April 14, 2004

Steve Venker
Planning and Zoning Manager
City of Tempe
P.O. Box 5002
Tempe, AZ 85281

Dear Mr. Venker:

I have learned that one of the City of Tempe Planning and Zoning Commissioners, Michael Cruza, may have a conflict of interest which would make his current position as a Commissioner highly suspect, and perhaps a violation of rules governing such matters.

  Assuming this is the same Michael C. Cruza who is the President and CEO of The Summit Group, it would appear that Mr. Cruza’s firm has done business with various clients that may have matters before the Commission. In addition one of the clients of The Summit Group has been the City of Tempe itself, as well as several elected Tempe officials.

 Here is a small sampling of Summit clients, found on the Web site of the The Summit Group (www.summitgroupnet.com):

Hugh Hallman
Leonard Copple
Keno Hawken
Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Tempe Visitor and Convention Center
Family Dollar
Westcor
Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
Arizona Association of Realtors
Wal-Mart
Sam’s Club  

The list found on the Web site is much longer, but probably far from complete. Due to the extensive business dealings Mr. Cruza has with a wide range of corporate clients and political leaders, he can hardly hope to be an unbiased Commissioner. It would seem to be impossible for him to recuse himself from considering every matter on which he might appear to have a conflict.

 I would ask that you please take appropriate action to rectify this situation immediately.

 Sincerely,

 
Dan Frazier                                    

CC: Tempe City Council, Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune, New Times.