Profile: City council candidate Dallas Paulsen

InMaricopa: Who are you?

Paulsen: We have lived in the city of Maricopa since March 2003 and in Arizona since 1969. I am 68 years young and have been married to my wife Kathy for more than 49 years. I have three daughters and three grandchildren.

InMaricopa: Why are you the best candidate?

Paulsen: I am committed to seeing Maricopa grow and I promise to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money. I have had to deal with very difficult situations, both in my personal and professional life. These life experiences have given me the background for making wise and educated decisions. I will be a voice of reason for the majority of the residents of Maricopa and not just special interest groups.

InMaricopa: What specific experience would you bring to this office?

Paulsen: I have had extensive experience with governmental agencies in Arizona, California, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado in my many years in the construction industry including federal government agencies. With this experience, I feel I bring a wealth of government experience to the council. Both my wife and I have been very involved with the city of Maricopa since we have moved to the area in 2003 including the incorporation committee. I have served on numerous committees over my 40-plus years in the industry including several at the city of Maricopa.

InMaricopa: If elected, what is the first thing you would change on the council?

Paulsen: I would like to see the city council work session really be a “work session.” It should be a time to discuss the issues and items for the upcoming regular meeting agenda in detail so the councilmembers, city staff and the public have all the details and facts of the items that are to be voted on.

InMaricopa: What are the three most important issues facing your Maricopa area constituents and what would you do to address each?

Paulsen: The economy — I would suggest the council continue to work with the utility companies to do everything in their power to keep rates at a cost that is attractive to promote Maricopa as a desirable location to live, start or relocate a business. Along with the utility companies, I feel some discussions needs to take place with the commercial property owners to see what can be done to bring the rents to a more competitive rate as compared with the Phoenix area.

Traffic issues — I would continue to work with all entities including, but not limited to, the Indian communities, Pinal County and Arizona Department of Transportation to press ahead on improving the roadway system, railroad crossings, traffic signals, etc., to improve the existing conditions. I would like to see an increase in bus ridership and consideration given to a tiered cost for ridership for residents and non-residents.

City preparedness — I want to make sure that the city is up to date with all the city codes, specifications, fees, etc., so when the next economic turnaround begins the city will be ready for the growth.

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