Vitiello: I will work hard to earn your trust

Aug 15, 2016

Govt-Supervisors-Vitiello2 — Rich Vitiello

By Rich Vitiello

My dad taught me never to give up. He had the optimism for a better future to see that he and our mom could raise a family of three boys and give us a better life than they had. They were married over 60 years before he passed away. With my dad now gone, Mom still lives near us. Family matters to me. Community matters to me. My parents imparted that sense of optimism and dedication upon me, as well.

This campaign has been a challenge and education. I’ve met new people and listened to their concerns. It’s been eye-opening. Recently, I started posting myself at the northern end of John Wayne Parkway during morning and evening rush hours, rain or shine. I’ve gotten numerous “thumbs up” and people honking their approval. Some have pulled over to speak with me. A few driving by haven’t been so receptive, but not everyone has the same opinion. That’s one of the things that makes our country great — we have a diverse set of opinions and the right to express them.

The early ballots have been sent out by our county elections office. About 70 percent of the people who intend to vote in this primary election will do so by early ballot. Then the remaining 30 percent go to the polls on Aug. 30. It’s been an exciting, exhausting and exhilarating process. Labor Day will truly be a vacation weekend well deserved.

I’ve set some goals and look forward to completing them. I’ve already discussed my positions on support of public safety, the flood zone, and economic development. I’ve previously written about my parents and family and their importance to me. I’ve written about how important our community is to me, as well.

Our community includes seniors, veterans and others who could use our help. Many of our older citizens live alone, having outlived other family members and friends. I’d like to find ways to expand our senior care, improve care for our veterans and combat homelessness. My wife is a nurse practitioner and we discuss public health issues quite often. My dad was a veteran and sought care through the VA. I’ve seen firsthand deficiencies in the VA healthcare system with my dad, my son-in-law, an Iraqi war veteran, and a good friend who is a Vietnam vet. Both my son-in-law and friend still go to the VA. Vets deserve better care. If we truly honor the values given to us by our elders, we should find ways to repay their sacrifice and dedication to future generations. It was their faith that inspired us to do better, and it’s our collective faith that empowers us to better ourselves and life for our children.

I believe in our future – that’s why I am so dedicated to becoming your next supervisor. There are a lot of issues to handle, and I look forward to taking this challenge head-on. Representing the needs of the residents and businesses in this district is very important to me. It’s important that people have adequate and transparent representation, as well as a limited government. So, while I want to see our seniors, veterans and homeless get improved care, I know that government is not the only answer.

I will work hard to earn your trust. The input given to me by people in and around this district is appreciated, and every bit of it is valued. Provided I am elected, I am looking forward to working with the other supervisors and county staff. There’s a lot of work to be done, and I have been told the learning curve is steep during a first year in office. My undying gratitude is extended to my family, friends and other people who have worked with me on this campaign. They have been very supportive. I expect that I will draw on those resources and others once in office, as well. I will fully contribute my talents and dedication to the job and people of Pinal County. After all, you’ll be my boss.

I’m looking forward to a brighter future. I hope you are, too. I promise to work hard for you. Please vote for Rich Vitiello for Pinal County supervisor. It’s time for a change.

Rich Vitiello is a Maricopa resident and candidate for Pinal County supervisor in District 4.