Profile: Mayoral candidate Anthony Smith

InMaricopa: Who are you?

Smith: My wife, Nancy, and I moved to Maricopa in July 2003, shortly before Maricopa became incorporated. In 2007, I left Motorola and started a project management consulting business. A graduate of Purdue University, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Technology. As a certified project management professional (PMP), I’m experienced in strategic planning and implementing complex projects. I enjoy playing golf, and spending time with my family, especially my grandkids.

InMaricopa: Why are you the best candidate?

Smith: I have experience far beyond that of my opponents. I’m a “catalyst for change.” By starting my term with a “six month plan,” I immediately began the process of change. I opened communication channels with our strategic partners (school board, Chamber of Commerce, neighboring Indian communities, etc.), the residents and increased transparency. After re-activating several critical projects, I led the council in the creation of the city’s first Strategic Plan. I’m dedicated to the job of mayor, investing the majority of my week to mayor-related functions. My abilities as a professional project manager are well-matched to the job of mayor. From the first year that I moved to Maricopa, I have been involved in serving the community in various ways. For my first 18 months, I have worked hard to position Maricopa for many upcoming, exciting projects. I want to continue guiding our city through these tough economic times and into sustainable growth and prosperity.

As the current mayor, I have an open-door policy. I meet with any resident who wants to meet with me or who has a concern. I am in the community, volunteering, serving, visiting and listening. I love Maricopa and desire the best for this wonderful city.

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

Smith: I bring executive leadership to the mayor position, both from past jobs and as the current mayor. I bring experience from serving on the Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission prior to being elected mayor. As the mayor for the last year and one-half, I have demonstrated leadership by completing our first strategic plan and initiating meetings with our partners in the Indian communities, Chamber of Commerce, and school district. Our strategic plan contains specific, measurable goals for economic development, transportation, quality of life, and managing for the future. In addition to this important plan, I moved forward additional “blueprints” for change such as our re-development plan, open space and parks plan, and regional transportation plan. I have increased transparency in government by bringing government to the people with town halls, blogs, the “Mayor’s Message” TV show and various newsletters. I have created a “vision for change.” Now it is up to us, the community, and the city council to put the “blueprints” into reality.

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

Smith: If elected, I will continue with my efforts to open up government to its citizens. I want the city to sponsor more town halls, or rather than doing a town hall, encourage all councilmembers to participate in a “round table” event. A “round table” is where citizens can join a conversation with one of the council members or mayor, and dialog. I also believe the city can issue more press releases explaining the reasons for taking an action or position. Lastly, I want to encourage councilmembers to answer more e-mails, voicemails, being responsive to the public.

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

Smith: 1. The utility rate status quo is unacceptable. I understand the frustration with customer service and the stress high utility rates have had on the community. I’m very concerned about our long-term growth if utility rates are not competitive with area communities. To this extent, the city has formally intervened at the Global Water rate hearing and has an attorney cross-examining witnesses. Regarding the high electric rates, at the last ED-3 board meeting, I shared with them the frustration and anger expressed by citizens. I shared with them the hardship high rates have placed on residents and business owners. In addition, I shared with them the resolution passed by the council in early November requesting that we work together on ways to lower rates. I’m encouraged with the news that ED-3 is working to re-structure their contract with APS to lower electric rates. I will keep the pressure on this issue within Maricopa.

2. We need more local jobs. We must continue the process of transforming our city from a bedroom community to an economic center. We’re working hard to create an environment and have the tools to attract companies that provide good paying jobs. We must complete transforming the feedlots along the Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway into a manufacturing and employment area. The city must invest in our own redevelopment district by locating a city facility into this historic area. We must continue working with local businesses to promote a positive climate for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It is a must that we locate a medical facility and break ground for a Central Arizona College campus in our city.

3. We need to increase recreational facilities. I think it is important to build a community/aquatics center and a sports complex to meet the needs our all ages. We can’t continue to wait or try to serve a population of 40,000 with the facilities designed only for 15,000. Kids shouldn’t have to leave town to find a decent field. Young people shouldn’t have to use a ditch by Fry’s as a skate-park. Citizens of all ages need more facilities to continue building a “sense of community” and community ownership.

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