By Jennifer Conrad, Managing Editor
Maricopa County stands as a testament to rapid growth and evolving challenges. At the center of this dynamic landscape is Tom Galvin, a Maricopa County Board of Supervisors member seeking reelection. His journey from land use attorney to county leader offers a unique perspective on the intricate issues facing America’s fastest-growing county.
A Career Bridging Private and Public Sectors
Galvin’s path to the Board of Supervisors stems from a diverse professional background. As a land use attorney, he honed his skills in navigating the complex interplay between property rights, development, and community needs. “I have worked with realtors, developers, home builders, farmers, landowners, and homeowners on a myriad of issues that affect us daily,” Galvin explains, emphasizing the practical experience he brings.
His transition to public service began at the Arizona Corporation Commission, where he served as chief of staff to Commissioner Brenda Burns. This four-year stint exposed Galvin to critical infrastructure issues, including electrical, water, and natural gas. “I was involved intimately with electrical issues, water issues, natural gas issues, and just dealing with ratepayers,” Galvin recalls, highlighting the breadth of his policy experience.
The Road to the Board of Supervisors
When a vacancy opened on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2021, Galvin saw an opportunity to give back to a community that had “been good to me the last 17 years.” Appointed in December 2021, he faced the unique challenge of learning the ropes of county governance while campaigning for election.
“I had to go out there while ramping up as a county supervisor, really with important issues, but campaigning,” Galvin says. This baptism by fire proved successful, with Galvin winning both the Republican primary and general election in 2022. As he campaigns for a full four-year term, Galvin brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the country’s future.
District 2: A Microcosm of Maricopa County
Representing District 2, which encompasses nearly 950,000 residents, Galvin oversees an incredibly diverse constituency. His district includes urban centers like Mesa and Scottsdale, suburban communities like Fountain Hills, and rural unincorporated areas like Rio Verde Foothills. This diversity presents both challenges and opportunities.
“When I meet with people in either Fountain Hills or Carefree, their issues might be similar, but not the same as when I meet with people in downtown Mesa,” Galvin notes. This variety requires a nuanced approach to policymaking, balancing the needs of different communities within the broader context of county-wide issues.
Tackling Maricopa County’s Most Pressing Issues
Housing Affordability Crisis
The rapid growth of Maricopa County has led to a significant housing crunch. Galvin acknowledges that the county has been “behind the eight ball for the last 15 years” in meeting housing demand. To address this, he advocates for a multi-pronged approach:
- Incentivizing higher-density development in urban cores
- Exploring alternative housing options like duplexes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Working with cities to improve water banking programs to support new development
- Pushing for state-level action to incentivize housing construction
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
As the grandson of an NYPD detective, Galvin places a high priority on supporting law enforcement. He strongly opposes the “defund the police” movement, arguing that a well-supported police force is crucial for community stability and economic growth.
Galvin has worked closely with County Attorney Rachel Mitchell on two key initiatives:
- Educating youth about the dangers of fentanyl, addressing the county’s alarming rate of six overdose deaths per day
- Combating organized retail theft through the Organized Retail Theft Task Force
Fiscal Responsibility in Times of Inflation
To help offset the impact of inflation on county residents, Galvin has championed property tax cuts and overall budget reductions. Under his tenure, the county implemented the most significant property tax cut in its history and reduced its overall budget by approximately 14% over two years.
“We cut it last year by 3%. We’re cutting it this year by 11%,” Galvin proudly states, emphasizing the rarity of government downsizing while maintaining essential services.
Water Management and Future Planning
Despite concerns about water scarcity, Galvin remains optimistic about Arizona’s water future. He advocates for a three-pronged approach of conservation, augmentation, and reuse (CAR). Galvin points out a little-known fact: “Arizona today uses less than or as much water as it did in 1957 on an actual basis.”
However, he acknowledges the challenges, particularly with the Colorado River, and emphasizes the need for creative solutions and collaboration between cities, the county, and the state.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Looking ahead, Galvin emphasizes the critical importance of infrastructure development in supporting the country’s growth. He strongly advocates for Proposition 479, which would fund transportation projects for the next 20 years.
“If you’re a realtor and you want to be selling houses 10, 20, 30 years from now, you need Prop 479,” Galvin asserts, underlining the long-term impact of current infrastructure decisions.
The Road Ahead
As Maricopa County continues its trajectory as the fastest-growing county in the United States, the decisions made today will shape its future for decades. With his unique blend of private sector experience and public service, Tom Galvin stands at the forefront of these crucial decisions.
His reelection campaign offers voters a choice not just in leadership but also in a vision for managing the complex challenges of growth, development, and community well-being. For those invested in Maricopa County’s future—from realtors and developers to long-time residents and newcomers—understanding Galvin’s approach provides valuable insight into the potential direction of county policy.
As the election approaches, the stakes are clear: the future of America’s fastest-growing county hangs in the balance, with issues of housing, water, public safety, and infrastructure at the forefront. Tom Galvin’s campaign represents not just a bid for reelection but a referendum on how Maricopa County will navigate the complexities of its rapid growth in the years to come.
