Incumbents sworn in to Queen Creek Town Council

The Queen Creek Town Council is maintaining the status quo for 2025.

At its Jan. 15 meeting, Council Members Robin Benning, Jeff Brown and Leah Martineau were sworn in for new terms.

All three ran unopposed for reelection in 2024.

“We have an incredible council. I’m very proud of the work that we do, and I love the fact that we get to continue to do it moving forward,” Mayor Julia Wheatley said. “I am just so proud of the work that they do and the friendship I enjoy from each of them and I’m excited to welcome them to the next four years of service.”

Martineau was elected to the town council in August 2020 and elected vice mayor in 2024. At the meeting, council members unanimously reelected Martineau as vice mayor for 2025.

“I’m just so happy to make Queen Creek my home and to raise my family here,” Martineau said after she was sworn in. “I’m just so grateful for all of the residents here who put their faith in us and their trust in us to hopefully continue to grow Queen Creek to be the best that it can be.”

Benning was appointed to the town council in November 2009 and elected for the first time in 2012.

Brown was first elected to the town council in 2008.

He served as vice mayor in 2022 and following the death of Mayor Gail Barney in June of that year, Brown helmed the council in accordance with the town code. Brown was once again elected vice mayor in 2023.

At the meeting, council assignments were unanimously approved as part of the consent agenda where all items are acted on with one motion and vote.

Benning has been assigned to the Central Arizona Governments Regional Council, East Valley Transportation Infrastructure Stakeholder Regional Committee and Pinal Regional Transportation Authority Board. He is also an alternate to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Brown will serve on the Economic Development Commission and will represent Queen Creek on the League of Arizona Cities and Towns General Administration, Human and Elections Committee, and the organization’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee.

Martineau will represent the town on the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Public Safety, Military Affairs and Courts Committee. She also serves on the town’s Transportation Advisory Committee.

McClure represents the town on the East Valley Partnership board of directors, as well as on the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority board of directors. McClure also serves on the town’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Oliphant serves on the Mayor’s Teen Advisory Committee and will represent Queen Creek on the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee, and as an alternate on the League’s Neighborhoods, Sustainability and Quality of Life Committee.

Padilla will serve on the Downtown Arts & Placemaking Advisory Sub-Committee.

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