Two Pinal County candidates addressed unincorporated Maricopa residents last week in attempts to sway their votes this election cycle.

Pinal County Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh and attorney Brad Miller met with about two dozen locals at Thunderbird Farms Fire Station last Tuesday to answer some tough questions about their qualifications and plans for the county.

Questions from constituents revolved around immigration, border security and why they’re better than the incumbents.

‘The most conservative candidate’

Cavanaugh announced his intention to run for Pinal County sheriff in August after withdrawing his bid to serve another term on the board of supervisors.

He joins four other candidates, notably Ross Teeple and Patrick Melvin, trying to follow a tough act in Sheriff Mark Lamb, who’s vying for the U.S. Senate.

“I’m without question the most qualified candidate,” Cavanaugh said. “I’m the most conservative, the most experienced, the most levelheaded and I’ll make the best decisions.”

During the panel, Cavanaugh told residents he would ensure Pinal County Sheriff’s Office ups patrolling in rural areas to address local concerns about human and drug trafficking. He said he believes his role as sheriff would include addressing election issues and building a Joe Arpaio-style citizens posse to protect second amendment rights.

Despite billing himself “the most conservative candidate,” Cavanaugh said he did not want an office driven by politics.

“Law enforcement is too important to be political,” Cavanaugh said. “When it comes down to doing the job, it can’t be a political office. We have to serve all citizens, we have to protect all citizens. When you have somebody who is extremely political on one side or the other, they feel they are not getting a fair shake in law enforcement.”

Preserving rural life

Miller filed his election paperwork one whole year ago to run against Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer. He said his 17 years as a private practice attorney, as well as years-long tenures in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, made him stand out against the incumbent.

“The biggest thing is the difference in experience because I actually have been a prosecutor,” Miller said, neglecting to acknowledge Volkmer has been a prosecutor for more than seven years.

“I’m ready to come to the county and let people know that the Gilbert Goons, child trafficking issues, drug issues are going to be prosecuted much more heavily in the county.”

Emphasizing legal representation for rural communities and helping to “preserve their way of life” would be among his top priorities, he added — a chief issue for Hidden Valley and Thunderbird Farms voters.

“The main reason I came here is to let the people know they have a voice,” he said. “I think a lot of the more rural areas don’t feel they are being truly represented … and I can be that voice for them if I’m elected.”

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