The most popular general election races to watch in the East Valley

CHANDLER, AZ (AZfamily) — Election day is November 5 and early voting continues. Here’s a look at the main races to watch in the East Valley.

Mayor of Scottsdale

Incumbent David Ortega will face challenger Lisa Borowsky once again in November.

Ortega praises successful adoption Development of a new general plan intended to preserve certain aspects of Scottsdale’s tourism reputation and distinctive character while balancing the needs of a growing community.

Borowsky, lifelong resident of ScottsdaleHe says the ideals of “fiscal conservatism” helped the city recover from the Great Depression. He has an extensive background in community involvement, including the Scottsdale Charros Foundation, and served on various committees while on the City Council.

For an in-depth analysis, Click/tap here.

Mayor of Mesa

A current council member and a former mayor face off to represent Arizona’s third-largest city.

Scott Smith, mayor from 2008 to 2014, is running against Mark Freeman.

On the campaign website, Smith touts his accomplishments as mayor and claims he is the only candidate endorsed by both the city’s police and fire unions.

Freeman, also a Republican, represents District 1 on the City Council. speaks about his leadership experience and background Farming and firefighters can help improve Mesa’s quality of life.

Although the race is non-partisan, both identify as Republicans.

For an in-depth analysis, click/tap here.

Chandler City Council

There will be a second round of elections for the council’s third and final seat. Incumbent Christine Ellis and Joseph Yang will face off. The other two open seats are won by incumbent OD Harris and Jennifer Hawkins in the July primaries.

Ellis was born and raised in Haiti before moving to the US and Chandler in the 1980s. He wants to empower entrepreneurs and embrace the city’s diversity. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce endorsed it.

Yang is a small business owner He’s a volunteer for the city’s police department. He says he’s running to continue supporting public safety and developing the city’s workforce. The Maricopa County Colleges Police Officers Association endorsed Yang.

Mayor of Fountain Hills

Incumbent Ginny Dickey will face Gerry Friedel in a runoff election in November.

Dickey was elected and subsequently re-elected in 2018 He says the town is at a crossroads and he wants Fountain Hills to attract a growing population across the board so it doesn’t become just a retirement community.

Friedel was a community banker He is completing his first term on the City Council in nearly 40 years. The focus for the future of Fountain Hills is fiscal responsibility, quality of life while maintaining a small-town atmosphere, and economic development.

Fountain Hills City Council

Two seats will be up for grabs after Gayle Earle is elected in the July 30 primary election. Nominees include Peggy McMahon, Clayton Corey, Matthew Corrigan and Rick Watts.

Peggy McMahon single duty Since Friedel ran for mayor in 2020 and was elected. Been in town since 2001. McMahon says his focus is on making Fountain Hills a safer place, repairing infrastructure, supporting the new fire department and working with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. with a security contract.

Clayton Corey sentenced to more than eight years It serves Fountain Hills and has received an “A” report card from the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce. It continues its plan to improve infrastructure, attract new families with a vibrant community, and ensure responsible development.

Mathew Corrigan worked in sales and was a small business owner. He fears Fountain Hills has taken a wrong turn and supports a ban on illegal camping and aggressive panhandling, as well as more funding for roads and infrastructure.

Rick Watts was in Fountain Hills He founded many businesses before retiring for over 35 years. He wants to end begging and wants a competitive bidding process for major projects.

Gilbert Propositions

Proposition 497: Voters are asked to approve a proposal $1.5 million increase to town’s spending limitThis is the spending limit on municipal services and programs.

Prop. 498: Relates to Prop. 497. Will enable capital improvement projectsIt will not be included in the spending limit, such as public buildings or infrastructure works. Officials say the city will finance the projects with cash rather than bonds if they are not included in the spending cap.

Gilbert City Council Runoff election

Primary voters chose Monte Lyons to fill one of two open seats, meaning Aaron Accurso and Kenny Buckland will face off for the final seat in November.

Accurso in Gilbert since 2007 and says he wants to ensure the town “grows responsibly while preserving our heritage and values.” The focus is primarily on families, safe communities and responsible governance.

Buckland spent 23.5 years I served in law enforcement and later became a small business owner. The four pillars of his campaign are public safety, sustainable infrastructure, promoting small businesses, and improving quality of life.

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