I am a leader that critically sees all sides of each issue and am able to focus on the far-reaching impacts that every small decision makes. 

We must have leaders who can see farther than next week or the next election and will make hard decisions for the future of Maricopa. I always have and always will ask the hard questions. I don’t dance around issues but meet them head on. The right thing done the wrong way is the wrong thing. 

We need leadership that is beholden to no one but the citizens if Maricopa.  We need no hidden agendas.  With me, you get what you see and Maricopa needs someone like me who is not afraid to confront each issue. Maricopa needs strong leaders to continue fixing problems in City Hall. We need a change in Maricopa and I have been at the forefront of the changes that are occurring in City Hall.

Priorities:  
      1. Financial responsibility in a down turning economy
        2. Economic Development the brings good employment and self sustainability
        3. Making Maricopa safe at home, at play and driving on the streets 
        4. City Hall is of the people, by the people, for the people 

Two years ago I stopped a budget planning meeting so that all of our Council and staff would focus on the possibility of a slowing economy, my foresight enabled our city to not make a critical mistake of not planning for today’s economy. Maricopa’s long-term financial viability must stay at the top of all of our decisions. 

While we must continue pushing retail commercial development, Maricopa has places to live, the beginning of places to shop, but very few places to work.  Economic Development has been one of my major priorities and with the help of one of the premier Economic Developers in America, and focused responsible Developmental Aids which I have pushed, we are on the verge of being able to offer shovel-ready sites with utilities at hand to handle some major employers moving to Maricopa. 

Our citizens are some of the most educated, skilled people in America and we have what employers want, YOU.  We’re close to pushing the infrastructure needs to areas slated for commercial development.  Commercial developers and landowners in Maricopa are seeing the vision, and following through with the work needed to make this a reality.  When you live, work and play in Maricopa you won’t waste precious hours driving, instead you will spend that time with your family.

We don’t need Downtown “re”development we need Downtown DEVELOPMENT.  Economic Development has been one of my major pushes since we became a city and this year we have finally gotten to the point where Downtown Development could become a major priority.  I have been working diligently with our staff and great local citizens on a Downtown Development plan that will take us into the future. 

This exciting project we are working on will entail a downtown walking mall type environment.  This will encourage small businesses, is family friendly, and is anchored by a new City Hall.  There will also be a place for people to meet and be entertained in an outdoor type amphitheater.  This project will provide some intelligent loft type housing developments, evening entertainment with restaurants and clubs, centers of higher learning and a major Health Care Center for our citizens.

A large portion of this plan includes one of the most aggressive, time sensitive mechanisms for getting Maricopa an overpass for the Railroad Tracks.  I was able, with the help of staff to budget, in this current budget, the finances to enable the next step, which is hiring the right downtown development consultants to move us down this road. 

I am honored to be the only current council member that is endorsed by Professional Fire Fighters of Maricopa IAFF Local 4561. Having the backing  and confidence of the men and women who risk their lives to protect ours is humbling. 

Maricopa is building one of the most proactive, professional police forces in America and I am grateful that I was able to convince the other council members to hire Chief Melvin to lead this outstanding department.  

The youth leagues, adult sports programs and big events like, Founder’s Day, Salsa Festival and our Fourth of July Celebration are the threads that weave our City into a Community of Friends.  Our Council must keep this growing and developing with strategic new parks, dog parks and a trail system that link our city.  We must develop more programs for the teenagers in Maricopa.  This is vital.  This is critical. We must push harder to succeed in this.

Active Adult programs must be encouraged and delivered for our citizens.  While the slowing housing market will have an affect on the cities near future, we must strategically put resources in building a library system for all of us. 

City Hall must be open and transparent. From the inception of our City I fought and won the citizens right to be involved in all aspects of our decision making process.  I have led the push for many of the citizens committees that help guide our decisions. I have successfully stopped many ’backroom’ deals so that all of our citizens can have their voice heard. City government at all levels must be customer friendly to all of our citizens and businesses.  City Hall must keep an continual dialog with all of our Media outlets so the citizens know and understand what and why things happen.  Problems must be dealt with the right way. I aggressively worked to bring in our new City Manager and much of the call to transparency and an open government was started by me. We must continue these positive changes.

We must grow by wisely investing in infrastructure that causes a multiplying effect on our economy.  Economic Development and my  Downtown plan will positively impact our community as well as help with the traffic problems; this new path must be continued. A strong Fire Department and Police must be supported.