The city of Phoenix uses a council-manager form of government with three main positions: mayor, councilmember and city manager. The mayor and council members set policies and budgets and hire the city manager, who oversees daily operations.
About District 5
The boundaries in this Phoenix district are roughly 19th Avenue to 43rd Avenue from Northern Avenue to Camelback Road, and 43rd Avenue to 99th Avenue from Camelback Road to McDowell Road. Home to Maryvale, one of the nation’s first master-planned communities, the area includes American Family Fields of Phoenix, the spring training home for the Milwaukee Brewers.
About the candidates
Betty Guardado (incumbent) was elected in 2019. A former union organizer, Guardado has supported the city’s labor unions and hospitality workers at Sky Harbor Airport and advocated for community safety and crime prevention plans for the 27th Avenue corridor.
JJ Martinez is a retired Phoenix police officer who supports collaboration between the community and first responders. His priorities include zoning reform and first-time homebuyer credits to increase affordable housing and advocating for programs that attract businesses to Maryvale.
Candidate questionnaire
KJZZ News sent each candidate the same questions addressing various issues, including homelessness, public safety and potential tax increases and program cuts. Responses appear unedited and in their entirety.
Why do you want to be a council member?
BETTY GUARDADO: I first decided to run for office to uplift working families and increase the quality of life in Phoenix. I have now held the position for five years and built a strong foundation for moving the district forward. In partnership with neighborhoods across our community we have chalked up many wins and built a robust vision for our long-term goals.
JJ MARTINEZ: The decision to run for Phoenix City Council District 5 came from many conversations with community leaders, small business owners, and of course my family. I was born and raised in the district and had the distinct honor of serving the district as a member of the Phoenix Police Department. Over the years, I have seen tremendous changes come through the district, and unfortunately, it has not been a change that we could say our community can be proud of.
During my 26 years of active duty and 4 years as a reserve, I have served in various capacities such as a Patrol Officer, Domestic Violence Detective, Traffic Enforcement Motor Officer, Walking Beat Officer, a member of a city-wide Tactical Response Unit and School Resource Officer. Each role has provided me with a deep understanding of the immediate needs of the community, allowing me to assess situations and implement effective solutions swiftly.
The opportunity to serve as a council member in my hometown represents a profound honor and privilege. My extensive experience has equipped me with a thorough understanding of local issues and the historical context necessary to drive meaningful
change. I am confident that my background in public service will enable me to contribute effectively to the council, raising the standards of governance and ensuring that our community continues to thrive. Because we deserve better.
What are your priorities specific to your district? How would you address them?
GUARDADO: My priorities all tie back to increasing the quality of life for the residents of Phoenix. A few of the top ones are:
1. Better jobs and economic development. Focusing on quality wages, good benefits, and workforce development programs. But also creating new opportunities for small businesses to thrive and connect with our community.
2. Protecting our neighborhoods. I worked closely with community leaders and public safety to bring new resources to the district. In my first term, I was proud to help launch our Community Assistance Program, open two Real Time Operation Centers, bring a new fire station to the District in our Go Bond, and much more.
3. Ensuring our city services and infrastructure are reliable and equitable across the City of Phoenix. One example is that I championed funding for every park across the district – from new playgrounds, to splash pads, and expanding our Park Ranger program.
4. Continue to bring resources back to District 5 – to ensure all our residents are provided with the same opportunities to succeed. In my first full term I fought to bring over $200 million in investments to our community – to include infrastructure, public safety, street improvements, and more.
MARTINEZ: My primary focus would be to address the intertwined issues of crime, the opioid epidemic, and homelessness. These challenges are deeply interconnected and require a multifaceted approach. While prioritizing the provision of comprehensive resources and support services is essential, it is also important to consider the implementation of strategic measures. Instead of meal-piecing solutions that have not made our community any safer, as has been the issue these past couple of years.
Along with these issues, we must understand that many of these problems can be avoided if we focus on other priorities. This includes affordable housing, economic & workforce development, and health programs that keep individuals away from addiction.
All these issues can be tackled simultaneously if we work in collaboration. I will serve as a bridge between Council District 5 and the governance within the City of Phoenix.
What do you consider to be a significant challenge citywide? How would you work with other council members to address it?
GUARDADO: I think homelessness continues to be front of mind for most of our residents. As the cost of living has increased for families across the Valley, it has hit our working class particularly hard. Not only is it getting increasingly difficult to maintain adequate housing, but we have a whole generation of folks aging out of the workforce without the means to keep up.
I have worked with my colleagues to address these issues in a multitude of ways – we must continue to increase our housing supply across all incomes, invest in services, but also focus on keeping families housed.
MARTINEZ: A significant challenge citywide in addressing the opioid crisis is overcoming the stigma associated with addiction, which often deters individuals from seeking necessary help. To tackle this, I would work closely with other council members to promote widespread public education campaigns that will advocate for comprehensive support services. By fostering collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and law enforcement, we can create a unified approach that combines prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies, ensuring that those affected by the crisis receive the compassionate care and resources they need to recover and thrive.
New state policies are impacting city budgets, including the change from a graduated income tax scale to a flat tax and the elimination of sales tax on residential rentals. Over the next two fiscal years, Phoenix projects baseline shortfalls of $92 million and $31 million. If faced with a deficit, will you support raising taxes or cutting programs or services? Which taxes, programs or services would you consider increasing or decreasing and why?
GUARDADO: I think it is important to maintain city services and continue looking for ways to streamline and improve efficiency. We are still feeling the effects of 2008 in this regard. Unfortunately, when we cut services, our remaining departments are left wearing too many hats, leaving them overburdened, over worked, and saddled with unfunded mandates. We fall into this trap expecting too much from them – whether it's our first responders or any essential workers, they feel it the most.
MARTINEZ: It is always an unfortunate scenario when a governmental entity is faced with a deficit because the most affected are always its constituents. My approach would be to carefully assess the city’s budget line item by line item, dollar by dollar. We must try to avoid cutting services that are most important to the families that we serve. This is why I will always advocate for putting money in a rainy-day fund when the City of Phoenix finds itself in a surplus. We must never put a burden on the taxpayer when they are already having to put some strains on their personal pockets.
Homelessness continues to be a top concern among residents. In 2020, the city council adopted the Strategies to Address Homelessness Plan, and in 2022, Phoenix launched an Office of Homeless Solutions. The city spends tens of millions of dollars annually on outreach, behavioral and mental health services, workforce development, shelters, encampment cleanups, rental assistance and eviction prevention efforts, and new housing for low-to-moderate income residents. When addressing homelessness, what areas do you think the city should invest more or less in and why?
GUARDADO: There must be a multipronged approach to effectively address the crisis of a growing unhoused community. This issue demands immediate and comprehensive strategies which encompass housing solutions, support services, and community engagement. It is imperative that we collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions that not only provide shelter but also address the underlying causes of homelessness.
I do feel we oftentimes are too reactive on this issue. I will continue to be a champion for those most vulnerable to becoming unsheltered. I will prioritize more resources to be used on preventative solutions like behavioral & mental health, rental assistance and eviction prevention.
MARTINEZ: The city should invest more in permanent supportive housing and tailored services for our veterans and elderly, as these groups often face unique challenges and require specialized support. Enhancing mental health and addiction services is also crucial for addressing the root causes of homelessness. While enforcement can be a necessary tool for managing encampments and ensuring public safety, it should be carefully balanced with supportive measures to avoid worsening the situation. Prioritizing investments in long-term solutions and specialized support will help create a more effective and compassionate approach to homelessness.
After a 34-month investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Phoenix Police have engaged in a “pattern or practice” of violating constitutional and civil rights. The DOJ has said it expects to work constructively with the city and the police department to ensure reforms are timely and fully implemented, but no agreement between the DOJ and Phoenix has been announced. Have you read the DOJ report? If so, how do you think the city and police department should respond?
GUARDADO: I have personally read the report and discussed the findings with colleagues and city leadership. The DOJ has said they would like to work constructively with city officials, and I hope that is exactly what they will do. Like the DOJ, we are committed to the principles of justice and protecting the civil rights of everyone in our city. That is why we have worked together as a council to chart a path forward, engaging our communities and first responders to bring forth many reforms meant to address the very concerns the DOJ has brought forth. While it is still early in the process of deliberating on a report that took years to produce, we are working diligently to process the report properly while considering the best way forward for our residents.
MARTINEZ: The findings from the DOJ investigation and the subsequent consent decree are indeed a challenging development, especially given the longstanding reputation and commendations that the Phoenix Police Department has received. It’s disheartening to see such discrepancies between the department's historically praised practices and the recent assessment. The department’s proactive measures, such as the policy change following the Fruitvale Station shooting to mitigate equipment-related errors, demonstrate its commitment to continuous improvement. As we move forward, both the department and city officials must engage critically with the findings and advocate for a balanced approach that addresses legitimate concerns while acknowledging the department's efforts and historical achievements. Constructive dialogue and evidence- based adjustments will be essential in aligning with the consent decree’s goals while maintaining the department's integrity and effectiveness.
We must bring members of our community and law enforcement together. Relationships to ensure transparency and accountability, meanwhile keeping our neighborhoods safe are vital. I will be a connector between the two and build much-needed trust. Rather than drive a wedge by politicizing and placing policies on the dais that divert from progress.
EDITOR’S NOTE: All candidates’ responses were submitted prior to the City Council’s Sept. 24 policy session where members publicly discussed the DOJ findings, recommendations and actions already taken, in progress and planned by the police department.
What does the city do well and what can be done to improve on it?
GUARDADO: I think our city staff is one of our greatest assets. They come to work with purpose and the drive to make our city a better place. When it comes to improvements, I believe an organization of our size can always do better to streamline processes, to cut red tape, and deliver better results for our constituents.
From permitting to streets and everything in between we need to continue evaluating outdated procedures. Challenging ourselves to do so will make us better stewards of taxpayer dollars and improve our ability to serve our residents.
MARTINEZ: The city excels in maintaining open dialogue and actively seeking community input, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances transparency and responsiveness. To further improve, the city could implement structured feedback mechanisms to systematically capture and address community concerns, ensuring that all voices are heard and acted upon. Additionally, investing in comprehensive data analysis to track the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives can help refine strategies and better align city policies with residents' needs. By continuously refining these practices, the city can strengthen its commitment to participatory governance and more effectively address community issues.
How will you engage with residents and get them involved with the decision-making process?
GUARDADO: I have an amazing team, and we pride ourselves in community outreach and input. I host regular neighborhood leader meetings to build consensus across the most pressing issues we face as a community. One of our greatest strengths is our diversity and ability to have difficult conversations - to find common ground and continue moving Phoenix forward.
MARTINEZ: I plan to actively engage with residents by attending neighborhood meetings and participating in community events to ensure direct and meaningful interaction. Additionally, I will maintain an open-door policy with community leaders and stakeholders to facilitate ongoing dialogue and gather their input. My approach involves being highly visible and accessible, leading by example through hands-on involvement with constituents. As a retiree and empty nester, I am dedicated to committing over 40 hours a week to this role, ensuring I can fully dedicate myself to addressing community needs and fostering effective engagement.
What area of your district do you live in and why?
GUARDADO: I live in Central Maryvale where I am proudly raising my children. I moved there in 2007 and have called it home since. I love our community from 19North to Villa de Paz and everything in between.
MARTINEZ: I live in the far west area of my district (Trailwood) because that is the area I grew up in.
Do you believe Arizona elections are fairly executed? Will you trust the results and abide by them? Why or why not?
GUARDADO: I do believe our election system is run with integrity. We have had true public servants from different political backgrounds work tirelessly to provide honest results. I trust them to run fair elections.
MARTINEZ: Time and time again, it has been proven in the courts that the elections have been run safely and securely. We must not feed into the divisiveness that this topic has had on our society. Instead, we must promote civil discourse and unify around the fact that we live in a country where we are afforded freedom of speech & expression and that we can vote in a democracy for who we think is the best candidate based on our values.
