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
I created my Chandler Delivers! platform as a vision for the future, a blueprint, if you will, for the three key areas - Community Safety, Economic Growth, and Enhanced Quality of Life - on which I believe the City should concentrate in the days and months and years ahead. Also, I have developed a Housing for All initiative to create more workforce/affordable housing in Chandler.
Qualifications and Experience
I was first elected to the Chandler City Council in 1990 and served over twenty years as an elected official. I served from 1990-1998, from 2004-2013, and from 2018 to the present. For the past forty years, while living in Arizona, I have had the privilege to serve our great nation, state and city through my military, professional, and political careers. I retired as a Colonel after serving over four years on active duty and over 25 years in the Arizona Air National Guard. In addition to serving in the military, I owned a small business and served our nation through my employment over the past 35 years with several defense, space and high technology companies.
Memberships & Affiliations
Beyond serving on the Chandler City Council, I am on the Board of Directors of both the National League of Cities Board of Directors, Public Finance Network and the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. I serve on the National League of Cities’s Membership Committee and the Arizona State League of Cities Public Safety, Military Affairs & The Courts Committee. Additionally, I am Chair of Read On Chandler/Chandler Education Coalition.
Endorsements
I am proud to be endorsed by labor unions, community organizations, and local leaders from across not only Chandler, but from all corners of our great state. These include Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, Arizona Police Association (APA), Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs (AZCOP) Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, Communication Workers of America, Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, Arizona Police Association, Keep AZ Blue Student Coalition, Chandler Gilbert Indivisible, and more. A full list of my endorsements can be found at www.mattorlandoformayor.com/endorsements
Community Service
I am a proud member of the American Legion and the Military Officers Association of America, and in my spare time I am an umpire for both youth and adult softball. Previously, I was a coach for Chandler Youth Baseball and YMCA youth programs, President of the Chandler Girls Softball League, and a Junior Achievement teacher to elementary-age school children.
Education
I received my BA from Rutgers University in New Jersey and my MBA from Golden Gate University in California.
As a former small business owner, high-tech executive, and current Councilmember, I understand that strong economic growth must be balanced with responsible planning. I will continue attracting high-quality global employers while supporting the locally owned small businesses that form the backbone of Chandler’s economy. Economic development must align with our long-term water strategy, infrastructure capacity, and quality of life. I have worked to secure diversified water supplies, expand conservation efforts, and invest in sustainable technologies such as solar energy and LED infrastructure. I will continue streamlining permitting, strengthening workforce development partnerships with schools and colleges, and ensuring Chandler remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
My first responsibility is maintaining Chandler’s strong fiscal position while delivering excellent services. Public safety remains a top priority. I led efforts to fully staff our police force, expand fire and medical services, establish a city forensic lab, and improve emergency response capabilities. I also support continued investment in critical infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and pipeline replacement. Housing affordability must remain a focus through strategic redevelopment, compatible infill projects, and partnerships with nonprofits. Finally, I will continue supporting parks, recreation, arts, and neighborhood programs that strengthen community connections. Every budget decision should be guided by long-term value, accountability, and maintaining the high quality of life Chandler residents deserve.
City government works best when residents trust their elected leaders. I believe local government should focus on solving problems, not playing political games. As mayor, I will continue promoting open communication, transparent budgeting, accessible public meetings, and meaningful opportunities for residents to provide input before major decisions are made. I will maintain high ethical standards, ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, and encourage regular engagement with neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and community organizations. Residents deserve a government that listens, communicates clearly, and remains accountable. My record on the City Council reflects a commitment to practical solutions, transparency, and putting Chandler residents first. As Mayor, I will finalize and implement an ethics policy to codify my statements.
Many of Chandler’s biggest challenges require collaboration. Throughout my time on the City Council, I have worked closely with residents, schools, nonprofits, business leaders, regional organizations, and state agencies to deliver results. As Chandler’s representative to water policy organizations, I have helped protect our long-term water future through regional partnerships. I will continue working with neighboring cities, Maricopa County, the State of Arizona, educational institutions, and the business community to address public safety, workforce development, housing, transportation, and water security. Strong partnerships allow us to leverage resources, avoid duplication, and develop practical solutions that benefit Chandler residents today and for future generations.
The most important issues facing Chandler are public safety, water security, housing affordability, economic growth, and maintaining our exceptional quality of life. As the incumbent Councilmember running for mayor, I will continue the work we have already started. That includes fully implementing city-operated ambulance services, expanding public safety programs, strengthening mental health and crisis response resources, securing long-term water supplies through conservation and infrastructure investments, and supporting affordable housing options for seniors, veterans, families, and people with disabilities. I will also continue attracting high-quality jobs, supporting small businesses, investing in parks and recreation, and keeping Chandler’s neighborhoods safe, clean, and vibrant for generations to come.
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