Election night will be a bit anticlimactic for Queen Creek Town Council Member Julia Wheatley – make that Mayor-elect Julia Wheatley.
She ran unopposed in the Aug. 2 primary and after the council certified the results of the primary race, Wheatley became mayor elect. She also became only the second woman mayor in the town’s short history. She will be sworn into office during a January council meeting.
Here, Wheatley talks about how she became involved in politics, how she juggles her work and home life and her memories of her friend and mentor Mayor Gail Barney, who died in June.
How did you end up living in Queen Creek and how long have you lived here?
I was born in Mesa and grew up in Gilbert. I moved to Gilbert when there were just 5,000 residents. I was drawn to Queen Creek by the similarities of what I remember about growing up in my hometown, as well as Queen Creek's own unique feel and attributes.
My husband and I chose Queen Creek when we bought our first home in 2007. We came out here looking at homes, driving along a road that then turned into a dirt road that then ended. Then something caught our eyes: a couple riding on horseback through the field in front of us. We fell in love with Queen Creek and decided to make it our forever home. We have loved being a part of this community, seeing it grow and prosper, and raising our four children here for the past 15 years.
What made you want to get involved in politics and public service?
My husband and I like to tell our kids they can do anything, and we believe that serving as examples of that mindset creates the biggest impression.
The example provided for me as a child certainly left its own impression.
My father served on the Gilbert Town Council and as vice mayor when I was a young child. My parents were very involved in their community. They also helped residents and neighbors be involved and have an awareness of the issues. My father served one term on council and didn't seek re-election because of time constraints, but my parents always stayed involved in local politics. They sought out people who had the attributes that would make a good public servant, then encouraged and helped them run for office. They were instrumental in helping many of the great leaders of Gilbert get elected over the 44 years my parents have lived there. Having that modeled at an early age and throughout my life always made me want to get involved in public service. I look at how broken government can be at the federal level, and even the state level, and I know the local level is where good governance makes the biggest difference. It is the government that is closest to the people and affects their lives daily. It truly is my passion.
How would you describe your time on town council?
It does not seem possible that I have already served 12 years on Queen Creek Town Council. The years have flown by! It is the most rewarding feeling, being able to shape the community in which I live! I have seen the maturation of our community over those years, seeing it grow from its infancy to where it is today. To see what was once a vision come to reality is more rewarding than can be put into words. So, much groundwork has been laid over the years, and we are now seeing the town reap the benefits in so many ways.
What have you learned about how communities are governed?
I’ve learned that municipalities often look at the surrounding communities to figure out what they do. Instead of falling prey to that mentality, we try to ascertain what values are most important to our residents. We don’t focus so much on what other cities and towns are doing. Governance is a tremendous balance. Balancing your personal beliefs and trying to properly represent the voter takes some self-control. I feel that I have a good pulse on what the community desires.
How would you describe your very first time running for town council?
Intense! I was running for a seat against nine other candidates. I didn't hire a consultant and spent less than $5,000 in total. To me, that is the way small-town politics and campaigns should be. I went to the residents, attending every town event and “meet and greet” in the neighborhoods. I learned the issues facing our town and what the residents' vision for Queen Creek was. I loved the debates, when voters could really see the passion I had for Queen Creek!
What helped you to decide to run for mayor?
Mayor Gail Barney. I had no intention of running for mayor. It was not in my five-year plan, or even my 10- or 20-year plans! I remember the first time Mayor Barney called to let me know he would not be running for reelection, and that it was his time to retire from public service. He told me whenever he thought about who’d be best to take over the leadership of the town, his thoughts kept turning to me. He called me several times to encourage me to run. His encouragement, along with that of the rest of the council, gave me the support I needed to make that important decision.
When making your decision to run for mayor, who did you seek guidance and support from and what guidance did you receive?
I admit, in the first few times I spoke with Mayor Barney, I didn't give the idea the due consideration it deserved. When I finally decided to consider running, my No. 1 person to consult was my husband, Benjamin. The demands of this new role will be many. I expect this position to require a lot from me and my family, especially because my children are young. Without his support, I have nothing and would not be able to accomplish what I have today. His sacrifice allows me the opportunity to pursue what I love. He and I discussed in great detail the pros and cons and everything in between. I reached out to my parents, who couldn't be more excited and elated at the opportunity.
Were you surprised that you ran unopposed and why or why not?
I was curious if another candidate would decide to run. Friends teased me about running an easy race but working in the town for the last 12 years has taught me that this work isn’t always easy.
Typically, a candidate running for Mayor is currently involved in governance in the community at some level. I was honored that all current Queen Creek Council Members were encouraging and supportive of my run.
You were very close to Mayor Barney, what did you learn from him and how do you think his absence will affect your tenure and the town?
Mayor Barney led in a humble way. His presence was known and felt, but he didn't have to be the biggest voice in the room or have the last word. He brought people together and made them feel valued and heard. When I made this decision to run, I always thought I would be able to lean on him for advice, perspective and institutional knowledge. I pray that I will be the leader that he hoped and envisioned. I aspire to make a great effort to lead the town to honor him, the founding families, as well as the current and future families of Queen Creek.
What do you look forward to doing in your role as mayor?
Queen Creek is experiencing great success from policy decisions already made. Reducing the tax burden on our residents is something I strive to do. Our town council just voted to enact a policy to lower our property tax rate each year over the next five years. Queen Creek is thriving and flourishing!
Continuing to make Queen Creek an attractive place for businesses to locate and thrive is another focus of mine. I want to encourage large employers to establish on the State Trust Lands, bringing jobs that allow our residents to live and work in their community. I look forward to developing a downtown just as amazing as we all envision. I also hope to work with our youth as a vital component of our community. It’s critical for adults to understand the struggles and issues youth are facing, and to make sure they feel heard and represented.
What are some of the organizations in which you have been involved?
League of Arizona Cities & Towns
East Valley Partnership Board of Director
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Maricopa Association of Governments Transportation Policy Committee
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board of Directors
Tell us about yourself and your family.
The best part about me is my family! I adore my children, Brinlee (12), Asher (10), Ethan (8) and Aiden (8). I have an incredibly dynamic and supportive husband. I definitely could not make the juggling act of family, work and mayor without him. You will usually find us outdoors trying to expel my children's energy, typically in some body of water, and finding adventure and curiosity around every corner. We love board games, are incredibly competitive in all sports, and love the gospel of Jesus Christ. We love to travel and explore the world but are always so grateful that we get to come home to Queen Creek.
Describe a day in the life of Julia Wheatley.
My day involves the typical morning rush of getting a family ready and out the door on time, and all the struggles that come along with that! We try to start every morning with a spiritual thought or scripture. The remainder of my day is a mix of Town work, volunteering at my children's school, and advising on interest rates and helping clients qualify to purchase their dream home. The Town work includes attending regional meetings, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for new development, and responding to residents. My evening consists of carpool duty to and from football, baseball, volleyball, and basketball, and usually ends with the question, “Dine in or take out?” Wherever we go, my children are always prepared that I’ll most likely pause to talk to residents. I love to share updates on the latest transportation projects, newest business announcements, or any other Town-related questions. Every day is a different challenge, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I love this Town and all the great people who live here.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley @AzNewsmedia
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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