Castlegate Community

So the Zip changes very soon. Are we San Tan Valley now????????????

I havn't received anything official yet from the post office or county, but If what I hear is correct, San Tan Valley is our new "city" name.

We received a notice from the PO about a month ago regarding the zip code change. Its effective today but with a 1-year grace period.

I did email Mr. Martyn a day after the new name was publicized to express my disappointment with how the process was handled. My email and his response is below.

 Thank you for taking the time to write.  I completely agree that the best course of action would have included an officially sanctioned and county funded election.  Unfortunately, the time and fiscal constraints necessitated the path that was selected.

As economic development remains a priority within the community, I can assure you that achieving an identity is critical.  Improved economic development will help to reduce taxes, improve services, improve quality of life, and make the area a place where our grandchildren will choose to raise their children.

As you have stated, I hope it is clear where I stand.  I am committed to making this area the very best that it can be.

 It is my hope that the community will begin to rally around a shared identity.  Only together can we achieve the potential that awaits all of San Tan Valley, AZ.

 Sincerely,

Bryan

 Bryan Martyn

Pinal County Supervisor-District 2

(520) 866-6104

(480) 982-0659

 6/24/2009 2:30:31>>> PM >>>

Mr. Martyn:

As a resident who lives within the boundaries of the area affected by this name change, I feel compelled to let you know how disappointed I am at the process by which it came about.

There are approximately 80,000 residents in this area and judging by the number of those who actually cast a vote, its far less than a majority.

Wouldn't it have been more appropriate, since this has become more than a postal issue, but rather an issue by which a County Supervisor was involved that something was mailed to ALL the residents informing them of the plans, the meeting and voting. Not everyone is involved in their communities, or even have online access where I know a lot of discussions took place.

I had really hoped that you were going to be different than your predecessor but I see that is not the case.  You are an elected official who is supposed to doing what's best for all the residents in your district.  Even though I think this name change pales in comparison to the other dire issues our County and residents face, it is clear where you stand. I just hope that in the future that the County makes the wise decision to involve the entire population of San Tan Valley and not just the selected few.

I too e-mailed Bryan and received a responce and a letter that I guess went out to some people.  I will post below.  As far as I am concerned Bryan had a name picked out and nothing was going to change his mind.  I did read that he had started talking with HOA's in Feb. of this year, I would certainly think that would give Pinal County plenty of time to conduct a public vote.  Well Bryan has been in office since Nov. and is not up for re-election until Nov 2010, how much more damage can he do ?

Thanks for taking the time to write.  Attached is a map of the area.  I am up for re-election in November 2010.  Below is a letter that explains why things came down the way they did.

Let me know if you want to talk in person.

Bryan

480-982-0659

Community,

Much has been questioned about the current name change process.  Please allow me to explain the process and I ask for your help to get the word out.

The reason for the accelerated timeline has nothing to do with pushing an agenda.  It has more to do with convenience for the businesses and citizens.

As you may or may not know, the zip codes are changing on July 1st, 2009.

Although we have a year to make the transition, many businesses/individuals are in the process of changing letterhead and the like.  The costs associated with these changes can be into the thousands of dollars.  Therein lies the rush.  How do we get a name/zip change at the same time?  We hustle and try to talk to as many citizens as possible given the constraints of time and money.  With no newspaper in the community, that is a tough task.

We quickly started the process of talking to various HOAs throughout the community to get some ideas about a name.  The Greater San Tan Area is currently home to almost 80,000 people spread over 67 square miles.  It was quickly apparent that this would be an exercise in compromise.  The HOAs in the north chose names that they identified with; Pecan Groves, The Groves, etc...  The communities in the south leaned towards San Tan-centric names; San Tan Foothills, San Tan Heights, etc...  This is where the compromise comes in.

We explained that San Tan, AZ is a community in the Gila Reservation and was not an option.  Then we went on to explain that the name should not be area specific.  The following is a list of some of the names that met the criteria of compromise:

Historical Precedent-  Johnson Ranch, AZ; Schnepf, AZ; Gantzel, AZ; Combs, AZ; Magma, AZ; Poston, AZ Native Plants- Ironwood, AZ; Mesquite, AZ; Ocotillo, AZ

Landmarks- Bella Vista, AZ; Meridian, AZ; Skyline, AZ; San Tan Vistas, AZ

Of course, there are dozens and dozens of names available.  But, we are looking for a name that represents a compromise.  Consistently, Bella Vista, AZ was the most common compromise.  Was it perfect?  No, but could most people live with it? Yes.

This is were I humbly ask for your help.  A decision needs to be made.

Given the constraints of time and resources, I made a decision to go with Bella Vista, AZ.  It was, in fact, not my personal favorite.  San Tan Vistas, AZ was my choice (even though it could be argued as area specific).

Nonetheless, Tisha Castillo has offered to help get the word out.  I have

asked the US Postal Service for and additional week.  They originally asked for two weeks.  The goal is to have a name and the zip change at the same time.    

Sincerely,

Bryan     

Bryan Martyn

Pinal County Supervisor-District 2

(520) 866-6104

(480) 982-0659