At its Dec. 21 meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council honored late Mayor Gail Barney, outgoing Councilmember Emilena Turley and Town Manager John Kross. Barney and Turley did not seek re-election, with their terms ending in January, and Barney passed away in June. Kross announced his retirement, which will be effective Jan. 20.
“We have the opportunity to recognize and reflect upon the service of three individuals who have made lasting contributions to our town: the late Mayor Gail Barney, Councilmember Emilena Turley and Town Manager John Kross,” said Queen Creek Vice Mayor Jeff Brown. “Our great Mayor Gail Barney represented the town at all levels during his 24 years of service. His legacy lives on through the innumerable projects and milestones achieved under his leadership and we will continue to honor his service to his beloved town.”
Barney was nearly a life-long resident of Queen Creek. He served on the Queen Creek Planning and Zoning Commission from 1998 to 2002, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Town Council. He served as a council member until he was elected mayor in 2010.
Serving 20 years on the council, Barney was instrumental in many of the town’s milestones. From opening Ellsworth Loop, to starting a fire department and providing municipal water services, Barney assisted the council with strategic decisions that helped propel the community forward. At the Dec. 21 council meeting, the town’s historic fire engine was dedicated to Mayor Barney. The Arizona State Legislature will be honoring Barney with a resolution on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the State Capitol.
During the meeting, Brown continued, “Councilmember Turley has been a valued and considerate member of our council for eight years and we are truly grateful for her service to our community. She has been part of incredibly important decisions that will forever shape the future of Queen Creek.”
Turley was first elected to the Town Council in November 2014 and was re-elected in August 2018. She has been extremely supportive of the town’s transportation improvements, major economic development projects and public safety.
Kross was also honored during the meeting.
“John Kross has been the consummate professional and has helped guide the growth and shape the trajectory of this community,” Brown said. “It would be impossible to list all of the many accomplishments John has helped the community realize – he truly has touched all facets of Queen Creek and his leadership is known both locally and beyond.”
Kross has served as town manager since 2007. Prior to his unanimous appointment to town manager, he served as assistant town manager for two years and community development director for eight years. During his tenure, Kross led the town under the direction of three mayors and 13 Town Councils during a time of tremendous growth for the community. In addition to his work with the town, Kross has served as a leader in the industry, receiving local and national recognition.
Queen Creek’s new mayor and incoming council members will be sworn in at the Jan. 18 meeting. Incoming Town Manager Bruce Gardner, the town’s current assistant town manager, will start his new role on Jan. 23. (details here).
For more information about the town, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov.
