What do Maricopa County District 3 supervisor candidates say? Hear from them

ARIZONA ELECTION 2024

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The upcoming November election will determine who represents much of Phoenix and the unincorporated community of Anthem on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

The county is the most populous in the state and all of its top seats are up for grabs in 2024. Its leaders must navigate a housing crisis, rapid population growth and unfounded election conspiracies, among other issues.

In District 3, former state Sen. Kate Brophy McGee defeated attorney Tabatha Cuellar LaVoie in the GOP primary. She'll face former Phoenix City Councilmember Daniel Valenzuela, a Democrat, in the November election.

The candidates are looking to replace outgoing Supervisor Bill Gates, who decided not to run for reelection following threats and harassment after the 2020 and 2022 elections. The district is solidly purple. Democrats are hoping to win the competitive seat and take a step toward gaining control of the Board of Supervisors for the first time in decades.

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The Arizona Republic asked each candidate questions about their bid for office and how they would handle key issues if elected. Here's what they had to say. Answers may have been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Budgeting: Where would you increase or decrease county spending?

One of the primary responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors is to control the county’s checkbook. What areas of county government would you prioritize in your ideal county budget? Would you decrease spending in any areas?

Kate Brophy McGee: The board has done an excellent job managing county finances. Maricopa County is the largest county in the U.S. with no debt, and county pension debt has been repaid. The county is well-positioned to weather any downturn in the economy and manage the phenomenal growth we are experiencing.

My number one priority in government is public safety. The sheriff is burdened by the expense of 15 years of federal micromanagement, which has cost taxpayers nearly $300 million for an out-of-state monitor that rarely visits. My ideal budget would redirect those dollars to actual public safety — recruitment, retention, and training of sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers.

To prevent recidivism, I would work for services for those who have finished serving jail time and are reentering the community. I would continue to actively pursue the objectives identified within the board’s strategic plan to divert youth and first-time offenders. I would work to choke off the influx of fentanyl and other illegal drugs flooding the county. As a public servant with over 25 years of experience, there are always ways to make government more efficient and that is where I would focus on spending reductions.

Daniel Valenzuela: In my ideal county budget, I prioritize public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility and democratic integrity. Ensuring residents feel secure is fundamental. With my background as a retired firefighter and two-term Phoenix City Councilmember, I enhanced public safety by securing funding for more police officers and firefighters and supporting anti-discrimination measures. I’m proud that both the Arizona Police Association and the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona support my campaign.

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Economic development is crucial. Maricopa County's rapid growth requires a robust strategy to attract, retain and develop talent. I plan to launch UPSKILL MARICOPA, partnering with educational institutions and businesses to provide re-skilling and workforce development opportunities to diversify our economy and create a skilled workforce.

Fiscal responsibility is essential. Conservative budgeting practices prevent excessive taxes that can hinder economic growth. Maintaining a balanced budget helps weather economic downturns without compromising essential services. We must also prioritize our democracy, striving to make Maricopa County, the nation’s second-largest voting jurisdiction, the most transparent and secure in the country. I’m committed to ensuring our elections are fair, accessible and transparent, fostering trust in our democratic process. This balanced approach ensures Maricopa County thrives with safety, prosperity, fiscal prudence and a commitment to democratic principles.

Growth: How would you address continued population increases?

In recent years, Maricopa County has continued to experience rapid growth. That has tested the region’s roads, increased concerns about water supply and led to overcrowding in county animal shelters, among other issues. How would you position and prepare the county to navigate the ongoing influx of new residents?

Brophy McGee: The current board is actively planning to accommodate the growth that has outstripped all prior expectations, and I would continue and escalate that process. I would vote to direct MAG dollars for road construction and repair. While the board cannot legislate, it can lobby and advise local, state and federal officials in dealing with public safety challenges, water supply issues, housing shortages, etc. Specifically, related to county animal shelters, there should be an objective to humanely accommodate abandoned animals. I have extensive experience working with elected officials and I have a deep knowledge of legislative and other processes. I will use these skills on behalf of my constituents.

Valenzuela: To position Maricopa County for the ongoing influx of new residents, I will prioritize infrastructure investments in water, sewer, transportation and digital and broadband capabilities to support the growing population and businesses. Addressing IT challenges and implementing flood mitigation measures will safeguard our infrastructure and encourage private-sector housing investment. Addressing housing affordability is imperative. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors must collaborate with government agencies and private sector partners to promote affordable housing options, ensuring residents have access to suitable housing. Maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents is a top priority. This involves providing essential services like public health and safety while supporting economic development initiatives to create job opportunities and attract businesses.

Additionally, the passage of Proposition 479 this November to continue funding transportation infrastructure projects is vital. Properly timed and economically ordered investments in transportation will drive job growth and keep our economy competitive. With a well-managed budget, we can convert population growth and business development into sufficient tax revenues to fund important services, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars and new opportunities for residents and businesses.

Housing: How would you work to address the Valley's housing crisis?

Affordable housing is a challenge facing the entire region. If elected, how would you approach this issue in your district and countywide?

Brophy McGee: The board is approaching this issue on a regional level, which, in my opinion, is the most effective level, leveraging the Maricopa Industrial Development Authority and the Housing Authority of Maricopa County, working with local cities and towns and continuing to develop public and private partnerships. The Arizona Legislature is also weighing in with legislation intended to expedite the approval and construction of affordable housing options. The county needs to ensure changes are implemented properly and work with the Legislature going forward on any additional proposed legislation.

I went through “hyper-growth” issues serving on the Arizona School Facilities Board, so we must review the long-term consequences of proposals for short-term problems. Another challenge is to break down the silos between local governments and nonprofits to avoid duplication and effectively deploy resources that will be self-sustaining. Finally, we should clearly identify the different populations and the needs of each for housing assistance. The approach should be “a hand up,” not “a handout.”

Valenzuela: Housing affordability is a critical issue in Arizona, which ranks as one of the least affordable places to live. To address this crisis, Maricopa County needs a multifaceted approach involving regional collaboration and strategic investment. As a former Phoenix City Councilmember, I have a track record of bringing diverse stakeholders together to solve complex public policy challenges. My experience on the League of Cities and Towns Executive Committee has prepared me to address housing, transportation, water and infrastructure issues through regional cooperation.

To implement strategies for affordable housing, I will convene leaders from Maricopa County's 24 cities and towns, along with the county’s private sector and nonprofit partners. That includes Phoenix REALTORS, an organization whose support I’m proud to have in my run for county supervisor.

Prioritizing infrastructure investments, such as expanding water, sewer and transportation systems, is essential to support growth. Proactive flood mitigation around new developments will also safeguard infrastructure and public safety. Additionally, I’ll advocate for policies that streamline permitting processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, making it easier to build affordable housing. By fostering regional collaboration and focusing on strategic investments, we can make meaningful progress in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Maricopa County.

Government relations: How will you work with state lawmakers and others to address issues facing the county?

Counties are arms of the state and have only specific powers prescribed in Arizona law. If elected, how would you lobby state lawmakers and other officials to address issues facing the county? Would you advocate for increased powers at the county level — and if so, what ones?

Brophy McGee: I am skeptical of increasing government powers and authority, with the federal government as the poster child of what can go wrong. I learned in the Arizona Legislature to be careful when changing any statute. The specific problem must be identified, along with any recommended solutions, before advocating for increased powers. I would support statutes for a county advisory role on waste and land use legislation.

The bottom line is that county government has generally worked well with counties as arms of the state. I would work with the Legislature regarding changes they desire.

Valenzuela: Yes, all 15 Arizona counties are structured as general law counties. Unlike charter cities, such as the city of Phoenix, there are no charter counties. Along with 71 municipalities, these governments are organized and operate under the general laws of Arizona.

There are times when being a political subdivision of the state can add extra bureaucratic layers of complexity. For example, Maricopa County is the only county that must get approval from the Arizona Legislature to put its transportation funding package, Proposition 479, on the ballot for a vote of the people.

However, counties have a tremendous responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of our community. Some of those responsibilities are constitutional, and some are mandated by state law. The fact is that the state Legislature needs the counties to perform functions that help protect our communities, administer health services, provide law enforcement, county attorneys and much more. Given our mutual constituencies, I would hope to partner, rather than lobby, our state lawmakers to best serve the residents of Maricopa County.

Elections: How confident are you in election results?

Maricopa County supervisors are responsible for overseeing Election Day voting, running tabulation and certifying election results. The county also saw widespread printer issues during the 2022 election, although they did not impact the outcome. How confident are you in the certified results of the 2020 and 2022 elections? Regardless of your answer, how would you work to improve voting and election administration in the county?

Brophy McGee: Rapid population growth, county staffing issues, polling place shortages and changes in voter preferences have challenged the county’s administration of Election Day voting. More and more voters are choosing to drop off their early ballots on Election Day. Those ballots must go through legal signature verification delaying final results for days and even weeks. Add in implementation problems, like the printers, and voter confidence in outcomes is severely and negatively impacted. The Arizona Legislature passed reforms, which will take effect in 2026, to convert early ballot drop-offs into Election Day voters. That reform should help if properly implemented. Continued work should be done on voter rolls, voter identification and signature verification requirements.

On Election Day, there must be effective communications across the county polling sites so resources can be appropriately and rapidly deployed where needed. As an example, in 2022, voters were discouraged by long lines at some voting centers and left. Some policymakers want to eliminate Election Day voting and convert to all mail-in ballots. I oppose that idea. All necessary resources to fund Election Day must be available. One idea I have heard is to make Election Day a state holiday. I like that!

Valenzuela: I have full confidence in the certified results of the 2020 and 2022 elections. Our election officials ensured integrity and accuracy despite challenges. As supervisor, I will enhance our election systems to build even greater trust and efficiency. On the Phoenix City Council, I championed mail-in ballots for all Phoenix voters, improving access, security and participation. As supervisor, I will advocate for secure, transparent, accessible and fair voting practices across the county. I will ensure thorough testing of equipment before Election Day and establish robust contingency plans to resolve issues quickly.

Voter education, resources and outreach to increase public awareness of the process and dates in multiple languages are essential to mitigate confusion and improve turnout. Expanding access to voting involves mail-in ballots, increasing early voting locations, secure drop boxes and ensuring polling places are fully accessible. I will enhance election transparency and security through regular audits, public reports and open forums for residents to voice concerns and receive accurate information. We must prioritize our democracy by making Maricopa County the most transparent and secure voting jurisdiction in the country. I am committed to ensuring our elections are fair, accessible and transparent, fostering trust and confidence in our democratic process.

On a personal note: Who do you admire?

What person in public life, past or present, do you most admire, and why?

Brophy McGee: Over the past 25-plus years, I’ve been blessed to work with many outstanding public servants at all levels of government. Speaking from a county level, I admire Jan Brewer, Betsey Bayless and Andy Kunasek, who all served on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. They tackled big problems, head-on, and put the county in a better place. They did what was right, not what was politically expedient. They are great role models. They have endorsed me for this job.

Valenzuela: Historically, I have admired figures like Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, and more recently, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Senator John McCain and Congressman Ed Pastor. However, today, I am particularly inspired by my friend and former Phoenix City Council colleague, Bill Gates. While we come from different backgrounds and occasionally have differing opinions, I have never questioned his integrity, ability or heart.

I admire Supervisor Gates for his dedicated service, effective leadership and steadfast defense of our democratic values. Serving alongside him on the Phoenix City Council, I witnessed firsthand his commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility and community welfare. Supervisor Gates profoundly understands the issues affecting Maricopa County and consistently advocates for economic development, public health and safety. His collaborative approach to governance and stakeholder engagement demonstrates his dedication to representing our constituents' best interests.

His bravery and courage were particularly evident during the certification of the 2020 and 2022 elections. Despite immense political pressure and personal threats, he upheld democratic principles and integrity. Under Supervisor Gates' leadership, Maricopa County has progressed enhancing government efficiency and accountability. His strength, leadership and tireless advocacy continue to inspire me and others as we work together to build a stronger Maricopa County.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County Board of Supervisors District 3: McGee vs. Valenzuela