Unsure who to vote for in Maricopa County District 5 supervisor race? Hear from the candidates

The upcoming state primary will determine who has a shot at representing the Southwest Valley 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 5, two candidates are running for the job. Incumbent Steve Gallardo, a Democrat, hopes to hang on to his post in the heavily blue district. Republican Ann Niemann, director of a group that has pushed voting conspiracies, aims to unseat him.

Which district do you live in? Check with county maps

The 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?

Steve Gallardo: The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors recently approved a $3.87 billion county budget, continuing our trend of reducing the property tax rate for the fourth consecutive year while trimming overall spending by 11%. This fiscal strategy aims to ease financial burdens on families and position the county for future growth amidst challenges. As a county supervisor, I prioritize several key areas to ensure effective governance and meet residents' diverse needs. I will advocate for increasing funding for health and human services, including mental health programs, substance abuse treatment and social services, to support vulnerable populations. Investing in education initiatives, after-school programs and youth development is crucial for cultivating a skilled workforce and nurturing community growth.

Additionally, I will also seek significant investments in infrastructure and transportation to enhance connectivity and spur economic development. Public safety remains paramount, with a focus on providing safe communities, fire districts and emergency services to ensure community safety and crisis response capabilities. Furthermore, I prioritize environmental sustainability through resource allocation for environmental protection, conservation and sustainable practices, safeguarding our natural resources for future generations. By focusing on these priorities, we ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars to support essential services and foster economic resilience across Maricopa County.

Ann Niemann: An ideal budget would ensure that the Parks and Recreation Department is able to maintain, improve and expand the services provided for the physical, mental and emotional health of our residents and guests in the great outdoors, which also serves as a boon to tourism.

Addressing homelessness requires the essentials of food and shelter, ready to respond to emergencies and tried and true mental and behavioral health programs dealing with trauma, addictions and economic factors that led to being homeless. The goal is wholeness and permanent housing. I would also step up services and provisions for aged-out foster care youth, a vulnerable group becoming homeless and falling prey to predators.

The supervisors’ countywide strategic priorities were formally presented for 2019 to 2022. Several areas in the Sheriff’s Office need funding. A priority for me is addressing the fourth-quarter 2022 vacancies goal of 11%. That was not met and instead increased to 23%. Although the number of "Priority 1" calls received in fiscal year 2022 was lower, the targeted response time within two minutes for the fourth quarter lowered to 87%, meaning that roughly 322 calls took longer. That was attributed to the need for field and communications center staffing. Quicker responses save lives and enable the apprehension of suspects for public safety.

Arizona election: Read our full coverage of county supervisor races

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?

Gallardo: I believe it is crucial to approach the challenges of rapid growth with a focus on sustainability, community well-being and equitable resource management. To tackle these challenges, I propose investing in infrastructure, promoting sustainable water management and expanding community social services. This involves expanding transportation options, launching water conservation programs and providing support for animal shelters.

Additionally, I aim to prioritize affordable housing initiatives by increasing housing supply, safeguarding renters from displacement and unfair evictions through tenant policies, preserving green spaces and ensuring sustainable development. I plan to emphasize community engagement and inclusive policies to address the needs of all residents, especially marginalized populations. By concentrating on these areas, we can create a sustainable, resilient and inclusive community that benefits everyone amid ongoing growth.

Niemann: As the Planning and Development Department, Maricopa County Department of Transportation and other county agencies are drafting a comprehensive strategic plan through 2045, stakeholder input is essential. New and expanded ways are needed to reach residents regarding proposed zoning, changes and scheduled improvements to transportation routes, etc. The danger of any organization is to believe its messaging is received and remembered. My career experience is that critically important instructions, tips and education are often misunderstood or not even seen. For my master’s in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, I selected marketing and advertising as the focus and won an award from The Arizona Republic.

My experience can help broaden public engagement by presenting analysis and commonsense recommendations with easier ways to participate in the process. With a growing population, there is a commensurate growing pet population. Experts share that the way to combat overcrowding at the county’s animal shelters is to stop the cycle of pet reproduction. Social media has proven itself to be a low-cost way to get results faster while promoting spaying and neutering, promoting reduced pet adoption fees and encouraging pet identification for quicker reunification with owners for runaways. Keep messaging fun and creative to engage the public.

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?

Steve Gallardo: Being an elected member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, I am dedicated to tackling the issue of affordable housing in my district and across the county with a comprehensive strategy. This entails increasing the housing supply by revising zoning laws and encouraging developers to include affordable units in new projects. I will help cultivate partnerships between the public and private sectors to maximize resources and know-how for efficient housing development. Assisting renters from displacement and unfair evictions through tenant protection laws and rental assistance programs is another top priority.

Furthermore, I will advocate for housing assistance programs like providing housing vouchers and down payment support for first-time homebuyers. By promoting smart growth principles, such as transit-oriented development and mixed-use communities, we can create affordable housing opportunities near public transportation and employment centers. Lastly, I will continue to ensure that community members have a voice in housing decisions through public forums and advisory committees. Through the implementation of these strategies, we aim to make significant headway in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Maricopa County, ensuring that all residents have access to safe, secure and affordable housing.

Ann Niemann: Researching affordable housing that matches our situation, demand and needs is a critical part of the overall process. I have experience in the homebuilding sector, manufacturing durable, attractive, “green” technology homes of all sizes. Identifying county funding sources, overall implementation and monitoring, as well as collaborating with regional partners inspires creative innovations.

Maricopa County currently has programs to support seniors and enable them to remain in their homes; these efforts have had great success. My district includes downtown Phoenix services for the homeless. By the end of fiscal year 2022, the county redirected 30% of emergency shelter funds towards permanent housing efforts, for a total allocation of over $3 million. I have concerns that the burgeoning homeless population, in part because of the huge influx of migrants, means emergency responses need to be fully funded while also pursuing housing solutions. I am researching alternatives that deal with the root issues affecting physical and mental health needs of homeless individuals and families.

A thriving, vibrant economy creating jobs provides stability for homebuyers to afford homes. Review the city of Phoenix plans for rezoning along light rail tracks, reducing affordable housing and reducing vehicular lanes that may run counter to the county’s growth and fiscal goals.

Government relations: How will you work with state lawmakers and others to address issues facing the county?

Counties are arms of the state and have only specific powers prescribed in Arizona law. If elected, how would you lobby state lawmakers and other officials to address issues facing the county? Would you advocate for increased powers at the county level — and if so, what ones?

Steve Gallardo: Having served as a state legislator for over 10 years and currently as a county supervisor, I plan to use my experience and relationships with state lawmakers to advocate for the needs of Maricopa County. I will continue to engage in regular discussions with state legislators, establish joint task forces and collaborate on policy development to ensure that state laws align with the county's requirements and needs.

Furthermore, I will push for expanded county authority in areas including land use, zoning, public health, safety, environmental regulation, transportation and infrastructure. By working collaboratively with other county supervisors, local officials and community groups, I intend to present a united front to state lawmakers, emphasizing the advantages of granting counties greater autonomy to improve efficiency, responsiveness and innovative problem-solving.

Ann Niemann: I am an advocate for local rule on as many aspects of daily life as possible. For Arizona’s counties, in 2001, then-Attorney General Janet Napolitano clarified provisions in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 11. She wrote: “Whether or not an ordinance is limited by or in conflict with state law, the ordinance must still be within the county's duties, responsibilities and functions under state law.” The statute prevents county governments from overreach, which further protects us from undue orders. Within that framework, the Board of Supervisors has a broad array of power and authorities to carry out its functions to ensure our residents live in a safe and healthy environment, promoting economic vitality and opportunity.

In Virginia, counterparts to our county recorder recommended two pieces of legislation to improve their processes and enable a win-win with the voters. Proactive, forward-thinking, nonpartisan election integrity measures often do not need legislation. With our pursuing best practices and Maricopa County’s desire to be first-in-class, election procedures must align with existing Arizona law and demonstrate the highest standards of follow through and transparency. When clarity is needed, or new measures taken to keep up with changing dynamics, I am a champion for commonsense legislation.

Elections: How confident are you in election results?

Maricopa County supervisors are responsible for overseeing Election Day voting, running tabulation and certifying election results. The county also saw widespread printer issues during the 2022 election, although they did not impact the outcome. How confident are you in the certified results of the 2020 and 2022 elections? Regardless of your answer, how would you work to improve voting and election administration in the county?

Steve Gallardo: Before joining the Board of Supervisors, I worked in the Maricopa County Elections Department for 14 years and have seen firsthand the process and procedures of elections. I have a solid understanding of elections, and I firmly believe that the 2020 and 2022 elections were safe, secure and accurate. I stand by the certified results. While no election is flawless, the Elections Department has robust contingency plans to address any challenges.

To enhance voting and elections in Maricopa County, I would prioritize improved equipment testing and maintenance to prevent technical issues, increase voter education and expand early voting and mail-in options for added convenience. Additionally, I would ensure comprehensive training for poll workers, maintain transparent communication with the public to foster trust and invest in the latest technology and cybersecurity measures to protect election integrity. By focusing on these areas, we can uphold fair, secure and accessible elections in Maricopa County, further boosting public confidence in the electoral process.

Ann Niemann: I am very much a systems person, serving in operations and executive positions in several industries. My expertise includes a sound understanding of Arizona election law and county procedures, and how to make the overall logistics easier to navigate, thereby giving confidence to the voters. Having analyzed the voter records, worked with several election experts who are credentialed for court testimony and served as both poll worker and party observer, and with my firsthand testimony and hundreds from others in Maricopa County, there are anomalies that must be fixed to have fair, free-from-interference elections.

Throughout my corporate career, I’ve demonstrated an even-handed approach to identifying and executing creative solutions to life's challenges. The trust that your vote counts hinges on transparent, nonpartisan elections. Perception is everything. That’s why we must endeavor to be thorough and factual in mending the past.

My nonpartisan work includes:

• Recorder's Office and Elections Department surveys to understand processes
• Implementing voter registration initiatives, such as “Update your signature on paper, not online"
• Voter education
• Advanced poll observer training
• Citizen election observer web-based surveys where any voter can share their experience
• Working with elections administrators to propose win-wins that are good for the department and the voters

On a personal note: Who do you admire?

What person in public life, past or present, do you most admire, and why?

Steve Gallardo: The person I most admire is late former Congressman Ed Pastor. He was a guiding light for me during my first campaign to serve in public office. Congressman Pastor took me under his wing, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration not only to me but to many in our community. His mentorship profoundly shaped my path in public service.

He had the remarkable ability to reach across the aisle for the advancement of working families in our community, bringing together diverse groups from the business community to labor unions and different communities to collaborate and overcome challenges facing his constituents ensuring positive outcomes. His leadership and dedication to unity and progress continue to deeply inspire me in my journey in public service.

Ann Niemann: I often include quotes from America’s founding fathers in helping voters understand the exceptionalism of our country. Samuel Adams’ role in resisting taxation without representation in Boston was pivotal in the lead up to the American Revolution. He served as governor of Massachusetts, a delegate to the Continental Congress, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He said: "Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote… that he is executing one of his most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country."

Adams’ words are inspiring and reinforce the immense value of each vote. It represents the currency to ensure the freedom and liberties our constitutional republic provides. Like monetary currency that must be safeguarded and protected in bank vaults, our vote currency must be secure at the Recorder’s Office with the Board of Supervisors at the helm of ensuring fair, nonpartisan and democratic election processes. There are improvements to be made, ones that citizens can agree upon to keep America free. We are united in seeking the best for our nation’s well-being and endurance.