Peoria Times
NEWS | 16 Sep, 2021 | CHRISTINIA FUOCO-KARASIINSKI
Mesquite District Councilmember Bridget Binsbacher filed her “statement of interest” to run for Peoria mayor.
Binsbacher is the first candidate to announce a bid to lead Arizona’s ninth largest city. The winner will take the reins from current Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, who is term limited in 2022.
“I filed my statement of interest, and I want to find out what is important to residents and if I can get the support to be their next mayor,” she said.
“So far, it feels great. The election will sneak up on us. I want to be prepared and have plenty of time to connect with citizens across Peoria.”
Binsbacher has lived in the Northwest Valley for more than three decades, dedicating her time to public and community service.
She was elected to serve on the Peoria City Council in March 2015 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020.
“Because I served on the council for six years, I’ve heard all the things that are important to people, as far as core services,” she said.
“Peoria has amazing services, as far as public safety, public works, and our parks and recreation program. Residents are really proud of what Peoria has to offer. We have to work on balanced amenities across the city.”
As an elected official, she has served two terms as vice mayor and she said she fought hard for fiscal responsibility, accountability, balanced budgets and no tax increases.
“I am proud to call Peoria my home,” Binsbacher said.
“Our city is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Since 2015, I have committed myself to serving the residents of Peoria on city council with trust, honesty and conservative principles. This has allowed us to promote fiscal responsibility while protecting public service budgets and improving our quality of life. Mayor Cathy Carlat has served our community well, and I will continue to lead Peoria into the future as a premier destination for growth and economic development.”
She serves as the executive director of the Arizona Cactus League Baseball Association supporting Spring Training, which is one of Arizona and Peoria’s largest economic drivers.
“I’ve been affiliated with the Cactus League since 2008,” she said. “That has really helped me cultivate relationships at the state level. The Cactus League has a tremendous impact on tourism and the state’s economy.”
With the Cactus League, she has scored many “firsts.” She was the first female executive board member and the first Cactus League employee.
She was recognized as 2021 AzBusiness Leaders – Top Five Tourism Leaders of Arizona, 2019 AzBusiness Leaders – Most Influential Women in Arizona, and 2016 Arizona Who’s Who – Top Five Women in Business Leaders of Arizona. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow recipient and a West Valley 24 Mover and Shaker.
She has more than 20 years of professional experience in the finance industry, with a wealth of knowledge in operations management, sales management and business development. She joined the Peoria Diamond Club as a board member in 2006 and then as executive director in 2008.
As a councilmember, Binsbacher collaborated with residents to build Paloma Park and represented Peoria on the Maricopa Association of Governments Transportation Policy and Human Services committees.
In 2021 she joined the Arizona Municipal Water Association’s Board of Directors.
As part of the campaign kick-off, Binsbacher tapped honorary co-chairs from throughout Peoria to help lead her mayoral campaign including local businessperson Joey Lucidi, Trilogy resident and veteran Marvin Shadman, and nonprofit leader Kris Friedman. Additional supporters and endorsements will be announced soon.
“Peoria is a great place to do business because of leaders like Bridget Binsbacher,” said co-chair Lucidi, owner of Westside Concepts, which includes Haymaker Restaurants, the Social on 83rd, and other ventures.
“She has earned recognition as a state and regional leader in business and tourism because she understands the important roles that economic development, dining, entertainment and small business play in our quality of life. Bridget’s more than 20 years of professional experience in the financial industry and experience in operations, sales and business development make her uniquely qualified to serve as our next mayor. I am proud to give her my support and co-chair her committee.”
Binsbacher also serves her community by volunteering with charitable organizations, currently serving on the Peoria Education Foundation and previously with the Alzheimer’s Association and Peoria Chamber of Commerce.
“I think equally as important as my six years on council is the time I spent before that working in the nonprofit sector throughout the city,” Binsbacher said.
“I was able to really form relationships in, gosh, all areas of Peoria. I feel like the door is really open for me to step in and pursue this role of mayor of Peoria and learn from residents what they see for today and what they see for tomorrow for Peoria.”
Originally from San Diego, Binsbacher moved to Arizona in the 1980s and has lived in the Northwest Valley for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Jon, have four children.
“Peoria is home to me, and I care deeply about the future of it,” she said. “I’m really excited about getting the residents’ support.”
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