Speaker Background and Perspective
- Michael Hedrick is an attorney and San Tan Valley resident
- Lives just inside Pinal County border, outside of Queen Creek
- Member of the Pinal Code Watchers group
- Owns a three-acre mini farm property purchased eight years ago
Primary Opposition to Incorporation
- Strongly opposes incorporation due to lack of benefits for rural property owners
- Views incorporation as primarily benefiting builders, special interests, and aspiring political candidates
- Identifies the main winners as developers seeking to build high-density starter homes and commercial developments
Concerns About Incorporator Motivations
- Notes that incorporators include individuals with political ambitions, including someone who unsuccessfully ran for Gilbert town council
- Points out that one incorporator is a former California mayor who relocated to Arizona
- Emphasizes that the group of incorporators is very small
Government and Service Concerns
- Warns that incorporation will create another layer of government requiring a town council
- Disputes claims about improved services, stating there are no guarantees for fire services or better roads
- Argues that incorporation will create a need for better roads due to increased population density rather than providing them
Impact on Rural Lifestyle
- Describes how his property’s rural character has already been compromised by nearby Queen Creek annexations
- Reports increased noise, light pollution, traffic, and speeding from adjacent tract home developments
- Expresses concern that incorporation will accelerate the loss of rural lifestyle and quietude
Developer Interests and Land Use
- Characterizes the incorporation effort as a “builder’s paradise” designed to enable high-density development
- Notes that many large property owners are selling to the highest bidders
- Identifies the goal as enabling construction of starter homes and supporting commercial businesses
Constitutional and Legal Concerns
- Addresses previous Pinal County zoning proposals that would have limited livestock on private property
- Argues such restrictions are unconstitutional as the county lacks legitimate interest beyond health, safety, and general welfare
- Advocates for protecting private property rights
Success of Collective Action
- Highlights how the Pinal Code Watchers group successfully challenged proposed zoning changes in January
- Notes that the Board of Supervisors tabled the zoning issue within five hours of group opposition
- Warns that the zoning restrictions will likely return as part of a broader strategy
Concerns About Outside Influence
- Expresses concern that development interests may extend beyond local contractors
- Points to complex corporate structures involving shell companies, law firms, engineering firms, and marketing firms
- Suggests that ultimate ownership and control may trace to entities outside the continental United States
Call for Unity and Political Engagement
- Criticizes the Board of Supervisors for wanting votes and property taxes while excluding residents from decision-making
- Advocates for residents to unite around common principles to have their voices heard
- Encourages the group to focus on important issues rather than internal disagreements