🇺🇸 Where I Stand! 🇺🇸

Someone said that we can’t lower utility bills. I believe that we can and that we should. 

Read this and tell me what you believe.  

Do you know what happens when 4 councilmembers tell the town staff to lower utility bills? They do it!  Normally, the Town Staff works for Council. Council works for the people. That’s the law.  

Currently, town staff is telling the Council what to do by presenting a skewed picture of the facts. The Council is then telling residents what to do, often in a condescending and occasionally narcissistic manner. This cycle must end, and that will only happen with a change in leadership.  

You may ask - How do we pay for it?  

There are numerous options, and it all starts with understanding what makes up a utility bill. Right now, a significant portion of our utility bills goes toward paying our debt obligations, so understanding our total debt, true revenue, and identifying our spending should be the first priority and we must be fully transparent in providing this information to the public.  

Next, we need to evaluate the revenue streams that can be used to pay down that debt. Maybe we need to change some of our outdated finacial policies.  

Third, we must stop taking on excessive new debt and rein in frivolous spending. While sometimes neccesary, Bond debt without voter approval should be minimized!   

Finally, we need to develop externally sourced revenue streams, such as tourism and “destination” businesses. These are dollars brought into Gilbert by nonresidents. We must also ensure that everyone contributes to our revenue base in a fair and equitable manner, including apartments, developers, and larger businesses.  

NO MORE SWEETHEART DEALS FOR DEVELOPERS.  

Let’s recap - When 4 councilmembers direct the town staff to lower utilities, they do it!   

It’s past time that we reset the balance of power in Gilbert. While the others constantly say “We can’t,” I say, “We can, and we should!” And that goes for everything.is item.

The budget has increased 157% since FY2021 to a record of $2.55 Billion!

This council has pledged $750 Million Dollars to spend without ever going to the voters!

Approved Multifamily Units (2023–2026)

• The Ranch (Z22-05 / Z23-04): Approved in June 2023 as part of a 311-acre master-planned community. It included a maximum of 750 units.
• Bella Storia (GP22-11 / Z22-10 & Z24-22): The original project was approved in October 2023 with 628 units. In June 2025, an amendment was approved that added 67 additional units, bringing the project total to 695 units.
• The District at Cooley Station (GP22-14 / Z22-14): Approved in April 2023. This project consists of 612 units in a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly environment.
• Trax at Cooley Station (Z23-05): Approved in December 2023. The Council approved the specific site plan for 568 units.
• Aura at San Tan (GP24-08 / Z24-20): Approved in October 2025. This project converted land from Regional Commercial to Residential for a 357-unit apartment complex.
• Heritage Park Project: Groundbreaking occurred in May 2025 for this Heritage District development, which features 288 residences.
• The Lumberyard (Z22-16): Approved in May 2024. This project includes 285 units across three buildings in the Heritage District.

Earlier this year, the Town of Gilbert opened the door to the possibility of data centers. Under the guise of imposing new "standards and procedures," the Town is proposing an amendment to the Land Development Code (LDC) to regulate data centers. The only amendment regarding data centers should be one that simply states: DATA CENTERS ARE PROHIBITED!

We have seen the LDC manipulated and loopholes exploited by developers. Any loopholes that could allow data centers should be firmly closed. If, for some crazy reason, the Town of Gilbert wants to consider a data center, the developer should be required to request a special variance from the Town Council and the entire project should be presented to the public with robust dialog. This should not be an easy process, and it should not be removed from the direct oversight of the Council.

https://www.abc15.com/news/region-southeast-valley/gilbert/gilbert-leaders-look-at-new-rules-for-data-centers

Name: 

Bill Spence 

Occupation: 

Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, Nuclear Engineering officer. Served on 7 nuclear submarines and 2 nuclear Aircraft Carriers. Small business owner. 

Years Living in Gilbert: 

Third Generation Arizona Native born and raised in the East Valley. Lived in Gilbert 18 years.

Do you currently or have you in the past held an elective or appointed government position? If so, what and when? 

Yes. I was appointed to the Gilbert Town Council in 2020 to fill a nine-month vacancy. 

Community organization involvement: 

Co-Founder of Gilbert Veterans Advisory Board, Former Director/Co-founder USS ARIZONA Legacy Foundation, Served on numerous boards as a community advocate for government transparency and accountability, and active participant in local civic issues involving public safety, utility rates, development, and fiscal responsibility. 

Why are you running for Council? 

By every measure of performance, Gilbert is headed in the wrong direction. Utility rates, taxes, crime, traffic, spending, and debt have all increased significantly, often with little public involvement. 

For the last few years I have advocated for increased transparency and accountability in local government. I fought to expose questionable expenditures, budget inconsistencies, and significant failures with the public town’s records process. However, it was the water rate, water meter, and utility billing system debacle that made me realize that change was needed and would only be possible with a change of leadership. 

Residents deserve a stronger voice at Town Hall with the experience and perseverance to restore accountability, improve transparency, and implement policies that put residents first while meeting the financial and infrastructure needs of our growing community. 

How many council meetings during the last 12 months have you attended or watched online? 

I have attended or watched nearly every council meeting, study session, and financial retreat for the last 8 years. 

What is one thing about you that your election would bring to council that it lacks now? 

I am committed to residents through empathy, compassion, and accountability. I bring real analytical and leadership experience, allowing me to ask tough questions, follow the facts, and challenge the status quo. 

I am humble and have little need to point fingers, as I find assigning blame to be counterproductive. Perhaps it is a trait common among those who have served in the military or law enforcement and have taken an oath to risk their lives in service to others. I consider public service an honor and have little need for compensation, titles, or recognition. 

I strive for open communication and relatability, and I am completely independent of special interests. I have no tolerance for political favoritism. 

Why should voters elect you? 

Gilbert residents need more than a voice; they need someone who will listen and take decisive, timely action that serves the best interests of the people. I have a decades-long record of leadership and public service. I have demonstrated a willingness to do the work, investigate issues thoroughly, and stand up to political bullies. 

I believe our current council has all but forgotten who they serve. The council is responsible for holding staff accountable and providing the oversight residents expect and deserve. We should be less "leader" and more "listener." 

For the past several years, I have advocated for transparency, fiscal responsibility, public safety, and affordable services. I will bring experience, independence, accountability, and a resident-first perspective to Town Hall. 

I think it is important to recognize that solutions exist for the issues currently affecting our town. Many of our challenges can be addressed through better leadership. Others can be resolved by doing what Gilbert does best—coming together as a community united by mutual respect, safety, prosperity, and kindness. 

What are the three top issues facing the town in the next year and how would you address them? 

Utility Costs: 

We must reduce the cost of utilities! Despite what is being said by councilmembers and town officials, it can and must be done. While there are several options to achieve this, I would first adjust utility rates for apartments so they pay a fair and equitable share of water and infrastructure costs. Rent is largely market-driven, so modest utility increases are unlikely to be passed directly to tenants and would instead come from the profits of corporate owners. Additional solutions are discussed below and on my website www.VoteSpence.com. 

Ballooning Budget and Excessive Debt: 

Improve spending transparency and stop incurring massive debt without voter approval. We have a spending problem, and current town policies do not allow for meaningful public involvement or independent auditing. The process is fundamentally flawed and appears designed to minimize the amount of information provided to the public. 

The town has also incurred significant debt through mechanisms that are not fully reflected in mandatory reports to the state. Internal loans and resolutions can function as little more than IOUs, promising repayment through future bonds that never receive voter approval. Resolutions 4599 and 4600 alone authorize up to $750 million in spending to be reimbursed through future bond issuances. Financial institutions, the public, and the state have little, if any, visibility into this debt. 

Growth and Infrastructure: 

A simple question to ask is: Where did the town find $700 million to build a bridge and expand parks? Why is the town subsidizing System Development Fees that should be paid by developers? Why did the cost of the North Water Treatment Plant nearly triple from its original estimate? Why did water and wastewater infrastructure suddenly and catastrophically begin to fail? 

Town policies state that "growth pays for growth," but records tell a very different story. While the specific details of this financing are difficult to obtain, the fact that it is occurring is undeniable. These are among the most important oversight questions a council should be asking. Instead, the current council has become complicit in the spending practices that have occurred over the past four years. 

Addressing these financial inconsistencies is the responsibility of the council and should be among the highest priorities of the next council. The residents of Gilbert deserve transparency, accountability, and honest answers about how their money is being spent. 

Has the town council been as responsive to citizens as you think it should be? How so? 

Absolutely not! Over the past three years, policies covering public communication, records transparency, and accountability of councilmembers have been weakened or eliminated. Some councilmembers routinely dismiss, berate, or marginalize residents, both publicly and online, who simply ask questions and seek truthful answers. They have even publicly attacked members of the media who report critically on the actions of councilmembers and Town Officials. 

At the time of writing, I have been provided documentation showing that Gilbert Police have been used by councilmembers to investigate residents for making lawful social media posts critical of councilmembers. While police acknowledged that no crime had occurred, the stated justification for obtaining a resident's address and making contact at their home was an "investigative lead." These actions are deeply troubling and absolutely unacceptable. 

Sadly, this abuse of power and these efforts by councilmembers to silence residents have become more common. A complete revision of resident communication policies is warranted, and councilmembers must be held accountable for their unacceptable behavior. 

Should Gilbert continue to rely as heavily as it does on sales tax revenue to maintain operations? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to diversify funding sources? 

Sales taxes and other discretionary taxes, state-shared revenue, and voter-approved revenue sources are always preferred. However, excessive taxes can impose a financial burden on residents and businesses that ultimately reduces economic activity and revenue growth. In all cases, spending should be managed within approved expenditure plans. 

Non-voter-approved MPC Bonds should be used only when absolutely necessary. However, they are being used more frequently and for larger amounts. MPC Revenue Bonds, which are repaid solely through utility revenues, should be prohibited. The 2022 MPC Revenue Bond, totaling $473 million, helped pave the way for our current utility rate and billing issues. 

Most concerning is that the current council already appears to have enough members willing to support the creation of a primary property tax. While this council continues to consider new taxes and fees to generate revenue, it has made little effort to rein in frivolous spending. 

Has the town done enough to ensure an adequate water supply for the next 10 years? What other measures should the town consider? 

No. The town has no meaningful proactive water conservation program. The Land Development Code should be revised to include stronger water conservation requirements, particularly for businesses and multifamily housing. Instead, the town has chosen to generate substantial revenue through punitive rate schedules that target homeowners while providing reduced rates for corporate-owned apartment complexes. 

HOAs have been targeted with excessive rate increases, while rates for reclaimed water users have remained largely unchanged. Ultra-low water users, who are often on fixed or low incomes, are subjected to disproportionate and excessive utility base fees. I believe there are legislative opportunities to explore with our state representatives. I also believe there must be a comprehensive review of utility rates to ensure they are fair, equitable, and still encourage conservation. The current approach is unfair, questionably legal, and must change immediately. 

As Gilbert approaches buildout, what strategies for the remaining vacant land would you favor the most? 

The most important consideration should be the residents affected by the project under consideration. The Council must ensure that residents are appropriately involved in the decision-making process. The General Plan is voter-approved and should be followed. I support requiring a supermajority vote of five councilmembers, instead of four, for major amendments and land-use changes, such as converting commercial property to high-density apartments. 

Future development should balance economic opportunity with quality of life and prioritize quality commercial businesses, owner-occupied housing, and infrastructure compatibility. Factors such as traffic flow and public safety should be carefully evaluated. Development should enhance the community rather than simply maximize density. 

Do Gilbert residents face an affordability problem that can be addressed at all by town measures? What, specifically, should the town consider? 

Yes. Unreasonable utility rates, excessive spending, and incurring more than a billion dollars of debt have imposed significant financial hardship on residents. These costs continue to be passed on to Gilbert families and may be discouraging business investment and affecting home sales. The FY2027 budget continues a "buy now, pay later" approach that residents will fund for decades. We must get spending under control! 

The town has numerous quality-of-life projects on its Capital Improvement Project list. What projects should get top priority? Are there three projects that should be deferred indefinitely and why? 

The top priority should be completing the North Water Treatment Plant. Discretionary projects should be deferred until critical infrastructure needs are fully funded. Projects that should be deferred include the Riparian Education Center (PR0710), a $15 million project for a 5,000-square-foot building; the Freestone Park Pickleball Complex (PR1326), at $14 million; and the South Gilbert Pool (PR1357), at $59 million. 

Does Gilbert have too many apartments and should the town discourage the development of any more? 

Since January 2023, the Council has approved 95% of rezoning requests, including more than 3,200 apartment units. Town policies favor apartment development over owner-occupied housing. Simple policy changes, such as targeted System Development Fees and eliminating reduced water-rate schedules for apartments, would encourage more affordable and diverse housing options and create additional pathways to homeownership for residents. 

Is town government right-sized? If not, how would you address this, given the number of staff positions that department heads say they need and the town’s inability to fund them? 

The number of staff positions being requested is unrealistic and unachievable within the proposed timeframe. Department heads have not presented a comprehensive assessment of staffing needs, salary requirements, service impacts, or office space requirements. The staffing request should be removed from the FY2027 budget until a detailed needs assessment is completed, publicly available, and subject to review by residents and Council. 

How do you want the town to address the looming budget deficit forecast beyond 2026-27? 

Transparency is essential. Budget details, accurate and timely revenue information, and the town’s complete debt picture are not being presented to the public and, at times, not fully provided to the Council. Once the full financial picture is available, informed decisions can be made. The public is an integral part of this process and deserves visibility into how its tax dollars are spent. .

Council Candidates Answer Questions on Gilbert Issues

Gilbert Independent
By Tom Blodgett
Published June 3, 2026

Gilbert Town Council has four seats open in this year's election, with three incumbents seeking reelection.

The incumbents are Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni and council members Bobbi Buchli and Jim Torgeson. Yung Koprowski chose not to seek reelection.

The challengers are former council member Bill Spence, Joel Coen, Beth Goulden, and Bus Obayomi.

Candidates may be elected outright in the July primary if they receive the required majority. Remaining seats will be decided in the November general election.

Independent Newsmedia sent a questionnaire to all seven candidates and all responded.

(This article edited to only include candidates that gave permission to post. Read the full article at: https://www.yourvalley.net/gilbert-independent/stories/council-candidates-answer-questions-on-gilbert-issues,695019)

Bill Spence
Occupation: Retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander
Gilbert Chamber/Independent podcast: https://guidinggrowthpodcast.com/episodes/bill-spence

Beth Goulden
Occupation: Retired law enforcement/consultant and small business owner
Gilbert Chamber/Independent podcast: https://guidinggrowthpodcast.com/episodes/beth-goulden

What in your estimation is the biggest challenge facing Gilbert in the next four years?

Bill Spence
Gilbert's financial health and debt management will remain a major challenge for the foreseeable future. The town is facing serious trust and transparency issues that will require significant changes in leadership and budget philosophy to correct.
Spending sprees over the last three years, combined with a "buy now, pay later" mindset, have created an enormous amount of debt, much of it incurred with little public knowledge or input. Gilbert residents are smarter than the current council gives them credit for and, despite repeated excuses, families know the truth and are feeling the effects of poor financial policies every single day.

Beth Goulden
The biggest challenge facing Gilbert over the next four years is infrastructure and changing revenue dynamics. We must get our financial house in order while managing growth the right way.
We've seen significant budget increases while facing limited revenue options and rising infrastructure costs. We have to be more disciplined in spending, but we also need to grow our revenue base by attracting high-quality businesses that generate sustainable revenue for the town.

Growth and redevelopment must be done thoughtfully so Gilbert does not lose its quality of life. Just as important, we need to rebuild trust between the Town Council and residents through transparency and accountability. At the end of the day, it comes down to fiscal discipline, responsible growth, and restoring trust.

How would you address Gilbert's water challenge?

Bill Spence
The town must reduce the overall cost of utilities for residents, period. The town does not have a truly effective and proactive water conservation program.

We can mandate WaterWise water conservation criteria for all new developments and revisit developments and apartments that are grandfathered into old policies.

We must revise the water base rates and current tiered water rate structure to include more equitable contributions from apartments while reducing rates for HOAs and ultra-low water users, who are often on fixed incomes.

The town seems more concerned about collecting revenue from high rates and less about true water conservation.

Beth Goulden
Residents I speak with every day are frustrated not only by rising water bills, but by the lack of transparency, communication, and empathy from current leadership. Many feel council members have become tone deaf to the financial strain these increases place on families, seniors, and local businesses.

Gilbert deserves servant leadership that listens and communicates honestly and with humility. Water security is one of the most important long-term issues facing Gilbert. Having lived here my entire life, I understand the importance of responsible water management as our community grows.

We need transparent planning, continued investment in conservation and infrastructure, and growth aligned with long-term water availability. I've worked closely with Arizona legislators on statewide policy issues, and if elected, I'll work collaboratively with regional and state leaders to help make Gilbert a leader in responsible, sustainable water policy.

How would you address Gilbert's $20 million annual structural budget gap?

Bill Spence
One example: The town staff is asking for hundreds of new staff positions, and that is simply not realistic nor even achievable in one year. The number of new hires can be reduced, and the budget gap would be eliminated.

The town intends to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars in FY2027 without a public vote. Residents are not being informed of the full extent of existing debt, and the current council has no desire to demand financial transparency or curtail excessive spending. These are documented facts, regardless of what residents are being told by council.

Beth Goulden
Addressing Gilbert's $20 million structural budget gap starts with recognizing that we cannot continue spending at the current pace without long-term consequences for taxpayers and town services.

We need a comprehensive review of spending priorities, with a focus on core services, maintaining infrastructure, and improving efficiency before expanding programs or taking on new long-term costs.

Gilbert must also grow its revenue base strategically by attracting high-quality businesses that generate sustainable sales tax revenue while preserving the community character residents value. Growth and redevelopment should pay for themselves so existing residents are not left carrying the burden of rising infrastructure costs.

Residents deserve transparency and accountability about where tax dollars are going. Rebuilding trust through responsible financial planning and honest communication must be a top priority moving forward.

How should Gilbert manage continued population growth while maintaining quality of life?

Bill Spence
For starters, building more high-density apartments does not help control population growth and results in an increase in traffic and an increased burden on services like police, fire, and schools.

I believe that the town should zone property to help create an affordable pathway to home ownership. I have been in communication with state legislators and organizations that are addressing legislation that can help make home ownership a possibility for more people.

Home ownership creates more opportunities for the residents of Gilbert and helps contribute to a higher quality of life while ensuring that the feel of Gilbert is maintained.

Beth Goulden
Gilbert must be intentional and disciplined about growth moving forward. Residents chose Gilbert for its safety, strong neighborhoods, family atmosphere, and quality of life, and we cannot lose that by allowing growth to outpace infrastructure and planning.

Having lived in Gilbert and the East Valley my entire life, I've seen firsthand how dramatically traffic, congestion, and infrastructure demands have increased over the years.

As Gilbert approaches buildout, the focus is shifting from expansion to redevelopment, infrastructure sustainability, and preserving community character. Growth must be tied to infrastructure capacity, including roads, water, public safety, parks, and schools.

We also need thoughtful redevelopment, stronger economic development that attracts revenue-generating businesses, and more transparency with residents. Gilbert residents deserve a real voice in decisions impacting their neighborhoods and daily lives. Right now, many residents feel growth decisions are happening to them instead of with them.

What role should parks, recreation, and amenities play as the town faces budget constraints?

Bill Spence
Did you know that the Riparian Preserve and parks in our HOAs are not counted in the town's needs assessment?

I support expanding parks and recreational amenities, but only after Gilbert addresses core priorities. The North Water Treatment Plant must be online, water and traffic issues resolved, roads and infrastructure repaired, Police and Fire properly staffed and trained, and our justice system functioning swiftly and fairly.

Residents are hurting financially, yet the town continues prioritizing spending on nonessential projects with little regard for taxpayers. Gilbert must focus on responsible budgeting and essential services before funding council pay raises, pickleball courts, and splash pads.

Beth Goulden
Parks, recreation, and amenities should remain a priority, but we have to be smarter about how we deliver them. In a community like Gilbert, these are central to quality of life, public health, and even public safety.

They attract families and businesses, support property values, and give kids and teens positive outlets.

That said, in a tighter budget environment, we have to focus on sustainability and return on investment. That means prioritizing maintenance of what we already have before building new amenities, pursuing public-private partnerships where it makes sense, and being strategic about which projects truly meet community needs.

The goal isn't necessarily to cut parks and recreation. It's to deliver them more efficiently, protect what residents already rely on, and ensure every dollar spent adds real value to the community.

"Are you better off than you were four years ago?" - Ronald Reagan

It is a question Gilbert residents should ask themselves today.

Are you paying more for utilities? Are you paying more in taxes and fees? Is traffic worse? Do you feel safer? Are there more apartments and large-scale developments? Do you feel heard and appreciated by your Town Council?

Your answers may tell you everything you need to know about this election.

The incumbents have promised to "finish what they started" and continue on their current path. I believe Gilbert is on the wrong course and that a change in direction is urgently needed.

Over the past four years, utility costs have risen dramatically. Spending and debt obligations have increased. Major development decisions have moved forward despite significant public opposition. Crime has increased, traffic continues to worsen, roads are perpetually under construction, and apartments and large-scale developments continue to spread throughout Gilbert.

We have voiced our concerns. Yet, instead of receiving answers, we are often met with excuses, finger-pointing, and dismissal. Instead of transparency, we encounter resistance. Instead of respectful dialogue, we are criticized or harassed. Many of us feel powerless against councilmembers who wrongly believe they know what is best for us, our families, and our town without our input.

It's past time to reset the balance of power in Gilbert. While councilmembers constantly say, "We can't," I say, "We can, and we should!" And that applies to most everything.

Councilmembers repeatedly say that we cannot lower utility bills. I believe we can. What do you believe? 

Do you know what happens when four councilmembers tell town staff to lower utility bills? They do it! The town staff works for the Council, and the Council works for the people. That's the law.

While it's easy to criticize the flawed voting records of this council, there are easily implemented solutions to discuss.

First, we must restore transparency, trust, and fiscal responsibility in local government. Residents deserve a clear understanding of how much debt the Town carries, what our true revenue sources are, and how our money is being spent.

Second, we must reduce utility costs! The current rate structure is unsustainable, especially for ultra-low water users, many of whom are on low or fixed incomes. A significant portion of our utility bills goes toward excessive debt obligations put in place by this council and is reflected in disproportionate utility base rates. 

We can fix that. 

Additionally, we must implement proactive and truly effective water conservation policies that include businesses and new developments.

Finally, we must strengthen Gilbert's financial future by expanding revenue sources that bring outside dollars into our community, and also ensuring that developers, apartments, and large commercial interests contribute in a fair and equitable manner.

There are those of us who have proudly taken an oath to serve, not for titles, recognition, or forced respect, but out of a fundamental sense of duty, love for our country and our town, and appreciation for its residents. The people of Gilbert are our greatest asset, and they should always be our highest priority.

This election ultimately comes down to the same question Ronald Reagan asked in 1980:

Are you better off today than you were four years ago?

If your answer is no, then perhaps it is time for new leadership, new priorities, and a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for the people of Gilbert.

I believe Gilbert's best days are still ahead of us. Together, we can restore trust, strengthen our community, and ensure that local government once again works for the residents it serves.

Gilbert voters will decide whether to keep the status quo on the Town Council or choose among four newcomers to fill four seats in the July 21 primary election.

Incumbents Chuck Bongiovanni, Bobbi Buchli and Jim Toregson are vying for second terms on the Town Council.

Joel Coen, Beth Goulden, Bus Obayomi and Bill Spence are hoping to unseat the incumbents.  

The last day to register to vote in the primary election is June 22. Early voting begins June 24. Primary Election Day is July 21.

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate questions about their bid for office and how they would handle key issues if elected. Candidates had a limit of 100 words. Some answers have been edited for length. Answers are in alphabetical order.

Buchli did not respond to The Republic’s candidate questionnaire.

Here's what they had to say.

Why are you running for Town Council?

I am a third generation Arizona native who grew up in the East Valley. Like many residents, I have felt the impacts of poor financial policies, unmanaged growth, and out of control spending over the last three years. I am running because Gilbert needs accountable leadership, transparent government, and a renewed focus on core services. I believe the current Town Council has failed residents and Gilbert can do better. Residents deserve leaders who ask tough questions, respect taxpayers, and put the community before politics. I want to restore trust in Town Hall and keep Gilbert safe, prosperous, and affordable.

What does the ideal mix of development for your city look like? Which two factors would you consider first when faced with voting on a proposed development?

Gilbert should balance residential, commercial, and employment development while protecting quality of life. Growth must pay for growth and not burden existing residents. The first two factors I consider are infrastructure capacity, including water, roads, police, and fire services, and the long term impact on nearby residents. Residents deserve a stronger voice in development decisions, especially those most affected. Development should enhance the community, respect existing neighborhoods, and contribute fairly to the costs it creates.

What is the biggest long-term issue facing your city? What’s the first thing you would do to address it? Be specific.

Gilbert’s biggest long term challenge is managing growth, infrastructure, and debt while keeping utilities affordable. We must immediately address excessively high utility rates and make changes to the rate structure to ensure a fair and equitable contribution from all customers, including corporately owned apartment communities. We must also identify the complete debt picture and present that information to the public. The first step is conducting a comprehensive review of spending priorities and capital projects to ensure essential infrastructure, especially water and wastewater systems, comes before discretionary expenditures like pickleball courts, splash pads, and council pay raises. We must focus on financial sustainability and ensure residents receive value for every dollar collected.

What should Gilbert do to ensure residents’ trust in Town Hall?

Residents have lost trust in our town leadership and are demanding change. They are tired of being marginalized at meetings and berated online for simply asking questions and seeking truthful answers. Trust begins with transparency and accountability. Gilbert should make public records easier to access, provide clearer financial reporting, and encourage meaningful public participation before major decisions are made. Leaders must be willing to answer difficult questions, explain their decisions, and admit mistakes when they occur. Residents should never feel excluded from decisions that affect their community, and they should never be harassed by elected officials for exercising their civic responsibility to hold government accountable.

Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from their experience?

My personal favorite is Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. One of his most famous quotes was, “What’s the difference between a good officer and a great officer? Five minutes.” It is a simple statement that carries a powerful lesson about preparation and decision making. Since Nimitz was not an elected public official, my second choice would be President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He combined military experience, strategic thinking, and a calm leadership style focused on results rather than politics. His example reminds me that leadership is about stewardship and serving future generations rather than pursuing short term political gain.

Which fictional character from movies or books do you relate to most and why? What lesson do you draw from them?

Popeye the Sailor Man, of course! LOL! Let’s have some fun with this. He was honest, independent, and never afraid to stand up for what he believed was right, even when it was unpopular. His most famous quote, “I yam what I yam,” reflects authenticity and staying true to your values. Another favorite is, “I’ve stood all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more,” which reminds us that there are times when we must take action rather than remain silent. The lesson I draw from Popeye is that leadership requires character, courage, accountability, and a willingness to stand up for what is right. After all, “I’m strong to the finish ’cause I eat my spinach.”

What specific accomplishment would you most want voters to remember you for when you leave office?

I would like to be remembered for my tenacity in the face of extreme adversity, for restoring trust in local government, and for putting residents first. I want residents to embrace service, whether through volunteering in their community or serving on a Town board or commission. I want residents to run for office without fear of the brutal attacks that have plagued our town for years. We are better than what has been demonstrated by the current Council. If voters can say that Gilbert became more transparent, financially responsible, and focused on core services while preserving the quality of life that makes our community special, I will consider my service a success. My goal is to leave Gilbert stronger than I found it.

By Bill Spence | Gilbert

OPINION — If you only read one thing, please read this: In-person voting began June 24, and Election Day is July 21. The results of the Town Council election will be determined on Election Day. Visit VOTESPENCE.COM or GILBERTCOUNCIL.COM for more information about the candidates.

I’m Bill Spence, a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and a third-generation Arizona native, born and raised in the East Valley. I have two grown children, a son and a daughter, who both attended Gilbert schools, and a dog named Tahoe.

This upcoming election is unique, and I’m going to do my best to summarize what you are voting for with each candidate. This cycle, the incumbents — Torgeson, Bongiovanni, and Buchli — believe they have made good decisions for Gilbert and will continue doing exactly what they have been doing: more hardship for Gilbert residents. They support maintaining the status quo and do not intend to change course if reelected. Torgeson is from California. Bongiovanni is from New York. Buchli is from Ohio.

Two candidates, myself and Beth Goulden, believe things need to change in Gilbert. Beth Goulden, like me, is also an Arizona native, raised in Gilbert, and a retired law enforcement officer. We both grew up in the area, and we have seen our town change drastically, especially over the past three years. We believe the council, and specifically the three incumbents, have made poor decisions for Gilbert.

The facts over the last three years are as follows:

• The budget has increased to a staggering $2.55 billion.
• Property tax levies have increased.
• Sales taxes were raised, including a Transaction Privilege Tax, or TPT, targeting small businesses.
• Water rates have increased 100%.
• Sewer rates have doubled.
• HOA fees have exploded.
• Debt has increased by nearly a billion dollars.
• Traffic has worsened significantly.
• Roads are continually under construction.
• Thousands of apartments continue to be built and are being built even taller.
• Violent crime has increased.
• Criminal activity involving teens continues.

The list goes on.

I’m not saying anything residents don’t already know. The people of Gilbert are feeling the financial impacts and hardships inflicted by this council every single day. However, the incumbents believe residents are simply misinformed and do not understand. Your pocketbook knows the truth.

There are solutions for our town. There are several ways to reduce the costs of living and doing business in Gilbert. We must reduce utility costs for residents, reduce taxes while increasing business revenue, reduce unnecessary spending, and keep our town safe for our families.

It comes down to a simple choice for voters: Do you want four more years of the same bad decisions, or do you want real change from people who are truly empathetic and understand the needs of Gilbert residents?

Please join me in restoring pride, kindness, and prosperity to Gilbert. Together, we can take meaningful action and chart a new course for our beautiful town and for our families. Vote Bill Spence!

Bill Spence is a candidate for Gilbert Town Council.