To give residents another opportunity to learn more about the mayoral candidates, the Peoria Independent has submitted a second questionnaire inquiring about their stance on certain issues.
Two candidates are running for the seat — former city councilmember Bridget Binsbacher and local businessman Jason Beck.
This batch of questions were going to be used in a candidate forum sponsored by Peoria Independent, however Beck chose not to participate because the forum was virtual and not in-person.
In the interest of providing voters with the information they need to make an informed decision at the ballot box, this article will feature questions that were going to be used at the candidate forum.
Jason Beck
Share a little bit about how your service in the Marines has informed your life today? When and where did you serve?
After high school, I joined the United States Marine Corp. I worked for a cause greater than myself. I learned grit, purpose, and having a shared mission. My service in the Marine Corps was formative for me. My childhood was often chaotic and being in and out of foster care, I didn’t have stability at home. Joining the Marines increased my sense of teamwork and patriotism and opened doors of opportunity for me. I served during peacetime and developed relationships that span the globe. The Corps set me on a path of service and gave direction and purpose to my life. I’ve dedicated my life to protecting members of the military, law enforcement, and first responders all around the globe.
How do you view the state of public safety in Peoria and what can you do to help?
Being on the board of directors of the 100 Club, endorsed by all major police organizations, owner of a company focused on protecting first responders, and living in Peoria, I can state without reservation that our police and fire departments are understaffed, and lack the resources and training necessary to do their jobs.
The simple fact is that we have an increase in violent crime and a growing population.
Response times are up and our officers are fleeing to other cities for better working conditions. Our officer to population ratio is the lowest in the greater Phoenix area. In this year’s budget, exactly zero officers were added. This is shocking, and a complete disregard for citizens.
Public records show aggravated assaults are up 30% and violent crime is up 16%.
As mayor, I will fully staff our first responders.
Editor’s note: Peoria’s most recent budget, approved in May, did not include increased positions. However, in January, Peoria City Council approved a midyear budget adjustment for 15 fire-medical positions and 15 police positions. Police Chief Art Miller recently stated publicly that the department has reached a full staff of sworn officers.
Bridget Binsbacher
Baseball has been part of your life. Share a little bit about how that might inform your endeavors if elected.
Baseball is America’s favorite pastime and a significant part of my personal and professional history. As the leader of the Cactus League organization, I have had the opportunity to cultivate relationships and collaborate with leaders and organizations across the state. The Cactus League industry is a $644 million economic engine. It drives tourism, generates more than 6,000 jobs, thousands of volunteer hours and millions in scholarships, grants and other giving year after year. The impact is tremendous and the experience I have gained from it will serve me well as mayor of Peoria.
How do you view the state of public safety in Peoria and what can you do to help?
This is not a viewpoint, it’s fact: Peoria has one of the lowest crime rates and fewest officer vacancies in the Valley. To stay ahead of growth, I approved a sixth ambulance, 15 police and 15 fire personnel as a midyear budget adjustment. Public safety is too important to be used and exploited during an election.
Praying on our citizens with fear tactics is reckless and irresponsible. Peoria is a safe city — transparency and reliable facts matter. I’m committed to fully funded and fully staffed police and fire departments. I worked on council to add personnel and training; increase wages and benefits; and expand investigations, specialized units, technology, and victim resources. Peoria’s well-resourced police force has robots, drones, K9s, cameras, armored vehicles, and fully equipped special unit (SWAT) vehicles. I also voted for a new police training facility scheduled for fiscal year 2024.
Meet Philip Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley. Before that, he was a freelance writer.
Community: Haldiman spearheads the Peoria Independent Hometown Heroes Awards program, honoring local individuals and businesses that give back to the community. He has hosted local candidate forums over the years and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Haldiman also served as a member of the Journalism Program Community Advisory Board at Glendale Community College. Outside journalism, Haldiman served as a member of the city of Peoria Complete Count Committee for the Census, 2019-2020. Lastly, he has served as a member of his HOA governing board since 2021.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and a BA in Theater.
Random Fact: Haldiman is a fourth-generation Arizonan as well as wrote and produced an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.
Hobbies: He enjoys hiking Arizona’s mountainous landscapes and is currently working on a play for the stage.
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