The upcoming November election will decide who will represent the Northwest Valley on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
The county is the most populous in the state, and all top seats will be up for grabs in 2024. The county’s leaders must overcome challenges such as a housing crisis, rapid population growth and baseless election conspiracies.
In the 4th District, Republican primary state Rep. Debbie Lesko defeated Bob Branch, a GCU professor who has long represented the district on the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. She will face Democrat David Sandoval, a member of the Peoria Unified Governance Committee, in the November election.
Which district do you live in? Please check the county map
Candidates are looking to replace outgoing manager Clint Hickman. He served on the board for more than 10 years, but did not seek re-election due to harassment and threats following the recent election. He said he wanted more time with his family.
Lesko is a high-profile candidate. Sandoval wants to test whether the conservative district is ready for political change.
The Arizona Republic asked each candidate about running for office and how they would address important issues if elected. Here’s what they had to say: Answers may be slightly edited for clarity and brevity.
Budgeting: Where do you increase or decrease county spending?
One of the Board of Supervisors’ primary responsibilities is to manage the county’s checkbook. What areas of county government would you prioritize in your ideal county budget? Would you cut spending in any area?
Debbie Lesko: As a member of the U.S. Congress and the Arizona State Legislature, I have a track record of being fiscally responsible for taxpayers’ taxes and voting to keep them as low as possible. I will continue to prioritize combating crime and the effects of illegal immigration by ensuring the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office have the resources they need. Another priority is road maintenance and improvement.
David Sandoval: Although the county’s current budget has been cut by 11 percent, the county continues to grow and recognize the need for infrastructure and resources to accommodate an influx of population. Without a clear understanding of the rationale here, we will have an impact on informed budgets that invest in the prosperity of people and future generations. You can learn a lot about what an organization values by looking at its books. I value people and what matters most to them.
As Maricopa County continues to grow year after year, I’m prioritizing a budget that invests in our future, our infrastructure, and our water resources to ensure future generations have a fair chance to live fulfilling lives and be inspired every day. I’ll go. Consider your budget from a relevance perspective. This means that the current appropriation structure is aligned with the current needs of the community. And can we improve the lives of young people by investing in their education in ways that promote success in the 21st century workforce?
Arizona elections: Read our full coverage of the county supervisor race
Growth: How will you deal with continued population growth?
Maricopa County has experienced rapid growth in recent years. That has put local roads to the test, raised concerns about water supplies and caused problems, including overcrowding at the county’s animal shelter. How will you position and prepare your county to handle the ongoing influx of new residents?
Resco: Maricopa County is the fourth largest county in the United States and is growing every day. As county supervisor, I will continue to grow quality jobs and beautiful, safe communities in a way that provides an optimal standard of living. Throughout my time as a U.S. Congressman and Arizona State Representative, I have participated in numerous discussions, meetings, and public hearings regarding water and growth issues in Arizona. I will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Maricopa County continues to grow in a responsible manner.
Sandoval: I will work with resident experts in these fields to ensure that Maricopa County’s $4.5 billion budget is invested in our future. We must have an infinite mindset with existential flexibility to ensure that future generations have the resources and infrastructure to thrive and thrive. To ensure that our decisions have unlimited impact while addressing current hurdles and needs, we need stakeholder input from a variety of perspectives.
Housing: How will you address the Valley’s housing crisis?
Affordable housing is a challenge facing the entire region. If elected, how would you address this issue in your district and countywide?
Resco: Home prices in Maricopa County have been affected by inflation, which increases construction costs, rising mortgage rates, increased government regulation by the current federal government, and restrictions on new construction imposed by the current state administration, and demand for housing outweighs supply. The price has soared due to the increase in . If supply increases, housing prices will fall. I will work with the Governor, the Arizona Legislature, and home and apartment builders to find ways to increase housing supply in Maricopa County.
Sandoval: Many developments are being formalized across Maricopa County. We have college graduates and young up-and-comers earning the minimum wage, which has seen some of the largest wage increases in years. But they can’t afford to buy a house. We need to work with banks, landlords, and builders to establish affordable alternative down payment options. Five percent of Arizona’s average home price of $350,000 is about $18,000. Encourage new homebuyer programs and work with landlords on rent caps.
Government Relations: How do you work with state legislators and others to address issues facing the county?
Counties are state agencies and have only certain powers set forth in Arizona law. If elected, how would you lobby state legislators and other officials to address issues facing your county? Would you advocate for more authority at the county level? If so, how would you approach it? Do you want to increase your authority?
Resco: As a U.S. Congressman and former member of the Arizona State Legislature, I have already worked with my fellow U.S. legislators, governors, and state legislators on issues that affect our county, state, and nation. I will use my relationships with members of the U.S. Congress, Governor, and State Legislature to improve the lives of Maricopa County residents.
Sandoval: I am in my second term as a Governing Commissioner for the Peoria Unified Governing Commission and have developed special connections with all stakeholders. I will continue to be actively engaged and ensure that all stakeholder voices are brought to the table for input and feedback to influence the configuration of budgets, policies, and resources in ways that address what matters most to our communities. I’ll go. I will continue to be very collaborative and value all perspectives and opinions that lead to outcomes centered around people’s health.
Elections: How confident are you about the election results?
Maricopa County supervisors are responsible for overseeing Election Day voting, performing counting, and certifying election results. The county also experienced widespread printer problems in the 2022 election, but it did not affect the outcome. How confident are you in the certified results of the 2020 and 2022 elections?Whatever your answer, how will you work to improve voting and election administration in your county?
Resco: Election integrity is the foundation of our democracy. That’s why, as county supervisor, I pledge to listen to the concerns of all voters and work to ensure a smooth, fair, open, and transparent election process. The printer issues that occurred during the 2022 election were unacceptable. We are also concerned about recent security breaches caused by temporary election workers gaining access to key chains and keys.
As your next county supervisor, I would like you to review our election security protocols to determine what changes need to be made. As a U.S. Representative and Arizona State Representative, I have sponsored and voted for legislation and support voting measures such as requiring voter ID, requiring proof of citizenship, banning non-citizens from voting, and ending ballot collection. did. As county supervisor, I will continue to work to ensure election integrity.
Sandoval: I am confident in the results of the 2020 and 2022 elections. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour the Maricopa County Counting and Elections Center (MCTEC) and was very impressed with the redundancy and processes centered around fair, secure, and accurate results. I am an unwavering supporter of this process and intend to protect and respect our democratic process. I will steadfastly defend the right and ability to vote. I advocate for a permanent early voting process that will impact greater accessibility and same-day system efficiency for all registered voters.
On a personal note, who do you admire?
Who do you most admire in public life, past or present, and why?
Resco: I respect former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl. He was a common-sense conservative senator who worked hard for his state and country.
Sandoval: my wife. She is the most caring and empathetic person and never wavers in her values and beliefs. Her ability to navigate difficult conversations with an open mind and without judgment continues to have uplifting results for our youth. She makes me a better person every day and I can’t imagine life without her.
