Like most candidates, I’ve been experiencing a fair share of requests for interviews.  Two weeks ago I met with WEMAR (West Maricopa County Regional Association of Realtors).  Tomorrow, the West Valley View will be interviewing me followed by the AZ Republic on Wednesday.  I thought I’d share with you some of the question they have been asking and my responses.

1. What is the best piece of political advice you ever received?

Listen to all perspectives objectively before rendering judgment.

2. What character trait best serves a public official?
integrity

3. What character flaw most harms a public official?
dishonesty

4. What is your favorite book (besides a spiritual text)?
Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, by James W. Sire is simply fascinating at the moment as was Malcom Gladwell’s book, Blink before that. As a bibliophile, my favorite book changes almost weekly.

5. What is your favorite place in Arizona?
Home with my family in Buckeye though we enjoy short get-a-ways to Sedona and the North Rim in the Summer.

6. Which Arizona political figure past or present do you most admire and why?
No one I would claim to admire politically, though I am intrigued by J.D. Hayworth and John McCain’s brewing battle for Senate.

ISSUES

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the City Council?

Much of my experience in the past has been as an organizational leader.  As a pastor, I serve and spend much time with many of the people of the communities in District 4. This allows me to know many of them and their thoughts on issues that affect them. Because of this, I will be able to bring their voice to the table.

2. What makes you a better choice than your opponent or opponents?

Living in Festival Ranch provides a great opportunity to get to meet and connect with a large number of the people in District 4. This is made more so because of our local elementary school, Festival Foothills, where my wife serves as the Assistant Principal. The school, as well as the church where I serve, are tremendous bridges for the communities of Sun City Festival, Festival Foothills, and Tartesso.

3. What do you see as your district’s top 3 issues?

1. The need for economic development.

2. Infrastructure to compete for businesses looking for new opportunities in the Valley.

3. Stronger representation for District 4.

4. What is your vision for your district in five years? In 10?

In five years: Greatly enhanced communication between the residents, businesses, and town. More entry level businesses (gas stations, professional service providers, smaller restaurants, etc.). The infrastructure and residents in place will provide the foundation for the next five years which will be:

In ten years: Builders and developers responding to a stabilized economy and increased demand for people moving to the “next great destination” that Buckeye will be. Wisely responding to the growth while being mindful of our past experiences.

5. What has been the current council’s greatest accomplishment?

Surviving. Growing from 5,000 to 50,000 in ten years required considerable energy and resources. Adjusting to that kind of growth demanded much material and personnel to simply keep up. When the economy came to a halt, the emotion, mindset, and energy shifted and required yet another significant adjustment for all of Buckeye. This shift has been challenging for the residents, leadership, and perhaps most of all, the Town employees. I’d say Buckeye has done a fine job knowing when to press the brake and gas pedals on this trip.

6. What has been the current council’s greatest shortcoming, and how would you address it? The turn over in senior staff, and financial resources incurred as a result, are generally not things tax payers plan to spend money on. Hiring (and electing) people with the integrity, maturity, and leadership skills necessary for a growing Buckeye will prevent that from occurring as often in the future. That’s how I’d address it.  After all, ideas have consequences and everyone we hire or elect will have ideas.

7. How long have you lived in the city? 2 years (if you mean the Town of Buckeye).

8. How long have you lived in the district? 2 years.