Opposition to Incorporation and Initial Concerns
- Urges a vote against Prop 495, the ballot measure proposing incorporation of San Tan Valley.
- Believes incorporation would introduce a new layer of government without delivering specific benefits.
- Warns that the first town council would be appointed by the Board of Supervisors and others, and would support a “build, build, build” agenda.
- Argues that incorporation is being promoted as a vague promise of better services, but lacks clear specifics.
Lifestyle and Development Impacts
- Warns that incorporation would lead to light pollution, more traffic, starter homes, cannabis dispensaries, and younger demographics—changing the area’s character.
- Questions whether residents truly want the kinds of development and associated changes incorporation would bring.
- Expresses concern that pro-growth interests would dominate early governance decisions.
- Emphasizes his desire to preserve the current rural lifestyle: peace, quiet, open space, and dark skies.
- Says he moved from the “People’s Republic of Chicago” to Arizona in 2009 and did so to embrace the state’s existing way of life—not to change it.
Water Supply and Drought Concerns
- Identifies water as an existential issue facing Arizona and criticizes elected officials for ignoring the seriousness of the drought.
- Explains that an older statute from 2008 or 2009 allowed gray water recycling, and a recent amendment made the policy more permissive—setting water policy “back” in his view.
- Believes developers will increasingly rely on gray water recycling to secure building permits and water guarantees under this policy.
- Strongly believes builders will cut corners, and that there will be insufficient oversight to ensure gray water is treated safely.
- Warns that recycled water may contain harmful chemicals and cancer-causing pesticides, posing a public health risk.
- Argues the best solution is to pause high-density development until drought conditions improve, rather than relying on recycled water.
- Believes that continuing to build under current conditions ignores environmental realities and jeopardizes long-term water security.
Broader Context of Development and Incorporation
- States that developers shifted strategy to focus on incorporation after broader countywide zoning changes were defeated in January.
- Suggests developers prefer to deal with a small incorporated entity rather than Pinal County as a whole.
- Predicts that if incorporation passes, large tracts of land will be filled with high-density housing on small parcels, further straining water resources.
- Emphasizes that these developments will require either groundwater—which is limited—or recycled water, which he opposes.
Skepticism Toward Government Claims
- Recounts a town hall held by Supervisor Miller in Casa Grande in April, with about 20–25 attendees.
- Reports that Miller claimed there was a 100-year water supply and also noted his position on the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Water Board.
- Questions why officials are pushing recycled water if there is truly a 100-year water supply—suggesting a lack of transparency or honesty.
Accountability and Planning Concerns
- Criticizes the influence of developers from out-of-state or even outside the U.S. on local development policy.
- Asserts that Arizona elected officials should represent Arizonans—not outside interests.
- Raises concerns about corruption and backroom influence in planning and zoning commissions.
- Explains that these commissions are often filled by unelected friends of supervisors who aren’t subject to lobbyist registration or public accountability.
- Argues that such bodies make consequential decisions affecting property values and quality of life without being answerable to the public.
- Views this lack of transparency and accountability as a threat to democratic participation and local control.