Public Service Is Different Than Politics

One of the most common misconceptions is that elected officials or volunteer commissioners simply vote according to personal preference or public opinion.

In reality, that is not how Arizona's land use process works.

Members of Planning and Zoning Commissions and Boards of Adjustment serve in a quasi-judicial capacity. We have a legal obligation to approach every public hearing with an open mind. We cannot legally enter a hearing having already decided the outcome.

What Commissioners Carefully Evaluate

• Arizona law
• The Town's adopted General Plan
• Existing zoning ordinances
• Professional staff reports
• Testimony from residents
• Testimony from the applicant
• Evidence presented during the hearing
• Questions asked by commissioners and the answers provided

The Planning and Zoning Commission's Role

Another misconception is that the Planning and Zoning Commission makes the final decision.

In most zoning matters, it does not.

The Commission conducts the public hearing, reviews the evidence, and forwards a recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council then conducts its own public hearing before making the final decision.

The Vulcan Proposal

One project that generated significant public interest involved Vulcan Materials and the possibility of an asphalt plant.

I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission during that process.

Like every case before the Commission, our responsibility was to evaluate the application based solely on the evidence presented during the public hearing. We could not legally approve or deny a request based on personal opinions or public sentiment.

Fortunately, before the process concluded, the Mayor and Town Council negotiated an agreement with Vulcan under which the company agreed to withdraw its request and not pursue an asphalt plant at that location.

Understanding Proposition 420 and the General Plan

Proposition 420 concerns the Town's updated General Plan.

Arizona law requires municipalities to periodically update their General Plan every ten years. The purpose is to evaluate how the community has changed, gather public input, assess future needs, and refine the community's long-term vision.

If voters do not approve the updated General Plan, the current plan remains in effect while the Town must undertake another General Plan update process to satisfy state requirements.

The General Plan does not change zoning.

Future zoning decisions still occur independently through public notice, Planning and Zoning Commission review, citizen input, and Town Council action.

Understanding Membership in the League of Arizona Cities and Towns

Questions are sometimes raised about the Town's membership in the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and the associated membership dues.

The League is a statewide organization whose members include Arizona's incorporated cities and towns. It provides legal resources, legislative analysis, professional training, technical assistance, and opportunities for municipalities to collaborate on issues affecting local government.

Residents may have differing opinions regarding the value of those dues. Those are legitimate policy discussions. However, it is helpful to understand what the membership provides before evaluating a single budget item in isolation.

Supporting Those Who Serve

Whether serving as an elected official, volunteer commissioner, or Town staff member, public service is often far more complex than it appears from the outside.

Those serving our community spend countless hours reviewing reports, studying regulations, attending meetings, listening to residents, asking difficult questions, and balancing competing interests.

Encouraging Future Community Leaders

For anyone considering running for public office someday, I strongly encourage first serving on one of the Town's boards or commissions or on a county advisory board.

These volunteer positions provide invaluable experience in Arizona's Open Meeting Law, due process, ethics, land-use regulations, public hearings, and the responsibilities that come with making decisions on behalf of an entire community.