Former Maricopa Police chief Patrick Melvin is one of 10 candidates in a crowded competition to represent Maricopa as an elected member of its city council. He is running against six citizens for three available four-year terms. Three Maricopans are vying for one two-year seat.

This is the first in a series of profiles of all local candidates – in their own words:

Patrick R. Melvin
[email protected]
 
Age: 49

Family: Wife Rhonda, Daughter Jasmine, son Patrick II, Son Lorenzo… (Kids grown and gone! for now)

Education: AA criminal Justice-military science, Wentworth Military Academy, BS criminal justice, ASU, Masters education, Northern Arizona University

Maricopa resident since: 2006

Arizona residence since:1973

Hometown: Arizona now; (military brat) born in Houston.

Profession: Professional law enforcement executive

Prior elected office held: Board member Arizona Chiefs of Police Association, national president National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

Community involvement: Chairman- Pinal County Law Enforcement Merit Council, precinct committeeman; advisor to the IACP’s Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Children Exposed to Violence Initiative, 2013 to present, NAACP official, scholarship chair

Hobbies: Auto Auctions, traveling to visit children, honey-do lists

Why are you running? To give back to the community that gave so much to me and my family.  I have global experience with local emphasis and national network base with a local focus.

What differentiates you from your opponents? Massive experience level, former city employee with executive city experience.  Local tribal employee with tribal network and experience, big city and small town experience, accessible national, state, and local Network base, Global perspective that can assist local, multi-million dollar budget experience, union and collective bargaining experience, current national, and local community board experience.

What qualifies you to serve in this capacity? My experience, capacity to learn, Fairness, Accountability, Competency, Trustworthiness and Servant philosophy (F.A.C.T.S)

What will you do for Maricopa if elected? Push of bike lanes in the city, push for council districts so that council members are accountable to the citizens and residents of Maricopa, and work with public safety so that they can have the resources to keep us safe in our neighborhoods and homes.

What do you like most about campaigning? The involvement of more residents in the democratic process.  Opportunity to meet, interact and talk to new people here in our great city.

What do you like least about campaigning? Can be costly!

What politician do you admire most, and why? Right now, Mayor Christian Price… Energy Level and love for the city is monumental.

What is your favorite sports team? NAU Lumberjack football team because my son Lorenzo is a member (No. 94)