For Immediate Release

Surprise voters defeat General Obligation Bonds, General Plan update

Surprise AZ (November 3, 2009) Surprise voters said no to a proposed $184.9 million General Obligation Bond issuance Tuesday, and on the same ballot rejected the city's revised General Plan, according to unofficial results from the Maricopa County Elections Department.

Of 14,820 votes cast in the General Obligation Bond question, 72% (10,671) were "no" votes and 28% (4,149) were "yes" votes.

"We wanted to know the thoughts of our residents on bonds, which is why we moved the bond proposal to the ballot in July," said Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt. "Now that residents have decided that this is not the right time to issue bonds, I know they will understand and be patient that some of our transportation and street repair issues will not be addressed as quickly as all of us would like."

Of the 14,682 votes cast in the General Plan 2030 question, 58.33% (8,564) were "no" votes and 41.67% (6,118) were "yes" votes.

"It's unfortunate that the plan did not receive voter support," said Community Development Director Jeff Mihelich. "We will conduct additional public outreach meetings over the next year, reminding residents that a General Plan does not raise taxes, but serves as a blueprint for responsible growth. "We will likely ask council and voters to consider this again in November 2010."

-30-