Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriquez running unopposed to reelection. What to know
Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriguez will be seeking another term. He is running unopposed.
Rodriguez, 49, was first elected to Tolleson City Council in 2005. He was elected mayor in 2020. He has worked for the city of Phoenix’s Parks and Recreation Department since 1998 and is currently a parks supervisor.
Like other West Valley cities, two of the biggest issues facing Tolleson today are development and transportation. Tolleson is already 90 to 95% built out, meaning there isn't much more room for growth. The new City Council candidates will help to decide the direction of growth for the remainder of the city.
Arizona local elections: Read our full coverage of the Tolleson mayor’s election
Tolleson is heavily industrial and also deals with a lack of retail services. The city does not even have a grocery store, which has been one of its goals for several years. Tolleson also struggles with poverty: the 2022 poverty rate in the city was about 22%, compared to nearby Avondale's 11% and Goodyear's 5.5%.
Rodriguez explained his platform when he responded to The Arizona Republic's candidate questionnaire.
Early voting began July 3. Voters can check on the status of their mailed-in ballot on Maricopa County’s website at https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/voter-dashboard-login. Those who choose to vote by mail are advised to mail their ballot by July 23 or drop it off at a ballot drop-off location or voting location by July 30.
Where does Rodriguez stand on key issues?
Tolleson is currently 90 to 95% built out, meaning the city doesn't have much more room for growth.
In terms of generating economic development, Rodriguez said his priority will be ensuring that Tolleson has a diversity in shopping options. While it has already brought it popular restaurants like Starbucks and Dutch Bros, Rodriguez urged residents to continue to shop within Tolleson to generate tax revenue in the city.
Rodriguez said he will also prioritize getting a grocery store within the city within the next four years.
Tolleson also has a relatively high poverty rate in comparison to nearby cities like Avondale and Goodyear.
To help lower-income people in the city, Rodriguez said the first step is finding ways to empower them by helping them find secure employment.
The city also needs to continue to build relationships with other agencies like cities, nonprofit organizations, private businesses and school districts to help benefit low-income families.
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: Tolleson Mayor Juan Rodriquez running unopposed in 2024