Candidates vying to represent the southeast Valley on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors laid out their plans to fuel economic development in the region.Their appearance at a Sept. 10 forum hosted by the PHX East Valley Partnership marked the first time Democrat Joel Navarro and Republican Mark Stewart have shared a stage while battling for the key county seat.Both seek to represent one of the most prosperous areas of the county. The district, which stretches from Tempe to Queen Creek, leans conservative. But it is also home to a number of business-friendly, education-friendly Republicans who have played a pivotal role in recent elections and have shown a willingness to split their tickets. Democrats believe the seat is winnable and see it as a chance to gain a long-sought-after majority on the influential board.Whoever pulls through the race in November will serve on a board with oversight of the county’s budget, giving them power over other county offices. They’ll hold sway over issues ranging from election administration to land use issues, and they’ll be part of a powerful body that influences the direction of the region as a whole.Both candidates said they are focused on bringing in businesses and economic opportunities — but they have different ideas on how to do so.Navarro, a member of the Tempe City Council and a firefighter, said fostering an educated workforce and promoting amenities such as stadiums and universities was crucial to maintaining growth and supporting a business-friendly environment.Politics in AZ:RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard to campaign for Trump in Glendale”We’re talking about atmosphere,” he said. “We’re talking about having the things people want.”If elected, Navarro said he would work to develop a long-term regional business plan for the county and deepen relationships with cities to promote economic growth. He also proposed launching a regional Pre-K program in partnership with cities, similar to one he spearheaded in Tempe. The city’s program offers a full-tuition option to all families and free and half-tuition options to income-eligible ones.”Programs like these are vital to a county, vital to a community,” Navarro said.Stewart said the East Valley is already a “hot” area for businesses and economic investments. To continue that trend, he said he would focus on tackling issues like the county’s housing crisis and focusing on vital infrastructure upgrades.”There is so much opportunity for growth,” he said.He proposed expediting building permits to create more housing supply. The county issues such permits for those building in unincorporated areas, which include so-called county islands, pockets of land surrounded by city streets. Stewart said he supports an extension of the county’s half-cent sales tax that funds road improv …
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