Cruzita Mendoza answers Q&A for Tolleson City Council 2024 election

The Tolleson City Council election will not be competitive, with three people running for the three open seats.  

Incumbents Adolfo Gamez and Cruzita Mendoza will be running alongside newcomer Christine Chavira.  

Mendoza was appointed to City Council in 2023 to complete her late husband Albert Mendoza’s term after his death. Gamez was first elected to City Council in 1981 before serving as mayor for 22 years. 

The Arizona Republic sent the candidates a number of questions about various city and state issues. Gamez and Chavira did not respond, but here’s what Mendoza said. Some answers may have been slightly edited to stick to agreed-to lengths.

Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Tolleson City Council race

Vision: Why are you running for Tolleson City Council?

Why are you running for Tolleson City Council? If elected, what will your first priority be?

Cruzita Mendoza: Currently, I’m completing my late husband’s term which ends in December 2024.  He succumbed to cancer in February 2023. When the City of Tolleson posted the vacancy, I applied along with eleven candidates and I was successfully appointed to complete his term. I was anxious to dig in and find out what city government was all about. I emerged myself in the opportunity to learn more so I began to attend city events, participated in tours of different departments to learn about their functions, and attended city council meetings. I’m thankful for the City of Tolleson staff consistently provides continued support and guidance which makes me feel excited to be the voice of my constituents. I’m still in the learning stages and my first priority if elected for another full term is to take action, not make promises I can’t keep. I realize I’m only the one vote, but I will stand behind the one single vote.

Christine Chavira did not respond.

Adolfo Gamez did not respond.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Tolleson City Council candidates stand?

New state policies will affect city budgets. If faced with a deficit, will you support raising taxes to maintain city services or cutting programs? Which specific services and/or taxes would you consider first and why?

Mendoza: My primary focus would be to not raise taxes. Raising taxes would directly impact residents, therefore, my first response would be to cut back on special city events which would not cause a financial setback to residents. My focus would be for us to prioritize the health and safety programs essential to our community. After the dust settles and we are back on track, we can resume the special events affected by the deficit.

Christine Chavira did not respond.

Adolfo Gamez did not respond.

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Poverty: What do Tolleson City Council candidates propose to help the city's poor?

What, specifically, should the city do first to help low-income people in the city? 

Mendoza: The city currently is assisting low-income families. We have an excellent Human Services Department that provides assistance for financial support, home improvements/renovations, provides portable cooling equipment during the summer months, and food distribution to those in need. We also have an effective Senior Center which supports seniors on a fixed income by providing commodity boxes and offering regular health checks.

Christine Chavira did not respond.

Adolfo Gamez did not respond.

Economy: What do Tolleson City Council candidates propose to spur economic growth?

Tolleson is 90 to 95% built out.  What is your top priority for generating economic development?  

Mendoza: Yes, as we are a 90% to 95% built out, business retention is critical to maintain the city’s financial stability.

Christine Chavira did not respond.

Adolfo Gamez did not respond.

Inspiration: Who shapes the Tolleson City Council candidates' thinking?

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

Mendoza: No comment.

Christine Chavira did not respond.

Adolfo Gamez did not respond.

Election integrity: Where do the Tolleson City Council candidates stand?

Do you think Arizona elections are fairly run? Do you trust the results? Will you abide by them? Why or why not?

Mendoza: In the many years that I have practiced my right to vote, I have never had a reason to doubtthe election process. With the past presidential election, the doubt or seed was planted in so many voters and let’s not forget the money spent to overturn the results. We have to help restore the faith back into our elections. This is critical for our constituents to continue to have faith in our government.

Christine Chavira did not respond.

Adolfo Gamez did not respond.

Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-259-8545. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.