There are two Mayoral candidates
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett is completing her second term on council. In eight years, Barrett has driven key town initiatives including creating Naranja Park, bringing municipal golf from a financial liability to a financial asset, and revitalizing the Oro Valley Marketplace. She believes that there is more to do and wants to continue the job she and others have started.
Mark Napier, former Pima County Sheriff, brings a background in law enforcement and public administration. During his time as sheriff, he led a large organization with responsibility for public safety operations, budgeting, and personnel management. He has said he wants to apply that experience in managing complex operations and serving the public to benefit the community. He believes his background is particularly relevant as Oro Valley approaches buildout and faces decisions about long-term financial sustainability, service levels, and future growth.
...And five council candidates
The following are the five council candidates running for one of three council seats:
The following are the five council candidates running for one of three council seats:
- Rosa Dailey has been active in Oro Valley issues, including participation in town advisory efforts.
- Jake Herrington has been involved in community discussions and town commissions.
- Rhonda Pina, a former council member, has focused on community engagement and local concerns.
- Chris DiSimone has highlighted public safety and community involvement in his discussions ot date.
- Matt Wood brings a business background and leadership of the Vistoso Community.
Things are going to get very busy!
Lots will happen between now and the July 21 election day.
- Shortly, you will begin to see political signs appear in the town’s free speech zones.
- There will also be at least two candidate forums. One will be held in April, hosted by the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Another forum is expected at Sun City, though the date has not yet been announced.
- LOVE plans to offer our pages to candidates who want to communicate during their campaigns. We will likely interview some, while others may choose to write their own articles.
- You are likely to see social media campaigns on Facebook and Nextdoor, along with other social media platforms.
- Glossy postcards will arrive in the mail.
- You may also read articles about the candidates in other local publications, though those may include less direct input from the candidates.
LOVE will also report our analysis of campaign contributions as they are disclosed in candidates’ quarterly filings. This is something we have done for every campaign since 2016.
Focus will be on challenges
We are not exactly sure what issues will define this campaign. But if the past is a guide, the following are likely to emerge. How the town manages growth and development, its long-term financial sustainability, and efforts to attract retail and other economic activity will most certainly be discussed. Water will also likely be a key topic, including long-term supply, conservation, and use. Public safety funding and facilities, along with traffic and infrastructure concerns, are also likely to be part of the discussion, as well as broader quality of life issues such as parks, trails, and open space.
Make sure you get a ballot: Your vote in the primary is critical as it may be the only opportunity to vote for council candidates.
With only two candidates for mayor, that race will be decided in the July 21 primary. If you will be in town at that time, you can cast your ballot at the polls. If you plan to vote early and are on the early voting list, you will receive your ballot by mail several weeks before the election. Note that these ballots can not be forwarded. If you will not be in town to vote in person or to receive your early ballot, you will need to make arrangements to have your ballot sent to you. To arrange that, contact the Pima County Recorder’s Office at 520-724-4330. Requests can be made starting April 21.
Last Day To Register To Vote: June 22
Early Voting starts June 24
Mailback Deadline: July 14
Election Day: July 21
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