Surprise City Councilman Alton to meet weekly with residents

Surprise City Councilman Richard Alton is implementing weekly morning meetings with residents to better understand his district's needs.

"I think I'm going to have the possibility for some great dialogue," Alton said. "I can get a true sense of what my constituency would really like me to do for them."

The meetings will take place 8-9 a.m. every Monday, beginning next week, at JB's Restaurant, 15955 W. Clearview Blvd., Sun City Grand. The meetings are open to the public, but Alton especially wants to hear from his District 2 constituents.

Alton is the second councilman to begin hosting informal "coffee talk" sessions with residents. District 3 Councilman John Williams has been holding community meetings since taking office in January.

Until recently, Alton had been fielding questions from Sun City Grand residents at the retirement community's homeowner association meetings.

However, Alton said that was not an ideal setting.

During those HOA meetings, residents have to ask questions from a podium at the front of the room. Alton said he felt the set-up was too intimidating for some residents. He wanted a more casual setting.

During the Sun City Grand meetings, Alton also shared time with Councilman John Longabaugh, who shares a large constituency in the retirement community.

"Longabaugh is there. I'm there. And we're basically saying the same stuff as it comes to general council (issues)," Alton said. "Why do that?"

Alton's district includes most residents in Sun City Grand that live east of Loop 303. His district also includes the Bell West Ranch development.

Alton's meetings will take place on JB's patio, which is heated in the winter and has misting devices for the summer.

Richard Alton