Chandler City Council candidates weigh in on town issues, priorities in 2024 election

Chandler voters are deciding who will fill three open City Council seats in the July 30 election, when the city is guaranteed to get at least one new elected leader who will help shape policies on everything from growth to policing over the next four years.

Chandler City Council incumbents Christine Ellis and OD Harris are both vying for their second terms in office. City Councilmember Mark Stewart isn’t seeking reelection because he has reached his term limit.

There are five newcomers hoping to either secure Stewart’s empty seat or replace their incumbent competitors. They are Jennifer Hawkins, Ajlan "AJ" Kurdoglu, Cicely Rocha-Miller, Michael Simon, and Joseph Yang.

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate about everything from their reason for running, to their plan for fiscal management, to their view of the recent surge in teen violence across the East Valley.

Here’s what they had to say, in alphabetical order. Some answers may have been slightly edited to meet agreed-to lengths for all.

Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Chandler City council race

Vision: Why are you running for Chandler City Council?

Why are you running for City Council? If elected, what will your first priority be?

Jennifer Hawkins: As a long-time resident, local business owner, and parent of Chandler students, I am fully invested in the city, how it is run and how it affects our day-to-day life. I felt the need to take my community involvement to the next level to serve my neighbors, friends and fellow business owners and give back to our great city that has given my family so much. I'm excited to contribute by listening and understanding the needs of our residents so that the city can enhance its current, outstanding customer service. One of my early priorities will be to work with local business owners on what additional steps the city can take to support them and our local workforce to keep our community and neighborhoods thriving economically.

Christine Ellis: I am running for Chandler City Council for the love of Chandler. When I am reelected, I will stay the course in keeping Chandler a destination place, economically sound with a well-balanced budget. But most of all, a safe community with a great quality of life where we can live, work and play.

OD Harris: When I was first elected in 2020, it was with the conviction that serving in this capacity was my higher calling. As a leader committed to serving with humility, I recognized the combination of my professional background in accounting for the past 25 years as a small multi-business owner, my educational achievements, military service, passion for community advocacy, and serving on local and national boards. Lastly, a disciplined fiscal approach to budgeting is a crucial asset to bring to effectuate meaningful change in Chandler.

These personal and professional experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership, underpinned by the foundational values of faith, which guides my moral compass; family, which grounds me and reinforces the importance of strong community bonds; and a commitment to the community, which fuels my drive to advocate for and implement policies that enhance our collective quality of life.

These values continue to be the cornerstone of my motivation, guiding my aspirations to serve our community with integrity, lead with a spirit of humility, and continue making impactful contributions for the betterment of all our residents.

Ajlan "AJ" Kurdoglu: I am running for City Council because in this city I realized my American dream and I want to make sure that everyone will have a better chance to realize theirs. I love the city of Chandler, and I want to keep making it the best city in Arizona. My first priority is to make Chandler the best place to live, raise families, work, and invest by helping to create more workforce housing and resolving our traffic and road construction issues. Those are the top two concerns I hear from people in the community, and I am excited to play a part in solving those issues. I want to help find creative solutions to optimize our underused areas to provide housing that is attainable for the people who work in our community. In addition, I think we could be more strategic in planning our road construction and improvement projects so that they are less disruptive to the people and businesses of Chandler. Addressing these two issues will help to make our beautiful city safer and more welcoming.

Cicely Rocha-Miller: I am running for City Council because I am passionate about serving our community and believe I have the experience and dedication needed to make positive changes for Chandler. As a small business owner, a mom, the former Director of Volunteer Services for the Save the Family Foundation, and a current member of my neighborhood HOA board, I have forged deep bonds within Chandler. These roles have shown me the profound impact we can make when we come together for the greater good.

From firsthand experience working together with my neighbors, I have seen the positive changes we can effect. I’ve built a career on bringing people together to solve problems and will do so on Council. Whether that’s with businesses, families, public safety, or community leaders, I can’t wait to work with anyone and everyone to preserve and enhance the community spirit that makes Chandler a wonderful place to live and work.

If elected, my first priority will be to enhance our community’s quality of life through transparent communication and active involvement in city decisions. I will focus on fostering a responsive and accountable city government that listens to and serves its residents.

Michael Simon: My inspiration started with my vision to assist fellow veterans in our community and be a part of something bigger than myself. When I departed the military, I wanted to continue serving in a new capacity. I was introduced to the American Legion Post 91, where I was welcomed and accepted into the largest veteran service organization in the world. Early in my membership, I rose to leadership and found a renewed purpose to expand my involvement. My passion and enthusiasm for the city of Chandler grew, and I discovered how important it was to be a part of a larger community. I had the honor of becoming a founding member of the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission for the city of Chandler and a member of the Chandler Business Alliance. As I matured in my new leadership roles, understanding more about the city of Chandler and its residents, I know I will be able to continue the success and prosperity for many years to come.

My priorities are public safety and transparency.

Joseph Yang: I am running for Chandler City Council to continue serving the community that I have grown up serving. My first priority will be to take some of the existing youth leadership programs and CTE programs we have in the city, meet with them and hear how they feel the programs work for them. I want to then start the process of making them more robust and ensuring that we are growing these programs in conjunction with the city's growth. One of the programs specifically is the Mayor's Youth Commission. I would like to see each of those commissioners given the opportunity to sit on other boards and commissions as "youth advisors," and get to learn and serve alongside the city's greatest community leaders! That is how we develop the future of Chandler's leadership and invest in Chandler's Future.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Chander City Council candidates stand?

New state policies will affect city budgets. If faced with a deficit, will you support raising taxes to maintain city services or cutting programs? Which specific services and/or taxes would you consider first and why?

Hawkins: Inflation has forced everyone to reconsider what their priorities are. Chandler is not immune, and in fact, revenues have been further complicated with recent changes by the State Legislature. When I think of the priorities for what the city is responsible for, we should be focused on supporting our core services. Public safety, water, wastewater, sewage and roads. These services are what impact our local residents and businesses the most. Because Chandler has remained fiscally responsible in previous years, and takes a priority-based budgeting approach, we have been able to maintain the lowest cost for service in Maricopa County while providing an exceptional environment to live, work and play. I will fight to keep taxes low while working with staff to identify additional savings and rebate programs that the city can utilize.

Ellis: The mayor and council have decreased taxes for the last nine years based on a formula that allows us to continue doing city business. As for the price of services, we are the lowest in the East Valley. I don’t see these trends fading. Why? Because as a city we do not spend money we don’t have, and we don’t do projects that we are unable to pay for. At this time, because of inflation, we are discussing the idea of asking the people of Chandler their votes to go the bond route. With our history of a AAA bond rating and reputation of being fiscally responsible, Chandler is well set. That would be my first option to look into.

Harris: For the past four years, I have approached the budget conservatively, drawing on my 25 years of training in accounting. Given our well-managed finances and innovative budgeting practices, I have successfully advocated for lowered taxes in Chandler while maintaining our AAA bond rating and keeping a reserve that protects the city from shortfalls. I have no interest in any tax increases, as this puts a greater burden on Chandler families and local businesses at a time when inflation continues to impact our community.

Kurdoglu: Property taxes in Chandler have gone down for many consecutive years and the legislature recently eliminated some of the city's tax income sources, so we may face a deficit. I think the city provides great services while being a good steward of our tax funds, so we will have to take a closer look at expenses to find opportunities to curtail spending. We might need to think twice about new programs and some new hiring because we are still at a deficit in some departments and need to continue staffing. But I would prioritize public safety, water, and transportation as areas of investment.

Rocha-Miller: I believe in maintaining essential city services without imposing unnecessary financial burdens on our residents. My first priority is to explore alternative funding sources and optimize existing resources before considering taking a proposal to the voters of Chandler to increase taxes.

I advocate for a strategic, data-driven review of all city programs and a thorough audit to identify underperforming or redundant initiatives. Any necessary cuts will be carefully targeted to eliminate inefficiencies while reallocating resources to higher-priority areas. Essential services such as public safety, health, and infrastructure will be prioritized and preserved.

By focusing on innovative funding strategies and meticulous resource management, we can maintain and even improve the quality of our city services. I aim to avoid placing additional tax burdens on our residents while fostering a more efficient and effective city government, ultimately enhancing the well-being of Chandler’s community.

Simon: Chandler is fiscally sound, along with another planned property rate decrease for the ninth year in a row. As we navigate beyond this next year’s budget, I vow to work with our city manager, staff, and fellow council members to make sure we view all options to make sure we maintain a diverse stream of revenues while continuing to maintain priority-based budgeting of city services and programs. As I continue to engage with residents and businesses around Chandler, I am always open to suggested improvements and ways to make sure the residents of Chandler continue to receive an outstanding return on their investments in the city.

Yang: I am always against raising taxes unless absolutely necessary! I want to make sure that the hard-working men and women of Chandler get to keep their hard-earned money in their pockets. It is hard to answer this question without seeing the full budget laid out, but I think there are definitely areas where I have seen as a city employee that we could trim down some excess spending. The promise voters will get from me is that I will never cut or trim funding to critical needs like public safety, roads, water and power. We need to ensure we are providing an exceptionality of life for Chandler residents. On council it is always finding a balance to maintain a commonsense budget while providing diverse options for all income levels. One thing to always keep in mind is how we are going to be investing in Chandler's future and maintaining a level of keeping the city functioning while propelling Chandler to continue being the premier city in Arizona to raise a family and to live, work and thrive.

'Gilbert Goons': How do Chandler City Council candidates assess the response to teen violence?

Chandler vowed to spearhead a regional effort in the East Valley to combat teen violence, a response to the "Goons" attacks coming to light earlier this year. How would you assess that response and policing in general?

Hawkins: It’s truly devastating that our families are having to deal with such extreme teen violence, and a ban on brass knuckles and addressing the rowdy party rules, while having a zero-tolerance policy, are certainly a step in the right direction. Chandler needs to continue to hold accountable those that are responsible for these actions, while working with regional partners, school boards and families to address this issue. I believe taking a collaborative approach is the only way to curb this epidemic.

Ellis: Our current chief of police is very clear that the city of Chandler does not have a gang issue. Our position is to stay ahead of anything that would compromise the safety of our community, we do that by implementing policies and by working together with our community hand-in-hand. Our public safety departments have been given every tool they need and will need for them to ensure our neighborhoods are safe, from the necessary manpower — we only had four vacancies in the police department before we start to over hire — to equipment that will help them get the job done.

Harris: As someone who advocated for and voted to pass the Unruly Behavior Ordinance, I am proud of Chandler's proactive stance in addressing teen violence. This ordinance is a critical step in holding individuals accountable for disruptive behaviors, providing our law enforcement with the necessary tools to deter potential offenders and ensure the safety of our community.

However, it is important to recognize that many of these issues stem from unaddressed mental health issues. Which is why I am proud to champion mental health through our Mental Health Awareness Walk. We must approach the subject of teen violence both through preventive and reactive measures. On the preventive side, engage with the community through educational initiatives, collaborating with schools, and partnering with local organizations to address the root causes of teen violence. These efforts are essential in building trust between the police and our residents, fostering a collaborative environment.

Reactively, we have increased patrolling in high-risk areas and ensured a swift response to incidents, allowing us to manage situations effectively. Our police department, with the community's support, continues to utilize data-driven strategies to allocate resources efficiently and train officers to handle complex youth-related incidents.

Kurdoglu: I think that Chandler has done a good job of addressing teen violence and has been proactive in many areas. The recent ordinances regarding unruly gatherings and minor purchases of brass knuckles were good changes that I supported. I think that our city should continue to address the mental health challenges that our people are facing and provide increased outreach programs. We need to ensure that our public safety officers have the resources they need to address any issues.

Rocha-Miller: Chandler's commitment to spearheading a regional effort in the East Valley to combat teen violence prompted by the ‘Goons’ attacks is commendable and necessary. To effectively address these issues, proactive measures such as early intervention programs targeting at-risk youth with counseling, mentorship, and support services are crucial. Community engagement involving leaders, parents, and schools is equally vital for raising awareness and providing resources for prevention and intervention.

Additionally, enhancing interagency cooperation and resource sharing among local law enforcement agencies in the East Valley can improve information dissemination and coordination in response to incidents of teen violence. We must support law enforcement through comprehensive training in handling teen violence, including de-escalation techniques and cultural competence. Community policing initiatives should also be prioritized to build trust and enable early identification and resolution of potential threats.

We must foster and maintain a mutual two-way street of respect and trust between law enforcement and the community. In addition, strategic resource allocation, including the integration of mental health professionals into policing strategies, enhances response capabilities and crime prevention. By implementing these strategies, Chandler can lead a robust regional response to teen violence while enhancing overall policing outcomes across the East Valley.

Simon: The Chandler Police Department is already doing an amazing job, and as we work to engage with our residents and other community partners in other cities and School Districts, we must move forward with solutions and open communications to combat teen violence and the underlying mental health issues these teens are experiencing. The most recent passing of several ordinances is a very good start. However, we must ensure we do not ignore any signs of recurrence and adjust in the future to maintain Chandler as one of the safest cities in the country.

Yang: I am excited to talk about this issue as the youngest candidate in this race I have a unique experience. I currently serve on an advisory committee for the Chandler School District to talk about and combat the issues of teen violence as well as the police commission for the city. I think that Chandler does an amazing job with the school resource unit and their officers. That is something we can never get rid of, and I will defend that while on council. Another thing the police department has done well is community policing and engaging with the community, which I feel contributes to the safe community we all see. I would like to take that a step further and continue to bring resources not just to the community, but to the youth of our community. I think if we have well-informed and well-educated youth on the resources that are available and that there are always avenues to do the right thing, that will help keep our community safe for the next generation and continue fostering a great relationship with the police department and community. I get to see this firsthand with the police department I currently work for.

Perceptions: What would Chandler City Council candidates change?

What is the best thing about Chandler that you would never change? Why? What is the first thing that needs changing and why?

Hawkins: Having lived in Chandler for many years, I deeply value our city’s sense of community and the amazing quality-of-life our city provides. I always tell people, I love that Chandler somewhat feels like a small town with all the charm, including our downtown area, but has all of the amenities of a big city at arm’s reach.

One common complaint I often hear is the length of time our road construction is taking. I think we need to revisit our approach on how we are awarding these projects and revisiting those expectations.

Ellis: In Chandler I will never want to change the way this community cares for each other. We are a very generous city (and) we are always involved in service. That is what I believe makes us who we are. I would like to get the support of my colleagues in changing the idea that being on City Council is a part-time job. The reason why is simple: serving the public is not a 20-hour-a-week job. Once the oath is taking as a servant leader, we must be about the people’s business, not only for a few, but (for) all the people that live in Chandler.

Harris: The best thing I would never change about Chandler is that we are truly a family-centered community, complemented by our beautiful parks, good schools and vibrant downtown area. These elements create a strong sense of community, making Chandler an ideal place for families to live, work, and play. Our parks offer ample recreational opportunities, promoting a healthy lifestyle, while Downtown Chandler provides a charming and bustling hub for dining, shopping, and cultural events. This combination fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that residents cherish.

However, the first thing that needs changing is our traffic policies. With numerous projects happening simultaneously, traffic congestion has become a significant issue. It disrupts daily commutes, affects local businesses, and can be a safety concern. I am actively addressing this problem by coordinating project timelines more effectively, improving traffic management systems, and exploring infrastructure enhancements to alleviate congestion. By prioritizing these changes, we can ensure smoother traffic flow and maintain the high quality of life that Chandler residents expect and deserve.

Kurdoglu: My favorite thing about Chandler that I would love to preserve is that it is quite a big city with great amenities, but it still has a wonderful, close-knit community feel. Our wonderful downtown and many community festivals and events help us to foster that environment and draw together folks from every neighborhood in Chandler, and those places and events are worth preserving to keep our community engaged and united. The first thing that needs changing is probably the traffic so that we can keep our city safe for drivers, bikers, and walkers and so that we can minimize frustration for the folks who live and work in Chandler.

Rocha-Miller: The strong sense of community and the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere are the heart of Chandler and should always be preserved. My husband and I have loved raising our two children here, and it is easy to see why Chandler remains an attractive choice for families and individuals when looking for a new place to call home.

However, with Chandler's rapid growth, the first thing that needs changing is addressing traffic congestion and improving infrastructure. As more people are drawn to our community, traffic has become increasingly congested, impacting daily commutes and overall mobility. To address these challenges effectively, I propose investing in smart traffic management systems, improving construction coordination, and enhancing bike and pedestrian pathways. These initiatives will not only reduce congestion but also promote sustainable transportation options, improve air quality, and reduce our environmental footprint.

Improving transportation infrastructure is crucial for maintaining Chandler's livability and supporting continued economic growth. By making these enhancements, we can ensure that Chandler remains an accessible and connected community where families thrive, and businesses prosper while preserving the cherished sense of community that makes Chandler such a special place to call home.

Simon: Chandler is the place you want to be! It is the greatest city to live, work, and play in, as seen by our continued growth of businesses, large and small, and a highly desirable quality of life that every new resident embraces. As we move into the future of “build-up”, the council will have to make many hard decisions to accommodate what remains to be developed and how our budget changes with this transition. I look forward to the coming changes and challenges, and I know we can keep Chandler the great city I love.

Yang: The one thing I would never change about Chandler is its community engagement! I believe that Chandler is so successful because the council members and staff listen to its residents and the residents show up to support the city. That is one thing that will never change with me. The first thing I would like to change would be the way some of our boards and commissions are run. While serving on a commission or the city and speaking with members on various boards and commissions, I hear that sometimes information isn't always relayed from the commission to the council. That is something I would like to look into. These boards and commission exist as an advisory capacity to the mayor and council, and if we are not hearing from these boards and commissions then how can they be effective avenues for the mayor and council to learn about issues affecting our community!

Inspiration: Who shapes the Chandler City Council candidates' thinking?

Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from that person’s experience?

Hawkins: Abraham Lincoln's legacy endures so long after for many reasons, but what captivates me most is his commitment to his principles he showed amidst adversity. His willingness to listen to diverse viewpoints and his capacity to evolve in his convictions demonstrate something rarely seen in leaders these days. Lincoln’s ability to bring unity and navigate through one of the most difficult periods in American history with grace, humility, empathy, and perseverance continue to inspire me.

Ellis: There are many people I admire and I believe I am the sum of them in so many ways, but there is a man who has left a durable mark on me. That is my grandfather, Mr. Benishomme JeanCharles. As a servant leader he lived a life of putting others first, with a total of 65 kids of his own, he made sure they all have an education. He was like a father to me, growing up with him I learned how to take care of others. His favorite saying was “you take care of the people, the people will take care of you.”

Harris: The person I admire most in public life is my mother. Her dedication to serving others has profoundly influenced my life and career. She instilled in me the importance of community service and the value of helping those in need. Watching her selflessly give her time and energy to support others has inspired me to follow a similar path in my public service career.

My mother's example taught me that authentic leadership is rooted in service. It's not just about holding a position of authority, but about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Her unwavering commitment to serving her community taught me that the most influential leaders prioritize the well-being of the people they serve. This lesson has guided my approach to public service, emphasizing compassion, dedication, and a focus on community needs above all else.

Kurdoglu: Three public servants that I admire are U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (and) Jeff Flake, and Arizona Rep. Jennifer Pawlik. I think that all three of them work so hard to prioritize the needs of their constituents. They are intelligent people who listen to all sides of an issue, consider the data, make educated decisions, and stand up for their beliefs. I have been proud to have them represent me, and I strive to model my actions after theirs. I have been meeting with people throughout Chandler, and I have been listening to their joys and concerns regarding our city. I will be happy to work with people throughout the community to continue to improve Chandler.

Rocha-Miller: I admire many people in public life, one of them being Dolly Parton. Dolly is a music icon and a philanthropist who has made significant contributions to education and literacy through her Imagination Library. She is an extraordinary example of talent, generosity, and resilience. Despite her humble beginnings, she achieved great success through hard work and determination.

From her experience, I have learned that success is not just about personal achievement but also about giving back to the community and helping others. Dolly Parton's humility, kindness, and commitment to making a positive impact inspire me to serve my community with the same spirit of generosity and dedication. Her journey reminds me that regardless of our starting point, we have the power to create positive change and uplift those around us through our talents and efforts. Dolly's example teaches us that true success is not measured by fame or wealth but by the positive impact we have on others' lives.

Simon: I admire the service men and women within the United States Marine Corps and all our other branches, specifically my immediate senior enlisted and officers that I served with. They shaped me during my career and built me up as a leader to be successful both in and out of the Marine Corps. The leadership traits I learned taught me how to improve myself and the way I follow and lead. I learned that with every relationship, you take notes, good or bad, and use these experiences to develop your own leadership style and to always put others before yourself.

Yang: I would have to say someone I admire would have to be Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Thomas has always been an inspiration to me due to his ability to overcome adversity and now sit on the highest court of the land. Justice Thomas grew up being raised by his grandfather after his father abandoned him, Justice Thomas was raised in an impoverished community but despite all that he worked harder and continued to pursue the American dream and eventually landed as an assistant secretary for civil rights. He now sits on the highest court of the land as a justice and I truly admire his ability to capture the American dream despite adversity. As the son of two immigrants and a first generation American, I will always encourage and help people attain their American dream. No matter your background, you have an American dream you can aspire for.

Election integrity: Where do the Chandler City Council candidates stand?

Do you think Arizona elections are fairly run? Do you trust the results? Will you abide by them? Why or why not?

Hawkins: I trust the results, but I believe, like with most things, there is always room for improvement and transparency in the process. We have seen some unintended administrative issues at the voting centers over the years that have unfortunately disenfranchised some voters. We should use these lessons learned and work to make our elections world class. For anyone concerned, I encourage getting involved, volunteering and being a part of the process!

Ellis: To the best of my knowledge, I think they are fairly run. There are so many variables to getting a trustworthy result, (which) is why it is very important that we continue to be transparent and communicate with all parties involved to arrive at a solution where are all on the same understanding. Can we absolutely improve? In every area of government there is always room for growth and improvement.

Harris: Yes, the city of Chandler elections are fairly run, and I trust the results. In Chandler, we have the advantage of running our own elections, and our city clerk is the most experienced in the state, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the process. Given this level of expertise and dedication to fair elections, I am confident in the reliability of the outcomes. Therefore, I will absolutely accept the final decision, as it reflects the democratic will of our community and the rigorous standards upheld by our election officials.

Kurdoglu: I believe Arizona elections are fairly run. Our processes and procedures ensure that our elections are safe and secure, and the technology has been proven to be accurate in audits. I believe in the people who run our elections, and I trust the results. Audits and lawsuits have not turned up any significant disparities in the results in past elections, and I will abide by the results of this election.

Rocha-Miller: Yes, Arizona’s elections are run fairly. The state has rigorous processes and safeguards in place to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. I will absolutely accept the results of the election. Respecting the democratic process is fundamental to our governance and essential for maintaining public trust in our institutions.

Simon: It is the responsibility of our election officials to obtain the electorate's trust and faith. Trust can only be obtained through honest and transparent communications, and when issues do arise, they must be addressed with open and welcoming dialogue to instill trust in the process. If this is done, we all will be able to trust the results.

Yang: My opinions on elections are irrelevant as the city has nothing to do with overseeing or conducting elections. This question is quite honestly a waste of time for readers, Chandler faces many challenges as we approach buildout, and the city council will be faced with many questions and I think voters want to know what we will do for them and how we will serve them. I will never waste taxpayer time and money for things we have no influence over. I am running to invest in Chandler's future by developing our workforce, keeping Chandler a safe city, enhancing parks and fields and continuing Chandler's reputation as a premier city to raise a family, and to live, work and thrive — not grandstand on opinions I have nothing to do with. I would encourage readers and voters to look at your recorder and county board of supervisor candidates on questions regarding elections. For me and this campaign, we are running to serve Chandler and continue providing exceptional quality of life to Chandler residents. With all that in mind I will accept the results of this election.

Reporter Sam Kmack covers Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Follow him on X @KmackSam or reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chandler City Council candidates answer Q&A on town issues