On February 18, 2026, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution to once again attempt to settle the issue of shared election duties between the Board and Recorder Heap.

The resolution, to a great degree, mirrors the most recent proposal the Board offered Mr. Heap last week…a proposal that we believe satisfies Recorder Heap’s requests.  Because Mr. Heap did not respond to the proposal in any serious way, we passed this resolution instead.  It’s hard to negotiate with someone, when they don’t want to negotiate back.

The Board has shown a strong willingness to collaborate and divide statutory duties. Our latest proposal offered the Recorder operation of early in-person voting and split the IT system so that the Recorder’s office and the Board of Supervisors operate their own systems.

While the Recorder contends he oversees all election operations, state law divides responsibilities between his office and the Board.

Contrary to the massive misinformation spread around prior to the meeting, the purpose was NOT an effort to remove Mr. Heap, a voter-approved official.  

Instead, the purpose of Mr. Heap’s testimony was for him to answer basic questions asked of him in January that he did not respond to. 

I, in particular, wanted to understand why Recorder Heap’s Chief of Staff stated in court under sworn testimony that voters were being disenfranchised now, when two days later Mr. Heap, himself, said they were not. This is important, because Recorder Heap sued the board and Mr. Heap’s Chief of Staff’s testimony could be used against the Board in the court case. 

I remain committed to resolving this matter and uniting our community. Election integrity is a top priority, and I am working within the law to ensure Maricopa County elections are secure, fair, and transparent.

I call on Recorder Heap to respond to our offer and settle this once and for all.  

I have served the West Valley for 17 years starting in the state legislature, then Congress and now as your County Supervisor. I have a reputation of serving with honesty and transparency. 

 Please feel free to contact me anytime.