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.
Bridget Binsbacher
The city and public school districts are separate, but how can the city get creative and help districts that are running out of bond funds?
I will represent the city’s role in education in a truthful and transparent manner. The Arizona Constitution clearly states the legal parameters for the city and the four public school districts in Peoria. As a co-locations strategy, I will build upon my long-term relationships with ASU, local and regional educational interests to advance education and STEM opportunities for our future workforce. I will support needed programs such as AM/PM, Student Resource Officers and other resources to maximize opportunities and impact. I will ensure open lines of communication on potential development and encourage developers to engage the districts in the development process to allow for preparation and planning to best serve our Peoria families and children.
It has been a struggle to re-invent Old Town Peoria. What can be done for the city to finally be able to breathe new life into that area?
While on the city council we executed a plan to acquire and improve key parcels of land, making them more desirable to prospective developers who share our philosophy of the preservation of our history. I will focus on quality development that truly embraces the history and culture of the past while effectively integrating the desired vision and experiences for the future. The return on our investment will be placemaking, connectivity, job creation and opportunities for all. I am committed to seeking developers with a proven track record of delivering the kind of vibrant development that will enhance the existing businesses and communities that have deeply invested in Old Town Peoria.
Jason Beck
You have said a bond isn’t needed for a new high school to ease overcrowding in the north. How can you make this happen?
Peoria has a school capacity crisis. Every two years our school board asks the voters to go into debt or to bond to build new buildings and every few years the voters reject the proposal. The truth is a bond is not the only way to build a school.
There are many ways to fund a school that does not involve a bond or raising taxes. As I talk with voters of all ages, they care about education, they care about kids and value teachers, and the school capacity crisis (especially the need for a new high school) is a major concern.
We need to be more innovative in leading a conversation to solve our capacity crisis for the future. With employers looking to the future, we owe it to the community to lead on finding solutions. That is why I have already been meeting with economists, investors and attorneys, and vetted out some new and innovative ways to build a high school.
Conversely, the current establishment has spent a lot of time and effort telling the citizens that the city cannot do anything to help our schools. These statements are simply false. I am the only candidate that brings a solution to the school capacity crisis.
You have considered plans for an airport in Peoria. How would you go about bringing one to the city?
I’ve begun to have a discussion with voters about how to enhance our quality of life and bring high wage jobs and revenue for public safety and education. One option is a city-owned airport similar to the airport in Scottsdale.
Voters don’t want to be Phoenix, but they have seen how successful communities like Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Gilbert lead the state in high wage job growth and quality of life. All these communities have a successful airport and aviation component.
I’ve done the homework. My plan would create thousands of new jobs, billions in economic impact, and millions in ongoing direct tax revenues. The financial model and plan are sound, and have already been discussed and vetted by multiple experts, including top economists, conservative watchdog groups, business leaders, and federal and state government leaders.
Over three-quarters of working Peoria residents still leave the city for work. The airport is a catalyst to reverse that trend and enhance the quality of life for Peoria citizens. A city-owned airport creates ongoing direct tax revenues that will provide ongoing funding for public safety, economic development and education. I look forward to leading a discussion about this plan with Peoria voters.
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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