Profile: Mayoral candidate Ken Hunt

InMaricopa: Who are you?

Hunt: I am a 40-year-old husband, father, businessman and our future mayor. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I moved to South Carolina where I met my wife of 15 years, Amy, and graduated the University of South Carolina with honors. My major in accounting and strong analytical skills led me to Financial Concepts, a private financial planning firm based in Chandler, where I work with high net worth individuals and small businesses to develop successful, long-term financial strategies. My family moved to Maricopa in May 2008 and live in the Villages at Rancho El Dorado with our four children: Laura, Matthew, Neil and 16-month-old Emily.

InMaricopa: Why are you the best candidate?

Hunt: The citizens of Maricopa need a strong voice, a committed and passionate advocate in the mayor’s office that keeps their interest foremost in his thoughts and actions. The people of Maricopa also need and deserve a person who has the education, corporate financial experience, as well as strength of character to fight hard for them. I know that I am this person.

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

Hunt: I believe the city of Maricopa is facing a significant crossroad. My recent participation in the Maricopa Citizen Leadership Academy brought to light some disturbing facts concerning the city’s budget. For example, the city council and Mayor Smith approved the Fiscal Year 2010 budget despite the fact that it calls for nearly $83 million in total city expenditures while providing only $55 million in total city revenues. More troubling is the fact that on closer examination, nearly 45 percent of the $55 million is supposed to come from “Grants.” This seems to be ambitious beyond all reasonable expectations. My strong financial background and leadership ability are what is needed to address these serious concerns.

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

Hunt: After the election results and the composition of the city council is made clear, I intend to implement a concrete, highly accountable plan for the city’s future direction. The citizens of Maricopa, along with new voices on the council, will provide the framework to accomplish this task.  In particular, there are three areas of great concern:

First: Jobs, jobs and more jobs for the citizens of Maricopa. Considering the size of our city, the deep talent pool of our residents, and the gross expenditures on economic development consultants that has previously gone for naught, I believe we can and must do better. I refuse to believe that Maricopa cannot offer a home to large manufacturers, high-tech small businesses and local home-based businesses that will pump thousands of dollars into the local economy. The city must address its current image as an unfriendly place to do business. The local merchants and small business owners that I have talked with echo a common theme: the city of Maricopa does not care if I succeed. This will change.

Second: there is a large segment of our community that simply cannot afford to remain in Maricopa if the current utility/tax rates are not brought under control. Many folks moved to Maricopa specifically because it was perceived as affordable, as well as an exciting, growing town. Unfortunately some of those very same folks can no longer justify their decision, but are “trapped” here because they also suffered an incredible loss in property value that prohibits leaving. It is my strongest desire that they do not leave, but instead, vote a new voice into office. A candidate who believes utility companies should provide reasonable service for reasonable rates. A candidate who believes people, not profits should come first. A candidate who is sensitive to folks on fixed incomes that simply cannot tolerate the wild fluctuations that we all are currently experiencing. This is a community of hard-working people; we deserve more from our leaders.

Finally, the city is struggling with serious image issues. The schools are perceived to be inferior, the city faces numerous lawsuits, and our parks and common areas are rife with graffiti and vandalism. We all recall with fear and anger the recent home invasions and applaud local law enforcement for their successful efforts to apprehend those responsible. However, we need to do more. More to educate our future leaders, more to provide them with safe, alternate activities that will keep them active, engaged and productive. This city’s greatest untapped resource is its citizens, both young and old. We have a lot to offer each other, and I seek to utilize our resources to the fullest extent. Somewhere in Cobblestone Farms, a grandmother’s lap is empty and a baby in Alterra needs rocking. We can do this Maricopa!

Photo by Jim Williams