The upcoming November election will determine who represents much of Phoenix and the unincorporated community of Anthem on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.The county is the most populous in the state and all of its top seats are up for grabs in 2024. Its leaders must navigate a housing crisis, rapid population growth and unfounded election conspiracies, among other issues.In District 3, former state Sen. Kate Brophy McGee defeated attorney Tabatha Cuellar LaVoie in the GOP primary. She’ll face former Phoenix City Councilmember Daniel Valenzuela, a Democrat, in the November election.The candidates are looking to replace outgoing Supervisor Bill Gates, who decided not to run for reelection following threats and harassment after the 2020 and 2022 elections. The district is solidly purple. Democrats are hoping to win the competitive seat and take a step toward gaining control of the Board of Supervisors for the first time in decades.Which district do you live in? Check with county mapsThe Arizona Republic asked each candidate questions about their bid for office and how they would handle key issues if elected. Here’s what they had to say. Answers may have been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.Budgeting: Where would you increase or decrease county spending?One of the primary responsibilities of the Board of Supervisors is to control the county’s checkbook. What areas of county government would you prioritize in your ideal county budget? Would you decrease spending in any areas?Kate Brophy McGee: The board has done an excellent job managing county finances. Maricopa County is the largest county in the U.S. with no debt, and county pension debt has been repaid. The county is well-positioned to weather any downturn in the economy and manage the phenomenal growth we are experiencing.My number one priority in government is public safety. The sheriff is burdened by the expense of 15 years of federal micromanagement, which has cost taxpayers nearly $300 million for an out-of-state monitor that rarely visits. My ideal budget would redirect those dollars to actual public safety — recruitment, retention, and training of sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers. To prevent recidivism, I would work for services for those who have finished serving jail time and are reentering the community. I would continue to actively pursue the objectives identified within the board’s strategic plan to divert youth and first-time offenders. I would work to choke off the influx of fentanyl and other illegal drugs flooding the county. As a public servant with over 25 years of experience, there are always ways to make government more efficient and that is where I would focus on spending reductions.Daniel Valenzuela: In my ideal county budget, I prioritize public safety, economic development, fiscal responsibility and democratic integrity. Ensuring residents feel secure is fundamental. With my background as a retired firefighter and two-term Phoenix City Councilmember, I enhanced public safety by securing funding for more police officers and firefighters and supporting anti-discrimination measures. I’m proud that both the Arizona Police Association and the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona support my campaign.Arizona election: Read our full coverage of county supervisor racesEconomic development is crucial. Maricopa County’s rapid growth requires a robust strategy to attract, retain and develop talent. I plan to launch UPSKILL MARICOPA, partnering with educational institutions and businesses to provide re-skilling and workforce development opportunities to diversify our economy and create a skilled workforce.Fiscal responsibility is essential. Conservative budgeting practices prevent excessive taxes that can hinder economic growth. Maintaining a balanced budget helps weather economic downturns without compromising essential services. We must also prioritize our democracy, striving to make Maricopa County, the nation’s second-largest voting jurisdiction, the most transparent and secure in the country. I’m committed to ensuring our elections are fair, accessible and transparent, fostering trust in our democratic process. This balanced approach ensures Maricopa County thrives with safety, prosperity, fiscal prudence and a commitment to democratic principles.Growth: How would you address continued population increases?In recent years, Maricopa County has continued to experience rapid growth. That has tested the region’s roads, increased concerns about water supply and led to overcrowding in county animal shelters, among other issues. How would you position and prepare the county to navigate the ongoing influx of new residents?Brophy McGee: The current board is actively planning to accommodate the growth that has outstripped all prior expectations, and I would continue and escalate that process. I would vote to direct MAG dollars for road construction and repair. While the board cannot legislate, it can lobby and advise local, state and federal officials in dealing with public safety challenges, water supply issues, housing shortages, etc. Specifically, related to county animal shelters, there should be an objective to humanely accommodate abandoned animals. I have extensive experience working with elected officials and I have a deep knowledge of legislative and other processes. I will use these skills on behalf of my constituents. Valenzuela: To position Maricopa County for the ongoing influx of new residents, I will prioritize infrastructure investments in water, sewer, transportation and digital and broadband capabilities to support the growing population and businesses. Addressing IT challenges and implementing flood mitigation measures will safeguard our infrastructure and encourage private-sector housing investment. Addressing housing affordability is imperative. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors must collaborate with government agencies and private sector partners to promote affordable housing options, ensuring residents have access to suitable housing. Maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for residents is a top priority. This involves providing essential services like public health and safety while supporting economic development initiatives to create job opportunities and attract businesses.Additionally, the passage of Proposition 479 this November to continue funding transportation infrastructure projects is vital. Properly timed and economically ordered investments in transportation will drive job growth and keep our economy competitive. With a well-managed budget, we can convert population growth and business development into sufficient tax revenues to fund important services, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer dollars and new opportunities for residents and businesses.Housing: How would you work to address the Valley’s housing crisis?Affordable housing is a challenge facing the entire region. If elected, how would you approach this issue in your district and countywide?Brophy McGee: The board is approaching this issue on a regional level, which, in my opinion, is the most effective level, leveraging the Maricopa Industrial Development Authority and the Housing Authority of Maricopa County, working with local cities and towns and continuing to develop public and private partnerships. The Arizona Legislature is also weighing in with legislation intended to expedite the approval and construction of affordable housing options. The county needs to ensure changes are implemented properly and work with the Legislature going forward on any additional proposed legislation.I went through “hyper-growth” issues serving on the Arizona School Facilities Board, so we must review the long-term consequences of proposals for short-term problems. Another challenge is to break down the silos between local governments and nonprofits to avo …
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