Mayor and City or Town Council In Arizona, most cities and towns operate under a council–manager form of government. The Mayor is the city or town’s chief elected official, providing leadership and policy direction. At the same time, a City or Town Manager, appointed by the Council, oversees daily operations and municipal staff. The Mayor typically presides over Council meetings, represents the municipality publicly, and serves as a voting member of the governing body. In most Arizona municipalities, the Mayor does not have independent veto authority; decisions are made collectively by the Council as defined by state law and local charters.The City or Town Council serves as the legislative and policymaking body. Council members adopt ordinances and resolutions, approve the annual budget and capital improvement plans, set local policy priorities, and oversee city operations. They also respond to constituent concerns through public meetings, correspondence, and coordination with city staff. Most Arizona cities and towns hold nonpartisan elections for Mayor and Council, and four-year terms are typical. Why You Should CareThe Mayor and City or Town Council make decisions that directly affect daily life in Arizona communities. They set priorities and allocate spending for essential local services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services; housing and homelessness programs; streets, transportation, water, sewer, and trash services; parks and recreation; zoning and development; and long-term infrastructure planning. These officials also represent their communities in regional planning efforts related to growth, transportation, water resources, and climate resilience. Voting in these local races gives residents a direct voice in how their city or town is governed and how public resources are used.For additional information:https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-mayorhttps://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-city-and-town-council-members
Public Policy Priorities
Economic Development; Fiscally conservative management; Work to preserve open space; Respectful, and accessible government.
Qualifications and Experience
See below Community Service; Served 7 years as a nuclear submarine officer gaining transferable skills to municipal management giving me a high standard of integrity and judgment - staying calm during conflict, analyzing systems logically, and the skills to lead organizations with accountability. A business owner, since 1994 serving as a sales representative of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and materials.acturin.
Memberships & Affiliations
American Legion Post 34, Cave Creek AZ
Endorsements
Scottsdale REALTORS®
Community Service
Carefree Subdivision Committee 2008-2010; Carefree Planning and Zoning Committee, 2010-2012; Carefree Town Council 2012- 2022; Carefree Vice Mayor, 2015-2022; Carefree Mayor, 2022- Present; Desert Foothills Land Trust Board Member, 10 years; Carefree Foothills HOA President 19 years; Arizona Site Steward 21 years.
Education
BS Mathematics Villanova University 1978; US Navy Nuclear Power and Submarine School, 1979; MS Systems Management, University of Southern California, 1985
Foster economic development through private-public partnerships and a business recruitment plan at the northeast corner of Cave Creek Rd and Tom Darlington Dr and in the Town Core. Attract quality retail and restaurants that residents will enjoy and be proud. Increase sales tax revenue 20% over the next four years. Increase parking in the Town Core 10% to 50%. Upgrade public lighting, add pedestrian pathways in the commercial areas; invest in the Carefree Desert Gardens. I will manage scarce water resources by updating landscaping codes, focusing on education and strengthening the town's water portfolio through the Bartlett Lake dam project.
Continue the pay-as-you-go budget model to pay for public safety and infrastructure such as street mill and overly, culvert repair and public works equipment. By recently signing a 10-year contract with Rural Metro, that partnership is solidified and costs over the next 10 years are known. Community assistance is provided by helping non-profits in the form of promotion and availability of town assets.
Continue monthly Carefree Conversations instituted in my first term with residents, myself and Council Members at the Farmers Market; Continue routine meeting with HOAs to provide updates and answer questions; Encourage public comment at Town Council meetings and our active messaging campaign through social media. Meaningful public participation will be encouraged through the on-going zoning update and the creation of citizen led- water advisory board.
As needed create citizen stakeholder groups to address water conservation and management, zoning updates, and open space opportunities. Work with the Maricopa Association of Governments to address improvements at the Cave Creek Rd / Pima Road intersection and improvements to Pima Rd. Work with the Flood Control District to secure grant funding to address failing culverts; Work with the County Board of Supervisors to address common areas of interest including transfer stations, drainage and public safety; Partner with local non-profits to ensure their mission success.
Economic Development, since 65% of Town revenue is from sales tax. Actions: Foster Public - Private Partnerships; create business recruitment plan; Ramp up Merchant Meetings.
Water: Manage scarce water resources by updating landscaping codes, focusing on education, strengthening the town's water portfolio through the Bartlett Lake dam project, and creation of a water advisory board.
Public Safety: Continue to foster strong working relationships with our Rural Metro firefighters and our MCSO officers and deputies and take proactive steps to integrate them into our community.
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