To the editor,

There is a balancing act between protecting the reasonable expectation of rural property owners as to their community’s character and lifestyle, and that of property owners who seek to change zoning and develop their plots of land. There is no easy answer, and it is often situation of being damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If elected, I’ll be there to advocate for residents as well as property owners, but I’m not going to make promises I can’t keep.

Recently, my opponent was asked to appear and answer questions at a town hall meeting in the Hidden Valley-Thunderbird Farms community. Over the last year, I had many similar opportunities and spoke to residents on each occasion. One of the community leaders asked me some follow up questions that I would like to address here.

At the beginning of my campaign, I set some rules for myself. One of them was not to pander and be someone’s “yes” man. I’ll give honest answers, not necessarily things people want to hear. Honesty and integrity are what people want in their elected officials, especially in this underrepresented district. Another rule is not to place a campaign donor at the beginning of the line to the expense of all others. I vowed I would represent everyone in this district equally, honestly and to the best of my abilities as I have done while on the Maricopa City Council. I will keep that promise.

To me, “uncontrolled” means unrestrained by law or common decency. Many residents in the area are concerned about “uncontrolled” development. But is that definition of “uncontrolled” growth the adjacent private landowner selling his family farm to a housing developer, or is it the mere fact that over time an area is changing? If the resident is concerned about changing density and land use, the resident needs to be involved, speak up and suggest a solution. Complaining without suggesting a solution is nothing more than dumping a problem into somebody else’s lap. Zoning laws can be changed.

A person’s point of view is based upon their experience, wants and desires, and it impacts their understanding of a situation. There are some conflicts between homeowners and developers in the district. Not everyone sees things the same.

Some folks have tunnel vision, while others are open to options. Until there is common ground in understanding, a situation may be perceived by one person in one way, but not necessarily in the same manner as another. I’ll do my best to bring all sides to the table to bring about common ground. That doesn’t necessarily mean that people will always agree, but they may at least come away understanding the other person’s point of view.

I was asked if I believe the county ordinances need changing. Some of the things needing change are the county ordinances to expand notice to other property owners, as well as time for notice. I believe developers should send notices to a larger number of property owners in an impacted area. I would advocate for 30 days’ notice to other property owners of any hearing for zoning change. After all, the courts give at least 20 days to file an answer, so why should property owners face any less?

While Hidden Valley is well known for its farmland, horse acreage and attracting winter visitors, development is driven by the property owner. Private property rights in Arizona are well known and respected. Those who advocate for sustainable growth may consider the impact of economic, environmental and social issues on an area. Those who advocate for no growth want to keep the status quo.

A property owner has the right to utilize their property to their highest and best use, so long as that property owner is complying with the law. That owner has the right to use, develop, or let the land sit. That property owner can also choose to sell his property to another party, including his neighbors.

To be an effective advocate for residents requires understanding the facts, not being influenced by emotional pleadings without basis, and how those facts impact the residents. To do anything less is to do a disservice.

Like I said, I’ll be there to advocate for residents as well as property owners, but I’m not going to make promises I can’t keep. I came into this race to bring about a sense of honesty and integrity back to this office, and that’s what I intend on doing.

To learn more, please call me at 480-358-8051 or go to Rich4Supervisor.com.

Very truly yours,

Rich Vitiello, Cobblestone Farms

Republican candidate for Pinal County supervisor in District 1