Since moving to Maricopa in 2021, I have seen incredible growth in a city with immense promise. Growth will continue, and I am running for City Council to ensure it’s managed with purpose and foresight.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, July 21st and I’m taking this opportunity to reiterate my goals, if elected, on several key issues.
Local Control
HB2447 became effective in 2025, essentially enabling site plans and design reviews to be approved administratively by city staff. It eliminated public hearings, effectively canceling public input. I am a firm supporter of taking proactive measures that enable public opinion and input on major developments in Maricopa. As your Councilmember, I will seek input and feedback to retain local control but also provide an opportunity for public feedback. Development decisions should be made locally rather than by outsiders.
Development Policies Prior to Approval
Most people I speak with view data centers as a NIMBY (not in my backyard) project. The concerns focus mainly on water and power usage, and I share those concerns. However, I have done some research and discovered that data centers can operate as self-sustaining entities generating their own renewable power. There are ways to operate with lower water consumption. The key is to create and adopt policies before an application comes to the city. Maricopa must work proactively on policies that articulate clear expectations and address strict land use setbacks, water demand disclosures, and ratepayer protections. We need these policies on the books before a developer applies, not after the community is already feeling the impact. I published a full policy framework addressing these issues, available here, and as your Councilmember, I will push for realistic and practical policies that protect Maricopa beforehand.
Public Safety Technology
Automated license plate readers, sometimes referred to locally by the brand name Flock, are highly effective tools for our police department. I support giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep us safe. However, these systems require clear written rules around data retention and access controls before they are deployed. We need thoughtful policy before a public controversy ever starts.
Providing Programs and Activities for Youth and Teens
One underserved demographic is youth and teens. I believe that building a strong city means investing in kids. My varied interactions, along with being a swim coach, have given me the opportunity to hear directly from today's kids, and they have repeatedly told me one thing: there is nowhere for them to just hang out and do kid things.
Our General Plan confirms this gap for older teens specifically, citing a lack of programming for ages 12 to 18 as a key reason the city is exploring a dedicated Youth Recreation Center. Structured programs and accessible facilities give young people a constructive place to belong and grow. Youth programming is not just a quality of life bonus. It is a core investment in the future of our community. As a Councilmember, I will advocate for increased programming and activities and exploring viable, affordable, and accessible options for kids.
Maintaining and Expanding Maricopa Fire/Medical Ambulance Services
Ambulances have been ordered, we’re hiring staff and sending them through the training academy. Maricopa will soon have its own ambulance service, which means local paramedics will handle a patient from first contact through hospital transport, if needed. This greatly improves continuity of care, and it has my full support to ensure our department has the staffing and funding it needs to succeed.
Earning Your Trust
These are just a few of my priorities, and they reflect a year spent getting to know this city firsthand, meeting with department leaders, attending council meetings, and listening to residents directly.
As a result of my efforts, I am incredibly grateful to have earned the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of Maricopa, IAFF Local 4561. This endorsement comes after multiple meetings, an interview process with Union leadership, and providing answers to questions and concerns from our first responders. These professionals are highly selective about who they stand behind, and I am honored to receive this endorsement, along with fellow candidates Knorr and Dugan.
I ask voters to weigh this endorsement heavily because it comes directly from the people we trust with our lives. When experts on the front lines say a candidate has the competence and integrity to lead, that speaks volumes. Thank you, Local 4561. I will never take your trust lightly.
There are three seats available on the Maricopa City Council. Your vote is now more important than ever. Please remember to vote, and when you do, I humbly ask that you vote for James Singleton. Thank you.