Unsure who to vote for in Pinal County District 3 supervisor race? Hear from a candidate

The upcoming state primary will likely determine who represents Casa Grande 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 3 covers Casa Grande and the surrounding communities of Stanfield, Randolph and Eloy, as well as other areas in the central and southwestern portions of the county. There, only two Republicans are running for the job: Incumbent Stephen Miller and small business owner Luke Myers.

Miller is looking to win a fourth term on the board. He previously served on the Casa Grande City Council. Myers is a political newcomer. He runs a family rental and property management company with homes in Arizona and Indiana.

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

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. Miller did not respond to requests for comment. Here's what Myers 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.

Luke Myers: My influence would be limited, but I would decrease spending in all except essential government services while encouraging the development of solutions from market-competitive, non-governmental providers.

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?

Myers: A civil government best supports quality of life for current and new residents by doing, with excellence, its essential functions only. This is how I would seek to position the country to be a good place for newcomers to prosper.

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?

Myers: To promote economic development, I will support less government and lower taxes.

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?

Myers: I would use personal acquaintance, public testimony and perhaps most importantly, thoughtful and thorough written reporting of county needs and estimated returns on investment to get our needs before state policymakers.

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?

Myers: Integrity is never easy or natural, even less so in matters as politicized as elections. Fraud and other irregularities are a perennial threat to election credibility. The 2022 election is hardly an exception. To improve election administration, I will support transparency and accountability.

On a personal note: Who do you admire?

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

Myers: Christ, who gave up more than anyone else. Solomon prioritized his people above himself. And President Calvin Coolidge — "Silent Cal" didn't try to fix the world through schizophrenic executive activity.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pinal County District 3 supervisor election: candidate views, goals