Gilbert election: Where candidates stand on transportation, housing and political infighting

Gilbert voters will elect at least two new faces to the Gilbert Town Council as two council members are not running for re-election.

Nine candidates on the ballot and one write-in candidate are running for four at-large seats. Incumbent Councilmembers Yung Koprowski, an engineer, and Scott September, a regional manager for Crown Castle International, were both appointed to their seats and are seeking their first election.

The other candidates are:

• Chuck Bongiovanni, CEO and co-founder of a senior residential home franchise and on the board of directors for the Arizona Assisted Living Homes Association.

• Bobbi Buchli, a real estate broker.

• Michael Clark, who owns his own sales company.

• Mario Chicas, a former Drug Enforcement Agency agent.

• Bus Obayomi, a business and management consultant.

• Bill Spence, a former Town Council member and retired Naval lieutenant commander and nuclear engineering officer.

• Jim Torgeson, who owns a custom sign shop and has filed to run for Town Council in the past.

• Write-in candidate Garrett Glover.

The election is Aug. 2. Early ballots will be sent starting July 6 to people who are registered to vote by mail.

Early voters should return their ballot in the mail by July 26 or place it in a ballot drop-off location or voting location by 7 p.m. Aug. 2.

The Arizona Republic asked candidates where they stand on the biggest issues facing Gilbert. Here's how they answered.

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Gilbert's biggest issues

What are the biggest issues facing Gilbert and what are your solutions?

Bongiovanni: "I believe the most significant issue facing Gilbert is the balance between the town's identity of its' past, present, and future. The last phase of Gilbert's build-out will most likely be solidified over the next election cycle or so. Staying consistent with the Town's Plan and Capital Improvement Plan is essential. We need to use the plan not as a guide but as an instruction book, not bending to large developers' wants and remembering that the plan was written and approved as a plan, not a suggestion. Asking the question of how this particular change in code or zoning benefits the town and its people. If it doesn't directly and holistically benefit the town, it shouldn't be considered no matter how much tax revenue will be raised or who is in charge of the project."

Buchli: "Gilbert will be built out within the next 10 years or less and no one is talking about this. Gilbert has a little less than 5,000 acres of land to build on. … Planning and studies should be a number one priority for the remaining land.

"Another big issue is the possibility of commuter rail coming right through the heart of Gilbert. This issue is a hot topic right now and residents are banding together for discussion and how to stop this and I will be attending these meetings.

"Overspending and lack of transparency are two other big issues. Balance the budget, stop overspending and be transparent with residents, inform residents first-not last, about what the council and town are doing and planning.

"To many high density/high rise apartments. Gilbert has enough now! … Let’s build smaller homes, smaller lots and give our residents and first time home buyers a chance for home ownership."

Clark: "Our Capital improvement projects and maintenance are experiencing higher material costs and extended lead times for materials and parts. Lead times for finished goods like squad cars are taking twice the time at a substantial cost increase.

"Part of the solution as presented at the June 28th council meeting will involve procurement to buy earlier and increase inventory on items we use or can barter … Town Council will need to be aware funds for early procurement may need to be increased. This could save the town money. Procurement is experiencing double digit price increases. Networking with other municipalities is going on now. It is like our procurement department is a concierge at a Ritz Carlton, trading tickets to the ballgame for theatre tickets.

"The … council will really need to determine if projects are a need or … can be delayed until market conditions settle down a bit."

Chicas: "Responsible growth. I met with Town Manager Patrick Banger (and) he was very confident that the town would grow to 330,000 residents. I understand why people move to Gilbert, it’s for the same reasons I moved to Gilbert to raise a family and live in a safe town. The town has given the council access to $515 million — I want to see this money spent responsibly. Spent where Gilbert residents will see a return on their investment.

"Limit the tax burden on Gilbert residents. The council and staff continue to ask for and approve more and more taxes. The economy is not in a good position with record inflation, price of gas and groceries, no more burden on the taxpayer.

"Protect the civil liberties of Gilbert residents. No shutting down private businesses. No masking children or adults and allowing full bodily autonomy. No mandating of vaccines."

Koprowski: "With growth, transportation congestion and safety is a concern that the town will mitigate through capital improvement projects. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety.

"Twenty-nine percent of Gilbert’s water supply comes from the Colorado River and we will likely hit Tier 2A and 2B shortages within 18 months. Gilbert has always been an advocate of using water wisely and has been banking groundwater credits through recharge basins. Additional well sites may be needed to serve our community. I would not support new high water use developments, such as data centers and high-rise apartments, in order to protect this precious resource.

"Gilbert has outstanding public safety rankings, but with growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our police and fire departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community."

Obayomi: "My priorities … are protecting property rights, maintaining high home values, and supporting our schools and public safety … ensuring that the police and fire departments receive the necessary support they need …

"Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Our population has grown by more than 2 million in the past 20 years. We must continue investing in our infrastructure to avoid future gridlocks confronting cities like Scottsdale. Infrastructure includes having gold standard parks and recreations and various centers in our town to continue to support families.

"The major challenge is the growing traffic. … Safe and well-maintained roads will prevent collisions and ensure that our loved ones can safely get to school, work, church, or other places.

"We also need to advocate for those in the community who might feel ostracized. … I am committed to ensuring that nobody is disenfranchised in our community."

September: "Managing crime, keeping taxes low and balancing growth. We need to maintain a well-equipped police and fire department to keep our town and neighborhoods safe. We need to keep taxes and service fees low while maintaining the highest level of services that Gilbert deserves. We must promote responsible growth and prioritize commercial development as we near build out and to ensure we have balance in our community and robust economic drivers that support our infrastructure long term."

Spence: "There are several very important issues affecting Gilbert that include strict fiscal management in an inflationary environment, workforce recruitment and retention, economic recovery and growth for business, water management/conservation, responsible management of housing and land zoning, maintenance of infrastructure and roads, traffic congestion mitigation efforts, and support for public safety. Everyone one of these issues can be the “biggest issues” depending on who you ask.

"Our current water crisis is a major statewide problem that must be addressed. Additionally, we must aggressively manage our spending as we counter the adverse effects of inflation. In every instance, the solution must involve collaborative communication with regional stakeholders to identify innovative ways to solve problems at the lowest cost to the taxpayer."

Torgeson: "Gilbert’s biggest issue includes a buildout occurring so quickly that we cannot keep up with the ramifications. The rapid increase in density, apartments, traffic and resources must be handled in a manner more accommodating to current residents and simultaneously being aware (of) long term effects of rapid urbanization.

"Many residents feel pushed out of the town they love and into an urbanized city. It is diminishing the community feel most came here for. A slower approach will help acclimation with a more natural build out while accommodating multifamily housing.

"Even with the water we have planned, it will strain that resource to continue intensifying density. If we continue laying asphalt and concrete, we contribute to the heat sink and the town promotes planting more trees to counteract the heat sink, but that requires more water.

"We need to take our time and my push will be to take that time."

Glover: "Unaffordable housing. Use the Minneapolis 2040 Plan as a base guideline and revise it to fit the needs of Gilbert. By increasing the supply of housing in Gilbert to match the growing demand, we can lower housing costs for everyone."

The $515 million transportation bond

Gilbert voters narrowly approved a $515 million transportation bond. What projects should be given priority?

Bongiovanni: "I believe we owe the voters diligence in responsibly spending the bond funds. However, with inflation and current higher costs, we must first reassess what projects go forward financially on a needs-only basis. For example, I would support slowing down the pace or scaling down the Ocotillo Bridge project until the economy stabilizes to avoid the current higher-cost environment. Instead, I would focus on road repair and building out interactions that will enhance traffic flows now and near future. Basically, due to the economy, I would rank each project based on "wanting it" to "needing it."

Buchli: "I am of the hope that this transportation bond will be used for the purpose it was intended — transportation … There are a number of items that should be given priority.

• Interior streets that are in need of maintenance …

• Major arterial streets must also be maintained and widened ahead of additional growth to keep the traffic flow moving and congestion to a minimum. There must be transparency to residents at the beginning of this process. Continuing to expand our freeway sections to keep up with growth is a must …

• Additional bus service schedules and additional buses purchased as we finish build out to assist those that need additional transportation modes. Adding bike lanes could be helpful to many but certainly not the masses. 

"I am not in favor of commuter rail in Gilbert … Gilbert is a town where people and families drive where they want to go."

Clark: "This bond is not designed to be spent on infrastructure projects all at one time.

"I agree we need a bridge connecting Higley and Greenfield. However, I do not agree to spend $67.2 million. ... The primary goal is to build a bridge … (that) will improve service time for fire and police. The bridge will save lives. … The extra amenities would be nice, but not exactly needed at this time.

"The project to improve Guadalupe with old and failing pipes were given five options to consider. They missed a sixth … “subway” pipe that would be installed once! All maintenance and repair would be made underground much like the utilities that run from a physical plant. Further digging would be minimized and have no impact on residents and their property. …

"We need to step back and take a deep breath before forging ahead …  market conditions have changed."

Chicas: "The public is desperate for decongestion of our streets.  We should be prioritizing the projects that will most improve traffic flow for vehicles. The majority of our residents rely upon their cars to get to work, drop kids off at school, and do their errands.  Though many residents enjoy being able to comfortably walk and cycle around our community for fun, taxpayers expect the money they approved for transportation to be used to make it easier and faster to drive their cars and get from point A to point B.  I would prioritize the signal optimization and street projects that will increase capacity and efficiency of moving cars."

Koprowski: "Gilbert has identified needs related to safety & congestion, transportation technology, reconstruction, redevelopment plan implementation, and multi-modal investments. Knowing that the funding will be available through the recent bond election allows the town to plan and sequence these projects in a manner that provides optimum value.

"As a civil engineer, I will apply my background in the transportation industry to provide oversight and ensure smart choices and wise investments. I will prioritize critical projects such as the Ocotillo Road Bridge and Vaughn Ventilator. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety. The safety of people crossing Gilbert Road in the Heritage District is an issue that we will have better solutions for once the Vaughn Ventilator is constructed."

Obayomi: "The $515 million is intended to fund a list of 57 capital improvement projects. These project categories include safety and congestion, transportation technologies, road reconstruction, redevelopment plan implementation, and multimodal investments.  I am a … proponent of providing safety and reducing congestion. We also have a significant traffic issue which $106 million is already planned for road reconstruction to address growth and the traffic system’s decay, such as in the Val Vista Lakes’ public roads.

"Federal and state grants are necessary to help businesses struggling to stay afloat. … These grants help finance a broad range of services …

"It is essential to eliminate wasteful spending. That comes with ensuring that the funding supports sustainable infrastructure as we manage the growth in our great town. … The major challenge is the growing traffic we experience daily … We must prioritize these issues to ensure that the traffic is controlled in our community."

September: "Gilbert has over 900 miles of roads that cover about 70 square miles of town with 95% of us using a car as our primary transportation method. Today, the average commute is 28 minutes, and we are still growing. By 2050 our population is projected to grow by 20%. We need to focus on efficient and safe ways to move vehicles throughout our town and improve the quality of roadways. We need to complete our road widening projects, add more right turn lanes to improve traffic flow and with the help of technology and innovation we can meet our growing transportation needs."

Spence: "The priority of projects has been outlined by the town. I think that we must continually evaluate the effect of inflation, supply chain issues, and availability of resources to determine if the priorities are still valid. We must ensure that we are ready to start AND COMPLETE priority projects on time and on budget. We should be able to look forward and determine if project timing makes sense and not be afraid to temporarily delay a project that proves to be too costly or constrained by resources. Maintenance of our existing infrastructure and roads should always be a priority since delays in performing preventative maintenance may result in more costly corrective maintenance."

Torgeson: "The repair of our streets and sewer systems are the highest priority. The basic infrastructure that will keep us afloat.

"I know that commuter rails is a money-losing project for this town and we should avoid it at all costs. It is 19th century technology in a 21st century world. The costs outweigh the benefits over 10 to 1! It will be at least $10 billion to retrofit the rails and $45 million to operate a year. This is a horrible idea.

"I do enjoy our parks, but the idea of borrowing another $269 million to make them even nicer is ill-advised at this point."

Glover: "Safety improvements should be the top priority."

Infighting, ethics complaints

Infighting and ethics complaints have been a common scene in recent Town Council meetings. What would you bring to the town's leadership?

Bongiovanni: "I have been a franchisor for over 13 years. I have learned from dealing with hundreds of franchise business partners with hundreds of personalities that transparency and accountability are crucial in any relationship. With that said, I believe in getting everyone's thoughts, opinions, and motives on the table immediately to deter any infighting. I don't back away from confrontation because confrontation dealt with respectfully breeds better communication and relationships. Ethical complaints fester in environments where transparency and respect are lacking. I have had the pleasure of serving on many boards and found the most productive ones have been with people who respected each other even if they didn't get along."

Buchli: "I would bring a long history of corporate banking and business ownership experience, business ethics, knowledge and the professionalism to conduct myself properly in a business setting. I have always had the ability to get along with others and to discuss differences with facts, numbers, research and data to back up presentations … to ensure a smoother meeting.

"The infighting must stop. It is an embarrassment to the town much less those involved. I would not be opposed to having a consultant come in and review how the issues of the town and council are being handled … Whatever the solution, the town needs to get to the bottom of why this is happening.

"I am all for finding solutions … and the town getting back to the business of serving the residents … There also appears to be a lack of transparency among them and this should be discussed … and remedied."

Clark: "What does your vote deserve and expect? Your voice is asking for full transparency of leadership. Over the past 25 years I have lived in Gilbert we predominately had open public meetings, committee meetings and study groups. It is time to restore confidence and trust to the public with full transparency.

"Gilbert Town Council leadership does not need to agree but needs to respect the office of council. A little friction is healthy as long as we know when to rein it in. The best I can offer is to lead by example. Running two national companies with a regard to ethics, respect, discernment, and integrity allows me to sleep well at night."

Chicas: "Yes, it’s unfortunate that the mayor has had so many ethics violations filed against her in the first year and half in office. We have to hold elected officials accountable and they would do well to remember that they work for the people. I would do my part to bring transparency, communication and fairness to the council."

Koprowski: "The attitude of leaders impacts those around them. Negativity and divisiveness make progress slow and less efficient, which means we aren’t getting the important work done. It is my duty as a council member to lead by example, listen, and be professional in my actions. Two of my top five strengths from a recent personality assessment are responsibility and focus, which enables me to be a forward-thinking and innovative leader amongst daily distractions.

"I believe that I am the best candidate for Gilbert Town Council because of my education, experience, and leadership. I’ve been recognized by national and regional organizations for making a difference both in business as well as in the greater community. My knowledge and background lend a unique and valuable perspective on Town Council, where approximately 45% of budget expenditures go towards capital improvement infrastructure projects."

Obayomi: "As a man of the law, it is essential to follow it thoroughly and always protect our integrity. I do consider myself a bridge builder and a man of integrity.  I am a listener and honestly believe in working closely with everyone in the council for the common good of our constituents.

"As project lead, I am constantly in a situation where I work closely with clients and team members that disagree with me. I evaluate all sides and points of view before making decisions … I have been recognized for my diplomatic approach and always work closely with those I work with. That will not be different once elected to the council.

"At the bottom of my decision-making is prioritizing what will best serve our constituents (rather) than personal interest.  We need a council member who will listen to our members and ensure we provide the necessary solution."

September: "I have always had the heart and desire to serve. I have served my family, my neighbors and my church, as well as my community since 2019 as a planning commissioner and since 2020 as a councilmember. I would like to continue to serve the citizens of this great town and will bring my experience as a councilmember over the past two years and my management style of collaboration, accountability, team building, problem solving and conflict resolution that I have learned over three decades in the growing wireless industry. Further, I will always try to listen, understand and build durable relationships along the way."

Spence: "I have several decades of leadership and team building experience. A common trait of high performing team is an emphasis on effective communication. I think that there is opportunity to enhance communication between all parties including communications with residents. I never got to choose who I worked with when I was in the military, but I had to assemble and empower a team to work seamlessly in the most stressful and uncertain environments. I will bring these proven practices to our council and aggressively work to ensure that our residents have a meaningful and effective mechanism to receive important information and provide input to the issues that matter most to them."

Torgeson: "I reject the notion that our council are leaders. They should be representing the residents.

"While I too am disgruntled by the fact our mayor said she would not talk to members of the Morrison Ranch community, I see a value in making missteps like that an issue.

"Without taking responsibility for mistakes, ethical or not, you cannot learn from them.  The mayor was actually provided an opportunity to embrace the entirety of the town at that point.

"On the dais, I can promise that I would not use come of the colorful metaphors that have been used against her. As a citizen, sometimes you have to yell to be heard. As a sitting official, your voice can be heard in a more pleasant way."

Glover: "I’m young. I grew up in Gilbert and have lived here my entire life. I bring a fresh new perspective on the issues Gilbert faces. My small campaign is entirely funded by myself so I have no donors wishes to listen to, only the people of Gilbert."

Affordable housing

What should Gilbert do to help solve the problem of increasingly unaffordable housing?

Bongiovanni: "Solving the attainable housing problem isn't easy on a town level per se. The housing market has seen the perfect storm due to lower interest rates over the past few years, construction and supply delays, and higher prices. With that said, it doesn't mean we are powerless.

"I would support actively seeking out-of-the-box solutions by innovative new developers. I have seen some attainable housing communities based on smaller home models and community-based programs in other states. I believe when there is adversity, there are those who see opportunity."

Buchli: "Gilbert has been successful in the building and approval of plenty of 'affordable' multi-family high density apartments, with several new complexes in the process and many already approved and not yet even started. With the town being built out in the next 10 years or less, it appears Gilbert has planned well with apartments and now has enough multi-foamily high density apartment developments to more than serve the 'residents and future residents' of Gilbert.

"Should more be needed in the future, I would be in favor of a limited number based on need, of additional lower level/lower density apartments or town houses. However, I would like to see, as the best solution, home builders building smaller homes on smaller lots to give our residents, especially first time home buyers, a chance to be able to purchase a home and enjoy the pride of ownership."

Clark: "This is a subject that is a little out of our control. The value of housing has two sides. One, if people start to see the value of their house drop, Town Council will be crawled all over asking “what are you going to do about this." Two, housing values are like they are … virtually everywhere else in the country. … I have a daughter attending Vanderbilt in Nashville … and her one-bedroom apartment is over $1200 a month …

"I have a housing idea for our city, police, and fire employees. Establish an endowment account where the deposit can be provided to (these) employees (who) can afford a mortgage but cannot provide the down payment ... When the house is sold or transferred … the deposit money comes back to the endowment account for others to use.

"Apartments are not the answer.  … My daughter’s rent is what many pay on their mortgage."

Chicas: "Several factors ... are playing into the housing shortage and housing affordability. The cost of supplies to build are extremely expensive due to factors outside of Gilbert government control. The homes are being built as fast as possible and I expect that a market correction is coming and that will help settle some of this craziness.

"I don’t buy what staff and council are trying to convince the public that more apartments are needed to help young adults/professionals. Thousands of dollars in rent is affordable? To who? Increasing apartments density is not how we as a town combat that. Keeping taxes, utilities low is how you help keep more money in the pockets of the residents."

Koprowski: "The town has been intimately involved in regional programs surrounding the topic of affordable housing. Through partnerships with AZCEND and Save the Family, Gilbert residents can receive emergency rental and utility assistance. More than 1,000 households have been served to date.

"Many other residents and incoming workforce have good, high-paying jobs but they need a stepping stone to attain homeownership. Instead of housing products built for rent, I’d like to see a shift to for-sale multifamily products, such as low-height townhomes, on property already zoned for multifamily. I’d support continued regional collaboration surrounding programs that would help people attain homeownership.

"In areas the town can control, such as utilities (water, sewer, trash), we will keep best-in-class services and the lowest rates in the region. The Community Engagement Task Force will also be exploring the topic of low income/homelessness in its efforts to identify gaps and solutions."

Obayomi: "Gilbert is known to have a highly educated and prosperous workforce. It is imperative to continue to make sure there are opportunities and investments in the town for people to make a good source of income. This also means educating the workforce on what opportunities are available and how they can also upskill. As a Councilman, I will work closely with the federal, state, and nonprofit organizations to explore ways we can solve increasingly unaffordable housing."

September: "The marketplace is going to determine how much and what kind of housing is needed in Gilbert and how that housing will be priced. Council needs to be sensitive to meet the needs of the market and our businesses, to the extent it is within the guidelines of the general plan. Gilbert voters have approved the general plan that provides guidance for growth and guardrails for decisions to appropriately balance land use."

Spence: "I had the opportunity to discuss attainable housing with organizations that represent thousands of realtors throughout the region. Data shows that solution is to NOT build more high-density rental apartments, but rather assess the social-economic needs of specific areas and build accordingly. And I agree. I have never voted in favor of building high-density apartments. While some may think it helps to solve the current housing shortage problem, the data suggests that the long-term problems may outweigh the short-term benefits.

"There is a new intergovernmental network being created that brings all the stakeholders in the region together to identify the “arch” of housing requirements custom tailored to each individual community. I am excited to participate in this initiative. We all know that blindly building more apartments will not solve our housing problems. We need to be smarter and build what best serves the needs of our town and our residents."

Torgeson: "Without huge government overreach, we cannot change housing costs. I do not feel Gilbert should find any way to interfere with home values. The very concept is unethical.

"I also reject the notion that Section 8 housing is a benefit to the town and I do not feel the town should buy more housing to provide Section 8.

"We do need to examine hiring packages if we are trying to relocate new employees to Gilbert, but that is an entirely separate discussion."

Glover: "Use the Minneapolis 2040 Plan as a base guideline and revise it to fit the needs of Gilbert. By increasing the supply of housing in Gilbert to match the growing demand we can lower housing costs for everyone."

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gilbert election: Q&A with Town Council candidates