Vitiello: Smith is splitting hairs

By Rich Vitiello

Gaining trust is sometimes not an easy task, especially when going up against a politician who muddles the truth. I don’t split hairs to redefine an action or a term — it is what it is.  That’s one of the differences between a politician and public servant. I’m not a politician.

When a public servant is seen as transparent and honest in his dealings, people will have confidence to trust that person. With 27 years of international business experience, I’m an experienced businessman who wants to bring his talents forth to help people. To be a public servant. That’s it.

I’ve cited things the incumbent has done that I don’t agree with. Many of the people in his district don’t agree with them, either. I truly believe that the people of Maricopa, Saddlebrooke, Stanfield, Arizona City and parts in between should be served by having an honest representative who is genuinely concerned not only about fiscal responsibility, accountability and public safety, but also about the health and welfare of the entire community.

Doing the right thing for the good of the people a public servant represents is the most important thing one can do. I switched from the city council to the county supervisor race because it needed to be done. I’m concerned about my family and community. My vision for being a supervisor is to be a servant to the community – to help others.

People need real, honest and transparent representation, not lip service. I will work with other people to better the lives of residents in Pinal County. I’ll sit down with residents, business persons, elected officials and county employees to listen, learn and understand their needs. I’ll agree with some opinions, and I’ll disagree with others. I will work hard to get things done with and for other people. But I won’t sell out.

People need to trust their elected officials, and that means they need honesty and openness in government — transparency.

I believe protecting our citizens and establishing a bond of trust and accountability is key to making Pinal County a better place to live and do business. Residents want a county supervisor who they have confidence in. The incumbent says he supports public safety, but his actions speak volumes otherwise. I’m business friendly, but not the kind of business that the incumbent is friendly with. I don’t support business enterprises that degrade our neighborhoods and quality of life.

Residents and businesses want security, peace of mind and success. I see that as a priority. I’ll work hard toward those ends. That’s what a public servant does.

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Rich Vitiello is a resident of Maricopa. He is running against Anthony Smith for a seat on the Pinal County Board of Supervisors.