Surprise mayor named co-chair of Luke/West Valley cities group

Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt was named co-chairman of the Luke/West Valley Mayor's Council, an organization of 14 West Valley cities and Luke Air Force Base.

Truitt was nominated by Peoria Mayor Bob Barrett, a Luke/West Valley Mayor's Council member, and was seconded by member and Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs.

"This is a personal privilege for me and an honor for Surprise," Truitt said. "Regional leadership is an important part of being a responsive, involved government. I deeply appreciate this opportunity and the confidence the council has shown in me and Surprise."

Truitt's appointment marks the first time Surprise has held a leadership position on the council.

The Luke/West Valley Mayor's Council meets several times a year to discuss Luke issues and share information as part of the ongoing commitment to protect Luke's mission and presence in the West Valley.

"We have always been strong supporters of the base and, in our immediate area, of protecting Aux 1, where Luke pilots practice their low-level and instrument approaches," Truitt said.

Truitt said he looks forward to serving as co-chairman with Col. Kurt Nuebauer, who was named commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke in a July 9 change-of-command ceremony.