OPINION

Déjà vu all over again: CUSD bond ignores voter concerns

I am a veteran and a lifelong member of this great community.

I grew up here, graduated from Chandler High School, raised a family, and built a successful business right here in our city.

I feel compelled to speak directly to you about an important matter that impacts the future of Chandler’s leadership and governance.

This upcoming vote is not just about policy — it’s about preserving the proven and effective way our citizens were heard for decades.

I urge you to Vote YES to clarify the language in our City Charter.

This structure isn’t new. It has been successfully used by two of our past mayors and our current Mayor today.

It provides a clear pathway for experienced leadership, ensuring that those who seek to guide our city have firsthand knowledge of its operations, challenges, and opportunities.

These leaders didn’t just show up — they earned their way through service, and that experience has served Chandler well.

Changing this structure would disrupt a system that has worked effectively for our community. It would strip away an important step in preparing future mayors to lead with wisdom, knowledge and continuity.

I’ve seen firsthand the positive outcomes of this model — as a resident, a business owner, and a proud supporter of responsible governance.

We must not allow anyone to distort or rewrite the intent of our charter for political convenience. Let’s make sure anyone running for office does so on their own merit.

Let’s stand together for clarity, stability, and experienced leadership. Vote YES on Proposition 410 to keep Chandler on the right track.

Editor’s note: Joe Granado is the chair of the political action committee “Keep Chandler Term Limits.”

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our  Civility Guidelines.