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| Affiliation | Nonpartisan |
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| Name | Jessica Florez |
| Address |
Phoenix, Arizona , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | None |
| Born |
July 01, 1973 |
| Died |
June 01, 2013
(39 years) |
| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Modifed | David
Nov 30, 2020 07:34pm |
| Tags |
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| Info | Name: Jessica Lynn Florez
Campaign information: www.florezforcitycouncil.com; jflorez1@cox.net
Occupation: Managing partner advertising & PR firm
Previous occupations: Aide to Mayor Skip Rimsza 1995-1998; Community Relations Coordinator Phoenix Suns 1998-2000
Education: Bachelor's Degree Westminster College, Fulton MO 1995; Master of Public Administration, ASU 2000
Age: 30
Family: Mother Ernestine Florez, Father Joe Florez, 2 brothers 2 sisters
How long have you lived in Arizona? 8 years
How long have you lived in your district? 4 years total
Previous public offices you've sought/held: None
Civic organizations in which you've been active?
ØValley Leadership Class XXI, Graduate
ØHispanic Leadership Institute, Graduate
ØADELANTE Hispanic Leadership, Advisory Board Member
ØMountain Park Health Center, Board Member
ØPhoenix Police Department Silent Witness, Board Member
ØPhoenix Suns Nite Hoops, Board Member
ØPhoenix Fire Department Fire PAL, Board Member
ØUnited Phoenix Firefighter's Charities, Volunteer
ØValle del Sol Corporate Fundraising Committee, Volunteer
ØFriendly House Corporate Fundraising Committee, Volunteer
ØLaborer's Community Service, Past Board Member
ØCoalition for Latino Political Action, Advisory Board Member
ØPlanned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona, Board Member
ØGraduate Phoenix Task Force, Marketing Industry Representative
ØGreater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Committee
ØArizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Committee
Q. What are the main differences between you and your opponent?
A. The differences that exist between myself and my opponent include our experience with the City of Phoenix and its neighborhoods and our philosophy regarding regional government and impact fees that relieve the burden of taxpayers in the urban core.
My working history with neighborhoods in District 4 and throughout the City of Phoenix gives me greater knowledge of the city structure, departments and processes and also knowledge of the issues facing Phoenix neighborhoods. This background has enabled me to hit the ground running and serve my constituents with few distractions.
Additionally our philosophy regarding regional government and impact fees creates a definite distinction between myself and my opponent. Mr. Simplot's theory about a regional approach to government that enables it to be less responsive to the pressures of neighborhoods is a dangerous proposal for Phoenix neighborhoodss as it would further restrict their ability to have input regarding issues that affect their quality of life. As a councilperson I have worked hard to ensure that District 4 residents have significant input on all issues affecting our community. Further, my opponent's history of fighting impact fees as a lobbyist creates is another area in which we differ. It is my opinion that taxpayers in the inner core should not have to subsidize growth by sacrificing crucial municipal services. Mr. Simplot's accusation that implementing impact fees gives inner core taxpayers a secondary piece of the financial pie is unfair to these taxpayers and is not an opinion I share.
Q. What are the single best and worst things the city of Phoenix has done in the past five years?
A. There are two things I consider very positive that have occurred in Phoenix both of which I think can be classified as very smart. The first best thing Phoenix has done in the past five years is to have forwarded its transit agenda by allowing Phoenix voters to unanimously pass the transit tax which funds expanded bus service, increased Dial a Ride and the much anticipated light rail line. The second thing that could termed 'best' is Phoenix's plan to expand its civic plaza. Phoenix's plan to expand civic plaza is not only good for Phoenix's downtown because it will make us eligible for larger conventions but will augment the tourism industry in our state.
The worst thing Phoenix has done in the past five years is not approve the implementation of a third downtown flagship hotel. The lack of a third hotel almost proved detrimental to our civic plaza expansion in negotiations with the state legislature and has kept us from booking large conventions who require mass hotel space within close proximity to meeting facilities. We continually loose conventions to Scottsdale because of the concentration of resorts that can accommodate large numbers. Despite the past Phoenix has a very rare opportunity to reconsider the third hotel and work hard to ensure our downtown is complemented with additional hotel room space.
Q. What three specific items will you accomplish as Councilmember?
A. 1-Complete the 7th Avenue revitalization project
2-Support the implementation of a third downtown hotel
3-Work hard to ensure the implementation of the light rail line will not
adversely affect neighborhoods and their quality of life or business' that may
be in close proximity to the line either during construction or implementation
Q. What specific crime problems does Phoenix have and what will you do about them?
A. The crime issues in Phoenix include home invasions by burglars or criminals, blighted rental properties that harvest criminal activity and plague neighborhoods and stolen vehicles.
Home invasions are one of the most important issues to Phoenicians. This trend has kept citizens, who fear this could happen to them, from feeling safe in their own homes. By doing my best to light up dark streets and alley ways and encouraging citizens to take measures to secure their homes against invasion or criminal activity such as adopting a dog that can help alert them to suspicious activity I will work hard to educate my constituents and help them feel safe in their homes. Blighted rental properties that plague neighborhoods and harvest criminal activity remains an issue that we must address on a much broader basis. These properties allowed to function by absentee property owners impact the morale of those living near them and many times attract a criminal element to transitioning communities that may lead to break ins or an increase in stolen vehicles in a specific area . I plan to work with my colleagues on the Housing and Neighborhoods Sub-committee to address this issue by reviewing the rental property policies observed by the city of Phoenix and working to implement stricter penalties for recidivism and implement a possible rental licensing program.
Q. Do you support the city-subsidized day labor center in north Phoenix?
A. It is my opinion that the day labor center in North Phoenix was a viable solution to address a very specific neighborhood issue and I commend my colleague Peggy Neely for taking the leadership position on this issue. In the end the more important factor is that as this issue was being addressed there was significant community input regardless of the outcome. I do not think this specific solution can be viewed as a blanket solution for the issue of immigration that should be addressed on a more national level.
Q. Do you support the extension of the half-cent sales tax for transportation? Should Phoenix place conditions on its participation and support, such as a certain percentage for transit or a certain percentage for Phoenix projects?
A. Yes I support the extension of the half-cent sales tax for transportation and agree that if we can determine Phoenix and its taxpayers contribute a specific percentage to the overall transit budget this should be sufficient to establish a distribution method and determine the portion Phoenix receives in return.
If Phoenix can display the importance of significant transit projects, such as light rail or express bus service, which will augment the overall regional transit plan, this should be viewed as an acceptable example of Phoenix justifying the receipt of its portion of the overall funding.
Q. Arizona is in the middle of a prolonged drought. Should Phoenix take more aggressive steps to conserve water? Would you support increased water prices to encourage conservation?
A. As a member of the Natural Resources sub-committee, I am very proud that Phoenix has taken the proper precautions to conserve water during this crucial time and enacted Stage 1 of the city's drought plan which includes a public relations plan to educate Phoenicians regarding the importance of conserving water. I am also proud of the very aggressive plan to conserve water at home among city departments which are the largest users of water implemented by the city. I would support additional measures to ensure conservation which may include restricted hours of water usage etc.
Q. Do employee unions have too much influence at city hall?
A. I believe that employee groups do and should play a decision making role in crucial issues facing the city of Phoenix. It is my impression that employee groups and management should maintain partnerships so that both groups can maintain similar objectives regarding the city's financial situation as well as crucial quality of life issues.
Q. What will you do to lessen the impact of light-rail construction on businesses within the mass transit corridor?
A. As the interim Councilmember for District 4 I have made significant efforts to reach out to business owners which may be impacted by the implementation and construction of light rail. I have held and attended numerous forums with business owners along Central Avenue and Camelback Road in an effort to give them a forum to ask crucial questions and have input regarding hours of construction. By taking input from these business owners and refining things such as the utility relocation and construction schedule to ensure the least impact to business owners I believe the city can continue to accommodate business owners to the best of its ability. I believe it is also necessary to consider the implementation of low or no interest loan programs in addition to the existing financial services being offered by the city to ensure economic vitality and stability of these business' during the crucial construction period.
Q. Should Phoenix do more to increase and maintain parks and open space?
A. Yes I think Phoenix should do more to increase and maintain parks and open space. I think the Parks and Preserve initiative was a great beginning to expanding the existing parks and preservation policies in Phoenix. In an increased effort to preserve open space I believe Phoenix should work with the State Land Department to create more amenable legislation and procedures for selling of state trust lands that impact Phoenix's ability to provide and maintain quality infrastructure.
Q. What can Phoenix do to attract more corporate headquarters and the high-paying jobs they bring?
A. I believe the best thing Phoenix can do for business and attract new corporate headquarters is what we do for neighborhoods which is continually strive to improve the quality of life in Phoenix. By investing crucial resources in amenities such as transportation, arts and cultural activities, and by attracting new urban housing and retail opportunities Phoenix can make great strides to ensure our city is competitive and will be considered a potential destination by Fortune 500 companies.
A perfect example of this is Phoenix's most recent success with the T-GEN and IGC research facilities choosing Phoenix as their new location. Although we have much to do in the way of housing, retail and cultural amenities near the campus we have displayed the vision and foresight to attract and diversify our economy.
Q. If the legislature reduces municipal revenue sharing, would you cut expenses, increase city taxes, or a combination of the two?
A: The municipal services provided by the City of Phoenix to its constituents are the most basic which ensure the quality of life for all residents. Public Safety, Water, Streets and Transportation are all crucial services Phoenicians rely on daily. Additional mandates such as Homeland Security require additional resources that must come from the same general fund.
If the state legislature reduces municipal revenue sharing the City of Phoenix will be forced to provide the same services but with fewer resources. At some time the Council will be forced to decide on whether to cut expenses, increase taxes or both. An additional tax for things such as public safety might be the answer to ensure the city can continue to provide quality services without creating difficult financial issues for the 'Best Run City in the World.'
Q. Do you support any changes in the council-manager form of government?
A. I support the Council manager form of government and believe that it works well for Phoenix while ensuring safe guards against corruption and ethical violations.
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