City Council names Knorr new member

AnnaMarie Knorr was appointed as Maricopa City Council’s newest member tonight. 

The council unanimously gave her the nod over a dozen other applicants for the position vacated by Rich Vitiello, who is running for Pinal County supervisor. 

She was one of three finalists, including James Singleton and Adam Leach.

Knorr sees transportation infrastructure, additional services and opportunities for residents, jobs and economic development as the most important issues facing the city. 

She said she was honored the council would tap her. 

“My goal is to make sure Maricopa is a great place to work and play and do what I can with the state and local authorities to make sure that we have the resources that we need for our growing community,” Knorr said after she was appointed.

She said she would finish her term on the school board, unless the school board decides otherwise.

Knorr is a well-known face around Maricopa. 

She’s a Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board member and the community outreach coordinator for Exceptional Healthcare in Maricopa.  

There, she said she has undertaken community outreach, promoted public policy to improve healthcare operations, and collaborated with state, city and community representatives aimed at improving Maricopa’s quality of life. 

She has also served as Arizona government affairs manager for the Western Growers Association and was director of public relations for the Arizona National Livestock Show in Phoenix. 

Knorr has served as president, vice president and a member on the MUSD school board for the past decade. Board president Robert Downey wrote a reference letter to the council, recommending Knorr for the council post.

“Through this service I have demonstrated the ability to make sound decisions and act in the best interest of the community,” Knorr said in her application to the city council. “My experience on the school board has allowed me to navigate the process of hiring a new superintendent and building a new high school for the students and families of Maricopa.” 

She calls herself “an advocate” for the community’s needs. 

She said she gained much knowledge from serving the community, including public policy and local government needs and issues. 

She said she believes local economic health shapes the city’s vitality. 

“A robust economy creates a ripple effect, stimulating consumer spending, increasing tax revenues, and funding essential services like public safety and education and healthcare,” she said in her application.