Maricopa County Supervisors Take Oath: Thomas Galvin Ascends as Chairman

By Matthew Holloway |

On January 6th, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors convened for a special meeting, where Thomas Galvin was unanimously elected as the new Chairman. This significant event marked Galvin’s ascent, as he became the first Latino Chairman in the county’s history, building on his previous milestone of being the first Latino Republican elected to the Board.

During his inaugural address, Chairman Galvin laid out his vision for fostering prosperity and security within Maricopa County. “We aim to be a board of action,” he stated. His proposals encompassed diverse topics including safety, economic development, housing, and transportation.

Galvin made headlines with aspirations to revive the National Hockey League in the valley, expressing his discussions with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on the matter. He stated his commitment to bringing back hockey to Arizona, following the Coyotes’ departure from Glendale.

In an unexpected divergence from many in his party, Galvin addressed election integrity directly. He urged critics of Arizona’s electoral process to cease unfounded claims of fraud. “To continue to do so is destructive and irresponsible,” he asserted, emphasizing the necessity for improvement rather than accusations.

The Chairman outlined his “95:1 plan,” aimed at ensuring swift election results. His strategy involves concluding tabulation on 95% of votes by the end of election night. This approach seeks to address public concern over election timelines and combat the spread of misinformation.

Galvin’s reform proposal includes establishing cutoff dates for early ballot drop-offs and enhancing access to polling sites through the use of government buildings. He also suggested eliminating emergency voting in the days leading up to an election, favoring in-person options instead.

The Board welcomed three new members: Mark Stewart (District 1), Kate Brophy McGee (District 3), and Debbie Lesko (District 4). Brophy McGee, appointed as Vice Chair, emphasized her focus on pressing community issues like public safety and homelessness. “There’s so much work to be done,” she remarked.

Lesko echoed her commitment to public service, stating her intention to prioritize election integrity and efficient use of taxpayer resources. Stewart highlighted the importance of transparency in county governance to better serve families and businesses.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. For updates and stories, follow him on X or send tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.