Welcome

Thank you for re-electing me to a second term as your mayor. By capturing 60% of the vote, you sent a strong message that you want me to continue aggressively moving the city in a positive direction, navigating through these tough economic times.

You confirmed that the themes of solving transportation issues, creating a more transparent government, driving economic development, and partnering to increase the quality of life and education reflect the direction the citizens want me to lead Maricopa.   

During my first two years, City Council put together a Strategic Plan to set priorities and guide our development for the next several years.

I intend to build upon the progress we made in my first term. I will use the concept of “sustainability” to give balance to economic, social, and environmental concerns when making planning decisions. More specifically, I will use our new Strategic Plan to guide our planning and direction. Reflecting on the major areas of this plan, I will drive progress in the following areas:

  • Drive Economic Development – continue transforming city from bedroom community into a sustainable city.
    • Locate a hospital and Central Arizona College campus into our city
    • Aggressively pursue companies that provide good paying jobs
    • Initiate a Special Planning District for the Seven Ranches Area similar to what we did for the Redevelopment District.
    • Invest in the Redevelopment District by locating a city facility into this area
    • Continue progress in creating a more “business-friendly” city
  • Improve Quality of Life – increase recreational facilities, improve the environment, and promote a safe community
    • Build Community/Aquatics Center, Sports Complex, and Government Facility
    • Continue reducing dust and smell
    • Continue promoting our “Sense of Community” feeling
  • Transportation – increase safety, reduce congestion, and multiply transportation options for travel into metro-Phoenix area.
    • Assuming Federal Funding is obtained for Hwy 347 & railroad overpass, initiate the Design Concept Study.
    • Drive the improvements identified in the Hidden Valley Study for additional lanes on SR347 and additional access roads to I-10
    • Initiate design for the first portions of new local parkway loop system
    • Expand transit
      • Build new “Park and Ride” facility
      • Add local bus service
      • Initiate AMTRAK Station relocation to new Transit Center
      • Complete Feasibility Study with Gila River Indian Community for new commuter route from Tempe to Tucson via Maricopa
    • Initiate 1st steps for new I-11 connecting Phoenix with Las Vegas including the southern link to I-10/I-8 via Maricopa
  • Position Maricopa for Growth – keep communication channels open, cause government to be an enabler and not a road-block for progress and continue streamlining government
    • Minimize tax burden, manage growth, and control utility rates
    • Obtain an accurate 2010 Census count
    • Expand “Green-Building” program to create incentives so that 20% of new homes will have a solar electric system.
    • Strengthen alliances with strategic partners and non-profits