Jeff Weninger

1. Chandler is a safe community where most everyone supports law enforcement. Given that perspective, Can you tell us how you would balance Public Safety vs Individual Rights? AND how do you see this impacting Chandler residents? What is the #1 Public Safety threat to the residents of Chandler?

I strongly supports law enforcement and first responders. Chandler is a safe community, emphasis on keeping it that way through proactive policing and resources for public safety. We need a balanced approach that prioritizes community safety while respecting constitutional rights. The #1 threat appears tied to quality-of-life and growth-related issues (e.g., infrastructure strain, traffic) rather than a single crime category.

2. We are taxed by the federal government, the state, county and city... Sales Taxes, Income Taxes, Licenses, Permits and even Property taxes. Most people feel that our taxes are oppressive. Currently, the Chandler budget is nearing $2 Billion dollars. Do you think this is necessary or more than necessary? And would you support regularly scheduled efficiency type audits in Chandler?

The budget needs greater efficiency and we need to end unnecessary spending thourgh “backroom” decisions (like rates). As a former councilmember, I agree that we need to maintain a strong budget, even during downturns, without service cuts, through spending restraint. I support regularly scheduled efficiency audits and opposes oppressive tax/fee increases. We need accountability and fiscal conservatism.

3. Do you support ICE and their mission to deport individuals unlawfully present in our community? What is your position on sanctuary cities? Do you believe in a pathway to citizenship for all?

I do support ICE and immigration enforcement. I am against sanctuary policies, and for cooperation with federal law enforcement. I do not support a broad “pathway to citizenship for all” unlawful entrants. My position aligns with GOP emphasis on legal immigration and border security.

4. Data Centers have been causing issues around the country. In those areas, electricity costs have risen drastically. Water supply, pressure and quality have also become an issue... and we live in a desert region where water is a huge concern. How would you balance having a new Data Center in Chandler with a potential negative impact to residents? Do you feel there is an advantage in having one of these facilities in our city?

I support data centers but only in appropriate locations. But we should be cautious about negative impacts on residents (noise, electricity/water strain in a desert). I opposed the major AI data center on Price Road on the Innovation Campus in 2025 because of: noise complaints, very few long-term jobs, and deviation from the General Plan.

Advantages can exist with economic diversification, if managed properly without harming residents. But we need better guardrails and resident protections.

5. Ethics violations have recently become an issue for some Chandler employees, and even some elected officials. How do you think ethics should be addressed within Chandler, and what should happen when anyone violates those rules?

I think we must be fully transparent and end the “backroom” decisions being made at City Hall. We will see better ethics if there is stronger accountability, openness in decision-making, and consistent enforcement of rules for employees and officials alike.

6. Do you think Chandler should continue to add High Density Housing? Our traffic, public amenities and resources are reaching limits! How are you going to preserve the family style community feel of Chandler or do you see us continuing to grow unchecked until our city loses it's suburban feel? Is there any solution to stop the over-urbanization and remedy excessive traffic?

We must preserve Chandler’s family-oriented, suburban character. I oppose unchecked growth and over-urbanization that strains traffic, amenities, and resources. Solutions include smart planning, prioritizing infrastructure upgrades before density increases, and targeted development to maintain the community feel.

7. What is your position on government assisted housing programs, and expanding them in Chandler? Are there areas of the city where this type housing should not be allowed?

My overall emphasis is on quality-of-life, fiscal restraint, and preserving neighborhood character. We must use caution on large-scale expansions. To protect our suburban feel we may need limits in certain residential areas.

8. What is your position on outsourcing city billing to third parties outside Arizona? Do you believe all city bills should be consolidated on one monthly statement?

I have no position at this time because I need more specific information.

9. Our local Chandler airport is a value added service to area residents. Are there any projects that you think would improve our airport usability and services? Do you think it could be a profit center? How?

I previously served on the Chandler Airport Commission and I believe it's a community asset. Depending on the cost / benefit, I might support projects that enhance usability and services, especially if it would potentially generate revenue.

10. Some of our cities infrastructure is in need of repair and updating, one example being our water lines. There is a plan to try and update up to 2 miles of lines each year. However, Chandler maintains over 1,200 miles of water pipe (along with more than 36,000 valves), plus over 90 miles of reclaimed water system (purple distribution pipes) and about 1000 miles of wastewater/sanitary sewer lines. Given the costs, is there any way you see to get the systems replaced quicker?

This is a priority issue. We must be careful with a slow replacement rate, as some residents could face serious long-term negative impacts, potentially an extended loss of service. With better fiscal management, we should be able to accelerate the repairs and upgrades to avoid even higher future expenses and extended loss of service for some residents.

11. Chandler Ordinance No. 5164 proposes rules for e-bike use in Chandler. If passed, it is set to take effect this summer. Do you think the proposed rules go far enough, or too far? Would you change the proposed ordinance? Would you just use fines against violators of the ordinance, or something else?

I support reasonable, enforceable safety rules that protect pedestrians and those on the e-bikes. Helmets, speed limits and prohibited areas for use seem logical measures, with fines as a primary tool to insure compliance.