Profile: Mayoral candidate Leon Potter

InMaricopa: Who are you?

Potter: I am married to the former Gabriela Mercado. We have three children: Michelle, 14; Alan, 12; and Leon, 5. We have lived in Maricopa since April 2005.

InMaricopa: Why are you the best candidate?

Potter: I am the best candidate because at this stage of my life I am able to dedicate the time needed to serve as Mayor. Events can and do happen at any time of the day; my expectation is for the mayor of Maricopa to be available during those times to represent the public. In the past 4-½ years, I have lived, worked, played and studied in Maricopa. I have encouraged my children to do the same. Michelle and Alan also work in Maricopa as certified soccer referees in the city’s youth program.

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

Potter: I served in the United States Navy for 11 years. I understand what it means to put the interest of the public before my own. I understand that there are codes, rules and laws that are to be abided by everyone. The rights of everyone are to be upheld equally under those same codes, rules, and laws. I put a higher standard on myself to follow the rules and play by the rules. I expect consequences if the rules are broken.
Also, I understand the “chain of command.” There is a protocol on how things are things are done and by whom. The public is at the top of the change of command. The city council is responsible to the public to oversee the functions of City Hall. The mayoral position has the responsibility of duty beyond fiduciary. I became a personal financial advisor in 1996. Since that time, I have seen the pitfalls that individuals face at different walks of life and I have faced my own first hand. Obstacles will come up in life; I understand what it takes to be prepared for them and overcome them. Government finances are a different side to the same coin. However, the laws of money do not change. I look at the city’s finances from the viewpoint from the city as an entity. I do know the money belongs to the public. I understand the “fiduciary” responsibility that comes with it.
I became a tax preparer in 1999. Although I don’t work as a tax preparer, I earned the enrolled agent designation in 2008 as given by the U.S. Treasury. The code is, by nature, complicated and can be confusing to many people. Although I don’t claim to have all the answers, I know how and where to research to verify information. I will apply those same skills to the role as mayor.

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

Potter: I want to change the perception that city council works only for a connected few. The very first thing I would do is propose that the city code be amended so that city council meetings be held anywhere but the Global Water Building; the sooner the better.

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

Potter: The first issue is the lack of trust outside City Hall and inside City Hall. The public deserves to know what is happening in the city and the personnel who provide the various services in government treat others fairly and are, themselves, treated fairly. The city council has the duty as representatives to ensure that this is addressed.

Second, I want to address the lack of jobs. I want to “reduce the barriers” that businesses face when coming here. I would propose lowering the developmental impact fees and other fees the city charges. If no businesses come, no fees are earned anyway. The city can do what it controls and that is lower those fees to attract business in all types of industries to come to Maricopa. The talent is right here in Maricopa to fill the jobs the businesses offer.

Third, I want to address local entertainment. I believe there are ways to provide things like a movie theatre sooner than later. The resources the city has now should be used for the people that are here now. The mistake that entities like the city and Global Water have made in the recent past is to project business based on future population growth. What I have learned as a financial advisor is that projections are that; projections, not predictions. There is no guarantee any of that will happen. I don’t claim to have a crystal ball either. But, I do know that the city has a responsibility to the people here now. To do things based on future projections is a flawed premise that may work in a few instances, but on the whole, lead to constant struggle to catch up. This comes with ever increasing costs that we are experiencing from different fronts. The “solutions” are actually the challenges. This happens in personal lives and in government. My approach is different. I believe the outcome will be, too.

Photo by Michael K. Rich