Supervisor Andy Kunasek was elected as chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for 2013 and vowed to work on giving greater flexibility and transparency to the county’s regulatory system to encourage economic growth.
“We need regulation that protects us where necessary,” Kunasek said in his formal chairman’s address, delivered shortly after county elected officials were sworn into office. “But we shouldn’t bury business and individuals in red tape and senseless regulations that exist out of habit, not need.”
Kunasek also suggested the county follow the lead of the City of Phoenix and encourage “adaptive reuse,” the renovation of old buildings for new uses. “Today, we have more new innovative restaurants and businesses than we’ve ever had,” Kunasek said. “This is good for neighborhoods, small business and good for the economy.”
Kunasek has been chairman four other times as a supervisor, the last time in 2011. He has been a supervisor since 1997.
Recently elected Supervisors Denny Barney and Steve Chucri were also officially sworn in today. Both are Republicans and East Valley residents. Chucri, a Mesa resident, represents District 2 and Barney, from Gilbert, will represent District 1.
“I am deeply honored by this opportunity and will work to serve the people of the East Valley, listen to their concerns and stay focused on the things that matter to them,” Barney said.
Chucri added, “Local government is where the rubber meets the road. I look forward to doing good work at the county for the taxpayers of District 2.”
Returning board members, besides Kunasek, are District 4 Supervisor Max Wilson, of Litchfield Park, and Mary Rose Wilcox, of Phoenix District 5.