At Hidden Valley Town Hall, Arredondo Declares Housing Boom ‘Unruly’

George Arredondo Sr., a candidate for Pinal County supervisor in Maricopa’s District 1, engaged with constituents during a town hall meeting on October 6, 2024, at the Province community center. Residents of Hidden Valley-Thunderbird Farms utilized this opportunity to voice concerns and pose questions regarding local governance.

Arredondo emphasized his deep roots in Arizona, having been born in Florence and raised in Coolidge. His background includes master’s degrees in science, education, and legal studies, alongside 18 years of executive and management experience at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also served on the Coolidge City Council and dedicated 22 years to military service, all while managing a ranch. “I believe these experiences equip me to effectively serve as the new supervisor for District 1 and benefit the residents of Pinal County,” he stated.

When asked about the most pressing challenge facing Pinal County, Arredondo identified rapid growth as a significant concern. “Residents have expressed that unmanaged development poses alarming risks,” he noted. Citing an article indicating that population estimates for Maricopa could reach 210,000, he argued for responsible management of growth. “People tell me that the roads are maxed out and dangerous; Pinal County’s services need to effectively keep pace with this increase,” he added, advocating for a proactive approach to addressing these issues.

Addressing concerns specific to Hidden Valley, where the potential addition of up to 40,000 residents raises alarms about quality of life and infrastructure, Arredondo resonated with local worries about rural living and resource availability, particularly water supply and power outages. “Development solely for the sake of adding more rooftops is not sustainable,” he remarked. He underscored the need for a balance between revenue generation and preserving residents’ quality of life.

Residents expressed their feelings of being overlooked in recent zoning meetings, noting that their rights as taxpayers are often neglected in favor of developers. Arredondo responded by advocating for responsible growth. “As a supervisor, I will prioritize maintaining the values outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan, which includes protecting rural character, open spaces, and property values,” he assured the attendees. “Landowner rights should apply equally to both major developers and long-term residents.”

Further discussing revenue sources, Arredondo pointed to agriculture and winter tourism as critical industries for Pinal County. He highlighted Hidden Valley’s valuable farmland and its magnetic appeal to winter visitors, particularly equestrian enthusiasts. “Supporting these sectors is essential. If we replace farmland with developments driven by lobbyists, we jeopardize our agricultural community,” he warned. “Winter visitors stimulate the economy without overwhelming infrastructure; thus, it makes sense for the county to encourage their presence.”

In closing, Arredondo requested the community’s support, stating, “My name is George Arredondo, and I ask for your vote!” He is the Democratic nominee for Pinal County supervisor in District 1.