By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

​Here are responses from the Chandler City Council candidates who replied to the Chandler Independent’s questionnaire.

The five challengers and two incumbents are vying for two seats in the July 30 election.
Chandler City Council members serve four-year terms. Council member Mark Stewart is finishing his second and final term and cannot run again, so there will be at least one new council member sworn in next January.

Incumbent O.D. Harris and challenger Ajlan “AJ” Kurdoglu haven't responded to questionnaires as of this writing.

The responses below are listed alphabetically by the last name of each candidate. 

Christine Ellis (incumbent)

Most relevant professional experience: Headmaster, LLP / D&S Diversified Technologies; Testing proctor, Chandler-Gilbert Community College adjunct instructor; Cedar Sanctuary Assisted Living executive director / owner from 1998 to 2015.

Elected / appointed experience on governing boards or commissions: Co-founded Oppression Healing Ministry Advisory Board Member of HASCED (Haitian American Center for Social Economic Development), Chandler SDA building Committee Board, Committee member – For Our City; Vice-Chair of the Maricopa Association of Government Domestic Violence Council.

A brief overview of your household family and which municipality you reside in: Born and raised in Haiti and moved to the U.S, in 1982, Resided in Chandler since 1987. Married to Benjamin Ellis for over three decades with son Sean Ellis — who forever lives in their hearts — and daughter Taliah.

Why are you running for Chandler City Council in 2024?

My inspiration came from my desire to serve others and to see them thrive, growing up as a little girl I had many strong women around me who had left behind so much to forge unknown territories including culture, languages and family to come to a place that will give them a better opportunity for the future they aspired.

Through it all, they remained kind, sensitive to others needs and are amazing givers. With such examples before me, when I felt the call to serve, after a 21-day fast, I did say yes to serve the people of Chandler with the best I have to offer.

What skills have you demonstrated that are most useful in being an effective council member?

I am an influential, visionary leader in business, academia, and the community, employing a lead-by-example philosophy focused on the needs of others and reflected in the proven ability to maximize strengths / talents of volunteers and employees and my constituents, keeping them engaged and appreciated.

Coalesce with other community leaders to articulate vision / execute the mission. Enhance and manage financial assets, initiating efficiencies / expense controls. Combine the strategic with the tactical to strengthen value and generate positive outcomes.

I am able to communicate effectively with people on all ethnicities, race, and cultures within the community and I take ownership in times of crisis, bringing viable solutions and decisive action.

What is the most pressing problem facing Chandler today?

One major issue for Chandler is the buildout phase that we are experiencing. Infilling projects are needed to keep generating revenue and also providing workforce housing and more workers for those jobs. As inflation is rising, it is becoming very difficult for the middle class to make ends meet.

As Chandler starts to slow down in new land development and possibly in population growth, what can the city do to grow responsibly? Engage the residents in communication of what their needs are, as aging infrastructures are requiring maintenance it would be the perfect time to increase their capacity for the future.

The quality of life of residents should be a priority, we should continue to keep costs down and pass on any increase in ongoing revenue to our community in providing needed programs.

What can a Council member do to help reduce or mitigate the cost of living in Chandler, especially housing?

LISTEN. Communication is very important locally and globally.

Cost of living is a national issue at this time.

Council members should advocate at the state and federal levels to help elected officials know what the constituents are saying and help them find solutions to mitigate some of these issues.
In Chandler many factors are affecting housing cost in my opinion, although mayor and council are licensing many new construction projects, some are still not been able to get off the ground due to a lack of funding.

As for workforce and affordable housing, council members should leverage their influence and partnership to think outside the box and create some unique project that can benefit both the city and the private sector even the school district.

O.D. Harris

Elected/appointed experience on governing boards or commissions: Vice Mayor Harris is on the Board of Directors for both the Institute for Building Technology and Safety and Valley Metro Rail, where he holds influential positions.

He also serves as the Board Vice Chair for the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority.

He participates in community initiatives such as La Frontera Arizona, EMPACT-SPC, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

Harris served or is serving on several City Council subcommittees. He also co-chairs the Black Philanthropy Initiative through the Arizona Community Foundation.

He was as an ex-officio member of the City of Chandler Airport Commission.

A brief overview of your household family: Harris is married and has a combined four children.

Why are you running for Chandler City Council in 2024? My decision stems from a deep-seated commitment to service, shaped by my core values of faith, family, and community.

My journey began in 2020 when I was first elected, driven by a belief that serving on the City Council was my higher calling.

I bring a unique perspective to the council with a background spanning 25 years as a small multi-business owner in accounting, my military service, educational achievements, and extensive experience on local and national boards.

My disciplined approach to fiscal management ensures that our city’s budgeting processes support sustainable growth and meaningful change.

As I campaign for a second term, I remain dedicated to leading with humility and integrity, striving to make a lasting impact on our community.

What skills have you demonstrated most useful in being an effective council member? As a council member with a 25-year accounting and business development background, I apply a strategic and fiscally responsible approach to managing our city’s finances.

My experience in expanding an accounting firm to 35 locations across seven states has equipped me with the skills necessary for rigorous financial planning and economic forecasting.

This expertise is crucial for implementing sustainable city growth and stability policies. I have consistently advocated for and successfully implemented tax cuts, demonstrating my commitment to reducing the financial burden on our residents while maintaining essential services.

My extensive experience on various boards enhances my ability to foster collaborative governance, which is crucial for unified economic strategies. Transparency with the community is also a priority, ensuring residents are engaged and informed about fiscal decisions.

These combined efforts are designed to secure a prosperous economic future for our city, encouraging business growth and community development. Furthermore, I am dedicated to addressing the issue of high living costs, especially housing, to ensure the financial well-being of our residents.

What is the most pressing problem facing Chandler today? Rapid urban and industrial growth has led to significant challenges, particularly in housing affordability, water management and land use.

The city’s transformation into a manufacturing hub has driven up housing demand and prices, making affordability a critical concern.

To ensure that living in Chandler remains within reach for all, it is imperative to implement innovative solutions such as mixed-income housing projects and affordable housing incentives, especially for our Seniors, Veterans, and all other vulnerable populations.

Moreover, the city’s water plan is significant and must constantly be reviewed and updated as the council votes for new infrastructure projects and developments.

Given the limited available land for expansion, Chandler must embrace a new direction upward.
This shift, while requiring changes in zoning laws and significant investment in high-density developments, will ensure the city’s sustainable growth without compromising its quality of life.

Tackling these issues comprehensively necessitates proactive leadership and community engagement.

As Chandler starts to slow down in new land development and possibly in population growth, what can the city do to grow responsibly?

It’s essential to adopt responsible growth strategies. The city should focus on thoughtful urban planning, revitalizing, and repurposing existing infrastructures and neighborhoods to enhance urban density and livability.

Economic diversification is crucial, encouraging sectors beyond manufacturing, such as technology and healthcare, to foster job creation and financial resilience.

Enhancing public transportation will reduce car dependency, decrease emissions, and improve connectivity.

Chandler must also ensure inclusive community engagement, allowing residents to actively participate in shaping the city’s future.
Lastly, housing strategies should provide affordable options for all demographics, potentially requiring zoning adjustments. These comprehensive measures will ensure Chandler grows sustainably and remains vibrant and livable.

What can a Council member do to help reduce or mitigate the cost of living in Chandler, especially housing?

A Council member can actively work to mitigate the cost of living by implementing several strategic actions focused on housing affordability.
Key initiatives include advocating for zoning changes to support higher-density and mixed-use developments, thereby increasing the housing supply and reducing prices.

Specifically, a Council member can advocate for developers to set aside 10 to 20 percent of their development for affordable housing, ensuring a sustainable supply of lower-cost units.

Securing state and federal grants for affordable housing projects further strengthens the city’s capacity to support vulnerable populations.

Streamlining the permitting process can decrease construction costs, making housing more affordable.

Moreover, enhancing public transportation systems reduces overall living expenses by improving accessibility and reducing the need for personal vehicles.

Another crucial step is collaborating with community organizations to support residents struggling with housing costs directly. These combined efforts by a council member can significantly reduce the cost of living in Chandler.

Jennifer Hawkins

Most relevant professional experience: As a business owner, I often fulfill diverse roles as per the demands of each moment, encompassing budgeting, operations management, customer satisfaction, employee retention, and business development.

Previously, I worked in construction material management which included cost and data analysis, price negotiation, distribution, and contract review.

Elected / appointed experience on governing boards or commissions: I am a former board member for Legislative District 13, and am currently Teen Director for Miss Rodeo Arizona, Inc. (nonprofit).

A brief overview of your household family and which municipality you reside in:

I live in the City of Chandler with my husband Wes, our two daughters and two dogs.
Why are you running for Chandler City Council in 2024? As a longtime resident and local business owner, with family roots here, I am fully invested in the continued success of Chandler, and the manner it is run and how it affects our day-to-day life.

I’m excited to serve our local families and businesses, and be their voice on the Council.

What skills have you demonstrated that are most useful in being an effective council member?

In addition to extensive planning and budgeting for our small businesses, much of my core responsibilities are built around creating meaningful relationships. My most valuable attribute is my ability to listen, learn, and then implement new processes to enhance our businesses as we adjust to innovative ways of doing business.

I will apply my adaptability so that I can be an effective council member.

What is the most pressing problem facing Chandler today?

My biggest concern for Chandler will be our continued adherence to our successful fiscal policies. With the threat to our financial future, due to high inflation, aging infrastructure, the forthcoming tax revenue fluctuations and the tapering off of impact fees from new developments, the city will need to be hyperfocused on core services expenses.

In addition to practicing priority-based budgeting, we need to continue our diverse revenue streams and investments of one-time revenue to lower ongoing costs to sustain the city for generations to come.

As Chandler starts to slow down in new land development and possibly in population growth, what can the city do to grow responsibly?

Chandler has long been active in taking steps to revitalize aging neighborhoods and corridors.
We need to continue to review those regions, listen to the needs of those residents, and optimize the appeal specific to those areas for continued economic growth.

As we continue to look to the downtown area and high-traffic corridors for development of high-density housing, they need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, these developments can diversify Chandler’s housing portfolio allowing choices for our residents who desire urban living while retaining large single-family housing options.

What can a Council member do to help reduce or mitigate the cost of living in Chandler, especially housing?

When in office, I will continue to fight for and dedicate focus on fiscal responsibility for our residents. I will work hard to keep City taxes low and costs of services down.

Regarding housing affordability, the main mechanisms we have at the city is increased diversity of housing options, utilization of more infill projects, and housing density in designated areas per the city’s adopted general plan approved overwhelmingly by the citizens for Chandler in 2016, along with streamlining the permitting, zoning and development processes within the city.

Reducing “red tape” helps everyone.

Cicely Rocha-Miller

Most relevant professional experience:

My experience spans 18 years of small business ownership, providing consultancy services to corporate and nonprofit clients.

As a mother, I’ve cultivated strong multitasking abilities and resilience, complementing my professional capabilities. Balancing household responsibilities and nurturing my children demand organizational prowess akin to professional expertise. #ParentsRock.

Elected/appointed experience on governing boards or commissions:

My neighborhood HOA board, spanning two terms. I’ve made significant contributions to our communities through partnerships with organizations such as Oakwood Creative Care, YMCA, Save the Family Foundation, ICAN, and numerous others.

A brief overview of your household family and which municipality you reside in: I’ve been a resident of Chandler for 18 years, currently living in San Marcos within the historic downtown area.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve shared my life with Joe, my best friend and partner, and together, we are blessed with two wonderful children.

Why are you running for Chandler City Council in 2024?

As a mom, wife, and concerned resident, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of community engagement and inclusive dialogue in shaping our city’s future.

My journey began in historic Downtown Chandler, where I joined neighbors advocating against a proposed development that threatened our quality of life. This experience ignited my passion for amplifying community voices and ensuring they’re heard by city leaders.

Through fostering connections within our neighborhood, I’ve seen how open communication strengthens our community. I couldn’t help but think we weren’t the only neighborhood with challenges so as a council member, I’ll champion these values, ensuring that our collective voices are represented in decision-making processes.

Chandler sets a national example, and I’m committed to contributing by fostering an inclusive, resilient community where every neighborhood voice matters. Together, let’s shape our shared future through empowerment and collaboration, making decisions that reflect our community’s needs and aspirations.

What skills have you demonstrated that are most useful in being an effective council member?

Labeled a solution architect, I leverage my problem-solving skills to address complex issues facing our community.

I firmly believe in collaboration, recognizing that the best solutions emerge from diverse perspectives working together. A dedicated listener, I prioritize understanding the needs and concerns of our residents.

Believing in unity, I strive to foster consensus and cooperation among stakeholders. As a natural optimist, I approach challenges with a positive mindset, inspiring others to embrace possibility and change.

Diligent about timelines and deliverables, I ensure that commitments are met efficiently and effectively.

Moreover, as a mother, I hold a strong belief in goodwill and prioritize making decisions that benefit the community over personal interests.

Lastly, I excel in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and focus to achieve positive outcomes for Chandler.

What is the most pressing problem facing Chandler today?

Maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for its residents is paramount. While not prioritizing one issue over another, several significant challenges require attention to achieve this goal.

Among these challenges are the underfunding of public safety, the urgent need for affordable housing, the escalating homelessness crisis, and the disruptions caused by ongoing road construction, particularly affecting small businesses and residents.

These issues will only become more critical as our city continues to grow.

As a council member, I’ll prioritize community involvement in decision-making processes.

Extensively engaging the public can build trust in our government, foster consensus, and strengthen our community.

Collaborative decision-making ensures that residents’ voices shape outcomes. By enhancing community input, I aim to bridge the gap between residents and decision-makers, ultimately working toward maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all Chandler residents.

As Chandler starts to slow down in new land development and possibly in population growth, what can the city do to grow responsibly?

As Chandler’s pace of new land development and population growth begins to ease, responsible growth becomes imperative. With approximately 7% of land still undeveloped, including and estimated 3% for housing and 4% for employment, the city has opportunities for strategic growth.

Addressing vacant stores, such as those at the four corners, presents opportunities for redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization, promoting smart growth.

Enhancing our streets is crucial to minimize disruptions for residents and businesses. By prioritizing infrastructure improvements, we can ensure smooth traffic flow and alleviate delays.
Fostering mixed-use developments and incentivizing infill projects can maximize land utilization while preserving the city’s character.

Collaborating with stakeholders and engaging in comprehensive planning processes will be essential to guide responsible growth initiatives and maintain Chandler’s livability and vibrancy.

What can a Council member do to help reduce or mitigate the cost of living in Chandler, especially housing?

Affordable housing weighs heavily on the minds of families, both those currently residing here and those considering relocation. This national challenge became evident while I was collecting signatures to get on the ballot, where I encountered numerous families first hand struggling with this issue.

For example, my sister, residing in Maricopa with her growing family, wishes to move closer to us in Chandler, yet even with two incomes, affordability remains out of reach.

Similarly, I have an aging family member who requires care but cannot afford to live closer.
I am dedicated to tackling these pressing concerns head-on. We can make tangible progress toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable community through initiatives such as promoting the development of accessory dwelling units, recently approved by the council, and streamlining regulatory processes.

I will advocate for policies supporting first-time homebuyers and explore innovative solutions to expanding homeownership opportunities for young adults and families.

Michael Simon

Why are you running for Chandler City Council in 2024?

My inspiration started with my vision to assist fellow Veterans in our community and to be a part of something bigger than myself.

When I departed the military, I wanted to continue serving in a new role. I was introduced to the American Legion-Post 91 where I was welcomed and accepted into the largest Veteran service organization in the world. Early in my membership,

I rose to leadership and found a renewed purpose to grow outside of the military groups. In this new role, my passion and enthusiasm for our community grew and I discovered how important it was to be a part of our neighborhood.

These leadership roles helped me build more relationships that thrive and led me to become a founding member of the Military and Veterans Affairs Commission for the City of Chandler and part of the Chandler Business Alliance.

As I learned about our missions, and what the City residents do, I wanted to continue to explore more opportunities to serve even more. By fate, this led me to the opportunity to run for City Council. I am excited about what lies ahead in my life and what is in store for the City, the residents, and me.

What skills have you demonstrated that are most useful in being an effective council member?

By listening, being transparent, open-minded, and engaged with what our citizens need, I became a proven leader during my time in the Marine Corps, along with being a business owner and a volunteer and Officer within the American Legion.

I always strive to seek to understand any issues at hand by having an open and frank discussion to obtain clarity to work towards a solution that addresses the root cause. Having strong, collaborative skills, an ability to listen to others, and maintaining a focus on problem-solving, I have been very successful in bringing people together to ensure overall objections and goals.

What is the most pressing problem facing Chandler today?

My biggest concern that I believe Chandler is facing today is we have transitioned from buildout to buildup.

With a seat on the Chandler City Council, I would be able to advocate for the residents and the City’s priorities with a balanced approach to ensure we can grow our housing responsibly, enhance business and expansion, and have reliable infrastructure for the foreseeable future.

As Chandler starts to slow down in new land development and possibly in population growth, what can the city do to grow responsibly?
Chandler is an extremely desirable city that people want to work, play, and live in. However, we know that it has limits on future growth.

As a Council member, using the general plan as the starting point, along with community voices, I will focus on in-fill and responsible changes to zoning to enhance business and housing options−specifically in west and north Chandler so that the city grows efficiently.

What can a Council member do to help reduce or mitigate the cost of living in Chandler, especially housing?

By having an efficient and effective process for developers to build diverse building options in Chandler, this can provide more housing options and build the supply to meet the demand.

As a Council member, I will continue to fight for the residents to maintain Chandler as having the lowest cost of service of any municipality in Maricopa County.

By following through on these two priorities, we have a chance to maintain Chandler as a desirable place for residents and businesses to continue to grow responsibly.

Joseph Yang

Most relevant professional experience:

First, I want to make sure that readers truly understand the role of local government and the role of a council member: The council is basically the board of directors of the city. We allocate funding and make decisions on city programs.

My most relevant professional experience would be my positions within the city from being the president of an advisory council for the library system, serving the residents of Chandler currently on the police commission, my previous employment with the city’s parks-and-rec division and lastly my current employment by a local police department.

All these positions and experiences equip me to be a great council member because I know what questions to ask and where to look when we are discussing or reviewing city programs and allocating funding for the future prosperity of Chandler.

Elected / appointed experience on governing boards or commissions:

Elected to the Board of Directors for CPAAC (Citizens’ Police Academy Association of Chandler); appointed member of the “Police Commission” (Citizens’ Panel of Review for Police Complaints and Use of Force); member, Business and Education Committee for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

A brief overview of your household family and which municipality you reside in:

I live in Chandler. My parents live in Gilbert and I have one sister who is married and lives in another state along with my adorable baby niece.

Why are you running for Chandler City Council in 2024?

I am running for Chandler city council to continue serving the community I have grown up serving and to build a bridge with the next generation and the youth of our community to invest in Chandler’s future.

What skills have you demonstrated that are most useful in being an effective council member?

Bold: I have never backed down from a fight I believe in for any reason. There have been many times where I have been the youngest in the room but that has never stopped me from bringing my opinions and ensuring the right thing is always done.

Collaborative: I am proud to be endorsed and supported by several elected officials in multiple municipalities. I say that not to toot my own horn but to show that I am a collaborative leader. I want to make sure everyone has a seat the table regardless of background or age.

Resourceful: I like to consider myself someone who is resourceful in the sense where if I have a good idea that does not work, I will find “outside the box” solutions to find a solution.

Persistent: I am persistent. If I see a need for the residents of Chandler or something that will benefit the residents of Chandler I will not stop until I see it done. I want to continue Chandler’s reputation of being a premier city to work, live and play. That means being persistent and working tirelessly and relentlessly to continue investing in Chandler’s future.

What is the most pressing problem facing Chandler today?

The gap between our next generation and youth. I want to take a look at our (career technical ed) programs the city has like the Leaders In Training, Mayors Youth Commission and Police and Fire Cadet programs and make them more robust and innovative to better connect with the youth of our city.

That, in turn, also helps develop and prepare our workforce for the city which will also help with better economic development.

That is also the trend we are seeing with teen violence, which is plaguing our East Valley community. I want to help build those bridges and bring those resources to the next generation.

As Chandler starts to slow down in new land development and possibly in population growth, what can the city do to grow responsibly?

One of my priorities for the campaign is workforce development. I think that many of my ideas for workforce development will help with population growth.

I want to make robust programs for our city to meet the demands of the youth and next generation of our community.

I am also in favor of looking for innovative solutions to advancing parks and fields to continue to meet the demand of our increasing population to promote healthy families and kids.

What can a Council member do to help reduce or mitigate the cost of living in Chandler, especially housing?

As a council member, I can help continue the city’s reputation of being fiscally responsible. We have been a city that has been successful because we’ve spent very responsibly and that is a trend I will continue to set.

I will always work for our residents and make sure that we grow economically smart.

During the COVID pandemic, I worked for the city as a city employee in the parks and rec division.

Chandler did not lay off any staff and I attribute that to the fact that our previous councils have been fiscally responsible. That’s a trend I intend to keep.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org

Jason W. Brooks
Associate Editor

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.