Ed Answers Questions From the Community
As many of you know, my approach is rooted in business principles, always focusing on the return on investment (ROI) for projects and ideas. Like many business-minded residents, I believe in privatized solutions for our city's needs and wants. One of the unique aspects of our geography is how Grand Avenue and the river bottom limit our ingress and egress. To address this, I propose bus routes running east and west on Bell Road and Olive Avenue, with a possible north-south route on Litchfield Road through to Avondale. My goal is to create a self-sustaining access transportation system funded by a pay-by-use model in partnership with the large employers who need to get their people to work, rather than relying on taxpayer dollars. While there is a need and desire for improved transportation, it must be balanced with economic feasibility.
I appreciate the questions and feedback from the community. For instance, a resident of Surprise asked about my plans for public transportation. As I explained, we need more privatized solutions for our city’s needs. Access to mass transportation, such as bus routes to employment centers, should be designed to pay for itself and not burden taxpayers. Another resident of Surprise expressed concern about traffic on Bell Road, and I agree—it’s a nightmare. The goal of access to mass transportation is to reduce traffic, not exacerbate it. My role as a business leader is to bring the right ideas and people together to create plans that enrich our community. The office of Mayor is about leading and delegating effectively, not having all the answers.
Another resident of Surprise asked if park and ride options for events in Glendale or Phoenix are part of the plan. While I haven’t delved into the financials, it’s a possibility worth exploring. As Mayor, my job would be to limit the city’s financial liabilities while working with teams to develop the necessary infrastructure for future growth.
