Unsure who to vote for in Pinal County District 4 supervisor race? Hear from the candidates

The upcoming state primary will likely determine who represents Florence, Oracle and Mammoth on the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.

All of the county's top seats are up for grabs in 2024. Once rural, it is now one of the state's fastest-growing counties and is increasingly facing questions about its future. Its leaders must navigate rapid population growth and economic development needs, among other issues.

District 4 stretches from Florence at the center of the county to San Manuel in its southeastern corner. It includes Cactus Forest, Oracle, Saddlebrooke and Mammoth.

Which district do you live in? Check with county maps.

Two Republicans are running the district: Incumbent Jeff McClure and electrician Pete Sabin. McClure, a small business owner and former member of the Oracle School District Governing Board, hopes to win a second term on the board. Sabin is a political newcomer who specializes in constructing large-scale manufacturing facilities.

No candidates of another recognized political party are in the race, so whoever wins will essentially take the seat outright.

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate questions about their bid for office and how they would handle key issues if elected. Sabin did not respond to requests for comment. Here's what the rest of the candidates 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? Please be as specific as possible within the word limit.

Jeff McClure: The budget as a whole is very important. Much work has gone into helping departments, countywide,  receive the funds necessary to conduct operations in a successful way, have the ability to hire qualified applicants and retain those that already work there. One of my priorities in my next term is to bolster the Community Development Department, as it is quite often the first face of the county that citizens see.

Arizona election: Read our full coverage of county supervisor races.

Growth: How would you address continued population increases?

In recent years, Pinal County has experienced rapid growth. That has tested the region’s roads and left many areas of county government understaffed, among other issues. How would you position and prepare the county to navigate the ongoing influx of new residents?

McClure: Part of this answer is included in my answer to the first question. The roadways are difficult, as there was really no forethought to transportation issues when Pinal County was beginning to grow in the early 2000s. Now, we have homes where some of the roads should be and an inability to widen some of them, or even purchase some of the rights of way necessary to lay out a regional plan.

We are working on solutions to these issues. One will be to extend State Highway 24, first to the Central Arizona Project Canal and eventually to U.S. Route 60. Then, we will construct a north-south corridor down to Ironwood Road, eventually connecting to Interstate 10. These types of projects take many years but need to be on the planning horizon now so that we can take advantage of opportunities for funding as they arise.

Economic development: How do you plan to bring jobs to Pinal County?

Most of Pinal County’s working residents are employed in neighboring Maricopa or Pima counties. If elected, what steps would you take to promote economic development in your district and countywide?

McClure: Economic development is somewhat tricky. The county can not just call up a company and tell them to come build. Site selectors shop areas of interest looking for inexpensive land, traffic flow, population density, a stable local government, affordable homes and good schools. We must continue to build homes to be able to cause the market to have enough saturation, but also be very cognizant of the water issues looming in the near future. It is a delicate balance to achieve.

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?

McClure: One of the largest issues presently facing the county is the water recharge issue. Legislators have made it difficult for the county by trying to exclude us from certain legislation regarding this subject. We will have to fight hard this next term to bring some resolution to this issue.

Elections: How confident are you in election results?

Pinal County supervisors are responsible for certifying election results. The county also recently saw a rough 2022 election cycle. How confident are you in the certified results of the 2020 and 2022 elections? Regardless of your answer, how would you work to improve election administration in the county?

McClure: I believe we have ascertained what our previous issues have been in the last two election cycles and have worked diligently to correct past mistakes and put our best foot forward to have successful elections in the years to come.

On a personal note: Who do you admire?

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

McClure did not respond to this question.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pinal County District 4 supervisor election: The candidates