For Phoenix to remain the vibrant and strong city we want, we must have strong neighborhoods. We can have all the sports arenas we want, all the parks that we want. But they won’t make for strong neighborhoods. the biosciences and other high-wage sectors. But our commitment to economic development must also include aiding our existing small businesses. As our city councilman, I will focus my efforts on advocating for policies and programs that will preserve existing jobs and encourage new ones in our small business sector, where most new jobs are created and what makes for stronger neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods also depend on good, safe schools. I reject those who say schools aren’t a city responsibility. Our schools shouldn’t be viewed as someone else’s responsibility – teachers, parents, the school board. Because whether we have children in our schools or not – Sonya and I happen to have two children in school – we all have a stake in strong schools. Strong schools provide the trained workforce we need to attract companies with good-paying jobs. That makes for strong neighborhoods. City government needs to be as forceful in advocating for strong schools down at the Capitol. When I say our neighborhoods, I mean safe neighborhoods. I’m a career firefighter, but I’m not talking just about fire and police protection. I’ll use my public safety experience to keep our first-response resources at the level of staffing and training we, the community, deserve. But other factors make for safe neighborhoods, factors that are sure signs that a neighborhood is up for grabs if we fail to perform in these areas. I’m talking about an aggressive crackdown on graffiti and enforcement of building codes, before one home or building becomes a
foothold for the spread of blight and crime. I mean our neighborhoods with a high quality of life. The quality of life we all enjoy should not be taken for granted. With our decreased city resources, we must prioritize maintenance of existing infrastructure, parks and libraries instead of building new ones. Future development must pay for itself instead of burdening taxpayers. This is the philosophy I have taken in my service as a member of the Maryvale Village Planning Committee, and one that I will continue to adhere to as our city councilmember. I’m not a career politician. I’m not seeking to go to City Hall because I think I have all the answers. Rather, it’s because I am prepared to ask the right questions. Is it good for people and families? Is it good for neighborhoods? Will it make them stronger? I believe strong neighborhoods will strengthen our city. I respectfully ask for your support. Thanks and God bless. Daniel Valenzuela is a Special Operations firefighter, community relations division manager and public information officer for the Glendale Fire Department. He is a member of the 9/11 Memorial Commission, a founding member of Glendale’s Hope (Glendale Firefighter Charities), and president of the National Association of Hispanic Firefighters (NAHF). Valenzuela is also a board member of the Labor’s Community Service Agency, a Phoenix social service organization.
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¡ October 2011!
Latino Perspectives Magazine
69