Get to know the candidates

Political candidates are real people, too. They have families, like to watch or play sports and listen to music. InMaricopa emailed questionnaires to the two mayoral and four city council candidates to find about where they are from, why they moved to Maricopa and what they like to do while not working.

Marvin Brown, city council

Where are you from? I am from Detroit, Mich.

Where do you live in Maricopa? I moved to the Senita community in June of 2006.

Why Maricopa? My Realtor indicated Maricopa had the most affordable housing in the Valley.

Family? My wife’s name is Helen. I have three adult married daughters, Tracey, Kelley and Teri.

Education? Completed all financial courses at the American Institute of Banking, and received a graduate certificate in urban studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Job? I am retired. I was director of housing for the Detroit Rescue Mission, securing transitional housing for homeless Vietnam veterans.
Hobbies? Reading and traveling.

Favorite movies, TV shows, musical artists? My favorite movies are “Casablanca,” “Citizen Kane,” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” My current favorite TV programs are “Boardwalk Empire,” “Homeland Security,” “60 Minutes” and “National Geographic.” My favorite musical artists are Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.

Sports? My favorite sports are football, basketball, golf, hockey and baseball.
Person you most admire? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Carl Diedrich, mayoral candidate

Where are you from? Our family moved here from the Twin Cities in 2004. I met my wife Kimberly in Cincinnati.

Where do you live in Maricopa? We have lived in Rancho El Dorado since August 2004.

Why Maricopa? My brother and other family had purchased homes in the very early stages of Rancho El Dorado and had told us about the great home values in Maricopa.

Family? My wife is Kimberly and I have an 8-year-old son, Nate.

Education? I began college at Iowa State University but family needs prevented me from continuing. I am currently a student at University of Phoenix studying public administration.

Job? Since 2005 I have owned a small marketing and design firm in Maricopa. Upon making the decision to run for mayor, I have pulled back on my business, and will be focusing on the campaign and my duties as mayor, if elected.

Hobbies? My biggest hobby is my son, Nate. I am essentially a stay-at-home dad and I work with him on all his school projects, homework, scouting, sports and other activities.

Favorite movies, TV shows, musical artists? My favorite movies are “Casablanca,” “Touch of Evil,” “Caddyshack” and “True Romance.” I am a voracious watcher of most HBO and Showtime dramas, with my favorites being “The Sopranos,” “Deadwood,” “Dexter” and “Boardwalk Empire.” A good friend has introduced me to jazz recently and I have enjoyed learning the subtlety and nuance that comes with that musical style. I listen to guitar-driven singer/songwriter rock.

Sports? As a fan, I enjoy all sports, but college and pro football are my favorites, with the NCAA Basketball Tournament a highlight during the year. I enjoy playing golf.

Person you most admire? Every day my son gets out of bed, puts a smile on, and makes the world a happier place. I also admire my wife Kimberly for being the strong, independent woman she is. She is a successful business owner and community supporter, who also finds time to save the lives of animals that are discarded by society. Finally, I admire my mom for the person she taught me to be. She passed away in 2004, but her spirit continues to guide me.

Bridger Kimball, council candidate

Where are you from? Mesa.

Where do you live in Maricopa? I moved to Rancho El Dorado in 2003 and in 2006 purchased a home in Glennwildegroves, where I currently reside.

Why Maricopa? I was looking to purchase my first home and Maricopa seemed like just the right place to live with the vision of becoming a thriving city and the affordable house pricing.

Family? I am not married and I do not have children.

Education? Graduate of Mountain Pointe High School, U.S. Marine Corps boot camp and School of Infantry. Certified firearms and concealed weapons instructor.

Job? I am co-owner of Caswells Shooting Range in Mesa.

Hobbies? Camping, shooting, playing golf and cooking.

Favorite movies, TV shows, musical artists? My favorite movies are “Braveheart” and “Tin Cup.” On TV, I usually only watch the news. Musical artists are Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert.

Sports? Football and golf.

Person you most admire? Gen. George Patton.