National debt shouldn’t limit Maricopa’s development vision

Debt, debt, and more debt – that’s about all that’s talked about when it comes to political discussions. Nationally and locally, people are making their voices heard, that any government spending better be for absolute causes.

I think the debate is fine to have on the state and national level. Raise taxes or cut programs. But in Maricopa we should resist getting caught up in a mentality of pinching every penny regardless of the outcome.

Unlike most cities, Maricopa is in a unique stage of its existence. To compare our budget problems to the national discussion is a bit short sighted as Maricopa must keep investing in order to draw both residents and businesses to the area. Is it a gamble? Sure, but if you are tired of walking outside and seeing foreclosure signs everywhere, then you have to consider what would make people want to live here. 

Certainly, a casino down the road provides some adult entertainment, but imagine someone driving into the Tortosa subdivision for the first time – they would immediately realize the area lacks any stores, gas stations or quick places to eat. Tough place to live if you run out of toilet paper.

Investing is all about imagining the future. There has to be a perception that there will be growth. Maricopa at this point has to decide if it’s going to be a glorified truck stop or a legitimate city that can attract residents looking for more affordable living. Everywhere you look there are parcels of land full of weeds, just ready to be graded out and begging to be developed.

Maybe a city government shouldn’t be in the business development game, but it can definitely work to be more receptive to it. It can begin construction on its own, investing in new civil buildings and continue its work on the roads. People have to realize building creates a domino effect and does stimulate an economy. 

A carpenter has to buy nails and lumber, an electrician has to buy conduit from one store and decorative lighting from another. The supply stores have to maintain stock and keep up appearances, and the busier a store is, the more employees are needed. Even the guy stocking the vending machines has to get a delivery driver to drop off more soda, and the delivery guy needs a mechanic to regularly service his truck.

Both the delivery guy and the mechanic then have to use a laundry service for their uniforms, and someone that sees the need will astutely set up shop. The chain will continue and loop back around to the taxpayers, who will benefit from the newly-generated tax revenues as that money gets put back into existing infrastructure upkeep, stability for all civic jobs, and a way to pay back that investment loan.  

Unlike most cities, Maricopa is like a teenager going through puberty, experiencing awkward identity problems and growing pains. It can’t look at itself as a city that needs to cut back; otherwise it’s going to hinder the anticipated expansion and the foreclosure signs will continue to be posted.

It has to remain attractive, bold, and – most importantly – exciting. People driving in looking for houses have to feel the vibrancy and be assured any investment they make is really going to pay off. Investing takes vision and people have to ask what they want this city to be.

I think everyone notices there is a lot of work to still be done. It would be wise to not get caught up in a national or statewide debate about cutting every possible penny of government spending and stay focused on doing what is right for Maricopa.

John Stapleton is a Tortosa resident.

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