Handful attend GOP ‘super’ meet, greet

The Republican candidates attended. So did their campaign managers and family members.

But only a few voters attended what was billed as a “Super” candidate meet and greet event at the Stagestop Marketplace Saturday afternoon.

Attending, ready to shake hands and answer questions, were state House District 11 candidates Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa and Adam Kwasman.

Pinal County Supervisor District 4 candidate Anthony Smith; Jill Broussard, candidate for Pinal County Superintendent of Schools; and Douglas Wolf, candidate for county assessor also were available.

Al Melvin, candidate for state Senate District 11, did not attend.

Bob Fleckinger, a 12-year Maricopa resident who said he frequently attends meet and greets said he didn’t come just to meet the candidates.

“It’s a personal thing,” Fleckinger said. “If I want to express my opinion about something going on in my area, I want to express my opinion about something; it’s good that (a politician) knows me.”

“It might now sway them,” Fleckinger said. “But maybe he’ll take my call faster.”

Jon Janzen said he attended to show his support for former Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith.

Janzen said he previously attended similar functions not necessarily for the candidates, but to learn more about ballot propositions.
Still, he said the chance to personally meet the candidates trumped attending a rally or stump speech.

“It’s more of a two-way interaction, you can shake hands and talk to them,” Janzen said.

Tom Cadwell, a self-described independent voter, said he was fairly politically active.

Cadwell attended the functions occasionally before his 25-year-stint in the Navy and, since getting out, was involved “a little” in some local campaigns in Washington.