Monte Lyons

Taxes / Budget As our town grows and we court businesses to set up operations in Gilbert, we must ensure not just favorable government policies are in place but that a suitable workforce with quality candidates are available to staff and operate these businesses. This will require the town to look at ways to help facilitate the pipeline that identifies and trains this workforce. Infrastructure / Transportation One critical issue facing a town experiencing the rapid growth that Gilbert has over the last decade is adjusting its fiscal approach to governance. What worked in the past typically will not be adequate to keep up with the new challenges that come with a dramatic increase in population. Particular attention needs to be paid to the infrastructure of the community to ensure it is responsibly managed, maintained, and funded. This in some cases will require new approaches to town services that will need to be evaluated and implemented. The town’s leadership, from the mayor to department heads must understand this fact and be willing to make changes in a way that positions the community for success. Criminal Justice / Public Safety My approach to public safety is both proactive and reactive with an emphasis at this time on the reactive side. Due to the decline in respect for the rule of law and a breakdown of the family in general, public policy must reflect a degree of deterrence. This is accomplished through increased policing, public engagement, and stiff penalties for violation of the law. My approach would require engaged common sense leadership that understands the root causes of criminal behavior and has a commitment to upholding the law.