Mesa City Council elections: Candidates weigh in on budget issues, climate plans and more

Maritza Dominguez, Arizona Republic

Updated July 10, 2024 at 2:46 AM·28 min read

Mesa voters will select at least one new City Council member this year as one incumbent is term-limited.

Three council races are on the ballot this year for Districts 1, 2, and 3.

District 1, which spans north-central Mesa, is a four-way race among candidates Rich Adams, Zachary Hichez, Tim Meyer and Ron Williams.

District 2, in the east-central area of the city, has two candidates vying for the seat, including incumbent Councilmember Julie Spilsbury and Melody Whetstone. Whetstone did not respond to The Arizona Republic’s questionnaire.

District 3, which includes Sloan Park and the Asian District in west Mesa, is a two-way race with incumbent Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia and Marc Lavender.

Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Mesa council race

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate to answer six questions on city issues and their priorities should they assume the role. Here's what they had to say. Some answers were trimmed to adhere to the set word limit for all.

Mesa Council District 1, north-central

Vision: Why are you running for Mesa City Council?

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

Rich Adams: To be of service. I offer 40 years of broad-based experience in front line issues such as business attraction and job creation, land use, visitor attraction, fiscal transparency and good government policy. I intend to honor the trust I was shown when named Mesa Man of the Year, 2019. Our city charter is the roadmap for how our elected officials should govern. It keeps the city in its lane. I will follow that roadmap. Use of public money must be with the greatest of transparency and at the will of the people. I want to make certain that Mesa remains a place where people can walk down the street, enjoy our great parks and move about the city without fear. I am not a politician. I don't aspire to be one. I do aspire to serve the people of the community that has given my family and I so much. Most importantly and my priority, I will not forget who I work for and who I am accountable to: The citizens of District 1.

Zachary Hichez: I am running to address a lack of housing within the city and to increase access to public transit. Of the two I would make housing the priority.

Tim Meyer: I love Mesa. Living in Arizona for 40 years and Mesa for 35 years, coupled with my 26-plus years of government experience, I have a unique perspective on knowing where the city can cut costs, improve efficiency, and improve overall customer service. We are all tired of paying more and more taxes. Guidance and teamwork need to be increased to maintain and do more with the funds we already have. In addition, Mesa needs to continue to add high paying jobs to our community so we can continue to have our great quality of life and keep Mesa a great place to live, work and play. I want to be your voice on council to make this happen. My first priority when elected will be to dive into the budget and scrutinize, reallocate and reduce our expenditures.

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Ron Williams: I entered this race for the love of Mesa and want to ensure the safety and prosperity of our residents. Mesa’s not just a city; it’s a remarkable place to live, where I’ve raised my kids, who’ve excelled as products of Mesa Public Schools. My volunteer background is unparalleled. I say confidently, my lived experiences and volunteerism set me apart amongst others in this race. I cherish my time serving as chairperson of the city’s 2050 General Plan Advisory Committee, working directly with city staff, planning the City of Mesa through 2050.

My first top priorities include:

Mesa’s Financial Stability/Quality of Life - We have challenges ahead for our city, so we must be proactive, to ensure our financial stability and sustain the high quality of life we enjoy.
Supporting Public Safety/Safe Neighborhoods – As HeroZona Foundation President, my support of public safety officials is well documented, bridging the gap between police & community. I continue to support increasing public safety resources.
Addressing Housing Needs of Mesa Residents - People want to live in Mesa, but due to lack of new home builds, we must look at opportunities where they exist; every option should be explored.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Mesa 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?

Adams: I am adamantly opposed to a primary property tax. With that clearly stated, Mesa has faced budgetary challenges before. This would not be our first rodeo, and past councils and city management have navigated these waters responsibly. The blueprint to deal with this issue exists. Raising taxes is a last, never a first resort. I am not aware of any place that taxed itself into prosperity. Mesa relies on TPT, commonly called “sales tax” revenue. If we were to raise sales tax rates, that encourages people to look outside of Mesa to shop, especially for big-ticket items such as cars. Our city’s priority responsibilities should be public safety (fire and medical and police), infrastructure (streets, utilities) and financial accountability to the citizens. These things always must be maintained. During the 2008 downturn, Mesa had to eliminate some non-essential services and frills that can come with prosperous times. Life in Mesa did not end then, and if necessary, I would look to the prudent actions of our leaders in that time of crisis to guide decisions today.

Hichez: My hope is to do neither. By increasing the number of housing units within the city we can increase the tax base, or put another way, the number of people paying into our city. This way there will be no need to increase taxes or cut services.

Meyer: No, I will not support raising taxes. I will look at the current budget and identify where we can reallocate resources and reduce expenditures. I will also look for ways to automate processes and streamline operations. We can do more with what we have if we work together and change the way we are currently spending. I know we have I.T. projects identified that need resources and funding to complete and will save us money once implemented. We also have some low-hanging fruit that can be picked as well.

Williams: I am on record speaking at a Mesa City Council meeting on this subject, and I feel that if Mesa decided to supplement its general funds with a primary property tax instead of utility revenues, we would be breaking our promise to Mesa residents who currently live in Mesa and those that we have encouraged to move to Mesa. I strongly feel that we can creatively find other options to supplement and increase our general fund. I would support cutting some programs and projected purchases before I would look to raise taxes. The city has discussed a secondary property tax annually to help fund our general obligations. I would consider looking at creative ways to collect sales taxes and review what the city charges customers for city services; i.e., utility services, including gas and water, solid waste, wastewater, and electric. Other fees should also be considered, such as what the city charges for business services, sports and event activities that include our parks, museums and other city venues. I feel food and rent taxes would create an undue burden on residents.

Downtown development: Where do Mesa City Council candidates stand on ASU's role there?

Mesa’s downtown has struggled in the past but is seeing a resurgence with new businesses and housing anchored with Arizona State University’s Media and Immersive eXperience Center. Do you think ASU’s presence in downtown Mesa will help or ruin its character?

Adams: We should not forget that the people were asked about the ASU Center. The people spoke, and the people said no. The time to ask this question has passed. With that said, we should now put forth our best efforts to maximize the possibilities the ASU Center offers. In my lifetime, I have seen several initiatives to revitalize downtown Mesa. Sadly, none of these past efforts resulted in the outcomes our city leaders hoped for. The investments having been made, not only in the ASU Center but also in the Mesa Arts Center (which celebrated its 20-year anniversary) it is only prudent to make the most of what these expended public dollars can deliver to better not only downtown but the city overall.

Hichez: I think it will help. Campuses nationwide tend to have positive economic effects on their surroundings and encourage more foot traffic. I am also of the belief that a place’s character is determined by its people and not its buildings.

Meyer: I think ASU’s presence downtown will help draw some people downtown and hopefully help its character. It will be interesting to see if ASU will expand and how that will affect the draw to downtown. We still need more restaurants and other businesses that will draw more people downtown and have them stay downtown when they are coming to events in Mesa.

Williams: I think that ASU’s presence in downtown Mesa will help its character. The Media and Immersive eXperience Center has already hosted students in film, media arts and emerging technology. Over 700 students currently use the facilities, and more are expected to come. I’m hoping that an increase in the volume of students using the MIX Center will result in an increase and support for downtown food and beverage businesses. With the 900 residential units under construction downtown, there is a good chance for an increase in foot traffic. The changing perceptions of downtown Mesa has, what some call, a “cool factor” to it. The Mix Center only adds to the new evening activities and food choices downtown. That type of reinvigoration usually attracts new businesses to an area. We may not see the full payoff of the MIX Center anytime soon, but for those of us who have made the visit, it’s clear that the building has a “wow” factor. I’m looking forward to the MIX Center hosting movie-showings on the weekends, open to the public. With the investment made by the city, surely the city sees the building as a community asset for the future growth of downtown.

Development: How do the Mesa Council candidates juggle the needs of urban and rural parts of the district?

Mesa’s District 1 is made up of both the agriculture historic Lehi neighborhood as well as a more urban corridor closer to the city’s downtown. As the district’s council member, how will you balance the priorities of the two distinct areas?

Adams: Not only is “D1” made up as the question frames it, it also includes many great neighborhoods, both legacy and relatively new such as Lehi Crossing. Much of the “urban corridor” falls in other councilmember’s districts, and I’ll not speak to that. The experience I gained in nearly 8 years serving on and chairing the Planning and Zoning Board has well-prepared me to understand how to balance highest and best use with the character of neighborhoods and the rights of people living there. District 1 will see primarily redevelopment and repurposing of existing non-performing commercial parcels as opposed to new development. When considering new development proposals, we have the recently completed Mesa General Plan to look to for guidance. I am committed to the preservation of neighborhoods, such as Lehi’s rural character.

Hichez: From my understanding, the agricultural community enjoys autonomy and independence, something I wish not to encroach upon. I will let them be while waiting to provide any help if they ask. In the meantime, I would like to focus on policies that would increase housing elsewhere.

Meyer: I see no issue representing all citizens and neighborhoods in my district. Lehi certainly has more agriculture and history than other parts of the city and they want to continue their lifestyle as it is. I fully respect that and will work with the residents in Lehi to ensure their voice is heard and their neighborhood remains the way they want it to be. Same with the other areas within District 1. Every neighborhood is unique, and many residents moved to their area because they like what that area has to offer. That’s where I as their representative will listen and be their voice on council to ensure future changes are in line with their wishes.

Williams: As an almost 26-year resident of the agriculture historic Lehi neighborhood, I know all too well the wants and desires of Lehi residents. As Chairperson of the City of Mesa’s 2050 General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), I got the opportunity to hear directly from the Lehi Neighborhood Association leadership team. They were represented at every meeting of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC), and their feedback was invaluable to the direction that the GPAC and city staff took regarding our historic Lehi neighborhood. As far as the more urban corridor closer to the city’s downtown, I’ve developed a great working relationship with Councilmember Jennifer Duff, who represents downtown. As the District 1 council member, I will balance the priorities of the two distinct areas, through ongoing communications with Councilmember Duff and her team. My service, as treasurer, on the board of directors of Visit Mesa, I’m very familiar with the challenges and victories both distinct areas have experienced.

Inspiration: Who shapes the Mesa 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?

Adams: A difficult question to answer because many people come to mind. So, I’m going to go with Washington and Lincoln. Our first President had no template to guide him. He dealt with the trials and tribulations of guiding a newly created republic with no guidelines or bumper guards other than his own self-morals and his belief in the checks and balances of the three legs of government. And he set the standard for orderly transition of power. Abraham Lincoln was faced with a “house divided” and the end of our young republic. Lincoln stood on principle, and we call him the Great Emancipator because he forced the end of slavery in a tumultuous time. He forged ahead in the face of unprecedented challenges by the light of his own morals. Both of these leaders set standards that still are needed today. Tough acts to follow, but I reflect often on what they would do.

Hichez: Like many, I admire Martin Luther King Jr. The most important thing I’ve learned is that the conviction to stick with a cause is the most important thing a person can have. As he said, “The arc of the moral universe is long…” so we must stay the course.

Meyer: Ronald Reagan. He was one of the best Presidents we’ve had, and he was a great person. He did an outstanding job uniting America, he always referred to all citizens as “we” and sought to unite, not divide. He inspired everyone. He challenged us to lift our sites and aspire for more. He had a daring vision and set forth policies that told the world America is back and we will do great things, and we did. He fought against bureaucracy and wanted to simplify/reduce government. And finally, he put America first and protected America at all costs. As the councilmember for District 1, I will speak out and work hard to ensure Mesa is fiscally responsible, reduce the size of our government and increase efficiencies. We need to live within our means.

Williams: The person in public life that I admire the most is the Honorable Art Hamilton of Phoenix, Arizona. In a world often divided by politics and opinions, Art Hamilton has long been recognized as a voice of reason and leadership. I attended the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 30th Annual Heritage Award Dinner, where they honored Art Hamilton with the distinguished Heritage Award for his peerless dedication to “public service, civility and building consensus for the betterment of Arizona.” I was the recipient of the special request for me to sing the National Anthem at the dinner. I have learned a lot from his “gracious” mentorship through the years. Mr. Hamilton possesses the unique ability to always look at challenges as opportunities, rather than problems. The Heritage Award winners comprise Arizona’s top contributors to business, law and politics, arts and entertainment, athletics, and civil society. I have sought to emulate his footsteps. Art served in the Arizona House of Representatives for 26 years, where he was respected by both sides of the aisle. I have learned from Art Hamilton how to successfully navigate the political divide and have successfully garnered great relationships on both sides of the aisle.

Election integrity: Where do the Mesa 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?

Adams: I trust in and will abide by the results of our elections. It is unfortunate and unacceptable that in recent years, long lines, lack of efficiency, system failures at polling places and ridiculous delays in reporting results have given rise to speculation that our election results cannot be trusted. We all shall see very soon if these problems have been resolved as we know they can be. Unless presented with incontrovertible hard evidence to the contrary (the kind that stands up in a court of law), I support the fairness of and trust in the results of elections in Arizona.

Hichez: I do believe the elections are fair and I will abide by them. Our forebearers set up guard rails to ensure as such and we must do our part to carry that forward.

Meyer: I have serious concerns about how Arizona elections are run. I think we have a lot of opportunities to improve the overall process, and we have a lot of work to do to ensure future elections are run properly. I don’t trust recent past results, but until the results are proven to be incorrect, I will abide by them. The processes we have in place are the processes we are using and until they change, we need to do the best we can with them and work towards improving them.

Williams: Despite the divided political environment that our country is currently experiencing, I feel compelled to trust and believe that our election process is the best that the world has to offer. I also feel compelled to trust and believe in our court systems that have made rulings that have indicated that our Arizona elections are fairly run. As a result, I ultimately feel compelled to trust and believe that Arizona elections fairly run. Because I feel compelled to trust and believe that our election process is the best that the world has to offer and that our court systems that have made rulings that have indicated that our Arizona elections are fairly run, I feel compelled to trust and believe that Arizona elections fairly run, and I trust the results. I will absolutely abide by the results. I will abide by the results because I trust and believe that our election process is the best that the world has to offer and that our court systems that have made rulings that have indicated that our Arizona elections are fairly run. As a result, trust and believe that Arizona elections fairly run. That’s why I will abide by the results.

Mesa Council District 2, east-central

Vision: Why are you running for Mesa City Council?

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

Julie Spilsbury: I am running for City Council because I love Mesa. I love people, and I love service. My husband and I loved growing up in Mesa, and we intentionally decided to raise our six children here as well. I want Mesa to be the place where my kids decide to raise their families. In my first term on the council, I have focused on protecting public safety and keeping Mesa affordable for our families, and I plan to continue to be focused on those important issues.

Melody Whetstone did not respond.

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

Spilsbury: When I was first elected, the pandemic threw a lot of uncertainty into our budgeting process. I made it a priority to challenge our departments to find efficiencies and savings within the current budget. It is important to keep Mesa as affordable as possible, and I would not support raising taxes to balance the budget.