Buckeye residents will take to the polls July 30 for the primary election. To help you make the most informed decision on your vote for city council, InBuckeye asked the candidates a set of questions about their views on commercial and residential growth, traffic expansion, and more.
Reminder: The last day to request an early ballot is July 19 and the last day to mail your ballot is July 23.
MAYOR
Incumbent Mayor Eric Orsborn is running uncontested.
Name: Eric Orsborn
Age: 51
Hometown: Grew up in the West Valley, now Buckeye. Arizona native
Years in Buckeye: 20
Neighborhood or community of residence: We live in the community of Verrado.
Political affiliation: Declined to answer
Education: Bachelor’s of science in construction management, Del E. Webb School of Construction, Arizona State University.
Occupational background: My first jobs out of college were working with heavy civil construction companies building projects such as water and wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, the Rio Salado Town Lake, the Verrado Way Traffic Interchange and the beginning stages of the Hoover Dam Bypass (Arizona Approach). In 2003, I began working in land development for DMB, bringing the community of Verrado out of the ground until the great recession. In 2011, I started my own construction company and have owned and operated it since.
Community service: Locally, we serve those in need in our community through volunteer work related to the food bank as well as medical services to those in need through the Compassion Clinic. I am also a proud Blue Blazer Squadron Member in the Fighter Country Partnership which serves the men, women and mission of Luke Airforce Base. As an elected official in Buckeye, I serve on several boards in the Buckeye area and also the greater region. These boards include the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council, MAG Transportation Policy Committee and MAG Executive Committee. It is also a pleasure to serve on the Abrazo West Campus Governing Board.
What are your qualifications to be mayor? It has been my honor to serve as the mayor of Buckeye for the last four years. Before that time, I was on the City Council from 2010 to 2020, serving as vice mayor for four of those years. In my time as mayor, we have continued the phenomenal growth and have worked hard to attract the much-needed employment, retail and commercial opportunities to our community. My career, skillset and strategic experience fit perfectly for the role of mayor in a hyper-growth city such as Buckeye. I have a firm grasp of the needs of this city and have been working nonstop to bring in the much-needed jobs, build the infrastructure to keep up with growth and secure our water future.
How would you improve the city’s transportation infrastructure? Locally, we are firmly committed to investing in our transportation infrastructure to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and support road safety. Several improvements have been made along Miller with more on the way. Plans are in the works for several intersections throughout the city including Watson Road and Broadway and cleaning up scalloped streets making commutes more efficient. Each development is responsible for their half street improvements. As we grow so grows the roadway network. Included in some of these growth projects are the extension of Roosevelt from Tuthill to Jackrabbit Trail. The extension of McDowell Road from Verrado Way to Jackrabbit Trail and the full build out of Jackrabbit Trail from Thomas Road to McDowell Road. All of these projects are underway.
From a regional perspective, we are working on the complete rebuild of the Jackrabbit Trail interchange which will improve the roadway corridor from Van Buren to McDowell including the new traffic interchange. The project is currently in design with a construction completion date approximately two years away. I am working with MAG and ADOT to expedite the process. In this same corridor, we are working with MAG and ADOT to relieve some of the congestion on I-10 with major improvements to the mainline. Included in Proposition 479 is nearly three quarters of a billion dollars to build the initial phase of State Route 30. This infrastructure will go a long way toward further relieving congestion on I-10 and providing regional connectivity to our downtown doorstep.
The council approved the formation of a bond exploratory committee in 2023, made up of residents from all areas of the city. The committee recommended to city council and council unanimously approved to give the issue to the voters. This November, the citizens of Buckeye will have the opportunity to vote on a bond that will allocate $145 million toward streets and transportation projects.
How should the city approach commercial and housing growth? Commercial and housing growth go hand in hand. Residential growth will continue as there are over 200,000 entitled lots on the west side of the White Tank Mountains along the Sun Valley Parkway alone. This and many other projects in the central and eastern areas of our city will see growth in many housing types. Over the past 20 years, we have only seen single family home development. Now we are starting to see a variety of housing types that will diversify the housing inventory in our city. Along with the residential growth, we will see new retail services and restaurants coming to our city now and over the next several years. Retailers like Costco and the new Vestar Development are a catalyst for the high-quality retail and date-night restaurants we all want to see come to our city. Development and retail services coming to the communities not yet served by a grocer or gas station will be a welcome addition and are brought by increases in population through residential growth. Thankfully, both housing and commercial developments bring roadway improvements paid for by the developers helping the taxpayers. Incredibly important is the number of jobs that are coming to our city. Companies that will bring high-paying manufacturing jobs such as Kore Power and Rehrig who will also bring outstanding corporate citizens. Both Abrazo and Banner have committed to the city of Buckeye along the I-10 corridor, bringing full-service, acute-care hospitals and medical services, not to mention very high-paying jobs. All these new opportunities we are seeing come about with growth in housing.
What is one thing you would like to change about Buckeye as mayor? I love our community! I would like to do more to continue to bring different neighborhoods together as one city. This is difficult as there is such a large geographic expanse but, as we grow together, those distances become less and less.
Presidential vote: Indicated he will be voting, but did not disclose his vote because the mayoral seat is non-partisan.
What is your proudest achievement? My marriage and my daughter and son.
What is your greatest weakness? Like many others, I tend to procrastinate.
Favorite thing to do for fun in Buckeye: Without a doubt it is our Buckeye Air Fair. I love that event and it gets bigger and better every year! However, there are so many fun things to do in our city and more on the way. We love hiking on the many trails in our community. My wife and I enjoy bike riding in neighborhoods throughout our city. We also really enjoy the rodeo and bull riding. The parades downtown are first class and really feel like hometown Buckeye.
DISTRICT 1 CITY COUNCIL
Incumbent Councilmember Tony Youngker is running uncontested for the District 1 seat.
Name: Tony Youngker
Age: 45
Hometown: Buckeye
Years in Buckeye: Most of my life.
Neighborhood or community of residence: Declined to answer
Education: Scottsdale Culinary Institute
Occupational background: Currently executive chef/owner of Café 25:35 and La Placita Mexican Cuisine.
Community service: Prior to being on city council, I was a board member of the Buckeye Main Street Coalition. As a councilman, I chaired the police retirement board.
What are your qualifications to be a councilmember? For me, what qualifies me to be on our council is a deep rooted love for this place. I want the best for our city. I understand the topics that plague us like water, utility infrastructure and overall growth.
How would you improve the city’s transportation infrastructure? Improving the transportation infrastructure is a long bit-by-bit process. It is driven by growth and finances. Wise use of public funds on all fronts will lead to transportation improvements. Also making the proper adjustments to the city impact fee schedule will help.
How should the city approach commercial and housing growth? Growth, whether commercial or residential, should be approached first by defining the need then choosing the right location. All the land in Buckeye is currently zoned for one use or another as defined in the 2040 master plan. With the landmass of the city, there is a place for almost everything.
What is one thing you would like to change about Buckeye as councilmember? I want to change our Old Town District for the better. It has always been the heart of Buckeye. I want to keep it that way. I would like to see a modern version of its heydays of the 50s and 60s.
Presidential vote: Declined to answer
What is your proudest achievement? My family.
What is your greatest weakness? Declined to answer.
Favorite thing to do for fun in Buckeye. I like to be out in the desert trails spending time with my wife and kids.
DISTRICT 2 CITY COUNCIL
Name: Ryan Belshee
Age: 45
Hometown: Beaverton, Ore.
Years in Buckeye: 6
Neighborhood or community of residence: Downtown at 5th and Jackson
Political affiliation: Independent
Education: Bachelor’s of art in business and marketing and advertising
Occupational background: Real estate broker for 10 years and small business owner for 16 years
Community service: Eagle Scout, two years on the board of the Buckeye Main Street Coalition and an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission for District 2.
What are your qualifications to be a councilmember? I’ve worn many hats in my lifetime which has afforded me the real-life experience to understand many facets of the issues our growing city is facing. As a realtor who specialized in helping investors, I bring to the table a decade of knowledge in matters that affect the growth of Buckeye including thoughtful zoning, building and affordability considerations. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges those who want to strike out on their own face. I am passionate about helping other entrepreneurs realize their dreams by offering mentorship and advocating for additional incentives to help our small business community grow.
How would you improve the city’s transportation infrastructure? After reviewing data on our current infrastructure, I would advocate for the improvement of those areas facing significant challenges. Current proposals include micro transit, which is a good option for now. In the future, we need to develop a five-, 10- and 15-year plan to address the exponential growth.
How should the city approach commercial and housing growth? At this point, developers and investors are flocking to Buckeye. We have the momentum and need to develop better plans outlining what we want our city to look like as things continue to develop. I believe each project should then be tested against the more-detailed plan and assist developers in finding the right location for the project instead of placing them wherever they can. We need to develop strategies for services and shopping that will support the housing growth we are seeing and that which is still on the horizon. As such, I do not feel the speculative rezoning of a commercial hard corner to multifamily housing in a sea of other homes and apartments should have passed recently.
The development of subdivisions has been good overall. The main issue I have is the massive push for rental home projects currently. We need the ability for our residents to purchase a home if they wish. Instead of build-to-rent communities, I would like to see smaller affordable-to-own homes and/or nice-looking duplexes or four-plexes. The goal is to build homes people can be proud of and build equity just like other homeowners do. They can sell their starter home and move up instead of being stuck in a rental rut.
What is one thing you would like to change about Buckeye as coincilmember? I would like to improve the communication between the city, organizations representing the city and the community so that everyone feels heard and has a say in what is happening in their neighborhood. In particular, District 2 has historically had the least amount of active participation according to city officials. Yet, I see the passion of the members from this area on social media which says to me that we need to address the communication gap head on. If elected, I will make it my mission to continue fostering open, honest communication between the community and the city. I will explore all avenues to try and find a solution that will solve the need.
Presidential vote: Declined to answer.
What is your proudest achievement? Well, I guess right now I would have to say restoring the 98-year-old derelict and abandoned Buckeye Icehouse. I love fixing old, broken things and the Icehouse presented a lot of challenges with about 9,000-square-feet of space that I personally rewired, replumbed and rebuilt back to the way it was in 1926. Today, the building stands and welcomes the community to rest on a bench under a tree for shade, a backdrop to photoshoots and hosts several small and local businesses. It acts as an incubator space where we can offer reduced rent and mentoring to select businesses. I also love hearing the stories from people who used to work or shop here.
What is your greatest weakness? I can be honest to a fault and ask a lot of questions. While I see this as a positive, I realize my candor may offend some inadvertently.
Favorite thing to do for fun in Buckeye: I would love to say I have many enjoyable options in Buckeye. Unfortunately, currently my family travels outside of Buckeye for entertainment. I would like to be a part of changing that.
Jamaine Berry: Jamaine Berry did not return his questionnaire responses.
Name: Ted "Tedy" Burton
Age: 64
Years in Buckeye: 19
Neighborhood or community of residence: Encantada Estates
Political Affiliation: Did not disclose
Education: High-school
Occupational background: Vice president of membership services, Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
Community Service: Pastor of Citadel of Praise Christian Church, vice chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Elk Lodge #2686, Rotarian, BESD PAC and member of BUHS Foundation.
What are your qualifications to be a councilmember: My experience serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission has been instrumental in preparing me for the role of a council member. Initially, I began as an alternate and was later appointed as a commissioner at large. In recognition of my dedication and contributions, my peers elected me as vice chair during my third year. This experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the considerations and impacts on the community of Buckeye, particularly District 2. Additionally, my time as a commissioner has taught me the importance of embracing differing opinions and the value of respectful discourse. Overall, my tenure as a commissioner has honed my decision-making abilities and equipped me with the necessary skills to be an effective council member.
How would you improve the city's transportation infrastructure? To enhance the city's transportation infrastructure, I highly recommend advocating for the approval of Prop. 479. This proposition aims to extend the half-cent sales tax that has been supporting transportation projects for many years. By voting "yes" on this proposition, Buckeye residents can contribute to addressing crucial infrastructure and public safety needs. The proposed extension would span a duration of 20 years, ensuring long-term improvements in our transportation system.
How should the city approach commercial and housing growth? I believe that the city of Buckeye, as one of the fastest growing cities in America, should approach commercial and residential by continuing to follow our general development plan. Encourage mixed-use development, prioritize infrastructure investments, preserve our community charm and character, continue to engage and educate the community.
What is the one thing you would like to change about Buckeye as councilmember? I don't think I would change anything walking in the door. I will make sure that we continue to prioritize infrastructure, preserve our community charm and character, engage and educate.
Presidential vote: Declined to answer
What is your proudest achievement? My proudest moment was when I married my wife, Linda, of 29 years. We have five adult children, three grands and one great-grand. Family means the world to me.
What is your greatest weakness? Sometimes I am too transparent and too honest.
Favorite thing to do for fun in Buckeye? The wife and I are empty nesters so we like to eat out in one of the great restaurant's here in Buckeye. Now that the Arizona Ridge Riders call Buckeye Equestrian Center home, I love going there and watching them.
DISTRICT 3 CITY COUNCIL
Name: Curtis Beard
Age: 39
Hometown: Buckeye
Years in Buckeye: 39
Neighborhood or community of residence: Northwood Park
Political affiliation: Republican
Education: College degree
Occupational background: Self-employed, Absolute Screen Printing
Community service: My father and I started a Christmas toy giveaway at the same elementary school I went to. With the help of some great people, we met with the kids, I dressed as Santa and we passed the toys out that we purchased. This will only be our second year, but we are already planning! First year was about 15 kids, this year we hope to do at least 30 or more.
What are your qualifications to be a councilmember? I have been self employed my entire life. Learning from watching my grandparents and working alongside my father, I have learned and accomplished what no school, classes or degrees can teach you. The every day of dealing with customers, employees, ups, downs, money issues, I have been through it all and handled everything and learned. Financial responsibility, accountability, those are just some of the important factors that you need and why I believe I'm the most qualified out of the candidates running for my district.
How would you improve the city’s transportation infrastructure? Buckeye is in much need of public transportation. We’re behind in all aspects of public transportation and we need to step it up. With most residents being employed outside the city of Buckeye, we need to figure out a way to help reduce the amount of traffic on our road system. One main issue I see is we need to effectively have truck routes though Buckeye in ways that limit the impacts of residential neighborhoods and citizens. Our city absolutely needs to work on bicycle lanes. Yes, people in Buckeye still use bikes for work travel. I see it daily on Miller Rd. for individuals that work at the awful-looking warehouses. Some may not have a car, so a bike is the only means of transportation. Let’s have some of the upper city staff and all council members try and ride a bike up and down Miller road during peak a.m. and p.m. hours and see how well that plays out. They don’t have a clue because they never travel and see what residents are doing in the city they represent.
How should the city approach commercial and housing growth? We have a community master plan. We need to stick to the plan as outlined. Instead we change it for every developer that asks, not caring about the effects on the surrounding neighborhoods, the residents, the amount of traffic or the aesthetics of what they want to build there. We just invite them in regardless! Instead of becoming the warehouse capital of Arizona, let’s focus on building infrastructure and inviting real employers into Buckeye. Companies that pay more than minimum wage, a place that the citizens can make a career at and stay there till retirement. We can't wait for the developers to bring in infrastructure, we need to step that up as we have lost so many good companies because it’s not here.
What is one thing you would like to change about Buckeye as councilmember? Transparency, bringing the public in as much as possible with the choices myself and the rest of council makes. We have districts but still represent the entire city. Financial responsibility is one important thing I would like to change. I see what they do, what they purchase, the amount of payroll, the vehicles they buy and auction off later that are still good vehicles. There is so much that should go here but I don’t think everyone wants to hear them all.
Presidential vote: Donald Trump
What is your proudest achievement? Marrying my wife and being a father to three great kids!
What is your greatest weakness? Work-life balance.
Favorite thing to do for fun in Buckeye. Jeeping out in the beautiful desert and enjoying the scenery.
Name: Michelle R. Hess, incumbent
Age: 47
Hometown: Born in California, raised in Fountain Hills
Years in Buckeye: 18
Neighborhood or community of residence: Rancho Vista
Political affiliation: Local elections in the City of Buckeye are non-partisan. I have worked hard to keep the issues the issues, ensuring our focus remains on what is best for our community.
Education: Bachelor’s of Christian leadership, Grand Canyon University; master of strategic ministry, Johnson University; senior executives in state and local government, Harvard University; Leadership West, Class 20; Arizona Civic Leadership Academy, Cohort 5
Occupational background: Non-profit
Community service:
- High-school leader for my church (four Years)
- Volunteer musician for church (20 Years)
- Odyssey Institute Volleyball Booster Mom (four Years)
- Canyon View and Verrado Baseball Boosters (four Years)
- Grace Fellowship Academy PTF (eight years)
- Southwest Lending Closet Board Member (four years)
- AZ League’s 2023 and 2024 Policy Committee: Budget, Finance and Economic Development and Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Works
- AzSciTech liaison from 2013-2020
- Buckeye Youth Council Liaison (two years)
- Community Services Advisory Board
- Community Development Advisory Commission (CDAC), alternate member
- Public Safety Retirement Board, Police
- Read on Buckeye Initiative
- WESTMARC, ex-officio board member
- WESTMARC, quality of life committee member
What are your qualifications to be a councilmember? It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the council representative of District 3 since 2012. I have dedicated the last 12 years to educating, engaging and connecting with the issues facing Buckeye and the greater region. I have substantial experience, including being selected as vice mayor by my peers in two different terms. I have also led through challenging times, including the pandemic, city manager changes and other public challenges. My record reflects high engagement, consistent council attendance and active involvement in various boards and commissions. The City of Buckeye has grown uniquely compared to most cities. We face incredible challenges that require high-level strategic planning, innovation, communication skills, and the ability to work well with others. I have utilized all these skills and more to solve past challenges and will continue to use innovative thinking and collaboration to support our growth. My mission is to represent the city with integrity, honesty, and common sense. During my tenure on the council, we have emphasized civility in our interactions. My entire career has been dedicated to uplifting people and communities, fostering growth and positive development. My approach includes asking insightful questions of our staff, residents and developers to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for Buckeye. I always remember that I am a resident first. Staying involved in local events and groups is crucial to me, ensuring I remain connected to people's wants and needs. This commitment is why I actively participate in local parent groups and sports, staying engaged and involved in the community. I strive to ensure the voices of our residents are heard through effective planning and engagement.
How would you improve the city’s transportation infrastructure? The City of Buckeye is currently updating its Transportation Master Plan (TMP), an essential roadmap for developing a comprehensive transportation network. Since completing the previous TMP in 2019, which is aligned with the Imagine Buckeye 2040 General Plan, Buckeye has experienced significant population growth and new business development. We are working hard to revise the TMP to ensure our network meets future needs and supports continued growth effectively. Once the plan is completed, we will integrate these into our Capital Improvement Projects to help us prioritize and financially plan for the future.
We are currently addressing some major pressure points in our transportation infrastructure to provide relief to our residents. One significant challenge has been the deed restriction from the Federal Aviation Administration on the areas of Yuma between Dean and Verrado Way, north to Van Buren. After years of pushing for administrative changes with no success, we successfully worked with our Arizona Senators to help us get an act of Congress passed to help remove the restriction. With that hurdle out of the way, we are now on the next step of the Arizona State Land Department registering the change, allowing the city to purchase the right of way and improve this much-needed area.
Another significant achievement is the widening of the I-10 from Verrado Way to SR 85. With the help of other West Valley cities, Buckeye successfully pressed ADOT to install the additional lanes necessary for our growing city. We continue to advocate for the final lane addition and finishing touches, which, if Prop 479 is passed, will occur in 2027.
Jackrabbit Trail is another critical project we have been working on. The interchange and off-ramp areas belong to other agencies and, with the help of our local legislators, we secured funding for the Jackrabbit Interchange and more. Sections of Jackrabbit are in our current budget, and we should begin to see relief in this area soon.
Our Miller Rd. corridor is another area of focus. I have been diligent in advocating for our residents in this area. The Miller Rd. project is progressing, although not as quickly as I would like. This effort started years ago with street light implementations and will continue with road widening as we work through this corridor. Miller Rd. from Durango south to Lower Buckeye is in the current budget, which includes moving APS power poles. We will continue to work on acquiring the necessary right of way to add lanes, and as development continues, we will see this corridor complete.
How should the city approach commercial and housing growth? The city uses the General Plan as a development guide, a voter-approved document updated every ten years. Much of Buckeye's development was approved and zoned in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and we are stewarding those pre-existing master-planned communities and zoning and balancing that with new commercial interests that wish to build in Buckeye. Managing zoning that is already entitled to the land has been challenging while adapting to new growth trends. We have utilized overlay districts and specific area planning to define and guide this growth better.
Strategic planning helps direct growth to locations that make sense from a planning perspective. For instance, we have implemented the Downtown Specific Area Plan and are working on The Landing. We also plan for future economic growth at our Buckeye Municipal Airport, with public input opportunities coming soon. Additionally, we aim to add an area by Skyline Park to protect the beautiful White Tank Mountain and ensure it remains a point of pride for our community.
Through these efforts, we intentionally guide growth rather than allowing it to occur haphazardly. We are also working with our home builders to offer more versatile designs, products and communities, ensuring that new developments meet the evolving needs of our residents.
What is one thing you would like to change about Buckeye as councilmember? Over the past two decades, I have seen a lot of change in Buckeye. We have grown from a small town into a growing, thriving city. Certainly, things have changed, and part of the reason I joined the council was because I have the skills and temperament to make sure the right changes happen. Sometimes, they take time. Instead of focusing on what I would change, I would like to point out one thing that I would never change: the character and charm of our community. Buckeye is unique, and I fight every day to make sure that it stays that way.
Presidential vote: Declined to disclose, but indicated she will vote.
What is your proudest achievement? I have had some incredible moments on the council, such as the creation of Skyline Regional Park and the conservation efforts to protect the mountains and assisting in establishing the Buckeye Youth Council. However, my proudest achievement is who I have raised. My husband and I have raised three amazing children who have grown into incredible leaders in their own right. I couldn’t be more proud of the people they have become and will continue to be. They have a deep understanding of who they are and who they are not. They boldly chase their dreams and passions without sacrificing people in the process. They are selfless leaders, always striving to improve their spheres of influence and include others along the way. They are caring, loving people, and love God.
What is your greatest weakness? I have a hard time shutting down. I strive to be present and available, always staying informed and sharing that information as best as possible. However, I have learned that this sometimes doesn’t create the best work-life balance.
Favorite thing to do for fun in Buckeye: Hiking at Skyline with my husband and our two dogs, Kobe and Lincoln.
One Response
The choice for District 2 is Beardsley as #1, the vision for addressing community services and making Buckeye a better place to live and work without selling off all our farm land to build storage warehouses that don’t employ many people with a decent salary. Choice #2 is Burton who is a person of faith, active in the community but agreed with all the warehouses. Choice #3 is Hess who supports how things are developing now, more warehouses and buildings, less farm land.