By John Yantis | The Arizona Republic
Buckeye officials believe the time is right for a more grown-up name.
In November, residents will be asked to change Buckeye’s status from a town to a city during a special election.
It sounds like a small thing. After all, many people refer to Buckeye as a city already.
But the name change represents how the community has evolved since its start as a cotton-farming town, supporters say. Plus, a more urban moniker could bring cachet and, perhaps, more economic development, they say.
“It shows we are maturing, that we are growing up, that we are turning a new page,” Vice Mayor Brian McAchran said. Buckeye is growing fast and needs a name that reflects a professional image, he said.
“In a way, it’s just semantics,” McAchran said. “It’s just a name change to begin with. But Buckeye has changed.”
By law, when a town has a population of 3,000, it can ask voters to change to a city organization. After a town votes to become a city, it could adopt a city charter, which establishes the powers and authority of a city within state law. A charter can expand a city’s powers beyond those specifically listed in state statute.
With a name change alone, Buckeye is granted 24 additional powers by the state.
