Supervisor David Snider among those commencing terms at oath of office ceremony

Since moving to Casa Grande in 1977, new District 3 Supervisor – and Maricopa representative – David Snider has always found a way to serve his community. From his role as Library Director for the City of Casa Grande to serving on the local school board, Snider has found satisfaction in public service. “I have the desire to find information for people,” Snider says about his activism in the community.

Being a former librarian means Snider has had some experience in finding information. Once the information is found, the new Supervisor says an answer is not too far behind. “Once you know how to find the answer,” Snider said, “you can help facilitate people in solving their own problems.”

Before he hit the books, so to speak, in the library system, Snider was at one time a journalist working for the Peoria (IL) Journal Star. His travels then took him to the Middle East where he attended school at the American University of Beruit in Lebanon. Eventually he earned his Master’s Degree from Wayne State University.

Before arriving in Casa Grande, Snider worked for the Mesa Public Library. Working for Casa Grande government gave Snider a unique opportunity to dive straight into local issues, first serving as a city staff liaison to the Centennial Committee then eventually serving as an elected official on the Governing Board of the Casa Grande Elementary School District.

“I’m pretty proud of what I and the other Board Members accomplished,” Snider recalled. “Working to ensure a quality education, improving employee benefits; we all contributed in some small way.”

A self-professed student of government, Snider struck up a friendship early on with outgoing Supervisor Jimmie Kerr. “Jimmie and I have been friends since I arrived in Casa Grande,” Snider said.

Once Supervisor Kerr decided not to seek another term on the Board, Snider sought Kerr’s counsel and decided to run to fill the post. In November, Snider defeated Bill Bridwell to succeed Supervisor Kerr.

Twelve elected officials took the oath of office on January 4, 2005. (L to R): Recorder Laura Dean-Lytle, Treasurer Dolores Doolittle, Sheriff Roger Vanderpool, District 2 Chairman Sandie Smith, District 3 Supervisor David Snider, District 1 Supervisor Lionel Ruiz, Superior Court Judge Boyd Johnson, School Superintendent Jack Harmon, Superior Court Judge Janna Vanderpool, Superior Court Judge Kelly Marie Robertson, Superior Court Judge Stephen McCarville and Assessor Paul Larkin.

The new Supervisor added that he has been on an accelerated learning curve since mid-November. “Each level of government is different. I’m doing what I can, as fast as I can to learn the culture.”

He hasn’t been overwhelmed, but the new Supervisor knows there are a lot of issues on his plate. “Growth management is a huge issue,” Snider opined. “We are going to have to deal with transportation; growth paying for itself; access to health care; educational institutions having access to land; natural resources; water; air quality; quality of life, the list is big.”

While there are several issues that will occupy his time in the next four years, Snider says looks forward to a discussion on quality development. “Should we set the bar higher?” Snider asks. “We can ask for more, we should ask for more.”

Snider says that shared aims are the key to bringing quality development to Pinal County. “I want to encourage a dialogue between the Supervisors and Planning and Zoning Commission. It’s imperative that we have a commonality of vision,” Snider said.

With an eye to the future, Snider says he will cherish the lessons from his predecessor in taking over a job that Supervisor Kerr held for 12 years. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Snider said with a smile. “It goes without saying that I am following a tough act.”