Anthony Smith: I have proven my leadership

By Anthony Smith

As I write this piece, I recognize that we are moving quickly towards the Aug. 30 Primary Election. I hope you have or will take the time to vote and encourage others to vote as well. It is an excellent opportunity to express our appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy, including the right of a free people to vote for the candidate of their choice.

During the course of my campaign, I have been asked to respond to many questions. I would like to write this final article answering the questions I have been asked the most.

Why are you running for re-election?
I’m running to further continue the successful economic turn-around we started four years ago. I’m happy to report that Pinal County was the first county in the state to recover all jobs that were lost to the recession. We have cut our unemployment rate in half and restored our county’s financial health. Our hard work is beginning to reap benefits. Our current pipeline of new business projects exceeds $18 billion. Included in this list of committed projects is the Attesa Motorsports project. This project will need a variety of workers that range from executive management and highly skilled technicians, to administrative jobs; all within a 30- to 40-minute drive from most communities in District 4.

What are you top priorities for the next four years?
We need to reverse the fact that over 50 percent of our workers leave Pinal County each day to work in another county. That is why it has been crucial for us to focus these past four years on economic development. When we created our Strategic Plan in 2014, all its goals can be traced back to strengthening economic development.

We need to drive down our property tax rate to at least the state average. In the last four years, we have moved from second highest to fourth highest. We are making progress. For this fiscal year, we reduced the primary property tax rate by 13 cents.  Because of my strong position on tax reduction, I have earned the title “Champion of the Taxpayer,” awarded by the Americans for Prosperity. I have the highest rating of this type of all the Pinal County Supervisors.

We need to broaden our tax base by finding and attracting new sources of revenue. Basically, we need to grow our way into prosperity. We can achieve this by partnering with the educational community and vocational training centers to create a high-quality and available workforce. Having a quality workforce is one of the top site selection criteria for businesses looking to re-locate or expand.  By continuing on this path, Pinal County remains well positioned for successful and sustainable economic growth.

Finally, we need to strengthen our transportation network. During these last four years, I have been a leader pushing for some of our most important transportation projects.  These critical projects include expanding SR 347 from 4 to 6 lanes and the new Interstate 11 that will create a north/south commerce corridor that may ultimately link Mexico, U.S. and Canada.

Why are you the best candidate?
I have demonstrated the importance of being accountable, action-oriented and doing what you say you will do. After eight years in public office, I have a track-record for accomplishing 85-90 percent of my promises. That’s an excellent record for any elected position.

I have proven my leadership by accepting important roles in regional and statewide groups. I’ve come to realize that if Pinal County leaders don’t step into these pivotal roles, others outside of Pinal County will gladly plan our future. That is an unacceptable option, and why I do extra duty to represent you.

I deliver high-quality constituent service by going directly to the people to understand their needs and then acting on their behalf.  I’m the only supervisor that holds regular town-hall meetings within my District. I hold these meetings in five communities within the district.

It has been an honor and my pleasure to serve you these past four years. I hope that I have earned your vote and you allow me to serve you for another four years. Thank you for your consideration and please vote Aug. 30.

---

Anthony Smith is the District 4 supervisor for Pinal County and a resident of Maricopa.