To the editor,
George Arredondo Sr., the Democratic candidate for Pinal County supervisor representing Maricopa, has deep full-circle roots in Pinal County.
Born in Florence to his mother Maria, a native of Douglas, and his father David, from Texas, who worked as a farm foreman in Coolidge, George was raised in Coolidge with his nine brothers and sisters.
Mary Ann Hernandez, Province voter
After a vast and diverse career including over 25 years as a public servant working with the USDA, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, George purchased a ranch in Coolidge four years ago and became a Pinal County business owner. During this time, he found in himself the desire to give back to his fellow citizens and address the county’s needs with additional public service, including his current quest running for Pinal County supervisor.
He is as comfortable talking with the citizens of Pinal County about what they want and need as he is about the chores that need to get done on his ranch with his family and neighbors.
“Two things motivated me to run for Supervisor. First, I didn’t like how our democracy was being questioned by the sitting supervisor, sowing doubt to this day, of our election process,” said Arredondo. “I want to protect our way of life and the rule of law.
“Secondly, our county continues to grow, and our current board has been reactionary rather than being proactive in managing this growth. I want to ensure our infrastructure —roads, transportation — keeps up with the growth to relieve the burdens for those of us who live here, first and foremost. So, I could not stand by and let this fall on someone else nor risk it falling into the hands of the likes of the current supervisor. I want to make sure our democracy survives.”
Arredondo, a father of three stepfather of four and grandfather of 20, lives with his wife Monica in Coolidge. His local government working knowledge comes from serving on the Coolidge School Board and as a former councilman for the City of Coolidge.
Arredondo is a 22-year Navy Reserve veteran with three combat tours during his service in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a master chief petty officer. He has held management and senior executive positions on the county, state and national levels, including serving as a political appointee in the Clinton Administration as the associate administrator for operations and management for the Farm Service Agency and as the executive director for the Arizona FSA.
Throughout his professional career, he has briefed senior executives, admirals, generals, members of congress and congressional staff, presenting the facts as they were, and implications of actions or inactions being proposed. He has worked with a diverse group of people throughout his career and conducted extensive research in his field of expertise.
George Arredondo Sr.
“As a business owner, I have dealt with all the challenges and opportunities that a business encounters to be viable and competitive. This diverse experience and being born and raised in Pinal County give me a great advantage to address the county’s needs,” Arredondo continued. “I have always been mission-oriented, listening to everyone’s issues and concerns, evaluating the facts and using the application of laws, policies, regulations, ordinances, etc., to reach productive solutions … that is getting things done. I will use these skillsets to ensure our county employees reach their full potential and work constructively with the board to ensure efficient and effective governance to serve our community. In all of what I’ve done, my greatest asset is in molding and building young men and women to reach their full potential.”
Arredondo’s vast experience shows his dedication and commitment to all he has served.
Based on that experience and determination to affect positive progress in Pinal County, it is obvious he has given detailed thought to his aims and goals for the citizens of the county.
“Our democracy and freedoms are being threatened. My goals are to ensure that the rule of law prevails to effect change that supports where we want to go and grow as a county,” Arredondo said. “Our election process must be protected along with the staff and poll workers. I will ensure we properly fund our elections office and utilize the sheriff’s office and local police to protect the personnel, equipment and integrity of our elections. I will ensure we hold all those accountable who wish to harm the democratic principles of our republic.
“In terms of managing county growth, I want to ensure that we hire and retain quality staff to professionally conduct the business of the county. We need to develop infrastructure that meets current and future needs such as roads and transportation. We need to adhere to our strategic plans to ensure that the rural character and open space we value are protected. Ironically, this board has acknowledged and accepted the risk assessment presented to them, but their corrective actions are slow. We must be frugal with our increased tax base as we address the needs for public safety, customer service and infrastructure. Additionally, I will hold those accountable for not conforming to their fiduciary and functional responsibility. I want our citizens to have an efficient and effective county government.”
Arredondo, a son of Pinal County, is ready and qualified to responsibly and fairly guide its citizens into a productive future as a Pinal County supervisor.
Mary Ann Hernandez, Province
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