Lisa Askey

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? How do you see this impacting Chandler residents? What is the #1 Public Safety threat to the residents of Chandler?

Public safety and individual rights are not competing values—they are both essential responsibilities of government. Chandler residents deserve to be safe while also having their constitutional rights respected. I support providing Chandler Police with the tools and resources they need to protect our community while maintaining appropriate transparency and accountability.

One of the biggest public safety challenges we face is the increasing sophistication of property crimes, fraud, identity theft, and other crimes that often originate online. Public safety threats evolve, and our police department must be equipped to evolve with them.

2. We are taxed by the federal government, the state, county, and city. 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? Would you support regularly scheduled efficiency type audits in Chandler?

Taxpayer dollars should always be treated with respect. While nearly $2 billion is a hefty budget, the size of a budget alone does not determine whether the government is operating efficiently. What matters is whether residents receive quality services and whether spending aligns with community priorities.

I strongly support regular financial audits, performance reviews, and efficiency evaluations. The government should continuously look for ways to improve services, eliminate waste, and ensure taxpayers receive the greatest possible value for every dollar spent.

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. However, immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility. I support enforcing the law and do not support sanctuary city policies. Chandler should continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies as permitted by law while maintaining its focus on public safety and city services.

As a wife to an immigrant, and the granddaughter of immigrants, I fully understand why people want to come to this nation – and I do support a pathway for legal immigrants to become citizens of the United States, just as my grandparents and husband have done.

That said, questions regarding citizenship and immigration reform ultimately belong before Congress – and I hope Congress takes the time and attention this matter needs to finally address such an overwhelming issue in our country. My role as a city councilmember will be to ensure Chandler remains safe, well-managed, and welcoming to law-abiding residents.

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?

Chandler has done an excellent job managing our water resources and preparing for the future. Water and infrastructure planning are critical considerations for any large-scale development, especially in a desert environment. As technology continues to evolve, we must carefully evaluate the long-term impacts data centers may have on water resources, electrical demand, and public infrastructure.

Data centers are part of our future, but how and where they are built in Chandler deserves careful consideration by the City Council. I believe Chandler should make decisions based on reliable data, measurable impacts, and long-term sustainability. Protecting the interests of residents while responsibly managing our resources must remain a priority.

Data centers can provide economic benefits, support Chandler's position as a technology leader, and contribute to our tax base. However, those benefits must be weighed against potential impacts on water use, energy demand, infrastructure, and nearby neighborhoods.

I would evaluate each proposal on its individual merits and expect developers to demonstrate clear community benefits while minimizing impacts on residents. Growth should be sustainable, and Chandler residents should never bear disproportionate costs for private development projects.

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

Public trust is essential to effective government. I support establishing a formal ethics policy for Chandler, and I believe it should be developed through the City Charter Amendment Resident Advisory Committee process rather than by elected officials themselves. Residents should have confidence that any policy is fair, transparent, and developed independently.

Once adopted, ethics standards should apply equally to everyone - employees, appointed officials, and elected officials alike. Alleged violations should be reviewed through an established process that protects both accountability and due process. The goal should be maintaining public trust, not advancing political agendas.

6. Do you think Chandler should continue to add high-density housing? How are you going to preserve the family-style community feel of Chandler? Is there a solution to stop over-urbanization and excessive traffic?

Chandler is nearing buildout, which means future growth must be thoughtful and strategic. I do not support unchecked growth. Every development proposal should be evaluated based on infrastructure capacity, traffic impacts, neighborhood compatibility, and overall community benefit.

Preserving Chandler’s family-friendly character is important to me. We must balance housing needs with quality of life, ensuring growth enhances our community rather than diminishes it. Infrastructure planning and transportation improvements must remain part of that conversation.

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

Housing policy should focus on creating opportunities while maintaining balanced and healthy neighborhoods. Any housing proposal should be evaluated based on location, design, management, and compatibility with surrounding uses.

I do not believe government-assisted housing should be punitive to those in need. People deserve safe, well-maintained housing and the opportunity to improve their circumstances. At the same time, I believe housing assistance should be paired with programs that help residents develop skills, pursue education, find employment, and move toward greater self-sufficiency.

My goal is to support pathways to independence while maintaining strong neighborhoods and a high quality of life throughout Chandler.

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?

My priority would be providing residents with reliable service, strong data security, and cost-effective operations. Whether services are provided internally or externally, taxpayers should receive value and accountability.

I would be open to exploring consolidated billing if it improves convenience for residents and can be implemented efficiently and securely.

9. Our local Chandler airport is a value-added service. Are there projects that would improve usability and services? Could it become a profit center?

Chandler Municipal Airport is an important economic and transportation asset. It supports business activity, aviation training, and economic development opportunities.

I would support improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, and usability while remaining compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. Opportunities to increase revenue should be explored carefully, provided they align with the airport’s mission and community interests.

10. Some of our infrastructure is in need of repair and updating. Given the costs, is there any way to replace these systems more quickly?

Maintaining infrastructure is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. Deferred maintenance often becomes significantly more expensive over time.

I would support pursuing available grants, reviewing capital improvement priorities, and identifying opportunities to accelerate critical projects where financially feasible. Long-term planning and disciplined investment are essential to protecting Chandler’s infrastructure and the quality of services residents expect.

11. Chandler Ordinance No. 5164 proposes rules for e-bike use in Chandler. Do you think the proposed rules go far enough, or too far? Would you change the ordinance? Would you use fines or something else?

E-bike safety has become a growing concern for many Chandler residents, particularly regarding speed, trail use, and younger riders. Before supporting any ordinance, I believe it is important to review the specific language carefully and evaluate whether it effectively addresses the safety concerns it is intended to solve.

In general, I support reasonable regulations that improve safety while avoiding unnecessary restrictions. Education, parental involvement, and enforcement should work together. Repeated or serious violations that put others at risk should carry consequences, but the overall goal should be safer behavior and safer public spaces - not simply issuing more fines.

​