Pinal Unlocked
Bringing issues into focus
…one voice at a time.
What’s Next?
The Incorporation Debate
Visions for the Future
Jean Stockton
- Long-time San Tan Valley resident
- Actively involved with incorporation effort since 2014
- Argues, “If not now, when?” framing incorporation as a visionary step for San Tan Valley’s future
Michael Hedrick
- San Tan Valley resident who is firmly against incorporation
- Warns it gives builders more control over local decisions
- Says residents will lose influence without strong organization
Failure Scenario
Supervisor Mike Goodman
- County Supervisor over San Tan Valley
- Road and transportation projects will continue as planned
- County will find creative ways to fund infrastructure without incorporation
- Most decision-makers do not live in the affected community
Jean Stockton
- Without incorporation, the large, diverse population may face limits on growth and services
- Seasonal spending could keep benefiting Maricopa County instead of San Tan Valley
- Snowbirds boost the local economy but their spending may not stay in San Tan Valley without local control
Success Scenario
Supervisor Mike Goodman
- Pinal County only provided GIS data and did not draw the incorporation map
- The county’s GIS system can pinpoint population by address, showing how many people live in each home
- Queen Creek required its planning areas be excluded to give support for incorporation.
- Future annexations or de-annexations remain possible with 51% landowner consent
Supervisor Mike Goodman
- Board of Supervisors should fairly appoint the first council with public input
- Candidates must show community involvement and relevant experience
- Incorporation committee members should go through the same selection process as everyone else
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