Pinal Unlocked
Bringing issues into focus
…one voice at a time.
Governance
The Incorporation Debate
Conflicts of Interest?
Jean Stockton
- Long-time San Tan Valley resident
- Actively involved with incorporation effort since 2014
- Argues that incorporation gives residents more control if they distrust current leaders
- States the current system leaves San Tan Valley outvoted by supervisors elected from other areas
Supervisor Mike Goodman
- County Supervisor over San Tan Valley
- Goodman lives outside the proposed boundaries and wouldn’t be part of the new town
- Wants more amenities for youth
- Wants families to spend less time driving and more time at home
Layers Of Government
Representative Neal Carter
- Arizona State Representative
- Lives near but outside the San Tan Valley boundary
- States incorporation gives residents more direct control over services like zoning, roads and public safety
- Carter warns future state laws may impact cities differently than unincorporated areas
Michael Hedrick
- A San Tan Valley attorney who strongly opposes incorporation
- Incorporation creates another government layer without guaranteeing better services
- Primary beneficiaries are builders and special interests, not rural residents
- His mini farm already lost rural character; incorporation will worsen this
Jim Solares Tonner
- San Tan Valley Resident
- County prioritizing residential growth without local planning for San Tan Valley’s economic and community services
- Incorporation creates a city government dedicated to residents’ specific needs
Local Control
Jean Stockton
- County approved 180 new homes despite residents wanting retail instead of more housing
- City governance could have required road widening and better maintained urban areas
- San Tan Valley needs more businesses and commercial zoning to match growth
DISCLAIMER
- All respondents were interviewed
- The views expressed herein are solely the opinions of the respondents
- We do not favor a particular side of the debate
- Pinal Post is publishing this content with permission from Pinal Unlocked
- Pinal Post is not affiliated with Pinal Unlocked
- Pinal Post and Pinal Unlocked are not affiliated with any group involved in the incorporation effort
Eirini Pajak
Pinal Unlocked
Pinal