By Maricopa County
Hello Neighbors,
Another busy month is in the books for me and my team! Budget, elections, and America250 are keeping us busy this summer. Please know, if you have any questions, my office is always available to you.
Passing a Strong, Balanced Budget for FY2027
Another win for fiscal conservatism! My Board colleagues and I unanimously passed our Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. I’m proud to say that every budget I have voted for since joining the Board includes a decrease in your overall property tax rate. This year’s budget also accounts for any economic uncertainty that may lie ahead with a two-month funding reserve. You can learn more about this new budget in the video below by clicking the picture.
D2 Highlights
Breakfast with the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center Team
My staff recently co-hosted a breakfast with Executive Director Talli Dippold and her team with the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center and some of our District 2 friends. The goal was to help connect government and interfaith leaders to find ways to collaborate. My office donated $2 million from my Community Solutions Fund in 2024 to ensure students will never have to pay to enter this incredible facility once it opens next year.
Speaking at Desert Foothills Leadership Academy’s Government Day
I was honored to speak at the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy’s recent Government Day. I spoke with a fantastic group of community leaders about the ins and outs of Maricopa County and local government. It was an engaging and productive conversation. Thank you for having me!
Speaking with the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
I had a wonderful time speaking with the Scottsdale Chamber’s Public Policy Advisory Committee. I offered a quick report from the county on our FY2027 budget and the upcoming election preparations before opening it up to a great discussion. It is so important to hear from the business leaders in our community, and it is a privilege to serve them at the county level.
Trying Out the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office’s Virtra Simulator
Law enforcement officers often make life or death decisions in a matter of seconds. I was given the opportunity to experience this in a controlled environment alongside Vice Chair Debbie Lesko and County Attorney Rachel Mitchell using MCAO’s Virtra Simulator. This unique experience gave me an even deeper respect for the brave men and women who serve our community and the hard decisions they must make under difficult circumstances.
Honoring America250 with our Security Services Team
I’ve loved leading Maricopa County’s America250 celebrations and seeing all of our departments find ways to honor this major milestone. The Maricopa County Security Services department recently created specialized commemorative badges to mark the semi-quincentennial. Chair Brophy-McGee and I were invited to ceremonially pin the first of these badges onto our brave security service members. I am grateful for their service and to see them celebrating America250 in this way!
Visiting our Friends in the Rio Verde Foothills
This month, my D2 Team spent some time in Rio Verde visiting constituents and hearing concerns from community leaders. I’m fortunate to have great relationships with so many wonderful residents in Rio Verde and throughout our district. Here is a picture of Taylor and Michele from my D2 Team with one of our busiest residents, Carol!
Looking for a New Member of the Merit Systems Commission!
The Maricopa County Merit Systems Commission is actually two commissions in one! The Commissions are responsible for overseeing the Employee Merit System and the Law Enforcement Officers’ Merit System. The Commissions represent public interest in the improvement of personnel administration in county service. Are you interested in applying? Click the button below to learn more!
Congratulations, Scottsdale History Hall of Fame Inductees!
Four distinguished individuals and two incredible organizations were recently inducted into the Scottsdale Chamber’s History Hall of Fame. We sent letters to all the latest award winners and got to hand-deliver this letter to friend of District 2, Chris Irish. Congrats all!
In the News
Voted Best Elected Republican by AZ Capitol Times
I was recently voted the Best Elected Republican by AZ Capitol Times readers. Thank you to all who voted!
KTAR’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos
Thanks to Bruce and Gaydos for letting me explain the latest developments with Justin Heap’s staff and the videos of them removing election equipment from our elections center. Watch the full interview here.
Politics Unplugged with Dennis Welch
I recently joined Dennis Welch on Politics Unplugged on AZ Family to discuss Justin Heap’s staff stealing a ballot scanner and ballot affidavit envelopes from MCTEC.
Check out FutureFund!
Financial planning for college is no easy feat these days, but one of our District 2 residents is working to make it more accessible for students. Madalyn Paltzik created FutureFund as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project to help bring awareness to 529 college savings accounts. This free tool helps families save for post-high school education while teaching students the financial skills needed for adulthood. If you or someone you know is saving up for college, be sure to show them this helpful tool!
Nonprofit Spotlight
Kids Need to Read
I’ve had a lifelong passion for reading and my wife and I have passed that love of reading onto our son. Kids Need to Read is a Mesa-based nonprofit work to pass on this some joy to children across the country. The organization has three flagship programs: The Page Coach, From Our Shelves to Yours, and Share Our Libraries. Each program is focused on getting books into the hands of children to show them the excitement of reading. Their mobile outreach goes to great lengths to ensure children in underserved communities have access to books of their own.
What to Chew in District 2
Local Favorite: Fire at Will
One of Scottsdale’s premium hidden gems, Fire at Will, is known for their delicious burgers. This sleek lounge is a local crowd pleaser that offers upscale takes on American classics. Some of the top-ranked menu picks include the Bacon Wrapped Dates, Iberico Ham Croquettes, and, of course, the Hush Burger. Check out this Scottsdale favorite!
District 2 is on a mission to spotlight the district’s tastiest food. Whether you’re a new restaurant, a food truck, or a local staple that’s been around forever, please fill out the below form so we can follow up with you about potentially showcasing your story in our newsletter.
My Office Is Here To Assist You
We want to ensure our constituents have the information they need. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 602-506-7525.
