GOVERNMENT
The (never?) ending cycle Interviews with nonvoters found some shrugged off the election because it didn’t feel like a democratic choice at all. Half the elected government — Goettl, Knorr and Smith — were appointed to their offices, a “selection rather than an election,” said one voter. Knorr, now the only councilmember to have never won a city council election, had the lowest favorability rating in the August job approval poll at an eye-watering 28%. Smith, meanwhile, had the second-highest rate of disapproval at 51%. The nonvoters also pointed to what they called groupthink on the council, where there hasn’t been a non-unanimous vote in the last year. So, when will voter turnout in Maricopa start trending upward? The city, if no one else, would like to see it. “The City of Maricopa encourages all residents to take an active role in the democratic process by participating in elections and exercising their right to vote,” city government spokesperson Monica Williams said Sept. 5.
There always has been, and for good reason, a push to get more
voters to the polls.” COUNCILMEMBER ERIC GOETTL
I
n every corner of Maricopa, there are citizens who are stepping up to improve our community. They see a need
What Makes a Community Champion?
But we’re caught in this vicious cycle — more turnout requires more educated voters, but that won’t happen unless candidates effectively get their message out. That requires money, which requires fundraising, which requires educated voters. And we’re back at the start. Only when a government becomes too Kafkaesque will spurned voters migrate from Facebook comment sections to the polling booths, Coughlin said. But in Maricopa, he insists, it’s just growing pains. And a touch of that youthful naïveté. “As the community gets older and has more experienced people on the council, turnout will incrementally go up,” he said. “It will go up. It does inevitably.”
A Community Champion is some- one who makes a signi cant impact on quality of life in the city through leadership, innovation, hard work and service. These champions inspire us all to contribute to the betterment of Maricopa. Why Are Community Champions Critical? Government has a role in providing services and infrastructure that all can bene t from, but what sets a community apart is actively involved and engaged residents who are empowered to share their time, expertise and passion to elevate the community. They help to build strong, connected neighborhoods, creating a sense of belonging, and address challenges with innovative solutions. Their efforts not only make the lives of those they touch better but also strengthen the entire community, making Maricopa a place where everyone can thrive.
and forge forward to address it often rallying others to the cause. In the Mayor’s State of the City she quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous call to action,
“[Humans] must be like a thermostat serving to transform the temperature of society.” In our city we have residents who are putting their blood, sweat and tears into transforming our commu- nity! They are not waiting for some- one else to solve a problem. They are guring out what they can do to improve the situation. They’re the neighbors who organize block parties, the volunteers who show up rain or shine, small business owners who put their life savings into a dream and the everyday citizens who step up when the community needs them most. These individuals are the heartbeat of Maricopa, driving us forward and making our community stronger, kinder, and more connected. They are our Com- munity Champions!
Councilmember Eric Goettl
Recognize a Community Champion:
Do you know someone who exempli- es the qualities of a Community Champion? Please visit the City of Maricopa’s Community Champions webpage to ll out a nomination form. We will share their stories with the community. Help us shine a spotlight on those who inspire us and remind us that Maricopa’s strength lies in the hands of our residents!
GEORGE ARREDONDO PINAL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS - DISTRICT • Arizona native born and raised in Pinal County • Veteran with three combat tours one in Iraq and two in Afghanistan
LEADERSHIP • INTEGRITY • COMMUNITY GeorgeArredondo.com A County Supervisor who will fight to ensure: ✓ Democracy and freedoms prevail ✓ Managed growth (Infrastructure, Transportation, and Protect Property Values & Open Space) ✓ Responsive Community Services (Public Safety and Timely Customer Service)
George Arredondo Sr. is a retired member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or the Department of Defense.
Nominate somenone TODAY!
Paid for by Arredondo for Supervisor. Authorized by George Arredondo Sr. ARREDONDO
CREATING A THRIVING AND DURABLE COMMUNITY
InMaricopa.com | October 2024
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