Gilbert Primary Elections: A primer on who's running and what they stand for

Editor's note: The Mod does not endorse any candidate, rather what we aim to do is present to voters each candidate's platform, helping you make an educated choice about the people who could very possibly chart the future of the town/city you live in. 

Gilbert, Arizona: As Gilbert heads to the polls -- along with the rest of Arizona -- in the Primary Elections on July 30, 2024, we take a look at the candidates running for Mayor and Councilmember on four-year terms.

Mayor Candidates  

Scott Anderson

Anderson's name is one that Gilbert residents will immediately recognize, considering his decades in public governance. Anderson is running on the triple platform of Economy, Community and the Environment. His focus in the economy lies on maintinaing Gilbert's momentum when it comes to innovation and -- as he refers to it -- "unwavering entrepreneurial spirit". He does not go into detail about how he plans to do this.

When it comes to Community, Anderson is clear that the security of Gilbert's residents is a priority. In his own words he aims to create "an environment where safety isn't just a concept, but a lived reality woven into the fabric of everyday life". This he plans to do using "communal events, volunteer initiatives, and shared spaces". He also refers to "proactive community policing", but does not expand on the concept.

As for the Environment, Anderson leans heavily into urban planning to make more efficient use of Gilbert's natural resources. But he also ties the environment to wealth, and business parks are big on his agenda. How environmentally-friendly these planned parks will be remains to be seen.

Natalie DiBernardo

An 18-year resident of Gilbert, DiBernardo believes in sourcing the collective expertise in Gilbert to solve its issues and come up with ways to drive it further forward. DiBernardo refers to herself as a "calm leader, characterized by active listening, setting a positive example, and fostering a tone of collaboration and inclusivity". It's also important to note her slightly combative tone when she says: "By no means should my pleasant demeanor be considered a sign of weakness. I get things done. I keep people on task, and I hold people accountable for their actions". 

DiBernardo's platform relies heavily on personal experience. A family tragedy in 2017 has honed her focus in tackling teen and domestic violence through "early intervention". She also emphasizes holding teens accountable early through "small actions". Tying in with that issue is her emphasis on giving first responders the best possible environment to effectively do their jobs. She has cast a critical eye on the burgeoning number of "apartments" in Gilbert and believes the $7 million education center at the Riparian should be kicked down the road to better utilize the budget. She also supports the redevelopment of the Northwest corridor of Gilbert, but does not specify how she would help the area's existing residents and business-owners.

Councilmember Candidates

Aaron Accurso

One thing that Accurso unreservedly puts forward is his faith and the values that arise from it. It seems to drive his agenda and is the bedrock upon which he builds his solutions. Family and community are front-and-center as is his desire to govern based on "values" and the preservation of "heritage".  

Kenny Buckland

Public safety seems to be the pillar for almost all candidates, and Buckland is no different. He supported DDACTS and is a strong believer in using data to tackle crime and improve safety. He also lays a strong emphasis on infrastructure (roads, and sewage and water systems) and its maintenance and development. But rather than building new, his focus is on extending the lifespan of current networks as much as possible.  

Monte Lyons

Lyons is the "zero tolerance" tough-on-crime candidate who cites a "decline in respect for the rule of law and a breakdown of the family in general" and believes a "degree of deterrence" is required through increased policing and stiffer penalties, as well as community outreach. He also acknowledges the challenges faced to the community by the town's ever-expanding business and resident landscape and believes innovative management and fiscal measures will need to be implemented, without getting into specifics. Lyons also espouses strident "corrective" measures while listing "partnerships with the church, schools and parents" as the frontline in advancing pride in the community.   

Noah Mundt

Mundt is the local-government-first candidate and is a strong believer that local government should play a pivotal role in deciding policy that affects the residents it is elected to govern. One of his key platforms is the environment, primarily water management and a shift to renewable energy sources. His fiscal strategy is a bit blanket without being clear on specifics. He also believes that "robust" infrastructure will go a long way in promoting public safety.

Any candidate who wishes to expand on their policies and agendas via The Mod can contact the editor at editor@themaricopamod.com.