Roberts: $35 million for Riggs Road overpass proof of Manfredi’s value to Maricopa

By Bret Roberts

It is an understatement to say Vince is one of the hardest working people I know. I’ve personally seen him put the city of Maricopa above his own health.

Last year, although he just had a quadruple bypass, he attended a city council meeting to ensure he cast his vote to approve a budget that reduced the city property tax rate for the third year in a row. This year, he worked to do the same for the fourth consecutive year. He was not going to miss the boat on something so much work was put into accomplishing.

Some of you know me from my time as the constable in the city of Maricopa and remember I served as an Arizona State Representative. It is no exaggeration when I say the help Vince provided in getting me elected to both those positions made it possible. He understands what it takes to give selflessly to a cause he deems important to city. His advice, humor and compassion is something I could never fully explain, but let say this: He is a guy who if you don’t know him personally, you should.

During my time in the Legislature, Vince was always reaching out to talk about what the city of Maricopa needed and how he believed we can get things done. A text or email from him at 11 p.m. or midnight was common. I also knew during those late-night sessions at the Capitol I could rely on Vince to be a sounding board.

The bill we passed for the $35 million to provide an overpass at Riggs Road was something we both understood had to pass! I worked extremely hard to gather the support needed and, having folks like Vince and Christian Price there along the way made it possible, as they have so much knowledge of the city and its needs that is was easy to call them for help any time. Perhaps this is a reason why former Mayor Price supports Vince 100% in his reelection.

Vince has a weird way of filling every minute of his day, but his family is what makes it possible. The love he has for his wife and daughters is admirable and, although he loves this city and his company, they are first in his heart.

When I moved away from Maricopa and it came time to replace me as a State Representative, many people, myself included, thought Vince would be the perfect candidate, but he refused. He said at the time that he had too much to do in the next few years in Maricopa, and he was not ready to move on.

If I could vote in Maricopa, I would be voting for Vince, but since I cannot I am asking everyone I know and trust to help keep this Vince in office.

Bret Roberts is a former Maricopa resident who served as constable and represented the city in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Editor’s note: Interim Mayor Vincent Manfredi is co-owner of InMaricopa.