Liermann: My platform to serve city, preserve values

By Amber Liermann

I am a longtime resident of Maricopa, actively involved in our community for 17 years. I have counseled a generation of students at Maricopa Unified School District, volunteered and participated in many organizations, including:

• Maricopa Veteran Care Center
• Susan G. Komen
• Maricopa Police Department
• Chandler Police Department
• Maricopa Family Advocacy Center
• Be Awesome Youth Coalition
• Women’s Hope Center
• Ak-Chin Fun Run Participant
• Teen Pregnancy Prevention
• Desert Cove Nursing Home
• Staples Senior Center
• Maricopa High School Site Council
• Peer Advocacy Crew Club
• Youth Alive Club
• Maricopa High School Booster Club
• Church of Celebration

I have four children, the oldest of whom graduated from MHS and attends Grand Canyon University. My 17-year-old son is an MHS student-athlete and in the top 1% of his class. His goal is an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in 2022. My youngest two, 15 and 13, are starting their secondary schooling, and I look forward to seeing them thrive in the coming years.

On the rare occasion I get downtime from work, family and volunteering. I enjoy riding my Harley and meeting new people.

Being an active listener is a prerequisite for a career in counseling and motherhood! I always work to find common ground. I am a natural problem-solver and team player. Thanks to my experience making decisions on behalf of vulnerable people, I am able to view issues from many different perspectives.

I volunteer and engage our community. I am the only candidate who attends city council and city budget meetings. I have sought out other opportunities to learn and prepare for the role, such as attending Maricopa Association of Governments meetings.

I am very proud and honored to have many great community leaders supporting my candidacy. Mayor Christian Price, Vice-Mayor Nancy Smith, Council Member Vincent Manfredi, County Supervisor Tony Smith, Rep. Bret Roberts, former Sen. Steve Smith, Constable Glenn Morrison, and the Rev. Josh Barrett are all voting for me Nov. 3! Sen. Vince Leach, Rep. Mark Finchem and the City of Maricopa Police Association have all endorsed me as well.

Here is my platform:

Smart Growth

Maricopa had a whopping 229 new home permits issued in September. The city is experiencing tremendous natural growth, although we need to be proactive by continuing to seek large employers to locate here. Developments like Estrella Gin and Sonoran Creek provide shovel-ready opportunities site locators seek. There is an exciting opportunity at Copper Sky to add more athletic fields and turn that area into a large, multi-day tournament site, increasing revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. This all is smart growth that helps expand the tax base and ultimately lower property taxes.

Hospitals

Yes, I want more than one. Having a hospital is a big concern for both our senior community and young families. Dignity Health has purchased land in Maricopa, and I cannot wait until I can help remove any obstacles or barriers to their groundbreaking. Exceptional Healthcare Community Hospital is scheduled to do just that in the coming months.

SR 347

State Route 347 is one of our biggest growing pains. Some see many barriers to fixing this issue, but I see opportunities to work with the various partners. As an avid problem solver and listener, I believe working with Gila River Indian Community, Maricopa Association of Government (MAG), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Pinal County, Maricopa County and others will come naturally. State Rep. Bret Roberts is helping to forge the way with a bill providing funding. 

Infrastructure

The City has allocated funding for more streetlights and better road connectivity to improve safety and save our residents time on the road. Infrastructure improvements are necessary to attract large businesses to Maricopa and contribute to smart growth. 

Social Services

I am extremely passionate about social services. Some cities and individuals overlook this area, but no one is exempt to the vulnerability of medical/mental health or financial needs. COVID exposed we are all at risk and as a community, we must come together and support each other. The slogan for my campaign is “Strong Families, Strong Community.” The more we can serve families in need the less stress there will be on those families, our schools and public safety.  I vow to take the lead on presenting budget-neutral solutions.

Veterans

I care about our veterans. My grandfather, father and two brothers are veterans. My son plans to enlist in the Air Force and I serve as a board member on the Maricopa Veteran Care Center. I will help expand therapy services for veterans and their families and bring basic mobile medical services to Maricopa veterans.

Seniors

Our seniors play a vital role in our community. Identifying opportunities that allow all of us to benefit from their talent, wisdom, skill sets and life experience is imperative. God willing, we will all be seniors one day!

Arts

Maricopa is an artistic, talented community, and our city benefits when our youth and adults are given a stage to share their talents. Diversity is one of Maricopa’s greatest strengths and the Arts is a great way to celebrate, engage and bring our community together. 

I want to serve you as a member of your city council because the decisions being made at the local level impact all of us every day. I want to preserve and protect the values I’ve experienced while living here. These are values that promote community, compassion, and personal responsibility.

My background is unique, and I will help bring a valuable perspective, work ethic and commitment to the Maricopa City Council. I humbly ask you to vote Amber Liermann for city council. I will represent you honorably.

Amber Liermann, a counselor in the Maricopa Unified School District, is a candidate for Maricopa City Council.