CHANDLER — Angel Encinas made sure to remove all doubt who he represents on the Chandler City Council.
In his remarks just after being sworn in as one of two new at-large city councilmembers Jan. 12, Encinas not only acknowledged he represents the LGTB community, he also delivered his first line in both English and Spanish.
“First, to all the residents of Chandler, I am at your service .... primeramente, a todos de los residentes en Chandler, estoy a su servicio,” he said.
Encinas had hundreds of family, friends and other vocal supporters at the meeting where he and the other new councilmember, Jane Poston, were sworn in to their first terms on Council after being elected last August. Matt Orlando, who was sworn in for his sixth overall term on the council, and Mayor Kevin Hartke, were re-elected in August and were sworn in for new terms at the Jan. 12 meeting.
“I am a proud American, Latino LGTB Arizonan, raised right here in Downtown Chandler,” Encinas told the crowd. “My mission is to help create more Chandler stories .... like the leaders before me, the teachers who taught me and the neighbors who have helped me, it’s my turn to do my part.”
Encinas attended Chandler High and other Chandler schools growing up.
Poston thanked her husband, sons and several close friends for their support, pointing out the long weekend hours it takes to campaign for Council. The co-owner of a media video production and communications company, along with her husband, Poston also implored anyone who has the means to do so to volunteer to serve on a committee or to help with a city event.
“If you want to get something done, get smart, strong women behind you,” Poston said. “I look forward to living up to the trust that voters have given to me by electing me. I’m excited to get started.”
Hartke, sworn in for a second term as mayor, thanked the former mayors and other elected officials from various municipalities — many of whom were in the audience — for their advice on a variety of subjects through the years. He said he takes the trust and responsibility of being mayor seriously and welcomes all the planers and dreamers to jump in, as there is much for the city to accomplish in the months and years ahead.
Orlando, who was sworn in for his sixth and likely last term on the council, was tearful as he thanked his wife of 44 years, Pat, and their family and friends for their support of the combined 21-plus years he’s been on the council.
Later in the meeting, Orlando was chosen unanimously by Council to serve as vice mayor for 2023.
The two termed-out council members, both of whom mounted unsuccessful runs for higher offices in 2022, also spoke. Rene Lopez’s voice sounded choked-up as he praised the efforts of many people in helping him and in moving the city forward, becoming patriotic at times, while Roe offered more reserved sentimental words of gratitude.
Lopez said Chandler, with its diversity of age, race, ethic and region-of-origin demographics, epitomizes what the American melting pot is meant to become.
“This is Ellis Island,” Lopez said. “This city here is the land of opportunity. Chandler is America. Stay engaged to get what you want because you deserve it .... with your help and continued dedication of staff, with Mayor Hartke and councilmembers Encinas and Poston, this place will be better than ever.”
Roe, a former police officer, thanked all the city employees and pointed out that there are Chandler staff, of one type or another, on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year. He thanked his wife, Cheryl, for her support through the years and joked about all the home improvement projects he has planned.
Roe also spoke in a short video, aired on screens in the council chamber and on the live online meeting broadcast, about his tenure, getting in a last-minute pitch for some general policy directions.
Roe and Lopez also were complimented by, and received gifts from, the mayor and all members of the council. Roe was praised for keeping the council focused and asking, in a variety of ways, “Why are we talking about this?,” while Lopez was praised for his knowledge of water operations and his analytical thought process.
Jason W. Brooks is a News editor for the Daily Independent and the Chandler Independent.
He covers the Chandler area for both yourvalley.net and the monthly print edition while writing for and assisting in the production of the Daily Independent.
Brooks is a well-traveled journalist who has documented life in small American communities in nearly all U.S. time zones.
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised there and in suburban Los Angeles, he has covered community news in California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska and northern Arizona.
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