LaFond: I am thrilled to be running for Maricopa City Council!

By Andre LaFond

My wife, Kaylie, and I have been active members of the Maricopa community for about six years. We have a baby boy, Jack, and he is my everything! In my spare time I enjoy off-roading in my Jeep, target shooting and camping.

I grew up in a family that cherished community service. I am proud to say that I am the third generation to earn my Eagle Scout Award! Earning this was the culmination of a youth dedicated to community service and leadership.

Meet the candidate: Andre LaFond

I joined the Army right out of high school. I wanted to serve my country and chose to become a tanker. Unfortunately, I was injured during a training exercise and was honorably discharged due to medical. Although my time in service was brief, the lessons learned carry with me to this day.

Since living in Maricopa, I have been a regular attendee of our city council meetings. I am a graduate of the Maricopa Citizens Leadership Academy (this course is required for all councilmembers). I am also a graduate of the Maricopa Citizens Police Academy and our Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT).

I am proud to say that I have endorsements from three former vice mayors: Marvin Brown, Henry Wade and Peggy Chapados. The ability to work across political lines is essential and I am endorsed by members of both major political parties.

These experiences and my positions of leadership have provided me with the skills that I wish to bring to our city council.

My campaign is focused on three major goals: Public Safety, Smart Growth, and Economic Opportunity.

Public Safety:

I am proud to say that I am the only candidate endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (the largest police union in Maricopa!) and the local Fire Fighters Union!

Our community adds more than 1,000 new homes a year, our police department should reflect that growth. Ensuring that our police department can hire and retain top talent and grow with us is a top priority for me!

Our firefighters have a 2 out of 3 chance of being diagnosed with cancer due to carcinogens. Providing our firefighters greater access to health screening programs and ready access to decontamination tools is another top priority for me!

Smart Growth:

As we grow, there is a need to expand our infrastructure to support new homes and businesses. We can plan for future technology by incorporating the newest tools such as fiber optics, automation and smart grid technology.

Economic Opportunity:

Economic opportunity for small businesses and quality employment for our community is vital to our future. Our current tax base alone will not be able to support the city in the future without light industry and a strong assortment of small and medium businesses.

Andre LaFond is a candidate for Maricopa City Council.