This week, we are presenting information about the individuals who plan to seek one of the three open Town Council seats in the upcoming primary election. Each candidate is currently gathering the more than 500 signatures by mid March. Today, we feature Rhonda Pena.
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Council hopeful Rhonda Pina emphasizes “Premium Core Services,” Fiscal Responsibility, and Strategic Economic DevelopmentRhonda Pina is one of five candidates seeking a seat on the Oro Valley Town Council in 2026. We asks her to provide us more information on her, her candidacy and what she wants to accomplish on council. We are sharing that with you.
Former councilmember with extensive public, private, and civic leadership experience
Pina is a second-generation Tucsonan who has lived in Oro Valley for nearly 15 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, a Certificate in Human Resources Management, and an Arizona Department of Education Substitute Certificate (PreK–12).
Her previous service on the Oro Valley Town Council and her current role on the Board of Directors for the Tucson Airport Authority add to a broad record of civic involvement. Additional leadership and commissioner roles have included the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council (Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance), the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, Oro Valley Rotary, the Amphi Foundation, the Pima County Employee Merit System Commission and Law Enforcement Council, the Pima County Small Business Commission (where she served as vice chair), the Pima Animal Care Center Advisory Committee, and Commerce Bank of Arizona (Southwest Heritage Bank).
Returning to council “…with a purpose”
Pina describes her candidacy as a return to council “with a purpose,” focused on delivering what she calls “premium core services.” Those services include public safety, water resources, road maintenance, park amenities, and support for the business community. In her view, each core service reinforces the others, and maintaining them at a high level is essential to the town’s long-term stability and attractiveness.
Governance approach centered on preparation and due diligence
Pina’s approach to town governance emphasizes preparation, prudent due diligence, respectful communication, and independent thought. Decisions, she indicates, should reflect both short- and long-term impacts and be guided by the best interests of residents and businesses.
Her background in fiscal management, employer engagement, and workforce development — combined with decades in private-sector banking — informs her focus on responsible financial oversight and strategic planning.
Top priorities: Public safety, fiscal responsibility, and strategic economic development
Pina identifies three primary priorities: strong public safety services, fiscal responsibility, and strategic economic development. Her prior council record, she notes, includes support for policies and ordinances intended to benefit the entire town. She links her combined public- and private-sector experience to effective council leadership.
Pina’s focus is on addressing fiscal challenges while preserving the environment and amenities that make Oro Valley a desirable place to live and work.
Learn more about Rhonda Pina by visiting her campaign website. You can also follow her on facebook.
What you can do next...
We are providing these profiles so that, if you are approached for a signature, you will have some context about the person seeking your support. You are also free sign a petition for a candidate here. All those signing either in person or on line must be a registered voter and a resident of Oro Valley.
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