November 6, 2007

Tax group collecting members; Candidates outline goals for coming year
By Zach Colick, Independent Newspapers

Sun City Taxpayer’s Association members have received membership renewal forms in the mail and are privy to vote in the organization’s Board of Directors election through Nov. 25.

This year, four candidates are running for four open spots on the organization’s Board of Directors. They face no competition and their terms in office will run through 2010.

A single membership in the SCTA, which provides residents with information and referrals to save them money or where to seek such information, is $10 and a household membership $20 for one year, said Tracy Spoon, executive director.

Ballots and renewal statements with either a $10 single membership or $20 household membership must be returned by Sunday, Nov. 25, according to an e-mail.

The Independent conducted phone interviews with each candidate running for office last week.

Bruce MacDonald

Bruce MacDonald served as president of the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association Board of Directors this year and is running again for a spot on the board because the association is facing a “critical time” in monitoring cost of living and utility bill increases.

“The Taxpayer’s (Association) makes a huge contribution to the quality of life for Sun City residents,” he said. “We analyze the need and impact on individuals and also strive for low-cost living for all Sun City residents.”

Mr. MacDonald believes it is advantageous for residents to seek out financial assistance from state and federal agencies, like the Area Agency on Aging and Social Security Administration, for cost-saving, tax-related and other financial matters.

He attended Tufts University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1943 before serving as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II.

Mr. MacDonald spent his professional career in banking in Medford, Mass., and was a vice president and trust officer for a local bank.

He and wife, June, moved to Sun City from the northeast and Mr. MacDonald said he became involved with his church and other groups, including the Military Order of World Wars, American Legion Post 62, National Sojourners, Union Lodge AF & AM, Aleppo Shrine, West Valley Scottish Rite and High Twelve.

Arthur Millspaw

With him on board, Arthur Millpsaw said he hopes to continue the success the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association is having by helping those in financial straits as he believes those living on Social Security “did not get much help this year.”

Mr. Millspaw, who has served on the Board of Directors for a year, said the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association is around for needy people to save money.

“There’s plenty of resources here at the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association, (residents) just have to find out what we do and how we do it,” he said. “They’ll be very happy with what they see.”

He believes spreading the word about what the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association does -- it is in a membership recruiting drive -- benefits the association and residents.

Mr. Millspaw was born in Ellington, N.Y., and he spent his early years predominantly in New York. During his professional career, he worked for both General Railroad Signal and Wells Fargo.

He put in 22 years with General Railroad Signal before leaving and also worked for Wells Fargo in their armored truck service. Mr. Millspaw made his way to Arizona from Denver and settled in Sun City in 1991. He enjoys Major League Baseball’s Spring Training season and works at the Peoria Sports Complex.

He is also involved with the West Valley Shrine Club and is a member and usher at Lakeview Methodist Church. Mr. Millspaw is involved with his Neighborhood Watch group and enjoys helping his neighbors.

Kenneth Mitchell

Kenneth Mitchell serves on the Board of Directors and is seeking re-election to reach out to residents about what the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association offers, noting Sun City is a nice place to live and wants it to continue to thrive.

Mr. Mitchell said the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association is an organization he believes in and wants to help those who are struggling financially by lobbying on their behalf in front of the Arizona Corporation Commission regarding utility rate increases.

“If we don’t do it, you’re going to be paying a heck of a lot more in monthly bills,” he said.

Mr. Mitchell was born and raised in Dodgeville, Wis., where he attended grade school and high school. He attended college for a time at the University of Maryland and served in the Air Force for four years before settling in the Chicago area.

He moved to the Phoenix area in 1956 and began working as a plant supervisor for AT&T, Mountain States and US West for 32 years before retiring. Mr. Mitchell moved to Sun City in 1989 and became involved with the Masons, West Valley Scottish Rite, West Valley Shrine Club and Lakeview Methodist church.

Marv Worthen

Marv Worthen serves as the area coordinator for the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program and is a regular face at the Sun City Taxpayer’s Association office. He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, and graduated from high school in Fort Madison, before attending college at the University of Iowa.

Mr. Worthen served in the Navy from 1951 until 1955. He then attended San Jose State University and graduated in 1957 before attending California State University-Fullerton and Long Beach State University for post-graduate courses. He later obtained his M.A. from Chapman College in 1968.

He spent his professional career in education as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Garden Grove (Calif.) Unified School District for 18 years. He then moved to Nevada where he was principal of an elementary school for an additional 10 years.

Mr. Worthen was also a financial planner and district manager for Waddell and Reed, Inc. for 10 years before moving to Sun City from Carson City, Nev.