Malone, Pineda answer Q&A for Avondale mayoral election

The Avondale mayoral race will prove to be a competitive one, with two veteran City Council members running against one another for the spot.

Both Veronica Malone and Mike Pineda will be termed out, prompting each to run for the mayoral position. Current Mayor Kenn Weise will also be completing his final term, making him ineligible to run again.

The Arizona Republic asked each of the candidates to answer questions about a range of city and state issues. Here’s what they had to say, in alphabetical order. Some answers may have been slightly edited to meet pre-arranged lengths for all.

Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Avondale mayor's race

Vision: Why are you running for Avondale mayor?

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

Veronica Malone: I am running for Mayor of Avondale driven by a deep commitment to enhancing our community. My vision encompasses fostering safe and secure neighborhoods through collaborative efforts with public safety and Avondale residents. I aim to partner closely with business leaders to stimulate economic development, identifying growth opportunities that will benefit Avondale's residents. Investing in education, healthcare, and essential services is pivotal to improving our residents' quality of life, ensuring access to vital resources that contribute to their well-being.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to maintaining and expanding our city's infrastructure, essential for accommodating growth and facilitating ongoing improvements in areas like Old Town, Cashion, and the Las Ligas communities. By prioritizing these initiatives, I aspire to build a sustainable and vibrant Avondale where every resident can thrive.

With a hometown passion and a forward-thinking approach, I am committed to serving Avondale with integrity, transparency, and a relentless focus on the community's best interests. Together, we can shape a future for Avondale that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient.

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Mike Pineda: I am deeply committed to the growth and prosperity of our community. As a dedicated member of the city council since 2017, I have played a pivotal role in spearheading key economic development projects that are set to shape our future. These initiatives will come to fruition over the next five years and require experienced and skilled leadership to ensure their success. I believe I am that leader.

My vision and proven track record have earned the endorsement of our current mayor and the mayors of our two neighboring cities, highlighting my capability to lead Avondale towards continued growth and prosperity. Once elected, my first priority will be to improve the efficiency of our organization. It is essential to refine our internal processes, ensure all departments are appropriately staffed, and provide both internal and external customers with the highest level of service. While it's important to attract developers, potential small business owners, and residents with visions of opportunity, the foundation of our success lies in an organization that is well-equipped and positioned to perform efficiently. By focusing on organizational efficiency, we can ensure that our service delivery meets the highest standards and supports our community's growth effectively.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Avondale mayoral 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? 

Malone: Raising taxes would be a last resort, as I understand the burden it places on residents. Instead, I would first explore opportunities to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and identify areas for cost savings.

I would conduct a review of city services to prioritize those that are essential for public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community well-being. Public safety, including police and fire services, would be safeguarded as critical priorities. Investments in infrastructure maintenance and improvements would also be prioritized to sustain long-term growth and quality of life.

If program cuts are necessary, they would be approached thoughtfully, with a focus on minimizing impacts on essential services and vulnerable populations. I would explore alternative sources of funding such as grants and partnerships with our non-profit organizations.

My goal would be to navigate the fiscal challenge responsibly while safeguarding the well-being and interests of our community, ensuring that Avondale remains a safe, prosperous, and inclusive city for all residents.

Pineda: With the passage of Proposition 400, municipalities have lost revenues from rental TPT taxes, resulting in a projected deficit of over $5 million a year starting in January 2025. This situation has necessitated strategic planning to close this budget gap. Fortunately, Avondale has successfully attracted two data centers to the southern part of our city. The first data center will generate over $5 million in tax revenue, with the second contributing over $10 million. This influx of revenue provides us with a crucial opportunity to offset the loss and maintain the exceptional services provided by our public safety departments.

While we may need to re-evaluate some capital projects in the future, I firmly believe that services should not be cut to respond to the deficit. Instead, we should prioritize efficient use of our new revenue streams to ensure that our community continues to receive top-quality services. By leveraging the economic benefits of the data centers, we can maintain our commitment to public safety and other essential services without imposing additional tax burdens on our residents. This strategic approach allows us to address the financial challenges while continuing to foster growth and prosperity in Avondale.

Traffic: What would the Avondale mayoral 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? 

Malone: During my tenure as a committee member of the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority, I actively supported initiatives like Proposition 479, aimed at enhancing commuter experiences. The potential passage of Prop. 479 this November would mark a significant milestone for Avondale and the broader West Valley, bolstering our transportation infrastructure for the development of SR30.

Additionally, the introduction of the WeRide micro-transit service in October 2022 has proven invaluable for Avondale residents. This service provides affordable transportation to crucial destinations such as grocery stores and appointments. Since its inception, WeRide has already provided over 30,000 riders, underscoring its popularity and effectiveness in meeting our community's transportation needs.

I am proud to have contributed to these initiatives, which are pivotal in improving accessibility and connectivity within Avondale. As a candidate for mayor, I am committed to further advancing our transportation networks and ensuring they remain robust and responsive to the evolving needs of our residents.

Pineda: The most important transportation project for Avondale is the development of SR30. Interstate 10 has become increasingly congested, posing significant safety risks and contributing to longer commute times for our residents. SR30 would alleviate some of this congestion, making commutes safer and more efficient. This project is essential for improving the daily lives of our residents and supporting the continued growth of our city. Voters will have the opportunity to support this project in the upcoming November elections, allowing us to move forward with a critical infrastructure improvement that will benefit everyone.

In addition to SR30, our city has invested in WeRide, an on-demand, shared ride service that offers residents a convenient and affordable way to reach specific destinations within the city. This service complements the development of SR30 by providing an alternative transportation option, further helping to reduce congestion on our roads. Both SR30 and WeRide are funded through a combination of city resources and partnerships, ensuring that we leverage multiple funding sources to bring these essential transportation solutions to our community. By prioritizing these projects, we can enhance transportation efficiency and improve the quality of life for all Avondale residents.

Housing: Where do Avondale mayoral 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?

Malone: Balancing the need to provide attainable housing with community pressures to limit density is indeed a complex challenge. My philosophy centers on promoting inclusive and sustainable development that meets the needs of all residents while preserving the character of Avondale.

As a member of the Neighborhood, Sustainability and Quality of Life (NSQL) Policy Committee in Arizona, I understand the pressing housing shortage our state faces. The staggering increase in rental prices statewide underscores the urgency of finding solutions to create more attainable housing options.

My approach would prioritize collaboration and innovation. I believe in engaging stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to develop comprehensive strategies that address both the need for attainable housing and concerns about density.

This may include exploring mixed-income developments, incentivizing the construction of attainable housing units, and revitalizing underutilized areas while respecting neighborhood character.

My goal would be to promote equitable access to housing while fostering vibrant, livable communities where residents can thrive. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, we can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for Avondale.

Pineda: The subject of affordable housing is both complex and nuanced. To address the housing needs of low-income individuals and those priced out of our communities, my philosophy emphasizes smart growth and effective policy. By focusing on efficient land use, updating the general plan, promoting walkable communities, and incorporating accessory dwelling units (ADUs), we can mitigate concerns about density while still providing necessary housing. This balanced approach allows us to optimize our land use and maintain the quality of life in Avondale, ensuring that we meet the needs of our growing population without compromising community standards.

If forced to choose between affordable housing and limiting density, I would prioritize affordable housing. It is imperative to provide housing solutions for all residents, especially those in the workforce who are essential to our community's functioning. However, I would ensure that this decision-making process includes extensive community involvement. By engaging residents and fostering a transparent process, we can build consensus and address concerns, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and collaborative governance. This approach ensures that we address the pressing need for affordable housing while respecting the perspectives and input of our community members.

Inspiration: Who shapes the Avondale mayoral 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? 

Malone: The person in public life whom I admire most is not a public figure in the traditional sense, but rather my two sisters. They raised me after we became orphans, navigating through foster homes while always ensuring we stayed together as a family. Despite facing adversity, when my oldest sister turned 18, instead of pursuing her dreams, both chose to prioritize education and upbringing for me and my brother.

Their strength, selflessness, and unwavering love laid the foundation for the person I am today. They taught me the importance of resilience, unity, and the power of community support. Their commitment to family and community shaped my values and instilled in me a deep-seated desire to give back to others, just as our community did for us when we needed it most.

From their experience, I draw the lesson that true leadership and impact often start from within our closest circles—the love and care we extend to our families and communities reverberate far beyond immediate boundaries. Their example inspires me to approach public service with empathy, compassion, and a relentless dedication to improving the lives of those around me.

Pineda: I am often in awe of Judge Joe "Pep" Guzman, the longest-serving judge in Maricopa County history, who has been on the bench since 1991. My admiration for Judge Guzman stems from his unwavering commitment to public service. Despite numerous accolades from regional organizations, his dedication is not driven by personal gain or resume building but by a genuine calling to serve his community. Judge Guzman exemplifies authentic leadership, tirelessly promoting scholarships for 8th grade students in Avondale and Tolleson and raising funds through large community events like toy drives and golf tournaments.

The lesson I draw from Judge Guzman's experience is the importance of selfless service and authentic leadership. His work demonstrates that true leadership is rooted in a sincere desire to make a positive impact on the community, not in seeking recognition. Judge Guzman's dedication to education and community support highlights the significance of giving back and investing in future generations. His example inspires me to lead with integrity and to prioritize the well-being of our community above all else.

Election integrity: Where do the Avondale mayoral candidates stand?

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

Malone: The fairness of elections in Arizona, as in any state, is a crucial aspect of upholding democracy. While no system is perfect, Arizona has mechanisms in place to ensure the integrity of its electoral process, including voter registration procedures, ballot security measures, and oversight by election officials and observers.

As a candidate for public office, it's important to trust in the electoral process and respect the outcome of elections. Trust in election results is fundamental for the functioning of democracy, and it's essential that all candidates, regardless of the outcome, abide by the results and uphold the democratic principles of our system.

If elected officials have concerns about the integrity of an election, there are channels through which they can seek recourse, such as legal challenges or recounts. However, it's important to approach such matters with transparency, respect for due process, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. As a candidate, my commitment is to engage in fair campaigning, respect the outcome of elections, and work tirelessly to serve the best interests of the community if entrusted with public office.

Pineda: I believe our elections in Arizona are fair and just. The electoral process is designed to accurately reflect the voters' intentions, ensuring that their voices are heard and their choices are implemented upon the tabulation of results. Our system includes multiple safeguards and transparency measures to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the election process.

Abiding by the results of an election is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is essential for maintaining trust in our democratic institutions. Therefore, I will abide by the results, regardless of the outcome. This commitment to honoring the will of the voters underscores the fundamental principles of our democratic society and ensures that the governance reflects the collective decision of the community.

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: Malone, Pineda answer Q&A for Avondale mayor race 2024