OPINION: I watched the debate. Mayor Smith was right

I attended Thursday’s InMaricopa debate between Mayor Nancy Smith and Leon Potter at the Maricopa Library. ㅤ After listening to both Mayor Smith and Mr. Potter, there was no doubt in my mind that Mayor Smith has the better strategy and vision for Maricopa. Mayor Smith laid out a decisive plan that explained how increasing local jobs, attracting commercial companies, expanding retail offerings and enhancing local medical care services can help offload the traffic congestion on State Route 347. Coupled with her efforts to get safety and capacity improvements into the five-year Arizona Department of Transportation plan, this is the right combination for our city’s future. ㅤ Mr. Potter’s plan is doomed to fail due to a fundamental flaw: If Maricopa stops growing, ADOT has no incentive to continue investing in SR 347. The road improvements would never “catch up” as Mr. Potter claims, because ADOT would prioritize other faster-growing Arizona communities instead. We would be stuck with what we have today. Mr. Potter’s words seemed more focused on complaining about past issues that may or may not be valid, rather than providing a clear vision for the future. ㅤ Mayor Smith, on the other hand, clearly explained her vision for the future of Maricopa. Her plan is not just about growth for growth’s sake but about strategic development that will improve the quality of life for all residents. Here are some key points of her strategy:

1. Increasing local Jjobs. By attracting more businesses to Maricopa, Mayor Smith aims to create local employment opportunities, reducing the need for residents to commute long distances. This not only alleviates traffic but also fosters a more vibrant local economy.
2. Attracting commercial companies. Mayor Smith’s efforts to bring commercial companies to Maricopa will diversify the city’s economic base and provide residents with more shopping, dining and entertainment options close to home.
3. Expanding retail offerings. More retail options mean residents can meet their needs within the city, reducing the need to travel to other areas and helping to keep money within the local economy.
4. Enhancing medical care services. Improved medical facilities and services will ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare without needing to travel far, further easing traffic on SR 347.
5. Improving SR 347. Mayor Smith’s work to get SR 347 safety and capacity improvements into the five-year ADOT plan is crucial. A well-maintained and expanded road will support the city’s growth and improve safety for all commuters.

To keep Maricopa the city we all want to call home, we should:

• Vote for Nancy Smith for mayor. Her vision and strategic plan are exactly what Maricopa needs to thrive.
• Support Mayor Smith’s efforts. Help expand the capacity and improve the safety of SR 347 by going to this website and adding your name and email address to send a message to ADOT and our political leaders expressing the importance of funding for SR 347.

Mayor Smith’s plan for continued growth is not just about numbers but about building a community where residents can live, work, and thrive. Her vision will lead Maricopa into a future of prosperity and quality living for all. ㅤ Ron Angerame, Glennwilde

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