Peoria election: Mayor, city council candidates tackle questions on water, housing and development

Peoria voters have choices for mayor and City Council in the Nov. 8 election and part of the decision-making equation may be: Are residents comfortable with the city's direction, or do they want change?

Peoria's three competitive races — two council races and the mayoral contest — have shaped up with candidates who are incumbents or have helped shaped the city's current direction and candidates who stress the need for change, from more police funding to different economic development strategies.

In the mayoral race, Jason Beck, a Peoria business owner and political newcomer, faces Bridget Binsbacher, head of the Cactus League and a former City Council member who, as required by state law, resigned to run for mayor.

Peoria election: A competitive mayoral race is shaping up as Cathy Carlat faces term limits

Beck has the support of Councilmember Dennette Dunn, who's running unopposed for a second term, and Jennifer Crawford, a political newcomer trying to unseat longtime Councilmember Vicki Hunt.

Former state schools Superintendent Diane Douglas, who's running for council, said she supports Beck's vision for the city. Her run is largely a repudiation of the council's approval of a development that included apartments near her north Peoria neighborhood.

Councilman Jon Edwards, who's not up for reelection, also endorsed Beck.

Binsbacher is endorsed by term-limited Mayor Cathy Carlat.

Also supporting Binsbacher are three council members: Michael Finn, who's running unopposed, Hunt, and Brad Shafer, who is competing against Douglas to keep the seat he was appointed to in April.

Peoria voters must be registered to vote by Oct. 11 to participate in the November election. Residents can register or check their status at the Maricopa County Election Department's website, https://elections.maricopa.gov/voter-registration/register-to-vote.html#RegisterToVote.

Early ballots go out Oct. 12.

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate questions on key local issues from growing jobs to managing water during the ongoing drought. Some responses were edited to meet the 150 word limit.

Mayoral candidates

Top 3 issues facing Peoria

What are the top 3 city concerns you would address, and how do you propose solving them? 

Beck: "Public safety, economic development and education are my top priorities. Peoria has a soaring crime rate and population. Response times are increasing and officers are fleeing to other cities … In this year’s budget, zero officers were added. I will ensure the … department is fully funded, staffed, trained and properly compensated. …

"Economic development drives revenues, which pays for services like public safety … Over 80% of Peoria’s workforce leaves the city to work elsewhere, and employers continue to locate in other cities. I am the only candidate that has a plan that brings thousands of jobs to Peoria, billions of dollars in economic impact, and moves Peoria to an economic powerhouse.

"… Employers look at the education system for a pipeline of talent. Our city leaders have simply ignored it. I am the only candidate (with) a plan to solve our school capacity crisis and to elevate our workforce.”

Binsbacher: "Water: For the last seven years as a councilmember, I enacted calculated and deliberate investments to bank water for future use and expand infrastructure that will allow us to reuse every drop of water. I’m the only candidate with knowledge and experience in the complexities of water in the desert.

"Public Safety: Public Safety is a matter of deep, personal conviction for me. My family lives the value, and the risk, involved in protecting the public. As firefighters, my husband and son put their lives on the line every day. To me, public safety is too important to be used and exploited during an election.

"Job Creation: As an experienced voice of the citizens of Peoria, I know that economic development must benefit Peoria’s workforce and enhance our quality of life. I’m committed to building a city that offers viable career opportunities that allow future generations to remain in Peoria."

Attracting the development Peoria wants

What kind of development does Peoria need, and how can the city attract that?

Beck: "From a business perspective, Peoria should be fully aligned with the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council when recruiting companies. Some of those industries include aerospace and defense, manufacturing, bioscience and healthcare, business and financial services, and technology and innovation.

"Also, with Taiwan Semiconductor’s $35 billion facility essentially next door to Peoria, we should be focusing on locating supply chain companies to Peoria, which makes up an estimated 70-80% of total jobs. We should also be focused on building a municipal airport, which would have a massive economic impact, turning Peoria into an economic powerhouse.

"From a housing perspective, we need to focus on housing that best aligns with our workforce and the industries we are recruiting. This alignment spans quality affordable housing for young families, first responders and teachers to executive housing (for those) who choose to live close to where they work."

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Binsbacher: "As mayor, I will protect the best interests of Peoria’s workforce, natural assets, and quality of life by qualifying development based on the value brought to Peoria residents.

"Peoria land located near the Taiwan Semiconductor facility has been purposefully planned as an employment corridor. I will evaluate the many interested developers based upon Peoria’s high standards. As a co-location strategy, I will build upon my long-term relationships with ASU, local, and regional educational interests to advance education and STEM opportunities for our future workforce.

"Our council strategy to bring development to targeted locations throughout the city has been paying off.

• Peoria Logistics Park, 150-acre project anchored by Frito Lay.

• Stadium Point at P83, $500 million project, 1 million square feet of mixed-use space, including Class-A office space, bringing more jobs to Peoria.

"Benefitting our medical workforce, there are now more than 300 medical employers in Peoria, with more under construction."

Housing affordability

How would you solve skyrocketing rent and housing costs that are pricing people out?

Beck: "Inflation is caused by a number of factors that are related to the national and global economy. Among the factors that cause inflation are supply and demand (including labor shortages), infusion of money supply (e.g. multiple stimulus packages), and regulatory policies. The federal reserve, through monetary policy, attempts to control inflation (e.g. raising/lowering interest rates). None of these falls under the control of local government.

"That said, at the local level, I will focus on head-of-household job growth to be located right here in Peoria. This means higher wages for our citizens (making housing more affordable for families), and a reduction of overall home budgets (less travel to and from work). I will also work with homeownership partners such as ones offered by my friends at Chicanos Por La Causa. Time is money, and I will streamline the development process, leading to faster build times and lower costs to homeowners."

Binsbacher: "Housing costs have escalated throughout the country. Even though Arizona’s increased housing costs are not at the top of the high-price list, builders cannot keep up with demand, keeping prices high.

"As a member of Peoria’s Community Development Subcommittee, I worked on Peoria’s Action Plan aimed at providing a suitable living environment for varying income residents. Additionally, as this is a regional issue, my service on the Maricopa (MAG) Human Services Committee gave me the context to source funds to assist Peoria residents.

"As a city leader, I understand that we must thoughtfully expand our housing portfolio, while maintaining the high standards our residents expect. To this end, I have pursued like-minded organizations and developers with innovative solutions and as mayor, I intend to bring a shift in the supply of reasonable housing available in Peoria."

Public safety in Peoria

Does the city give enough funding to its police and fire departments, and do you believe Peoria is a safe place to live?

Beck: "Being on the Board of Directors of the 100 Club, endorsed by all major police organizations, owner of a company focused on protecting first responders, and living in Peoria, I can state without reservation that our police and fire departments are understaffed, and lack the resources and training necessary to do their jobs.

"The simple fact is that we have a soaring crime rate and a growing population. Response times are up and our officers are fleeing to other cities for better working conditions. Our officer to population ratio is the lowest in the greater Phoenix area.

"In this year’s budget, exactly zero officers were added. This is shocking, and a complete disregard for citizens. Public records show aggravated assaults are up 30%, homicides are up 333%, and violent crime is up 16%. Overall, crime is up 7.36%. As mayor, I will not understaff, or underfund, our first responders."

Binsbacher: "I’m committed to fully funded and staffed police and fire departments. I’m proud that Peoria has one of the lowest crime rates and fewest officer vacancies in the Valley. Peoria is a safe city — transparency and facts matter, which is why all crime data is posted online.

"Understanding growth, I worked on council to add personnel and training; increase wages and benefits; and expand investigations, specialized units, technology, and victim resources. Peoria’s well-resourced police force has robots, drones, K9’s, cameras, armored vehicles, and fully equipped special unit (SWAT) vehicles. I also voted for the Capital Budget that has a new Police Training Facility scheduled for FY2024.

"I approved a sixth ambulance and adding 15 police officers and 15 fire fighters as a mid-year budget adjustment. During the budget session, I directed a new medical response unit and personnel be added to the budget as a service multiplier to the Fire-Medical Department."

Monitoring water supplies

What is your understanding of the water issues confronting the city and why should the public trust you to be a good water steward?

Beck: "Peoria has done an excellent job in water resource management. Specifically, recognition goes to the true experts, the staff of the water department led by its director Cape Powers and his team. True servant leaders trust the experts around them. As mayor, and a leader, I will continue to support the water department’s vision and plan, listen to their recommendations, and follow their advice by providing them the support they need.

"Clearly, the major concern is the declining source levels of the Colorado River and (CAP) which makes up 33.9% of Peoria’s water supply. It is important to note that the laws relating to both are controlled by the federal government and seven states (including Arizona). They are not controlled by cities. With staff as our lead experts, we should look at all innovative solutions at the local level including conservation, subterranean irrigation, groundwater banking, etc."

Binsbacher: "I am the only candidate with the knowledge and experience necessary to lead us through this critical time of drought and impending changes to the Law of the River. My understanding of the complexities of water planning are critical.

"I have been on the front lines creating the policies and plans that have assured Peoria’s water supply. Peoria has a water portfolio consisting of watersheds in northern Arizona and the Rocky Mountains. We store water for future use in various recharge basins, some singular and some shared regionally. We have infrastructure in place to allow for water reuse and are strategically building more systems to take us into the future.

"As a board member on the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, I collaborated with elected officials to impact legislation to protect our ability to provide sustainable water supplies to our residents. Experience in water matters, now more than ever."

Leadership

What perspective and voice would you bring to the City Council?

Beck: "I bring the perspective of someone who has worked with law enforcement, first responders, has successfully run a business, and for over 22 years has worked with hundreds of local and national governments. I am the father of six sons. I'm a veteran. I'm a business owner who was self-employed at first, now we've grown and employ 300 people right here in Peoria. I know what it is like to take risks, fail, succeed, and have dealt with the bureaucracy in Peoria.

"I am a servant leader and I will be a mayor for everyone. This means my approach is rooted in complete transparency with our citizens, building consensus, and a collaborative approach to finding solutions. The stakeholders of this city will finally have a seat at the table and their input valued."

Binsbacher: "I represent the perspective of knowledge, experience and foresight.

"I represent the perspective of a full-time mayor. I know what it takes to advance Peoria’s interests and I intend to resign from my job to give Peoria my all. In our growing city of 200,000 residents, do we indulge a candidate who has so little respect for the job that he claims it only deserves a 'part- time mayor'?

"In a long-term drought, do we indulge a candidate with no knowledge of the complexities of water sources and structures in the desert?

"With so many residential and commercial developers at our doorstep, do we indulge a reckless candidate who has professed a distaste for our quality of life, saying we have too many parks, wanting to fill our skies with the sound of close and low aircraft?

"I bring the voice of the residents of Peoria to the City Council."

The mayor is just one vote on the council, but what distinguishes this post and why are you the best candidate?

Beck: "The mayor is the leader of the council, representing the values and aspirations of the voters. A great mayor drives a vision for the city and hires the team of leaders that take vision to reality.

"We have a good city, but we have not become a great city. Our great citizens deserve a great city. We need new leadership, focused on serving its citizens, and one that has a vision, a plan and track record to become a great city.

"I am the only candidate that has a vision, plan and ability that the city needs at this time to move into the future. Peoria hasn't had a vision for public safety and we see it with increased crime, increased response times and underfunding police. Peoria hasn't been able to attract quality employers. We don't need more bureaucrats leading the city. Together, we can help Peoria realize its full potential."

Binsbacher: "The mayor is the leader of the city. I know what it takes to be a leader in Arizona, I have been doing it in a professional capacity for years. I know what it takes to be a leader in the city of Peoria, I have been doing it in the largest and fastest growing district of the city for years.

"The mayor builds effective partnerships with the council and sets the vision for the future of the city, working every day to steer the policies and agendas that bring that vision to life.

"The mayor is the face of the city, representing Peoria’s best interests externally, always assuring the city gets its fair share.

"The mayor works to strengthen the community. I have a long history of thoughtful, collaborative leadership, supported by shared understanding and respect.

"The mayor is the leader of the city. I am that leader."

Acacia District council candidates

Hunt, the incumbent, and Crawford are competing to represent Old Town and other areas of southeast Peoria.

Top 3 issues facing Peoria

What are the top 3 city concerns you would address, and how do you propose solving them? 

Hunt: "Supporting public safety — reducing crime: Peoria is a safe community. I’m committed to ensuring public safety has the resources they need and have a proven track record of hiring more officers and firefighters to keep up with growth.

"Improving Acacia’s quality of life: Acacia is a great place to live, and I’ve fought hard on the council to ensure that we continue to improve our quality of life. I’ve repainted walls covered by graffiti, secured 37 miles of neighborhood street improvements and helped place Peoria High School’s Old Main and Peoria Jailhouse on the historic register.

"Building a viable Old Town: Old Town remains our greatest asset and opportunity. We’ve made great strides in improving Old Town including the community garden, supporting small businesses and activating green spaces, but there’s more to be done."

Crawford: "1. Public safety and health must be the No. 1 priority of our local government and to ensure those departments are properly funded and staffed. 2. Economic development should focus on a balance in commerce and jobs to population. 3. Citizen engagement is also a priority to increase resident feedback."

Attracting the development Peoria wants

What kind of development does Peoria need, and how can the city attract that?

Hunt: "From small businesses to high-wage employers, Peoria needs a diverse strategy to attract and retain economic development that ensures our city doesn’t take a “one size fits all approach.”  As a council, I believe we’ve done a good job recognizing that issue and working to bring a wide variety of development to Peoria.

"In my district, we have worked to open Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center to bring expanded healthcare to our community and spur other investments. Developments like Valleywise, major renovations to the Peoria Main Library, and the recent announcements of in-fill development speak to the current success and the bright future for my district.

"All of these successes help drive my passion to establish Old Town as a “center” for our city (like we see in other communities) and give merchants a chance to thrive as they create a walkable area where neighbors can shop, visit, and play."

Crawford: "Peoria can’t be all residential any more than it can be entirely commercial development. A collaborative effort is imperative for a successful project and Peoria needs to foster positive relationships with development groups to attract the kind of industries and companies the community wants and needs."

Housing affordability

How would you solve skyrocketing rent and housing costs that are pricing people out?

Hunt: "With our city’s booming economy and excellent quality of life, there is no doubt that Peoria is a desirable place to live. That has certainly led to an increase in rent prices and housing costs.  We must balance ensuring quality development while maintaining affordable options — especially for our essential workers including teachers, police officers, firefighters, nurses and many others.

"One area where the city can help address this issue is through development. We have to recognize that no single community or area should be responsible for solving this problem.  Housing affordability is a citywide issue and must be treated as such. At the same time, we must hold developers to higher standards that recognize the quality of the project, how it will fit in with the community, and how it will age over time."

Crawford: "Affordability is based on wages, interest rates and inventory. Although some of these factors are out of control at the municipal level, Peoria needs to attract companies that will offer high-quality employment opportunities without focusing entirely on increasing inventory."

Public safety in Peoria

Does the city give enough funding to its police and fire departments, and do you believe Peoria is a safe place to live?

Hunt: "Peoria is a safe place to live, and our City Council has a proven track record of investing in and improving public safety. Crime rates are trending downward at nearly 3% per year and calls for service are down 1.5% per year. Peoria spends more than half of its city budget on public safety, and we have committed to do more to keep up with growth including adding 15 positions to the Police Department earlier this year.

"During my time on council, we enhanced the successful Community Paramedicine program, added Rescue 194, and invested in body cameras for all police officers. We also secured new vehicles and equipment for public safety, code enforcement and parks personnel.  We also added additional school resource officers, launched a dedicated homeless outreach effort and added a misdemeanor repeat offender program. My hard work has earned the endorsement of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona."

Crawford: "The city of Peoria has ample funding to allocate to police and fire; however, it has not proven to be a priority. These departments are underfunded and understaffed which is a detriment to the safety of our community. I will fight to put public safety first."

Monitoring water supplies

What is your understanding of the water issues confronting the city and why should the public trust you to be a good water steward?

Hunt: "We remain in a prolonged drought, but Peoria has been ahead of the game when it comes to planning for our water needs. With the declaration of the Tier 2a shortage, we’ll experience a 1% to 2% impact on our water portfolio. However, we’re preparing for further cuts if these conditions persist. Peoria recently passed our sustainability plan aimed at protecting our water future by reducing our dependence on well water by half and reducing overall usage by 5% by the end of the decade.

"Peoria has had strong leadership on the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association board and a skilled staff adept at water issues. I am the better-suited candidate for securing our long-term water because I want to continue our city heading in the right direction — unlike those in the opposition who appear to be set on tearing our city and its leadership to the ground."

Crawford: "We are in a Tier 2 water shortage and it is my understanding that projections predict below average precipitation, above average temperatures and low soil moisture levels. I believe the city has been proactive with water management and it is critical to maintain a diverse water portfolio as well as educate residents on the importance of this issue."

Leadership

What perspective and voice would you bring to the City Council?

Hunt: "I’m the only candidate with experience in understanding the needs of our unique community. I can balance our local priorities while ensuring that the city remains safe and economically successful.

"I firmly believe in a collaborative approach to solving our issues. There are no quick and easy solutions to these issues. They require focused and passionate management that I bring to the council and can back up with experience on not only the council but across the city on numerous boards and organizations. Unlike my opponent, I’m a uniter, not a divider. I have an open-door policy and know that our best work on the council comes when we are engaged with those that we represent.

"I encourage everyone to visit the city hall, get to know their government, and see that it is made up of their neighbors who all have Peoria’s long-term best interest in mind."

Crawford: "I have worked in various industries in the private sector for over 30 years, primarily in sales, management and business ownership. I will bring a unique viewpoint and business acumen to the City Council."

Representing district as city grows north

As the city grows farther north and west, what will you do to ensure residents in south Peoria are represented fairly?

Hunt: "There are those who try to divide our city and try to pit one part of our community against another — trying to foster a 'north/south' or 'us/them' division that feeds questions like this. It’s wrong and antithetical to the collaborative efforts that most of the council have worked hard to foster for many years.

"We are blessed to have a district system that ensures that every part of the city has a voice on the council.  Acacia District is at the heart of Peoria’s history. Southern Peoria is not, however, exclusively in the past. We’re building up our business community and opportunities to celebrate our city and part of celebrating it means preparing for the future. Certainly, different parts of the city have different needs, but that’s why it’s important to have a council that wants to work well together instead of just protecting their small part of the city."

Crawford: "After living in northern Peoria for almost 17 years, my husband and I moved to southern Peoria almost two years ago. I see firsthand the lack of continuity of service in our infrastructure, parks, and streets. I will be a voice for southern Peoria to make sure we aren’t forgotten or ignored."   

Mesquite District council candidates

Shafer, who served on the Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission before being appointed to fill the council vacancy in April, faces Douglas, who served one term as state schools superintendent. The Mesquite District sprawls across fast-growing north Peoria.

Top 3 issues facing Peoria

What are the top 3 city concerns you would address, and how do you propose solving them? 

Douglas: "Among my top concerns — public safety, water and development — are included in the questions below. Therefore I will address additional concerns here — fiscal accountability and transparency.

"The most important duty of the council is the city’s budget; approving and monitoring an appropriate budget, oversight of citizens’ tax dollars and reining in wasteful spending. My background as a financial analyst, a member of the Peoria U.S.D. board responsible for a then $200M+ budget and as Arizona superintendent of public instruction responsible for the allocation of over $10 billion of local, state and federal funding, I am well versed in budgets.

"In the Mesquite District, specifically the WestWing area, there has been an appalling lack of communication and transparency with residents about a development project which potentially impacts our community’s property values and quality of life. I will work to see residents receive timely and appropriate information; not merely the minimum notice required by law."

Shafer: "Keeping citizens safe. Being a third generation veteran and former first responder, I’m committed to making sure police/fire have the resources to do their job. I bring real experience and knowledge to the office having chaired the committee that made recommendations including new training facilities, safety equipment and additional stations.

"Protecting our water future. I represent Peoria on the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) collaborating with other cities regarding water usage. I will continue to make recommendations to the Arizona Legislature on conservation issues and water projects that will continue to protect our water.

"Promoting smart economic development and quality of life. The Mesquite district boasts mountain views, hiking trails and Lake Pleasant. Utilizing these open spaces sets this area apart from anywhere else. I’m committed to working with local leaders, the Economic Development Department, business owners and the community to ensure balanced growth that brings high value businesses."

Attracting the development Peoria wants

What kind of development does Peoria need, and how can the city attract that?

Douglas: "Peoria needs economic development bringing in industries which create viable job and career opportunities for our citizens; especially that will keep our children coming home after finishing their education to start their careers. It needs to plan with a vision for the future not just what any developer wants today — with a design and balance between residential and industrial. This will drive revenue to the city and while this will not eliminate the tax burden on our citizens it will at least help carry it.

"The city can attract such development by making the process as efficient, time and cost effective as possible for the industries that settle in Peoria. When I was on Peoria school board we shuddered when we had to build in Glendale but Peoria was far more cooperative, at least for the school district. That no longer seems to be the case."

Shafer: "We need high end development projects that our community will embrace. We cannot prevent landowners from selling their land, but we can provide leadership and direction. I previously served as a Peoria Planning and Zoning commissioner, so I understand the process that developers need to go through when they want to do business in Peoria.

"One thing I’ve heard over and over during my time on P&Z and as an HOA board member was that the residents didn't know what development was happening until it was too late. Peoria already has better community outreach expectations than other municipalities, but in my short time on the council, I’ve taken things to the next level. We’ve expanded our outreach guidelines and I have personally taken a “boots on the ground” approach to engage with residents, increase their awareness, and make sure we are moving in the right direction as a whole."

Housing affordability

How would you solve skyrocketing rent and housing costs that are pricing people out?

Douglas: "No one council member can singlehandedly solve any issue. The City Council does not and cannot control the housing market nor interest rates, other than to the extent that it can help the supply by making the process more efficient for developers. What the City Council can do is control its budget and expenses to maintain or lessen the tax burden it imposes upon our citizens. Likewise the city can encourage industrial development. When a city is a bedroom community the support of city services all falls in the wallets of its citizens. Appropriate economic development with job and workforce creation will bring revenue into the city coffers."

Shafer: "One component of rising housing costs is supply and demand and since the Mesquite District is still growing, we have supply available. Because of this, development should focus on protecting the existing and future home values in this area and bringing in projects that provide people the opportunity to work close to where they live. I understand the need for a diverse portfolio of housing options and have always advocated to ensure that we encourage the right development in the right places. I’m a champion for smart growth that protects our quality of life. This means being able to articulate what we are for — not simply what we are against. I have a proven track record of going to bat for the residents regarding smart development. When I served on my HOA Board, I often collaborated with surrounding neighborhoods to advocate for the community on projects and upcoming development."

Public safety in Peoria

Does the city give enough funding to its police and fire departments, and do you believe Peoria is a safe place to live?

Douglas: "The most important role of government …  is ensuring the safety of its citizens. The statistics I’ve seen show that our Police Department’s officer-to-resident ratio is significantly below those of Arizona cities of similar size and demographics; as are our officers’ salaries. Once appropriately adjusted then full staffing must be maintained. When an organization is unable to retain its employees … recruitment and retraining puts an unnecessary strain on the budget not to mention the threat to public safety. We must make public safety …  a No. 1 priority over the current agenda of parks and trails.

"While I personally feel safe living in Peoria, clearly different areas have different concerns. Peoria police … announced its new … Police Incident Map where residents can look up incidents in their neighborhoods. This is an excellent resource … but the numbers will only go up if we don't get the officers we need."

Shafer: "Peoria has always had a low crime rate and is a safe place to live. At the same time, we’re growing rapidly, especially the Mesquite District, and as the number of households increase, additional city resources need to follow. Every few years when the census is completed, the city reevaluates its growing demands and budgets accordingly. Part of that process includes additional police and fire personnel, stations and training equipment. With the most recent census, Peoria increased its hiring capacity for public safety to meet those demands. My first few weeks in office, not only did I meet with the police and fire chiefs regarding their needs, but I also participated in a ride along with Fire/Medical at Lake Pleasant to see firsthand some of the challenges they face. I’m proud to say we have made great strides on this front and have already begun putting things in motion."

Monitoring water supplies

 What is your understanding of the water issues confronting the city and why should the public trust you to be a good water steward?

Douglas: "We know our city and our state are confronting a drought with Tier 2a reductions. As I look around my own HOA, I see so much waste of water with a ridiculous number of plants and trees mandated on every lot. Yes, xeriscape but virtually all being watered in a desert. A waste – IMHO.

"Peoria is a member of the Arizona Municipal Water User Association created in 1969 by three Valley mayors to advocate, protect and ensure laws and regulations pertaining to water for their cities. Currently only one mayor serves on the association. The remaining seats are filled by city council members. In the case of Peoria, ours is an interim member who has been on the council less than 5 months. If this association is involved with serious plans and negotiations over water rights and issues, it is my opinion that our mayor must represent Peoria on AMWUA."

Shafer: "I’m proud to represent Peoria on the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. In 1922, Arizona was the last state to enter the Colorado River Water Agreement so with Arizona being the “junior” state, we are the first state required to take reductions in our allocation.

"Peoria’s water supply is made up of one-third CAP (Colorado River), one-third SRP, and one-third groundwater. We currently use 60% of our CAP water and we store the remaining 40%. Because of Peoria’s impeccable water management and investment in conservation projects, the upcoming federally mandated reductions (Tier 2a 1/2023) will not impact current service but will reduce CAP storage by 1-2%. However, to lead by example, Peoria reduced its city water usage by 5%.

"We need the state and Bureau of Reclamation leadership to work with the seven basin states to help solve the Colorado River water shortage on a larger scale."

Leadership

What perspective and voice would you bring to the City Council?

Douglas: "I will bring the perspective and voice of the people of Mesquite District. I bring the experience of a long history of public service, having served on the Peoria Unified board and as Arizona superintendent of public instruction. I will work to protect our communities’ right to know and have input, early and thoroughly about issues that impact our neighborhoods. As (state superintendent) I conducted town hall meetings all across the state to bring the citizens of Arizona to the table. I am willing to conduct similar meetings for the citizens of Mesquite to provide information and solicit input.

"I always will vote my values and principles in adherence to my oath of office in the best interests of the residents of Peoria and my constituents in the Mesquite District. I will honor the term of office and not walk out on the residents of Mesquite to run for higher office."

Shafer: "In my professional career, a majority of my time is spent looking at the big picture and bringing competing stakeholders together to accomplish goals. With that, I manage hundreds of millions of dollars in budgets and contracts spanning several states and have a keen eye for the fine print.

"I have been engaged with the city for many years as a volunteer and when the previous councilperson vacated her seat to run for mayor, I knew I immediately wanted to get to work serving my community in a new capacity. I was the only applicant to apply for the position and was unanimously appointed by the mayor and council.

"I’m not afraid to ask questions or respectfully challenge the status quo. I am eager to work for the people and have already made it clear that the community's voice matters to me as I have actively engaged in public outreach."

Balancing district and

How do the needs of Mesquite residents differ from the needs of the city as a whole, and how will you balance those as a council member?

Douglas: "Clearly Mesquite is a district with significant amounts of open land ripe for development. The city as a whole needs an economic development plan rather than haphazard projects.

"The whole purpose of representative districts, be they congressional, legislative or city, is so the citizens of a given district have a voice in the government which is making decisions and imposing laws or regulations upon their lives and taxes upon their livelihoods.

"I will work with my fellow council members on these priorities but much like a school board, no single city council member can mandate changes. But unlike a school board member elected to represent the district at-large, a council member should be a voice for their constituents; bringing their concerns to the decisions made for the city as a whole."

Shafer: "The Mesquite District makes up 80% of the city (by land mass) and encompasses a diverse terrain spread over two counties. We’ve been surrounded by wide open spaces for a very long time, however, we must realize that landowners may choose to develop at some point. Finding balance between open spaces and smart development is essential for the district.

"The community is asking for high-end commercial, chef driven quality restaurants, health care, and top performing education facilities. I’m the only candidate with experience serving both the local community and the city as a whole. Because of that, I’m uniquely qualified to ensure that the vision of Peoria’s future is done right. We must strike a balance between serving our local needs while not pitting one part of the city against another. I believe each council member represents their district well and I respect their input on the council as a whole."

Reach reporter Taylor Seely  at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or 480-476-6116. Follow her on Twitter @taylorseely95 or Instagram @taylor.azc.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Peoria election: Q&A with mayoral and city council candidates