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Excellent time to live in Mesquite: Annual address focuses on city accomplishments
Mesquite Mayor John Monaco thanks a volunteer during the city's annual Addressing Mesquite Day event. - Photo courtesy of Wayne Larson / city of Mesquite
By Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnews.com
Several city employees and community members received praise from one of the city's leaders on Friday, Feb. 1. Mesquite Mayor John Monaco delivered his annual State of the City address during the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce awards dinner, during which he praised the Mesquite community for its level of excellence.
He began the speech by naming some of the former mayors and leaders who helped to shape the city into what it is today.
"I know in the past you have heard me say, I truly believe I stand upon the shoulders of our past mayors as I serve you today, and I am grateful for the privilege," Monaco said.
"I am proud to report this evening that in 2012 we had a little more than 1,100 volunteers from 42 groups work on 87 homes. In our eight-year history of Addressing Mesquite Day, we have been blessed with more than 3,500 volunteers who have donated more than 14,500 hours, with the result of improving more than 400 homes in our community," Monaco said. "Many of these homes are owned by senior citizens and single parents who have temporarily fallen on hard times and need a helping hand."
He then praised the community for its efforts to donate more than 10,000 pounds of food to the mayor's canned food drive over the past four years.
Monaco also added praise to the Santa Cop program.
"Mesquite's annual Santa Cop Toy Run was started in the 1970s by police officer Reece Bullard. His goal was to provide toys for children of single moms who lived in his apartment complex," Monaco said. "Mesquite's Santa Cop Toy Run, which began with a little red wagon, now requires two 18-wheeler trucks to distribute these gifts of love."
Monaco recognized the city's public servants for their efforts to make the city a better place to live. He mentioned the city's reduction in crime and the fire department's high rating by the Insurance Services Office as prime examples of the their dedication to excellence within the city.
Monaco then transitioned into recognizing the economic growth within the city and the members of the city staff and leadership who help to form relationships with the business community.
"All this wonderful industrial growth is due to the teamwork of our city council, the city manager's office and our city planning staff," Monaco said.
Monaco addressed the city's public works department and airports for their efforts to add to the city as well. He mentioned the addition of traffic cameras within the city and the airport's control tower, which is under construction, as prime examples of excellence.
Monaco then turned his attention to the city's COMPASS project. The mayor has been a strong proponent of the efforts to bring mass transportation to Mesquite. COMPASS is a joint agreement with DART to allow a park-and-ride shuttle service from Mesquite to DART's Lawnview Rail Station.
"The result of that contract is that, as of today, COMPASS has transported more than 25,000 commuters to other DART buses and light rail. COMPASS, through its access to DART, provides service to 12 cities in a 700-square-mile area. All of this for just $7 a day," Monaco said. "So, as Mesquite moves forward with COMPASS and the dream of light rail, think of its possibilities."
Monaco recognized the Mesquite ISD for its efforts to promote excellence within the city.
"They earned a five-star rating, the highest rating given by the state of Texas, for achieving academic success through cost-effective operations. This is the third consecutive year the MISD has received this honor," Monaco said.
The address then focused on a prerecorded video that highlighted some of the city's park and recreation amenities and programs. The video provided some comic relief to the speech by featuring Monaco with various props.
Following the video, Monaco addressed the arts council's successes with innovative new programs and events that add culture to the city.
"In 2012 our arts center hosted 17 different arts groups that attracted more than 61,000 attendees at approximately 500 events," Monaco said.
Monaco praised the city's community development department for its efforts to improve the appearance of the city. He mentioned the Casa View Heights Revitalization Program as an example of how the department has helped improve the city.
He concluded his speech by recognizing several people within the community who make it a better place, including the current city councilmembers in attendance.
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