Apache Junction mayoral election pits incumbent against young challenger. What to know
Residents of Apache Junction are seeking a mayor who will serve as a voice for them and will confront current issues that the city is facing.
The next mayor of Apache Junction will have to deal with flood control in the area, economic development, and concerns with preserving the city's history.
Apache Junction voters will be choosing between two candidates for the city's mayor in the July 30 election.
Incumbent Mayor Chip Wilson, 76, will be running for one more two-year term against newcomer Ari Kalan, 36.
Kalan did not respond to The Arizona Republic's questionnaire. The information provided on Kalan for this article was gleaned from recorded council forums and debates and his campaign website.
This election comes at a time when residents of the city are concerned about new developments erasing the rural significance of the area and also have worries about their safety during the monsoon.
Voters will have to decide between a candidate who was born and raised in the city while the other has served on the council for more than 17 years. It's a race between a candidate who relates to those who are deep-rooted in the city and one who has been in a position to listen to residents to make a change.
Arizona local elections: Read our full coverage of the Apache Junction mayor’s race
Early voting began July 3. Voters can check on the status of their mailed-in ballot on Maricopa County’s website at https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/voter-dashboard-login. Those who choose to vote by mail are advised to mail their ballot by July 23 or drop it off at a ballot drop-off location or voting location by July 30.
Who’s running for mayor in Apache Junction?
Kalan grew up in Apache Junction and graduated from Apache Junction High School in 2006.
He is a licensed general contractor, small business owner, and is a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
His main goal is to make sure the city stays a beautiful and safe place to live. He wants to be a voice for the city, making sure the city is not overlooked as he believes the city is at risk of losing its small-town atmosphere.
Wilson moved to Apache Junction in 1990 and has been involved with the city for more than 17 years. He served in the Air Force for over 17 years and is now a retired veteran. He also retired from working at Boeing facilities in Mesa, repairing and certifying all test equipment for aircraft. He was elected mayor in 2020 and began his two-year term in January 2021.
His main goal is to complete the flood control retention basin on Weekes Wash and to make sure the city keeps its rural abilities and style alive.
What are mayoral candidates' priorities for Apache Junction?
Both candidates agree with each other that as Apache Junction grows the city must keep its historical significance, but they both have different priorities.
Kalan’s top priorities are pushing for housing developments that residents can call home, developing an entertainment district, and resolving traffic on U.S. 60 by adding in both directions from Signal Butte through Gold Canyon.
Kalan has also complained the city has approved many apartments and rental housing communities owned by corporations. He states it's imperative to have housing developments that residents can own themselves and call their own. His plan is to work with planning and zoning to build more homes.
Wilson’s top priorities are controlling the flooding in the central and downtown areas, preserving the rural areas of the community, and completing construction of the Weekes Wash Retention Basin.
Flooding is one of the most common hazards in the area. Weekes Wash has presented a significant flood risk in Apache Junction that has led to flooded and damaged property. In 2019, remnants of Hurricane Lorena left several areas around Apache Junction underwater.
Wilson says the Weekes Wash Retention would decrease flood insurance and the cost for the city when it comes to recovery.
How do the candidates plan to increase job opportunities in Apache Junction?
Wilson points out several businesses that provide many job opportunities for residents. He says how convenient it is to be close to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport that provides many jobs. He also says the new LG facility will bring in 3,000 to 4,000 new jobs.
Wilson plans to attract more businesses to the downtown area by going out and talking with companies, asking them what they need in order to set up in the area.
Kalan, as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said he sees the struggle of getting large businesses such as retail to come into the city because the city does not have the per capita to uphold the business.
He thinks the best solution to help small businesses in the area is to defer payments on some city fees. He said in order for small businesses to open quickly, the city could consider putting off their business license fees so they can use the money toward start-up. Businesses, he suggested, could go on a payment plan to pay back those fees.
Kalan also wants to work with the federal government on securing a historic preservation tax credit on older buildings instead of tearing them down.
What is their vision for the state land in Apache Junction?
Kalan believes the land should be used for housing while also bringing in commercial industry in order to keep residents in the city. At the same time, Kalan would like to keep as much of the desert untouched as possible.
Wilson agrees in increasing commercial activity and housing. He also advocates that the eastern and northern part of the city be preserved as open space for their current hiking trails and rodeo grounds.
Endorsements?
Wilson has received endorsements from the Salt River Project and Southwest Realty Group. He has raised $1,860 in campaign contributions.
Kalan has not received any endorsements at this time and has not filed the amount he has made in campaign contributions.
Reach the reporter at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Apache Junction mayor election 2024: Here are the candidates
