They’ve coached youth sports, started businesses, volunteered on boards, raised families and built careers in Maricopa and beyond. This year’s candidates come from very different backgrounds, but they all share a desire to serve their community.  

InMaricopa asked each of the 11 candidates a mix of serious and lighthearted questions to help voters get to know the people behind the campaign signs.  

 
Maricopa City Council

Tena Dugan, challenger 

Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz. 

Neighborhood: Glennwilde 

Years in Maricopa: 2013  

What brought you to Maricopa? My husband is a farmer, and we moved our farm to Stanfield in 1996. I started volunteering in Maricopa in 2000, before incorporation, and my husband and I were business owners here from 2002 to 2020. 

Occupation? I am a realtor serving Maricopa and Pinal counties and the surrounding areas. I sell dirt and houses, too. 

In which community organizations are you involved? Pinal County Transportation Advisory Committee, 347Facts Committee. Previously on the Glennwilde HOA Board, Maricopa Parks, Recreation and Libraries Committee, Maricopa Citizen Transportation Oversight Committee and the Boys & Girls Club Community Board.  

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? Maricopa is a city of about 80,000 people, but you still run into someone you know almost everywhere you go. That small-town connection is special, and I hope we never lose it. 

Cat or dog person? Dog person. Corgis, specifically, because tiny legs and big opinions feel right at home in my world. 

First job? My first job was at Berge Mazda in the special-order parts department. It is funny now because my husband and I later owned NAPA stores, so auto parts apparently were going to find me one way or another. 

Favorite hobby? I love traveling, quilting, spending time with my family, working out with my Peach Fitness crew and being involved in the community. Calling community advocacy a hobby may be a warning sign, but here we are.   

What would be your hidden superpower? My hidden superpower is reading the fine print and finding the needle in the haystack, especially in numbers. My HOA board members have seen it firsthand and are usually amazed at what I catch. 

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A roadrunner. It is fast, tough, built for the desert and somehow still surviving traffic, which feels very Maricopa. 

What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. It is confident, direct and a good reminder that I know who I am and why I show up.  

 

AnnaMarie Knorr, incumbent 

Hometown: Buckeye, Ariz.  

Neighborhood: Cobblestone Farms 

Years in Maricopa: 20 

What brought you to Maricopa? Maricopa’s deep agricultural roots and farming heritage reminded me of where I came from, and it was a great place to raise a family. 

Occupation? Maricopa city councilmember, director of marketing and public outreach for Exceptional Healthcare in Arizona and cross-country coach at Heritage Academy Maricopa. 

In which community organizations are you involved? Maricopa Water Safety Coalition, Maricopa Fire Foundation Board, Be Awesome Youth Coalition, Boys & Girls Club, the Greater Maricopa Business Alliance and Maricopa Lions Club.  

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? The people. When someone needs help, this community consistently shows up for one another. 

Cat or dog person? Dog person. I have two I rescued from a local shelter. 

First job? Chopping weeds in cotton fields. It taught me the value of hard work at a very young age. 

Favorite hobby? Cooking is one of my favorite ways to relax and bring people together. I also enjoy running so I can keep up with my cross-country team at Heritage Academy and spending time with my family and supporting my kids in their activities. 

What is your hidden superpower? Truth, transparency and trust — combined with my unusual love of reading contracts and fine print. If there’s a detail buried on page 47 that everyone else missed, I’ll probably find it. 

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A burrowing owl — resilient, community-minded, uniquely suited to the desert, and a reminder that growth and conservation can coexist. 

What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, because strong communities are built when neighbors support one another and work together. 

 

Adam Leach, challenger 

Hometown: Rehoboth, Mass. 

Neighborhood: Santa Rosa Springs 

Years in Maricopa: 20  

What brought you to Maricopa? A sense of community and affordable homes 

Current occupation? Real estate agent and investor 

In which community organizations are you involved? Boy Scouts, 347Facts committee, Rotary Club of Maricopa, Maricopa Rocketry Club 

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? A true sense of community and diversity 

Cat or dog person? I like all animals, but I love dogs.  

First job? I was working in a restaurant as a dishwasher. 

Favorite hobby? Anything outdoors or at the gym 

What would be your hidden superpower? My speech impediment; it gives me great understanding that no one is perfect and the courage to show that to others.  

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A ram. It represents the city’s oldest high school and the ram is a beloved fixture of Maricopa athletics and school spirit.  

What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? “Backup Plan” by Baily Zimmerman and Luke Combs. 

 

Vincent Manfredi, incumbent 

Hometown: West New York, N.J.  

Neighborhood: Maricopa Meadows 

Years in Maricopa:  16 

What brought you to Maricopa? We came here looking for a good place to live, raise kids and build a future. We chose correctly. 

Occupation? I own InMaricopa.com and InBuckeye.com. My work is focused on advertising and helping small businesses connect with their communities. 

In which community organizations are you involved? Open Arms Vocational Living Center board, Central Arizona Governments Governing Board, Arizona Rural Transportation Advocacy Council Board of Directors, Pinal Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors, Arizona League of Cities & Towns Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee, Central Arizona Governments Economic Development District Board, Maricopa Associations of Governments Transportation Policy Committee. Previously, I have been involved in youth sports and volunteered with Maricopa Unified School District.,  

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? The people. Maricopa is full of families, volunteers, business owners and neighbors who do a lot of good. 

Cat or dog person? Dog, my mixed-breed terrier, Oreo, is now 17 years old. 

First job? One of my first jobs was unloading trucks full of 50-pound bags of powdered soap by hand. It taught me quickly what hard work means.  

Favorite hobby? I enjoy playing video games, spending time with family, and watching sports. I am also a long-suffering Chicago Bears fan, which probably counts as a test of character. 

What would be your hidden superpower? Being able to add more SR 347 lanes, overpasses and alternate routes instantly. Maricopa drivers would probably vote for that superpower, too. But since this is clearly a serious question, I would love to have the gift of knowing when people are lying. 

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? Some days I think Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh because Maricopa can get a little gloomy about itself. But I would go with a hummingbird; they are high energy, constantly moving and always looking for the next opportunity. 

What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? Walking in, it would be Stone Cold Steve Austin’s entrance theme. Once the glass breaks, everyone knows something memorable is about to happen. Walking out, “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, because I have always tried to do the work, take the criticism and keep moving forward. 

 

Chrystal O’Jon, challenger 

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. 

Neighborhood: Senita 

Years in Maricopa: 16 

What brought you to Maricopa? Retirement 

Occupation? Owner of Maricopa Lifestyle Magazine 

In which community organizations are you involved? Maricopa Debutante Organization, First Friday Downtown Maricopa, Ten Toes Down Cancer Walk, Maricopa Fashion Week, Kids Day Maricopa, Black Maricopa Chamber of Commerce and Maricopa Desert Music & Arts Fest 

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? The beautiful sunsets. 

Cat or dog person? I love them both. 

What was your first job? L.A. Unified School District as an elementary playground supervisor 

What is your favorite hobby? Arts and crafts. I love design and storytelling — I’m always sketching or creating layouts for the magazine. 

What would be your hidden superpower? Patience. Being a caregiver for my husband and juggling everything else teaches you patience real quick. But I think it’s because listening matters more to me than rushing. I’d rather sit with someone and really understand what they need than just move on to the next thing. This requires patience that many people don’t see as an actual strength. 

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A singing cactus. 

What song would you play when you walk into or exit a room? ”Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead  

 

James Singleton, challenger 

Hometown: Los Alamitos, Calif.  

Neighborhood: Tortosa 

Years in Maricopa: 5  

What brought you to Maricopa? After moving from Florida in 2019 and a year-long stop in Mesa, my wife and I went hunting for a place to finally plant roots. Maricopa won us over and we haven’t looked back. 

Occupation? Senior software engineer, which is a fancy way of saying I get paid to make computers behave. 

In which community organizations are you involved? Assistant coach for Maricopa High School swim team, former vice chair and chair of Maricopa Planning & Zoning Commission and web developer for 347 Facts. 

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? Maricopa has a big yet small feel, big enough to keep gaining what a growing city needs, small enough that you still run into people you know at Bashas’. That mix is hard to find in a city this size. 

Cat or dog person? Both if I’m honest, but our three dogs would probably vote dog. 

First job? Selling CUTCO Cutlery door to door, which taught me how to handle rejection, followed by refereeing at a paintball park, which taught me how to dodge things flying at my head. 

Favorite hobby? Toss-up between photography and building websites, depending on whether I feel like capturing a moment in time or building something useful. 

What would be your hidden superpower? Being able to control electronics just by thinking about them; lights, laptops, the works. It would make my day job a lot more interesting and probably a little dangerous. 

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A burrowing owl dressed as a train conductor, equal parts wise and on schedule. Owls bring a sense of watching over the community, and the conductor nods to Maricopa’s railroad roots. 

What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? Probably Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” or “How Do You Like Me Now.” Either one means I’m ready to make an entrance. 

 

Henry Wade, incumbent 

Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.  

Neighborhood: Glennwilde 

Years in Maricopa: 18 

What brought you to Maricopa? We were looking to move from the Phoenix area and Maricopa won out because it felt comfortable. I liked that it was small, quiet and slow-moving, but also growing. 

Occupation? I’m retired, but I also serve as a city council member. 

In which community organizations are you involved? At the moment, just serving the community through city council. 

What is the most underrated thing about living in Maricopa? Community members because people like the city and the relationships and friendships they develop. The people here are really engaged and very committed to the growth and development of the community. 

Cat or dog person? I love dogs, but wife is allergic to cats and dogs so we have neither. 

First job? I was a shoeshine boy on corner of Florence and Normandie Avenues in South Central Los Angeles. I was an 8-year-old entrepreneur with my box and wax. 

Favorite hobby? Working with kids, I enjoy that more than anything. I was previously a Scout Master, so I enjoyed arranging camping trips and other events. 

What is your hidden superpower? I would probably like having super hearing so I can participate in every conversation around me. 

If you could elect a city mascot, what would it be? A tiger, they’re sleek, strong and you’re not going to mess with a tiger. 

What song would play when you walk into or exit a room? I’d say either “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye or “Shaft” by Isaac Hayes. 

 

Justice of the Peace

Tom Chapman, challenger 

Hometown? Gilbert, Ariz. 

Neighborhood? The Villages 

Years in Maricopa? 4  

What brought you to Maricopa? Quality of life, safety, affordability and friends brought us to Maricopa. 

Occupation? Retired police officer and currently an MRI technologist 

What was your first job? My first job was mowing lawns at 10 years old. My next was doing auto body work at 13 years old. 

In which community organizations are you involved? I have always been heavily involved in volunteering, charity and my church.  

What’s a misconception people have about judges from TV and movies?  That judges can do whatever they want. As judges, we are to follow court rules, state law and the Constitution.  

What is the most misunderstood part of the justice court? Times standards are misunderstood. They are actually very important to meet minimum standards established by the Arizona Supreme Court. If they’re failing, then more work must be done. It cannot be two days a week.  

What experience has best prepared you to serve as justice of the peace? My 25 years as a police officer and detective has prepared me to listen to every side and all information before making a determination.  

What would your high-school self think of you today? Never could’ve imagined life’s challenges met, failures I’ve overcome and success that I’ve been so blessed to enjoy. I never imagined the love I’d experience as a husband and father.  

What song would play when you walk into a room? “Proud to be an American.”  

 

Patricia Glover, incumbent 

Hometown? Detroit, Mich. 

Neighborhood? Villages at Rancho El Dorado 

Years in Maricopa? 16  

What brought you to Maricopa? My husband and I were looking for a diverse, community-based town to raise our children in. Maricopa checked all our boxes.  

Occupation? Justice of the Peace for the Western Pinal Justice Court 

What was your first job? Fast food 

In which community organizations are you involved? Maricopa Power of $100 Women’s group and president of the C.P. Glover Foundation 

What’s a misconception people have about judges from TV and movies? A misconception people have is that the judge holds all the power. Most cases that come before the justice court are resolved by either default or a settlement or plea. Very few cases in the justice court go to trial. Additionally, the judge has an obligation to be impartial, which means the judge is not privy to most details and evidence of the case until the case goes to trial.  

What is the most misunderstood part of the justice court? Many people think all the courts and judges are connected. The justice court is a lower-level court, so we do not handle cases involving complex litigation, felonies, divorce, termination of parental rights or bankruptcy. 

What experience has best prepared you to serve as justice of the peace? I have 20 years’ experience working in the legal field, and I founded Maricopa’s first legal document preparer company offering low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney. Since most litigants in the justice court are self-represented, this work experience has prepared me to help them navigate the court process. 

What would your high–school self think of you today? I think she would be inspired and proud. I did not have the greatest upbringing and fell into a rough crowd as a teenager and young adult. I was a teen mom, so failure was never an option. I was emancipated when I was 16 years old. I learned very early on to work hard or go hungry. I worked multiple jobs while finishing high school. I then put myself through college while working full time and raising my children. I imagine if my high school self could see me today, she would smile and say, “We made it.” 

What song would play when you walk into a room? “Rise Up” by Andra Day 

 

Western Pinal County Constable 

Bill Griffin, incumbent 

Hometown: Beaver, Pa. 

Neighborhood: Cobblestone Farms 

How many years have you lived in Maricopa? 19 

What brought you to Maricopa? I retired from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department my wife and I wanted to be close to our grandchildren. 

Current occupation? I am retired by I am the current Constable for the Western Pinal Justice Court, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 2024. 

What was your first job? I was a box boy at a local market after my family moved to California.  

In which community organizations are you involved? Boy Scouts of America, Maricopa Agricultural Center  Master Gardeners and Professional Career Pathway Project through Central Arizona College.  

In two sentences or less, what does a constable do? Serve the people in the Western Pinal Justice Court Precinct with compassion and professionalism.  We handle warrants, protection orders, property restitution, a variety of court actions handled in the Justice Court. 

What personal qualities are most important for a constable? A constable needs to understand people, circumstances and situations then know how to properly handle them.  The constable needs to know in a moment’s notice how to change to the situation and how to relate to the people you are dealing with.   De-escalating circumstances, communication, and compassion are vital to this work. 

What experience has best prepared you to serve as constable? The many different assignments in a county sheriff’s department have given me a wide range of experiences.  Vice, undercover, special assignments and narcotics have all given me different “faces” to wear in different situations.   

What would your high school self think of you today? No response 

What is the most Arizona thing you’ve ever done? I think eliminating a rattle snake, making it a meal and saving the skin.  Next, I’d like to make cactus jam. 

What song would play when you walk into a room? I prefer to enter quietly and surprise everyone. It’s worked best for me in law enforcementa and as a constable. 

 

Tim Nuanes, challenger 

Hometown: Denver, Colo. 

Neighborhood: Amarillo Creek  

How many years have you lived in Maricopa? 5  

What brought you to Maricopa? Family 

Occupation? I worked security at Western Pinal Justice Court. After throwing my hat in the ring to run for Constable, I was required to resign. It was a tough decision, but I am ready to serve my community in a different capacity. 

What was your first job? My first job was sweeping and mopping floors and light stocking of shelves at the community grocery store. I was 12 years old and worked 1 to 2 hours every other day.  

In which community organizations are you involved? I’m not involved in specific community organizations but am very active in the community. I have attended several fundraising and community events in Maricopa and the surrounding areas.  

In two sentences or less, what does a constable do? A constable is an elected peace officer who serves court documents, such as evictions, writs of restitution, protective orders, civil lawsuits and other orders issued by the justice of the peace. The constable may also provide courtroom security and serve failure–to–appear warrants if requested. 

What personal qualities are most important for a constable? The most important qualities are honesty, accountability, ability to remain calm, impartial and professional. Ability to de-escalate and be physically able to defend oneself and others if necessary. 

What experience has best prepared you to serve as constable? My experience serving and working in various law enforcement roles has prepared me to serve effectively as constable. Throughout my career, I have developed strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills while building relationships based on trust, respect and accountability. Extensive training in de-escalation, self-defense and use of force. 

What would your high school self think of you today? He would probably say, “Well done, great job. Now, keep moving forward.” 

What is the most Arizona thing you’ve ever done? Stargazing in the Arizona desert and arguing over whether or not 105°F actually feels hot if you’re in the shade. 

What song would play when you walk into a room? “Real American” by Rick Derringer. As a little kid, Hulk Hogan was my hero, but my dad is my main hero and I guess it just stuck with me.