Primary countdown: Anthony Smith, candidate for Pinal County Supervisor, District 4

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. Between now and Aug. 20, InMaricopa.com will publish two to three Q & As at a time done with candidates in primary races.

Today: Anthony "Tony" Smith, Republican candidate for Pinal County Supervisor, District 4. He is running against Nancy Discher, Fred MacKenzie and Raymond Petrulsky. To see these candidates in a July 21 candidates’ forum click here (supervisor's portion at end of this video), here (majority of the supervisor forum) and here (closing remarks by unchallenged Democratic contender).

Name: Anthony “Tony” Smith
Age: 59
Occupation: President, Pinnacle West Consulting
Residence: Maricopa
Family: Nancy, my wife, with an extended family of five grown children and six grandchildren
Education: Bachelor of Science from Purdue University
Hobbies: Golf, genealogy, and physical fitness
Favorite quote: Abraham Lincoln’s phase: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Read by him during his famous Gettysburg address.
Heart’s desire: That government at all levels work for and not against the people they serve.
Political experience: Two terms as mayor of the city of Maricopa

Why are you running?

As the nation’s second fastest growing county, Pinal County will continue to grow. To realize our potential, we need leaders who understand growth and understand the limitations that sometimes accompany growth. My experiences, as mayor of one of our fastest growing cities, will apply to all of Pinal County. As an advocate for smart growth, I will give you a greater voice at all government levels.  

I believe my drive for balanced budgets, limiting government size and keeping taxes low has been the key to leading the city of Maricopa through the worst recession in our history, making me the right candidate for bringing sustainable growth to Pinal County.

What is your biggest election challenge?

It can be a challenge getting people interested in coming out to vote for a primary election. For Maricopans, the primary election is particularly important because it may result in them being represented by a person living in their community or one that lives more than 100 miles away near Tucson.

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

I keep my promises. In my two terms as mayor, I accomplished greater than 90 percent of what I said I would do if elected.

I have the experience. As mayor, I was the CEO of the 18th largest city in the state. I demonstrated leadership by consistently bringing forward new ideas and concepts.

I am accessible. As mayor, I was the first to hold Town Hall gatherings. I opened the door for regular discussions with strategic partners, including Native American communities, local utilities and the school district.  

Who are you voting for president?

Mitt Romney

What is the most pressing issue facing Maricopa? What would you do about it?

The grade separation (overpass) project is a very high priority. However, there is a bigger picture to be considered. Under the current circumstances, Maricopa’s growth is unsustainable. Maricopa can’t even thrive as a bedroom community without improving transportation, creating local jobs and improving its quality of life. Unless we create additional linkages to I-10, drivers will face ever-increasing backups, frustrating them to the point of possibly leaving the community.

The solution is to create a truly sustainable community complete with a local job market, a high-level quality of life and a comprehensive transportation network. During my time as mayor of Maricopa, I put a high priority on advancing additional transportation linkages. Partnering with the Gila Indian Community, Pinal County, Casa Grande and others we are working on additional routes to I-10. In addition, as a vice-president on the Interstate 11 Coalition, I have been spearheading the drive to connect Maricopa to the west side of Phoenix and other cities in Pinal County.

Creating a local job market is essential. During the recession, while metro Phoenix lost jobs, we had a net gain of about 400 jobs. I understand economic development. I am the best candidate to help Maricopa and Pinal County grow jobs and take us to the next level.

What should be the county’s biggest funding priority?

Providing a safe and secure environment is traditionally the most important priority for any government. I will continue to support funding public safety at levels to ensure that our citizens have an effective and highly performing public safety organization.  

What would you do to create jobs in Pinal County?

My prescription for creating jobs is to win existing opportunities, foster a business friendly environment in government and unify existing economic development organizations.