Edmonds, Garcia, Solorio and Weise answer Q&A for Avondale City Council race

The Avondale City Council will see a number of new faces after its election on July 30. With current Councilmembers Veronica Malone and Mike Pineda termed out and running for mayor, Councilmember Gloria Solorio is the only incumbent running for a seat on the council.

Three seats are up for grabs, with four total candidates running. Solorio will be running against newcomers Natosha Edmonds, Jeannette Garcia and Shari Weise.

The Arizona Republic asked the candidates questions about a number of city and state issues. Garcia didn't respond, but here's what the other candidates had to say, in alphabetical order. Some questions may have been edited to meet with pre-arranged lengths for all.

Who is on Avondale City Council? What to know about the members

Vision: Why are you running for Avondale City Council?

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

Natosha Edmonds: I am running for Avondale City Council because I want to be an active participant in shaping the future of our city. My priorities are economic growth, community investment, and public safety and health. I believe in attracting businesses that create quality jobs and enhance the quality of life for our residents. I am committed to maintaining and creating sustainable infrastructure, including roads and green spaces, and to continuing improvements in areas like Cashion, Las Ligas, Old Town Avondale, Rio Vista and 107th and Indian School.

My top priority, if elected, will be ensuring that public safety and health are paramount. I want Avondale to be a place where everyone feels safe and secure, with access to trusted public and community-based resources. Additionally, I am dedicated to providing diverse activities and programs for residents of all ages. Ultimately, I envision Avondale as a place where our children, after pursuing their education or training, would choose to return to raise their families. I am committed to helping Avondale aspire, achieve, and accelerate for generations to come.

Gloria Solorio: Because I want to remain in office to be an advocate for our city, I want to continue to address residents' needs and advance policies that foster equity, prosperity, and opportunity for all.

Shari Weise: My husband, Kenn, and I have lived in Avondale for over 28 years, witnessing its transformation from a quiet farming community to a thriving economic hub in the West Valley. This personal connection fuels my commitment to maintaining its positive trajectory. To prepare for a council seat, I’ve actively participated in Avondale’s Citizen Leadership and Water academies. I also serve on Avondale’s Neighborhood and Family Services Commission, working to make our community even better.

My professional background as a registered nurse, coupled with a master's degree in nursing education, equips me with a unique perspective to serve on the City Council. I understand that health and safety are fundamental to a thriving community, and I'm committed to ensuring that Avondale remains a safe and healthy place for all its residents. I have received the endorsement of police and fire.

My top priorities are addressing the city's expected revenue shortfall and the need for workforce housing. These concerns are addressed within the questionnaire, so I will state another priority. As we update and expand our city parks, I advocate that the city invests in at least one fully ADA-compliant park that allows all residents, regardless of their physical abilities, to participate.

Jeannette Garcia did not respond.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Avondale 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? 

Edmonds: Given the new state policies impacting city budgets, it's clear that we may face financial challenges in the coming years. The current city council has already decided to slightly raise property taxes, recognizing the financial strain caused by the loss of rental tax fees. While I understand that raising property taxes is not something our homeowners want to hear, and cutting programs is equally undesirable, my approach will be to explore all possible alternatives first. Before considering further tax increases or program cuts, I will prioritize seeking out grants and forming partnerships to help fund essential programs. My goal is to exhaust all other funding options to maintain the quality of services our residents rely on. If further tough decisions must be made, I will work collaboratively with the council to ensure that any changes are fair, transparent, and in the best interest of our community.

Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Avondale City Council race

Weise: Many Avondale families are experiencing financial difficulties due to inflation. Cities are not immune; they face the same budgetary concerns. Recent state policies are projected to reduce Avondale’s revenue by $5 million in 2025 and up to $8 million by 2029.

The City of Avondale cannot raise non-property taxes without a vote of the public. City leadership and council have sought new revenue sources to offset the projected loss of revenue. I support their efforts to attract high-tech jobs, such as the $15 billion dollar data center projects that will anchor Avondale’s Research and Technology Corridor. Avondale’s McDowell Medical Corridor has attracted three specialty hospitals and will provide hundreds of high-paying jobs. I will work very hard to support these types of funding sources before considering any tax increases on our residents and businesses.

Avondale residents must also vote on bonds. Avondale has demonstrated a conservative approach to bonding, using the dollars for large infrastructure projects that benefit the entire community. I fully support Avondale using bonds to expand the WOLF Reclamation Facility. Many cities struggle with water, and expanding this facility will help secure Avondale’s water future. The expansion is expected to cost $130 million.

Garcia did not respond.

Traffic: What would the Avondale City Council candidates do to ease commutes?

What is the most important transportation project in the city that will help Avondale residents cut down their commute time? Why and how would you pay for it?

Edmonds: The most important transportation project in Avondale is the SR30 project, contingent on the passage of Proposition 479. This project is crucial for reducing commute times and enhancing connectivity both within our city and to neighboring areas. By improving our transportation infrastructure, SR30 will ease traffic congestion and attract new business opportunities, thereby boosting our local economy.

Additionally, the WeRIDE initiative, an innovative on-demand and cost-effective shared-ride service, provides affordable transportation options for residents. This program makes it easier for people to get from point A to point B efficiently and serves as a great example of the benefits our residents receive from their tax dollars.

Solorio: Transportation is key in our city- having good infrastructure and good methods of public transportation like WeRide in our city we can create a city where ride share can help folks get from place to place and do it in an affordable way.

Weise: Proposition 479 is a significant issue on this year's ballot. It's important to note that this proposition does not introduce a new tax but instead extends the current half-cent sales tax to fund transportation in Maricopa County. This tax, initially established in 1985 (Proposition 300) and extended in 2004 (Proposition 400), has been instrumental in funding multiple transportation projects throughout the county. If passed, Prop. 479 would also fund 331 miles of new freeway, including the much-needed State Route 30 (Tres Rios Freeway) that would benefit Avondale residents. This state route would cut commuting time for those driving to the east valley and drive economic development in the southern part of our city.”

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Garcia did not respond.

Housing: Where do Avondale City Council candidates stand on density vs. affordability?

In recent years finding affordable housing for working people has become increasingly difficult. How do you balance the need to provide workforce housing with community pressures to limit density? What is your philosophy and if you had to choose between these competing interests, how would you?

Edmonds: Balancing affordable workforce housing with community concerns about density requires a thoughtful approach. My philosophy focuses on promoting mixed-use developments that integrate residential units with commercial spaces, offering incentives for affordable housing, and implementing smart growth principles. I prioritize housing near transit hubs to minimize neighborhood impact and support local businesses. Engaging the community transparently is essential to address concerns and find acceptable solutions. If choosing between workforce housing and limiting density, I advocate for strategic higher density in specific areas, promoting diverse housing types, and ensuring new developments include green spaces and community amenities. My goal is to create a vibrant, inclusive community where all residents have access to safe and affordable housing through collaborative and thoughtful planning.

Solorio: It is all about balance. In Avondale we have a great mix of multi-family and single-family residences to accommodate everyone.

Weise: If corporations continue to purchase entry-level homes, communities will continue to struggle with a workforce housing shortage. Those priced out of the housing market may opt to rent in higher-density areas, like “The Blvd” on Avondale Blvd, south of the I-10 freeway. This part of the city is experiencing rapid, high-density growth. I’ve spoken with community members who fear increased traffic around “The Blvd” will lead to accidents. Other community members believe increasing rooftops will bring restaurants, local amenities, and possibly a grocery store. The worries regarding increased traffic ring true. Therefore, I will focus on traffic safety in these upcoming projects. Moreover, I share the optimism of community members and believe this high-density housing area will be an economic driver in the future.

My philosophy on the council will be to steer away from future high-density rental properties. Instead, I would embrace workforce housing projects, such as townhomes and condominiums for purchase. Another unique option for workforce housing I would consider is building housing units on school property for school staff members. These units may attract out-of-state teachers by offering them an affordable place to live while working.

Garcia did not respond.

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Inspiration: Who shapes the Avondale 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? 

Edmonds: I greatly admire Michelle Obama for her resilience, leadership, and dedication to public service. As First Lady, she championed important causes such as education, veterans' affairs, and health, notably through her "Let's Move!" initiative aimed at reducing childhood obesity. Michelle Obama's ability to inspire and connect with people from all walks of life is remarkable. The key lesson I draw from her experience is the importance of using one's platform to advocate for positive change while staying true to one's values. Her grace under pressure and commitment to empowering others are qualities I strive to emulate in my own public service endeavors.

Solorio: I admire the work ethic of Cesar Chavez and the hard-working ethic he had and the principles he stood for. My favorite quote is: "Grant me courage to serve others; For in service there is true life.”

He never gave up advocating for others to achieve a better life for people and that is something I want for all our Avondale residents.

Weise: My husband is Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise. Kenn was appointed to the City Council in 2006 and became Mayor in 2014. When his term expires at the end of this year, he will have served on the Council for 19 years. As his wife, I’ve gained a deep understanding of city governance and Avondale’s priorities. One of Kenn’s strongest attributes is his ability to build a consensus to address concerns at the local and regional levels. He frequently reminds others that he is just one vote on the council and that his vote is no more important than any other council member. Kenn is genuinely kind-hearted and humble. He understands that the city’s success isn’t possible without the efforts of the entire city council, city staff, and the community.

Garcia did not respond.

Election integrity: Where do the Avondale 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?

Edmonds: I believe Arizona elections are fairly run and I trust the results. Arizona has implemented robust procedures to ensure the integrity of the election process. These measures help safeguard against fraud and ensure that every vote is counted accurately. I am committed to abiding by the results of the elections because respecting the democratic process is fundamental to maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of our democracy.

Solorio: I do believe the elections are done fairly and that we have to stand by the outcomes of elections. This is why it's so important to be out there encouraging people to get involved b voting. Their voice matters.

Weise: When individuals lose faith in the electoral process, they may decide not to participate. As a candidate, I will not undermine the voting process by refusing to accept the results of this election. Whether I win or lose, I will respect the results and do everything I can to ensure the winning candidates' success. As mentioned earlier, the city's success depends on the contributions of all Avondale residents.

Garcia did not respond.

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Avondale City Council election 2024: Candidates answer Q&A