Associate in the Member Services Division and will work primarily with the Government Finance Officers Association and the Arizona City/County Management Association. He recently graduated from ASU with a degree in Finance. We are excited to have him on board. Welcome Greg!

Deputy City Administrator, City of Yuma

Where are you originally from?
I enjoyed life as a farmer in Northeast Arkansas in the small rural town of Manila. School, hard work, hunting and fishing were my typical activities.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in local government?
I had the honor and privilege of serving over 20 years in the United States Army in the Corps of Engineers branch in both Combat and Construction Engineering positions. Read more

Town Manager, Town of Clarkdale

Where are you originally from?
I was actually born and raised right here in Clarkdale, Arizona and am a lifelong Arizonan. During my years as Town Manager in Clarkdale (8+), I've had the opportunity to visit with a number of colleagues, in Arizona and in other States and countries, who have also had the good fortune of managing in their hometowns. We all seem to be in consensus that, just like any other city/county management position, although there can be unique challenges; the positives far outweigh any negatives!

Why did you decide to pursue a career in local government?
Public service runs deep in my family. Both my parents retired from teaching, and years ago my father served on the volunteer Fire Department, on several Town Boards and Commissions, and on the Town Council. Read more