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
What is your plan to attract businesses and jobs to Peoria?
As a businessman and outsider I have actually created jobs. When I meet with job creators and investors I hear a common theme from all of them. “They lack investor confidence in Peoria’s leadership.” To me that is a culture that we must change to be successful. I want Peoria residents to be able to work closer to home so they can spend more time with the people and things that matter most to them. Jobs in Peoria will create more revenue for our citizens and a better quality of life without raising taxes.
I will capitalize on my business experience and relationships to make sure that we take advantage of future opportunities like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s $35 billion facility.
Businesses invest in confidence, and as a business leader, I am the only candidate with the experience and resume to give investors’ confidence to do business in Peoria.
What can you do to be fiscally responsible during times of a volatile economy?
Just like our home budgets, the first dollar out of our pocket shows where our priorities are. As mayor, I will focus on priorities and fundamentals that are critical to long-term, sustainable, economic prosperity for all of Peoria. That is why my three campaign pillars are dedicated to prioritizing public safety, economic development, and education.
When tough times come we need to put first things first. With a likely recession on our doorstep, we need an outsider and business leader to create this solid foundation to weather economic storms. I am the only candidate with a vision and plan that creates strategic economic engines throughout our city. This serves all of Peoria’s citizens, and leads to economic prosperity which will bless our families.
Bridget Binsbacher
What is your plan to attract businesses and jobs to Peoria?
I will focus on service and strategy to bring development to targeted locations throughout the city. As an experienced voice of the citizens of Peoria, I know that economic development must benefit Peoria’s workforce and enhance our quality of life. I’m committed to building a city that offers viable career opportunities that allow future generations to remain in Peoria. Peoria land located near the Taiwan Semiconductor facility has been purposefully planned as an employment corridor. I will evaluate the many interested developers based on Peoria’s high standards.
What can you do to be fiscally responsible during times of a volatile economy?
I spent 20 years in the financial industry and this knowledge has translated to balanced budgets, low debt, and sound fiscal policies in Peoria. I am proud of approving strong financial management policies that serve our citizens well. Moody’s Investors Services and the Government Finance Officers Association recognized the city of Peoria in 2022 as one of the most fiscally sound cities in the Valley. Peoria was awarded a AAA bond rating and GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Peoria’s guiding principles assure planning, transparency and oversight. As mayor, I will ensure that core services remain a top priority and that Peoria continues to operate with healthy reserves, enterprise funds and a fully funded 10-year Capital Improvement Program.
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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