Lecture 5 Discussion

Viewing of the posted video is one more sad reminder of the heartless criminals out among us who would harm an innocent child. Victim crimes are the most heinous actions against another human being because it is against their will, causes harm as well as knocking inherent individuality. In an urban context, crime is described as 'social disorganization with increasing occurrences of crime.' Within large clusters of population, a psychology for criminal activities is different from that of a smaller city or settlement. The never-get-caught or needle-in-a-haystack mentality is absolutely present and responsibility for these actions are not owned up to. The motivation behind crimes vary but often times they are for economic reasons, such is the case for stealing from the rich or better privileged to help the poor, or needy. But victim crimes, are in a class of their own and should be punished such as with the man (Norfleet) who murdered poor James Darby. Bless the family members who must deal with heartache after a loved one is forcefully removed from their lives. Social architecture and legislation must act effectively in deterring would be criminals from offenses, most importantly those who harm others. The 1994 Crime Bill brought about increased police forces, billions in new law enforcement funding as well as expansion of the death penalty and ban on assault weapons. Measures in place to deter criminals from acting out against society in the first place is what LOCAL governments should strive more and more for. Our Justice systems must be maintained with truth and a genuine regard for the law, but on a different plane, citizens can't keep paying the cost of those who choose to harm others' lives. Officers should act against violence in a conscientious manner and not allow their position of power to ever get the better of them. Within our communities however, a civilized society begins with keeping your head down, working hard, having strong family values and appreciating your safety and freedom.

Lecture 4 Discussion

Tempe's All American City image comes to life in many parts of the city, but especially so in our downtown area. The video skillfully showed Phoenix metro area in a macro view on Google Earth and further zoomed into Tempe on the map. Tempe is adjacent to Phoenix proper but also is nearly in the middle of the metropolitan area. This is a beneficial feature for our prospective business investors, as central location lends to increased visibility by area residents and property value. For the multitude of reasons in which Tempe would be an ideal city for relocation of a company, the stand out is our terrific weather and static disposition in terms of geological and climate concerns. Our recreational activities throughout the Valley cannot be matched in terms of accessibility to hiking and attractions near bodies of water. The cost of living in Arizona is considerably lower than in many other parts of the country. What's more, many established and well recognized companies such as US Airways, Edward Jones, Circle K and Lifelock call Tempe and the Greater Phoenix Area home. An up and coming high tech sector, Tempe has the commercial space and infrastructure to promote further development, especially in and around the vacant land adjacent to Tempe Town Lake, another attractor to the region. Settled into a 3 square mile enclave, downtown tempe, the mill avenue district and Arizona State University comprise an urban core with a multitude of amenities, arguably more so than any of the other cities around the Valley. Tempe's urban, sophisticated and fun feel offers affordability and comfort to prospective business investors. What better investment than to select a place where the citizens are actually alive and active participants in the community?

Lecture 3 Discussion

“It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly, and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick the needy and the handicapped.”  - Herbert Humphrey. The type of giving mindset relative to this statement is wonderful in theory. I think it important as a public servant to remember though your particular job in helping those in the immediate community. When we consider the rate of poverty in the United States, especially since the onset of as it is known, 'The Great Recession', citizens have become increasingly dependent on their local governments as well as the federal government for aid. This type of expenditure is wearing thin on our ability to retain fiscal responsibility when we spend. Poverty as we know is caused on a multi-level continuum, and often times an individual surrounded by poverty in the family, neighborhood, school district and the like cannot escape it. Our government has in place its social security program which assists those after retirement. Policies we should work towards in the coming years of budget shortfalls should target retirees, that they may have the means to handle their own care an finances after retirement age. In addition, we must implement policies and mindsets that perpetuate the move of poverty-stricken people to methods of incentive-based programs so that money is not just being freely disbursed. Within poverty, we know that minimum wage laws attempt at bringing up the poverty level, however, the most surefire way to ensure citizens and needy workers to get paid is to have jobs. Positions in and around cities should be catered to said citizens providing services for fair pay and compensation. Essentially contracting out jobs for those who are able goes back to the 'carrot and stick' analogy discussed in class. My hope is that people realize their innate potential for greatness, and at no point would I suggest that people should be complacent with receiving welfare checks, rather having the audacity to affect change in the world and earn their respective livings.

Lecture 2 Discussion

Merry Christmas, ya'll! Here's your annual Holiday Letter from the Flembergshiretonstein's:

The family is great and the alpacas are healthy! 2011 was a great year for everyone. The boys are both excelling in school as well as water polo, and Lanolin is faring well with her breeding responsibilities out in the West Valley. I recently just became the city manager with the city of Phoenix, and as such we as a family have decided to relocate closer to downtown, as the nature of my job requires so. We are in the process of house hunting right now and I've forgotten how much there is to consider, especially now that Lanolin and I have grown boys. But duty calls! Property values are decreased and getting into a home within the central city is easier and more financially feasible than ever. We want to take into account the high schools around the inner city, both for academic reasons and safety. Proximity for us to transportation infrastructure is also going to weigh in on our decision of location. We now are about become part of the centripetal force I wrote my thesis on. I feel to concentrated area of Phoenix is where my heart lies, absolutely fitting within the Alonso Model. I understand the economic differences in areas of the city, and however ideal it would be to live in the transition zone, this might not be the best option in terms of safety and security of my family. We might default to a condo, since Benny is going to college this coming fall. At least transportation costs will be almost none! Even if we decide to renovate something, its these kind of steps that folks take to have personal initiative and work to make their communities great. I've always said I wanted to affect change in my city! Hope you all are well!

The Flembergshiretonstein's

Lecture 1 Discussion

First of all, I was pleased to learn that the class session was only going to be a 7-week segment, so the first day held plenty of encouragement. It was nice to know that even on the first day we were hearing feedback from other students in the class. I very much enjoy debate and open discussion courses, as I believe it adds to the learning environment even more so than just lecture material alone. Urban studies as a whole is a fascinating subject matter that is exceptionally interdisciplinary, and as we discovered in class encompasses administration, economics, politics, finance, sociology, planning/design and even historical aspects. The premise surrounding a 'city' is central to the human condition. As the epicenter of a region, cities play an important role in the aforementioned disciplines. I think the most interesting concept discussed in lecture however, was that of the public choice theory. In mot cases, we hold our elective representatives in the utmost of expectations. When considering individualism and statism, it is assumed that the constituents in a representative area hold officials to be honorable and altruistic, as we believe that they should serving the public. Citizens should abdicate for less government intervention in their lives, but more importantly holding officials accountable to work towards a collective yet unobtrusive local governance system. With Phoenix's system of government, we see an acceptable tax rate, an increasingly larger network of transit options, as well as appropriate spending on police and public services for citizens in America's 5th largest city. I look forward to the continuing experience in URB 240; lets remember the open discussion format. Enjoy!

URB240 Intro, Rett Jonilonis

Garett 'Rett' Jonilonis
I was born December 27, 1990 in San Diego, CA (this makes me a Chargers fan) but have grown up mostly in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ. I have one younger sister, Tea (14), as well as parents Jason (Executive Chef) and Cassandra (Realtor), also both natives of San Diego. I am employed by Fox Restaurant Concepts as a restaurant manager for Sauce Pizza & Wine at the Waterfront location in Scottsdale. 

I recently transferred back to the Phoenix Metro area to finish my Bachelors in Urban & Metropolitan Studies (downtown campus) as well as a minor in Urban Planning at ASU. I am living in Tempe in a house with three other roommates who I knew from high school. After my BS, I would like to pursue a Master's either here at ASU or return to San Diego to complete a MA at a university and start a life there. Career-wise, Im still not entirely sure what I would like to do, but have taken interest in city planning, government administration, and real estate development.

When I'm not working or in class, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing soccer or expanding my knowledge of the world by reading various news and political articles. I'm an avid fan of Apple products and absolutely baby my Macbook Air and iPhone 4; I consider myself to be a 'techie'. I recently 'became a father' back in March to a beautiful male German Shepherd named Koa. As of January 23rd, he will be a year old. I'm looking forward to this semester in URB240!