Setting the record straight on Glendale’s Barrel District race

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OPINION — I am writing to address inaccuracies in Nalan Furniss’s letter, Barrel District voter endorses Michael Calles. As someone deeply embedded in the grassroots fight for Glendale’s neighborhoods, I cannot let them stand.

First, the implication that Lisa Baker was not there for the Glen Lakes protest is incorrect. Lisa Baker walked the walk alongside citizens, fighting to save the golf course and protecting Murphy Park with real sweat equity.

Second, I disagree with the assertion that Lisa “choked” at the candidate forum. I watched the entire forum. My question was the second one asked that evening, and Lisa jumped right in, doing a great job alongside Rory Goreé.

If we want to talk about failing to show up, let’s look at the track record. While volunteers walk in 110-degree heat, Michael Calles didn’t face the community.

I had the decency to show up for his Maricopa County Superior Court hearing. I sat there for over two hours from beginning to end, waiting for him to show his face, but he never did. His attorney and his wife spoke for him.

Furthermore, the court record shows Judge Como threw out 17 pages of his nomination petitions because they were signed illegally.

If he can’t show up for his own court hearing or properly execute a simple signature line, he has no business managing Glendale’s business.

Glendale voters deserve independent leaders who show up. The Barrel District choice on July 21 is clear: Lisa Baker and Rory Goreé.

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