Professional Background and Experience
- Has worked in sales with a large transportation and logistics service organization
- Spent 10 years running contracts with city, state, and local governments
- Brings firsthand experience from the business side of government negotiations
Business Attraction and Development Benefits
- Incorporated cities are more attractive to businesses and services compared to unincorporated areas
- Incorporation would enhance San Tan Valley’s appeal to potential commercial developers
- While some retail growth could occur without incorporation (such as a potential Harkins Movie Theater), incorporation would significantly improve the area’s attractiveness to businesses
Government Stability and Developer Confidence
- City governments appear more stable than unincorporated areas from a business perspective
- Large developers investing substantial amounts (such as $100 million in regional retail shopping developments) prefer working with incorporated cities
- Cities demonstrate greater commitment to local interests compared to county oversight
Financial Incentives and Representation
- Counties have limited financial benefit from retail activity, receiving only 1.1% sales tax from retail sales
- Incorporation would create a local government with direct interest in representing citizens and residents
- The proposed entity would have buying power focused on local resident interests
Proposed Municipal Structure
- Tonner noted the incorporation website states the name would be “Town of San Tan Valley” rather than a city