Hastings: Lifelong resident wants to serve Surprise

My name is Jack Hastings and I am running for Surprise City Council District 5. I am a third-generation resident of Surprise and have lived here 16 years.

I teach U.S Civics/Government here in Surprise at Valley Vista High School, my alma mater. I have a bachelor’s degree from ASU and am finishing my master’s degree. I am engaged to my best friend, and we are starting our family in Surprise. I am a born-again Christian and am blessed to be here today.

I have worked to pass balanced budgets on a city commission but was removed for political reasons by our current city council that I am running for. Over half of the members of our City Council were originally appointed to their position, not elected. We have a system that favors the ‘good ol’ boys’ and not the residents. Elected officials should work for us, not the other way around.

I have personally knocked on thousands of your doors and have spoken to many who have lived here decades and have never had a candidate come by. We have to do better. As I have made my way around Surprise, your issues have become mine:

• Public Safety
• Jobs
• Education

I am honored to be endorsed by police. I am also grateful to be endorsed by over 20 veterans here in Surprise District 5. Public safety and the safety of our residents needs to be our top priority in our city.

Last year, our City Council allowed a fire engine (and recycling) to be removed from Surprise District 5 without any public notice or debate. In addition, we need to defend our police, not defund them. Our police officers and firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and we need to provide them with the proper resources they need to stay safe and keep us safe.

Our families and residents want local places for work and entertainment. We shouldn’t be forced to go to Arrowhead or Westgate for entertainment or downtown Phoenix for work. Surprise has enough fast food and storage facilities.

We need to bring nicer restaurants, shopping, and high-paying careers to our city. In addition, we need to stop talking and start building out our downtown. We want Surprise to be a destination for seniors, teens and everybody in between.

As a civics teacher, I know firsthand that education is our foundation and the future of Surprise. I became a teacher because I have a passion for our youth and want to give back to the community that made me who I am. I am committed to fostering public-private partnerships between schools and nonprofits/local businesses that benefit our community and students. I worked with Mayor Skip Hall to put together an event at Uptown Alley for hundreds of students to be a part of. 

I am running to be your city councilman to fight for you and to be your voice as our city grows. We deserve someone who lives here and works here, someone who meets with us all of the time, and someone who runs on their own values.

I promise you this: I will work harder than you have ever seen before. I will not take your support or vote for granted. I will fight for you, listen to you, and give you the voice that you deserve in our growing city. This isn’t just about me, it’s about all of us. 

Remember to Vote Jack Hastings for Surprise City Council District 5 when ballots go out this week. 

God bless.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Hastings is running for Surprise City Council in District 5 against incumbent David Sanders. Kawika Henderson has also qualified as a write-in candidate in the race.