Homelessness, taxes and elections: Here's where Glendale City Council candidates stand
The Glendale City Council has three open seats to fill this election season. Voters in the Cactus, Sahuaro and Yucca districts will decide who should represent them at City Hall in the July 30 election.
At least one new city leader will join the council while one incumbent is guaranteed to retain his position. Together, the slate of new and returning officials will have a four-year opportunity to capitalize on Glendale’s growing economy while continuing to contend with homelessness.
Glendale City Council incumbents Ian Hugh and Ray Malnar are vying for their fourth and third consecutive four-year terms in office, respectively. Councilmember Joyce Clark, who has served on the council off and on for three decades is resigning from her Yucca District seat.
Two newcomers are looking to fill Clark’s seat, while a third is hoping to replace Hugh for the Cactus District seat. Those newcomers include Lupe Encinas, Dianna Guzman and Lupe Conchas.
Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Glendale council races
The Arizona Republic asked each candidate about their desire to run for local office, plans to manage city finances and ideas on tackling Glendale’s homelessness issue.
Malnar, who represents Sahuaro District residents and is running unopposed, did not submit responses to our questions.
Here’s what the candidates (listed by district and in alphabetical order) had to say. Some responses may have been edited to meet the agreed to length for all.
Cactus District Race
Vision: Why are you running for Glendale City Council?
Why are you running for Glendale City Council? If elected, what will your first priority be?
Lupe Conchas: As the current school board president in the Alhambra Elementary School District, I am extremely proud to be a resident of Glendale. I am running to represent the diverse needs of the Cactus District and to bring a new perspective to the City Council. There are currently no term limits in the city charter, so I decided to challenge the incumbent because he has become complacent in his current role and the voters are ready for a change. My first priority will be public safety, advocating for enforcement of our current speed limits, and investing in road infrastructure to make it safer to walk, bike, and drive in Glendale. We had two fatalities in the last month, and we need to ensure that our kids and elders are safe on public roads. East Glendale is often overlooked and underinvested compared to Westgate. I will be a strong voice for residents of all backgrounds and political affiliations in the Cactus District.
Hugh: I am running for reelection to continue keeping the city on the path of success that we have enjoyed over the past 12 years. My priority would be continuing to maintain our fiscal responsibility with our highest-rated bonds. That allows us to invest our money into things like parks and road maintenance while maintaining our high quality of public safety.
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Taxing and spending: Where do the Glendale 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?
Conchas: I am wholeheartedly against raising taxes, as we already have one of the highest sales taxes, which negatively affects small businesses and seniors on fixed incomes. I believe in maintaining crucial services such as police, fire, utilities, libraries, parks, and economic development. The City Council has approved millions of dollars in vanity projects that don't benefit the Cactus District directly. If we need to cut services, we can start with the $71 million parking garage at Westgate, the more than $90 million renovations to city hall, and the approximately $40 million renovations to the stadium. Let's also consider cutting the salaries of city council members and the mayor, followed by the salary of the city manager and other administrative salaries. By reducing these administrative costs, we can save Glendale residents from a tax rate increase while preserving essential services.
Ian Hugh: The City of Glendale is financially secure, and we have positioned ourselves extremely well, so we don’t expect to raise taxes or cut services. We have not raised property tax for eight years and we continue to provide excellent water, sewer, and sanitation services.
Homelessness: What are the Glendale council candidates' plans to get more people off the streets?
Based on the latest homelessness count, Glendale has consistently been among the Valley cities with the most unsheltered over the past few years. How would you address this ongoing problem in a way that prevents more homelessness and doesn’t push the problem onto other cities or future councils?
Conchas: I have experienced a 14% rent increase in 2023 and now pay over $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment near 43rd and Glendale avenues. Serious price gouging is forcing vulnerable communities, like seniors, onto the streets. To address homelessness, we need to build more affordable housing, attract higher-paying jobs, and apply for federal and state grants to alleviate the taxpayer burden. Providing childcare, Head Start, and afterschool programs through local school districts can help parents work without worrying about their children. The housing crisis won’t be solved overnight, but we can work with landowners, businesses, and landlords to offer incentives to lower costs in the Cactus District. Criminalizing homelessness is not the answer. Instead, we should focus on long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and provide support to those in need.
Hugh: The City of Glendale has had a 58% reduction of homelessness. We were the first city in the state of Arizona to create a jobs program for the homeless. They go to work for the city and they get paid that day, which helps them get back on their feet. We have beds available at CASS and we are creating the first mini home development for homeless veterans.
Westgate: How do Glendale council candidates plan to balance development there with the rest of the city?
The city’s Westgate Entertainment District has grown considerably, while the city has been working to revitalize its downtown corridor. Are there other areas of Glendale you believe the city should be focusing on? If so, what are the specific issues of those areas that need to be addressed? Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from that person’s experience?
Conchas: When I drive up and down 43rd Avenue between Camelback Road and Peoria Avenue, I see an opportunity to increase the visibility of local businesses and improve the external infrastructure. We can work with small business owners on 43rd to enhance their storefronts, upgrade parking lots, and provide small grants for remodeling and advertising. This approach aligns with my support for businesses across the city and has earned me the endorsement of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. My commitment is to be a true partner to local businesses as a city councilman, ensuring that all areas of Glendale, not just Westgate, benefit from economic development and revitalization efforts.
Hugh: Our growth has been tremendous. We continue creating thousands of new jobs. With all the new tax dollars coming in, we are refurbishing our parks throughout the city, landscaping our streets and we will continue to do so for every citizen of Glendale.
Inspiration: Who shapes the Glendale 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?
Conchas: I admire the work of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. They organized farm workers to demand basic human dignity and respect in the workplace. My grandparents picked corn, onions, and other fruits and vegetables here in the West Valley when it was mostly green fields. From their legacy, I have learned the power of faith, family and community. Chavez and Huerta's dedication to improve the lives of workers inspires me deeply. As the underdog in this race, I draw strength from their example, knowing that with the power of community, we can succeed and win this election. Their legacy reminds me that perseverance, faith, unity and commitment to each other can overcome any challenge.
Hugh: Carl Hayden, I admire him for his career as a sheriff, and the first Arizona representative in the U.S. Congress and a great senator. He was a driving force behind the Central Arizona Project, which helped Arizona with our water resources. Without him, it probably wouldn’t have happened.
Election integrity: Where do the Glendale 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?
Conchas: Yes, I believe Arizona elections are fairly run, and I trust the results. When I pledged my oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of Arizona, I committed to upholding the principles of a free and fair democracy. This includes maintaining confidence in our election processes and outcomes. My opponent supports candidates who have sown doubt about the 2020 presidential election results, which undermines public trust. In contrast, I will respect the outcome of this election. Whether I win or lose, I will accept the results without question, ensuring that the integrity of our democratic process is preserved.
Hugh: Yes.
Yucca District Race
Vision: Why are you running for Glendale City Council?
Why are you running for Glendale City Council? If elected, what will your first priority be?
Lupe Encinas: I am running for office because of my love to serve my community. This seat will allow me to serve at a higher level. My very first priority will be to address all the issues and concerns that were brought to my attention when I was knocking on doors. I believe I can make a difference and bring organizations, residents, and all moving parts together to continue to keep Glendale moving forward. I am raising three sons and the city’s future is very important to me.
Dianna Guzman: I have lived in Glendale for over 27 years and have advocated in Glendale alongside community leaders for 25 years. My dedication to Glendale comes from the love that I have for the city I raised my family in. With current Yucca District Councilmember Joyce Clark retiring, I know that I can continue the work she has done, and also usher in a new era of leadership and advocacy for Yucca District residents. My first priority, if elected, is to bring new, high paying jobs to Glendale through economic development and investment. By creating new infrastructure projects and opening up Glendale as a beacon of small business growth we can see the city's overall growth index increase. I plan to begin this process on day one, while simultaneously moving forward with low-cost housing initiatives and homelessness reduction programs.
Taxing and spending: Where do the Glendale 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?
Encinas: I don't believe we will need to raise taxes, however, I do believe that our tax dollars could be spent more wisely. I will ensure that if any cuts are made, that residents and neighborhoods are safe by insisting that police and fire are always 100% funded. I will meet with officials from neighboring cities to learn what they are doing and apply anything that will benefit our community to our cities.
Guzman: The chances of a deficit in the city of Glendale is extremely low, with Glendale’s current economic conditions. Fortunately, Glendale can absorb the legislative-mandated tax cuts, such as the rental tax, due to the proactive development policies enacted by the current City Council and senior management.
Homelessness: What are the Glendale council candidates' plans to get more people off the streets?
Based on the latest homelessness count, Glendale has consistently been among the Valley cities with the most unsheltered over the past few years. How would you address this ongoing problem in a way that prevents more homeless and doesn’t push the problem onto other cities or future councils?
Encinas: Homelessness is one of the biggest challenges we face, not only in Glendale, but in our neighbor cities as well. We need to have more diversity in our discussions about addressing homelessness. I will work side-by-side with organizations and residents to increase communication about services currently being offered and where gaps exist. Finding solutions to homelessness requires a commitment to roll up our sleeves and work together as a community to provide resources to get people off the street and keep our communities safe.
Guzman: My plan to address homelessness in Glendale is a plan that continues the work that Glendale has already implemented on a large scale. This plan resulted in Glendale receiving the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials’ “Innovative Program of the Year” award. Continuing these efforts has provided over 1,000 unsheltered residents' shelter. In fact, Glendale has reduced homelessness over the past two years. Under my leadership, I plan to expand on this program by bringing forth resolutions that continue funding but put a special emphasis on substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling. I will achieve this while also spearheading more development of low-cost affordable housing to ensure families are not forced to live on the street.
Westgate: How do Glendale council candidates plan to balance development there with the rest of the city?
The city’s Westgate Entertainment District has grown considerably, while the city has been working to revitalize its downtown corridor. Are there other areas of Glendale you believe the city should be focusing on? If so, what are the specific issues of those areas that need to be addressed? Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from that person’s experience?
Encinas: Like many of our residents, I love our entertainment district, but we are very concerned about the neglect of our code enforcement in our neighborhoods, investing in our parks, speeding and street racing and increased traffic.
Guzman: While I will work to ensure all of Glendale continues to be revitalized. I would like to see more development and infrastructure projects in the southeastern area of Glendale. This area has a significant amount of potential for new industrial businesses that will bring in new jobs and revenue for the community. People in this area are suffering from lower economic conditions, and it is the job of elected officials to increase the general welfare of its residents and that starts with economic expansion and investment.
Inspiration: Who shapes the Glendale 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?
Encinas: I admire people who stand up for people and are not afraid to do the right thing regardless of party affiliation, I admire people who take time to give back to their community and volunteer with organizations to make Glendale a better place to live, work and play.
I can’t say there is just one person who I admire. I surround myself with people who motivate me to keep doing what I am doing and my life is full of people I admire.
Guzman: The individual that I would say I admire most is Mother Teresa. Why? Because she had unconditional love for her fellow man and in her concern for humanity. She embodied selflessness. The lessons I have learned from Mother Teresa is that the true meaning of service is complete selflessness. These are the traits and characteristics that I believe every public official should embody.
Election integrity: Where do the Glendale 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?
Encinas: Yes, I do. I believe in our system and trust our residents, and I will trust the results of our elections.
Guzman: I believe there are legal precedents in place to ensure that Arizona’s elections are fairly administered. But I also recognize there are those who have lost confidence in the election process. I will always trust the will of the people and have no intention of circumventing the will of the people.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Glendale City Council candidates answer election 2024 Q&A
