To answer your additional questions

I offer responses to those questions that time did not allow me to answer during my live chat on Feb. 18. Thanks to everyone for taking time to submit questions and for reading my responses.

Question:  Can you please tell me why you stepped up to run for Council, is it for the title?
Chapados:  For me, this is about serving and making a positive difference, not a title. I began preparing to serve on council over two years ago when I began attending meetings, retreats, joint summits, strategic planning sessions, volunteering for committees and learning all I could about the role, duties and responsibilities of a council member.
 
Question:  Would you explain how you think being a strong vocal advocate on behalf of the residents, and maintaining a dialogue with the utility providers will keep rates affordable? Do you feel like that’s enough to persuade them to lower their rates?
Chapados:  Council has no direct control over water or electricity companies, so I am not implying that maintaining a dialogue will guarantee lower rates. I believe council’s role as a strong, vocal advocate facilitates a collective public “voice” for Maricopa residents and also helps improve and sustain relationships with two major service providers. While there are disagreements and concerns over rates and problems with product, costs and customer service, both entities have an enormous impact on Maricopa’s economy, economic development and quality of life. As witnessed on 12/1/09 before the ACC, the public (council included) expressed discontent, frustration, anger and succinct reasons against proposed Global Water increases. I truly believe our “voice” will make a difference in the final decision.

Question:  What would be your top priorities in allocating the city’s limited resources / funds?
Chapados:  My top priorities over the next several years would be:
· $20 million multi-generational center
· Bringing Maricopa into air quality compliance / controlling dust
· Identifying / securing funding for the UPRR / SR347 grade separation
· Acquiring land and building a city center

Question:  You don’t see it as being a conflict with serving on both groups. You sit in a position where you can change what and where money can go. Please explain.
Chapados:  I do not see this as a conflict of interest because areas of control are completely separate. The HOA board does not control any city funds and vice versa. Also, an HOA board does not make decisions at a city level. Conversely, council decisions affecting developments usually occur prior to homeowner control or would affect a majority of or all developments, not just one. If council takes action on something affecting a development, it usually applies to elements controlled by the city (e.g. street cleaning), not the HOA (e.g. allowing use of common areas for city league / team practices). These are two distinctly separate areas of governance.

Question:  Be truthful, what real experience do you have to run a city?
Chapados:  My role as council member is serving residents as an elected representative and to hold accountable those who work for the city. Our current Council/City Manager system provides specific parameters on how the city runs. My experience includes: serving on boards and committees which provides me with an understanding of governance structures and legal parameters; serving on various  city committees which gives me knowledge of how Maricopa works; and having attended council meetings, retreats, strategic planning sessions, etc., which gives me over two years of learning about our issues and how our city council works. Current and former council members learned the job by doing the job, and it would be my privilege to join those ranks.

Question:   If elected to city council, what initiatives would you personally champion? I know each candidate has something they really want to get accomplished.
Chapados:  Over my term, some causes I would champion (in no particular order) include:
· Improving inter-departmental relationships at City Hall
· Improving relationships, communication and accountability between City Hall and the public, businesses, HOAs, etc.
· Increased / expanded economic development
· Completing partially-built communities before approving new ones
· Completing the $20 million multi-generational center
· Funding / progress on the UPRR/SR347 grade separation
· Increasing employment opportunities in Maricopa
· Expanded use / shared facility agreements with MUSD
· Acquiring land and building our city center
· Completing projects within the Redevelopment District
· Improving internal and external perceptions, performance levels and morale and expanding Public Safety-related services such as animal control, public awareness, community safety events, etc.

Question:  You mentioned that you support Mayor Smith and “He and council have accomplished many things.” If you are content with council, why run?
Chapados:  I’m not running because of contentment or a lack thereof with council. I’m running because I know I can make a positive difference. This isn’t about one person or one issue; it’s about working as part of a team, building consensus and serving as a member of an effective, informed, conscientious body.

Question:  You have big shoes to fill with the outgoing council members. Do you truly think you are up for the job? If so, will you look at cleaning house in city hall by making sure they have (at least associate) degrees?
Chapados:  Yes, I am up to the job as I am the only candidate who has been actively “training” for this position over the past two years. As for employees, we need to articulate and hold staff accountable to realistic expectations and standards. We must provide not only the technology, competitive compensation and training needed but also we must strive to create and nurture a supportive work environment built on mutual trust and respect. Goals must focus on optimum performance and employee retention. I feel many positions, especially supervisory, require minimum combined levels of education, expertise and experience. Adjustments may be necessary to meet minimum expectations.

Peg Chapados is running for one of three seats on the Maricopa City Council.

See the original ‘live chat’ session questions with Peg Chapados here.

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