Jamaine Berry, the newly elected Buckeye City Council member, doesn’t mince words about his love for his hometown.
“Buckeye is where I grew up, where I’ve raised my kids, and where my family has lived for six generations. I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” Berry told InBuckeye in an interview.
Berry, who represents District 2, is determined to bring fresh ideas to the council. His vision stems from deep roots in the community, where he says the needs have been overlooked for too long.
“They’ve called it the slum and blight area,” he said. “But I see potential. It’s time to stop forgetting about District 2 and start investing in it.”
District 2 includes the historic downtown area, known as Old Town, some of the city’s older neighborhoods, and City Hall.
For Berry, it’s not just about addressing big-picture issues but also focusing on basics that improve everyday life.
“We need streetlights, safe crosswalks for our kids, and affordable housing for seniors and young families,” he said. Berry believes these improvements can lay the foundation for revitalizing the district.
He’s particularly passionate about boosting the local business sector. “We need more restaurants and stores. Right now, everyone’s eating the same thing. We need variety, and I plan to make Buckeye attractive for new businesses,” he said.
Berry is also focused on addressing Buckeye’s transportation issues, which he sees as critical for District 2’s success.
“I’ll do my best to make sure District 2 gets its fair share,” he said, referencing transportation funds from the countywide Proposition 479. “We need roads that actually help us get in and out of the city.”
Berry has spent his entire life in Buckeye, cherishing the community’s history and tight-knit spirit.
“Here, you still know your neighbors,” he said. “That’s what makes Buckeye special.”
He also has a clear vision for the city’s future growth, emphasizing balance.
“We love our mountains and open spaces,” he said. “Growth is fine, but we need to grow in a way that complements what makes Buckeye special.”
Berry is eager to address high-impact fees that discourage small businesses from thriving in District 2.
“If the infrastructure’s already there, why are we charging fees that scare people away?” he asked.
When he’s not advocating for his district, Berry assists his mom, a local pastor, with her church.
“I’m her assistant pastor,” he said.
Outside of church and council responsibilities, Berry enjoys fishing in Buckeye’s canals and spending time with his three children, ages 10 to 16.
Berry brings a “boots-on-the-ground” leadership style to the council, shaped by his experiences as a lifelong Buckeye resident.
“I know the roads, the schools, the people,” he said. “I’m here to be the voice of our community, and I want everyone to know they can reach out to me, no matter how small the issue.”
As Buckeye grows into one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Berry is committed to preserving the charm of District 2 while embracing its potential.
“We have a lot to offer, and I’m excited to help our community thrive,” he said.
Berry, along with freshman councilman Curtis Beard of District Three, will be sworn in for the first time during the council's regular scheduled meeting tomorrow. They will join Mayor Eric Orsborn and District One Councilman Tim Youngker during the swearing in ceremony where they will also select a new Vice Mayor.
