Barrel District voter endorses Michael Calles for Glendale council

Nalan Furniss

Submitted photo/Nalan Furniss

OPINION — Glendale residents, here we go again; a political insider just lined up behind Lisa Baker. Former politicians and long-time political figures have every right to endorse whomever they choose. 

But I have one question: Who is speaking for the rest of us? Who is speaking for the families trying to make sense of rising water bills, residents who watched the Glen Lakes Golf Course disappear and who simply want safe streets and elected officials who actually listen?

The answer is not Lisa Baker. That’s why I’m voting for Michael Calles.

Contrary to the sentiment that Michael’s opponent and her benefactors continue to portray, that she is the most “prepared” for the job (even though I saw a woman who would choke under pressure at the Glendale Women’s Club Candidate Forum), Michael didn't suddenly become involved because there was an election.

Before he was a candidate, he was fighting to save the Glen Lakes Golf Course because he believed residents deserved to be heard. He wasn’t seeking attention. He was simply a citizen refusing to accept that ordinary people should be ignored.

Michael understands what it feels like to wonder if anyone is listening because he’s lived it himself. That’s exactly why so many volunteers are walking neighborhoods in 110-degree Arizona heat. They aren’t paid political insiders. They are citizens who believe Michael will listen, show up and fight for his neighbors.

Lisa Baker has the endorsements of political establishment politicians in Glendale like current Councilmember Bart Turner, who apparently can’t fathom a police officer and veteran coming in and making the change he couldn’t. 

I’m choosing the neighbor who showed up, and knows what it feels like to be ignored. 

I hope Glendale will, too. Join me July 21 in voting for Michael Calles.

Nalan Furniss is a retired Phoenix police officer, Barrel District resident and volunteer for Glendale City Council candidate Michael Calles. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.