(This is the second in a series of weekly profiles of the candidates for Queen Creek Town Council in the July 21 Primary Election.)
The organizer of a popular Queen Creek holiday event is rolling into politics, running for Queen Creek Town Council.
For eight years, Nick Masse has worked behind the scenes putting together the Christmas Cruise.
Every year on a December Saturday night, anywhere from 1,000-1,500 offroad vehicles adorned with Christmas decorations roar through Queen Creek streets, drawing thousands of spectators and raising money for first responders and military families.
Masse decided to make the first run for public office “because I care about the future of Queen Creek. I want to make sure we grow the right way, support local businesses and keep this a place people are proud to call home.”
Home for Masse and his wife Jen is near Riggs and Sossaman roads. They have three children and one grandchild.
“I would like to see Queen Creek keep its small-town feel with big-time opportunities,” he said. “I’ve been actively involved in small-business support and participated in and helped promote events that bring residents together and strengthen our town’s sense of community.
“Queen Creek is one of the few places where you can still know your neighbors while seeing real growth and investment in the community.”
That small-town feel can be enhanced with more town-sponsored events, he said.
And, the town should look for ways to enhance small-business growth, said the owner of a Queen Creek-based pool-service business.
“The Town should find ways to give small businesses tax benefits, if possible, so they can afford rent and not be forced out by franchises.”
He also thinks Queen Creek should be as proactive as possible in addressing infrastructure needs to meet its rapid growth.
“With infrastructure such as roads, we need to plan, not react,” he said. “We need to try to keep up with growth and improve infrastructure faster. Do things like time the stoplights better.
“The Town is trying but we are growing so fast.”
Queen Creek, which had about 2,500 residents when it incorporated in 1989, is now at an estimated 91,900.
“I’ve lived in Queen Creek for close to 20 years,” Masse said. “I figure as a long-time resident, I could do well and help the town grow in the right direction.”
Masse’s three major goals if elected
• Improve traffic flow and infrastructure planning.
• Ensure responsible development that benefits residents.
• Strengthen support for small businesses and the local economy.
Meet the candidates
This five-week series is profiling the candidates for the Queen Creek Town Council. Three incumbents and two challengers are vying for the three open council seats.
The series lineup is:
• May 17 – Benjamin Harrison (challenger).
• May 24 – Nick Masse (challenger).
• May 31 – Bryan McClure (incumbent).
• June 7 – Dawn Oliphant (incumbent).
• June 14 – Travis Padilla (incumbent).
The positions are for four years and pay $26,278 annually.
If no three council candidates receive the necessary votes in the July 21 Primary Election, there will be a runoff in the General Election Nov. 3.
Mayor Julia Wheatley is running unopposed and will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Key election dates:
• June 22 – Deadline to register to vote
• June 25 – Early voting begins
• July 21 – Primary election
• Aug. 5 – Deadline to remove political signs (if candidate is not advancing to the Nov. 3 general election)
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