Proposition 479 & Proposition 486 discussed at the Candidate Forum

Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce Hosts Candidate Forum

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum. Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn and Ed Zuercher, the Executive Director of the Maricopa Association of Governments, spoke and spoke in support of Propositions 479 & 486.

Proposition 479 and Its Importance

Mayor Orsborn and Zuercher supported Proposition 479. It proposes continuing the .50% sales tax in Maricopa County for 30 more years. This sales tax funds road improvements. Mayor Orsborn highlighted the progress made thanks to this tax. He emphasized the need to maintain it for future projects.

For example, the Jack Rabbit Trail interchange would be completed if Proposition 479 is approved. Mayor Orsborn also discussed State Route 30, a project costing nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars. This section, from the 303 to Route 85, is "easiest" because it involves greenfield land.

Proposition 486 and Education Funding

Moreover, Mayor Orsborn addressed Proposition 486, which pertains to the Maricopa Community College district's spending limits. If approved, the district could spend an additional $100 million on education from existing revenues. Importantly, both Mayor Orsborn and Zuercher stressed that neither Proposition 479 nor Proposition 486 would raise taxes beyond current levels.

For more information about these propositions, visit AZMAG.gov. This forum provided insights into how these propositions could impact the community and underscored the importance of informed voting.

Follow this link for a video about Prob 486 from the Maricopa Community Colleges YouTube channel.