Join us for an engaging discussion!
Wednesday, October 15th 6-8 pm
HD South - Home of the Gilbert Museum
10 S Gilbert Rd Gilbert, Az 85296
Register Here

Gilbert’s at a crossroads. With a $14 million shortfall, how do we fund essentials like public safety, roads, and parks without breaking the bank? Sales tax is shaky—is property tax the stable solution? Join the conversation, not the conflict. Weigh the trade-offs, ask tough questions, and shape Gilbert’s future—together.

Join us for an engaging and informative evening at Talk 16 - The Price of Progress: Is Primary Property Tax the Answer? hosted by Gilbert Talks.

Featured Speakers:

• Kenny Buckland – Town of Gilbert Councilmember
  Kenny has been focused on growing his leadership skills for almost 40 years. From his teenage years of managing the family business to being second in command of the Gilbert Police Department, serving numerous roles, including SWAT Commander. Kenny spearheaded the Data Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS) program, where with no more time, staffing, or money, Gilbert reduced crime by 46% in the highest crime area. Kenny also served as Class Commander for DDACTS training to agencies around the nation. After retiring, Kenny supported law enforcement in counterterrorism and protecting our borders as a senior leader in long range surveillance technology. Additionally, Kenny has owned his own business in document scanning and video redactions, has served as a global crisis manager, and served as a Senior Director in both Sales and Strategic Partnerships. Purpose has been his north star. Servant leadership has been the key to success.

• René Guillen - Deputy Director at the Arizona League of Citie and Towns
  Mr. Guillen was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the University of Arizona, where he graduated with a degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology. He began working in politics in 2003 when he interned for the Arizona House of Representatives. He returned to work as research staff for the House in 2005. In 2010 he began working for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and in 2011 he became their Legislative Director. In January 2015, he became the Policy Advisor on Government and Transportation for Governor Doug Ducey. In the fall of 2017, he left the Ducey administration to join the Town of Gilbert to serve as their Director of Intergovernmental Relations.

• Monte Lyons – Town of Gilbert Councilmember
  Monte Lyons was elected to the Gilbert Town Council in July 2024. Monte is an Air Force veteran and has worked as a tradesman as well as held managerial and leadership roles in aerospace manufacturing for over 40 years. Monte has a degree in Aerospace Science with an A&P license, a BA in Business from Tabor College, and a MA in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Abilene Christian University. He and his wife Lisa have been married over 40 years, and 5 of their 7 children call Gilbert home. Monte loves reading in his spare time and enjoys hiking and anything aerospace.

• Kelly Pfost - Director of Management and Budget for Gilbert, Arizona
  Kelly Pfost is the Director of Management and Budget for Gilbert, Arizona, overseeing the development of a $2 billion annual budget. She plays a key role in ensuring fiscal sustainability, contributing to the Town’s AAA bond rating from all major credit agencies. With over 15 years of experience in long-term financial modeling, Kelly previously worked for a municipal consulting firm in Salt Lake City and South Jordan City, Utah. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from BYU-Idaho and an MPA from BYU. Kelly is passionate about numbers and effective financial planning.

Details:

• Light snacks will be provided
• RSVP strongly recommended
• Seats are limited, so reserve your spot early

Our mission:

The mission of Gilbert Talks is to foster constructive community dialogue around issues of importance in Gilbert for purposes of enriching understanding, motivating engagement, and promoting effective policymaking. The founders of Gilbert Talks saw a world of increasingly sharp divisions, entrenched positions, and harsh rhetoric. It remains our belief that there is a better way.

Keep up to date at www.gilberttalks.org.

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