MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Matt Orlando, Candidate for Chandler Mayor

I’m running for Mayor of Chandler because after decades of serving our nation in a military uniform; as a small business owner and many years in high tech industry; and on the City Council, I’m ready to finish the job I started on council in implementing a strong vision for Chandler. I have the vision and experience to ensure Chandler remains a safe, vibrant, and great place to live, work, and raise a family. I was first elected to the Chandler City Council in 1990, served as Vice-Mayor and for over 30 years, I have been proud to help create the Chandler and quality of life that we enjoy today. From Parks and Recreation programs to neighborhood enhancement projects to economic development opportunities, I have been involved in all aspects of our great city’s growth. My top three priorities are: safe and stable neighborhoods; supporting local businesses, good jobs and economic growth; and protecting our quality of life.

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Jeff Weninger, Candidate for Chandler Mayor

I am running for Mayor because I care deeply about this community and want to make sure Chandler continues to be a place people are proud to call home. Over the years, whether on council, in the legislature, or running my restaurants, I’ve spent a lot of time working directly with residents and business owners to solve problems. I’ve seen firsthand where government works well, and where it can do better.

Chandler is a strong city, but as we get closer to build-out, leadership matters more than ever. My focus is on protecting what makes our city great while making sure City Hall is responsive, efficient, and accountable to the people it serves.

If elected, my priorities will be keeping Chandler safe, supporting our police and fire departments, and making sure they have what they need to do their jobs. I also want to improve how the city interacts with residents and small businesses so people get clear answers and real follow-through, not frustration. That means cutting through unnecessary bureaucracy and making it easier to get things done. I also believe in being a good steward of taxpayer dollars by focusing on core services, being thoughtful about spending, and planning responsibly for the future without losing what makes Chandler special.

At the end of the day, this is about service. My goal is simple - keep Chandler safe and make sure City Hall works for you.

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COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Lisa Askey, Candidate for Chandler City Council

I have lived in Chandler for over 35 years and have loved every moment of it. Chandler is my home, it’s where my husband and I chose to live and raise our family. Over the years, I’ve watched our city grow, evolve, and adapt, but one thing has remained constant: the strength of our leadership and its commitment to putting residents first.

That is what motivated me to run for City Council. I want to help continue that momentum and positive energy while ensuring Chandler remains a safe, financially strong, and livable
community, especially as we reach buildout.

I am both a doer and a fixer. I’m not afraid to take on big projects, work through complex issues, and make thoughtful, sometimes difficult decisions. I believe in accountability - I am applying for a job, and if elected, I will answer to the people of Chandler for the
decisions I make.

My priorities are centered on maintaining a strong economy by supporting both our small and large businesses, continuous public safety, responsible financial stewardship, and thoughtful growth that supports families at every stage of life. I also believe strongly in continuous learning. I am committed to listening, engaging, and staying informed so I can
serve this community effectively and responsibly.

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Angel Encinas, Candidate for Chandler City Council (Incumbent)

I grew up here in downtown Chandler, and this city played a major role in shaping who I am today. From a young age, I experienced the sense of community, opportunity, and pride that makes Chandler great. Because of that, I carry a deeply for our city and its future. This is home and I had a great life growing here and I want to ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.

My personal work has also been a stepping stone to serving our city. I assist people in navigating the legal immigration process. This work has been incredibly rewarding—being able to guide individuals and families through such an important journey, helping them build stability, reunite with loved ones, and pursue the American dream. Seeing the impact of that work firsthand inspired me to want to do even more for my community. It showed me that service matters, and it motivated me to expand that impact by serving on a broader level.

The combination of work, service and hometown perspective lead me to run for Chandler City Council in 2021. I believe our leadership should reflect the real experiences and voices of our community. As a young professional and business owner, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing working families, entrepreneurs, and growing neighborhoods.

If re-elected, my priorities will continue to be centered on supporting small businesses and local economic growth, ensuring responsible and thoughtful development, and strengthening community engagement so residents feel heard and represented. I’m committed to preserving the character of Chandler while planning for its future.

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Joe Granado, Candidate for Chandler City Council

I am running because Chandler is at a turning point. Growth is accelerating, costs are rising, and the decesions we make will define our future. With limited space to build, the need for real thinkers who know how to maximize what we have so our city does not plateau or fall behind. Chandler needs real leadership with real world experience building businesses, managing budgets, and delivering sound infranstructure. Not just theory.

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Ron Hardin, Candidate for Chandler City Council

I’m running because I care deeply about Chandler and the opportunity it provides for families and small business owners to thrive. This community has given so much, and I want to help protect and strengthen that foundation. I bring a track record of getting things done through practical, common-sense leadership. My priorities are straightforward: drive responsible economic development, secure our water future, improve infrastructure, and keep our neighborhoods safe. With thoughtful decisions and steady leadership we can preserve the quality of life that makes Chandler a place where people can truly pursue their happiness.

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Jane Poston, Candidate for Chandler City Council (Incumbent)

I believe that the City Council is a continuation of community service that has always been part of my life -much of  which was in Chandler, including: six years on the Chamber Board, and a term as Board Chair, Committee Chair of Women in Leadership, Chandler Education Foundation board chair, along with service to many Chandler nonprofits.

I want Chandler to be a place our kids can continue to thrive – with strong jobs, great housing, safety at all levels and a quality of life that can’t be beat. I’m running again because I believe I can be instrumental in helping Chandler move forward as our city is at a pivotal point in its growth.

I strongly believe and have been advocating for our City government to think differently when it comes to recruiting and retaining businesses as they reduce their footprint and have a growing demand for skilled labor.

Additionally, I am working to ensure the city has a strategy around, and staff with the expertise to manage the very different demands of redeveloping projects, rather than simply building new. As a councilmember, I’ve voted to remove obstacles in our code and continue to push to streamline development services.  I don’t want businesses to think ‘built out’ means closed for business.

Finally, the investment in infrastructure is critical as Chandler ages.  Reliable, accessible infrastructure is not only a sign of fiscal responsibility, it protects business and community assets.

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Cicely Rocha-Miller, Candidate for Chandler City Council

I was encouraged by two deeply respected local Chandler leaders, who saw leadership in me and saw me running for council. After deep thought and conversations with my family, friends, and mentors, I came forward because I care deeply about this community and the direction it’s heading. This isn’t about me or a future pathway; it's about what I can do for my community.

Coming back after my previous campaign, I bring a stronger perspective. I learned a lot, am better connected and informed, and have a much clearer understanding of how the city operates and where we need to focus. That experience matters. It gave me the opportunity to listen, learn, and build relationships across Chandler. The thousands of people I have spoken to within the last two years alone have been extremely helpful. I heard, I listened, and I will continue to do so.

If elected, my priorities will center on public safety, thoughtful city growth, connecting community life, and backing local businesses. Chandler is a special place because of its charm; folks love it here, and I believe we have a responsibility to protect it as we plan for future generations.

At the end of the day, I am stepping up because I want local government to seem accessible, responsive, and grounded in the needs of the people it serves, and most importantly, I know I will lead with heart first.

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MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Matt Orlando, Candidate for Chandler Mayor

During my time on city council, I have worked closely with the Chamber and for many years I served on your educational and workforce committee. Over the years, I encouraged, supported and voted for the city to provide partnership services to the Chamber. I’m delighted that we are moving in a positive setting for additional partnership opportunities with the Chamber. Together, we’ve added thousands of jobs and created a vibrant-community of local businesses. I championed Chandler’s forward-thinking strategies that balanced drawing in dozens of new industries and being a tireless advocate of local businesses. My aim is to continue to foster an environment where locally-owned businesses thrive, major employers invest, and new job opportunities, especially well-paying ones, are created. That means streamlining regulations, ensuring infrastructure supports growth, and making Chandler a magnet for innovation. Finally, as mayor, I look forward to partnering with the Chamber, schools, businesses, labor association and others to provide a comprehensive and lasting workforce for our community.

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Jeff Weninger, Candidate for Chandler Mayor

If elected, my leadership will be focused on making Chandler one of the most business-friendly cities in the nation, not just in words, but in how we operate every single day. As a small business owner, I understand how important it is to have a city that is responsive, predictable, and easy to work with.

That starts with making sure City Hall is accessible and accountable. Businesses shouldn’t have to chase answers or navigate unnecessary delays. My approach is simple: if there’s a problem, we stay on it until it’s resolved. That mindset will guide how I work with staff and how we serve the business community.

I also believe in working closely with the Chandler Chamber and treating them as a true partner. They are on the front lines with our business community, and that kind of collaboration is essential to making good decisions and keeping Chandler competitive.

I believe in maintaining a strong foundation by keeping taxes low, focusing on core services, and making sure our infrastructure and public safety keep pace with the needs of our community. A safe, well run city is the best environment for businesses to succeed.

As Chandler approaches build out, our focus should be on supporting existing businesses, attracting high quality employers, and making thoughtful decisions about growth. That means being a good partner, listening to concerns, and ensuring that decisions are made in a transparent and consistent way.

At the end of the day, a strong business community depends on trust. My goal is to build that trust by being responsive, following through, and making sure Chandler continues to be a place where businesses can grow and succeed.

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COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Lisa Askey, Candidate for Chandler City Council

As a business owner for the past 26 years, I bring a clear understanding of what it takes to build, sustain, and grow a business. I have a deep respect for both our small businesses and the larger companies that have chosen to invest in Chandler. Having opened and operated a brick-and-mortar retail store in a neighboring community, I’ve seen firsthand how local government decisions can either support or hinder success.

That experience will directly shape my leadership. I will consistently evaluate policies and decisions through the lens of their impact on our business community - owners, employers, and employees alike. I believe Chandler must remain a city where businesses have confidence in their local government, with predictable policies, responsible financial management, and commitment to economic strength.

I will advocate for decisions that support business growth, encourage investment, and protect the long-term vitality of our local economy. Strong businesses are essential to a strong Chandler, and I will lead with that understanding every day.

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Angel Encinas, Candidate for Chandler City Council (Incumbent)

As a small business owner who grew up in Chandler, I’ve experienced the challenges of running a business. From managing costs, navigating regulations, and adapting to changing customer needs, especially in a post-COVID world. Those experiences give me a clear perspective on what it takes to start, grow, and sustain a business in Chandler.

My leadership would continue to focus on better communication, collaboration, and a mindset of “how do we get to a yes.” Chandler and our policies must evolve alongside its business community. Just as businesses have adapted to serve their customers differently, our city must modernize development processes and regulations to make it easier to start, grow, and invest in a business. Since businesses are investing in Chandler, we also need to be investing back in their needs. Listening to obstacles, removing unnecessary barriers, and creating a supportive environment for all businesses, regardless of size or industry.

I am committed to working closely with the Chandler Chamber and our business community to ensure city decisions reflect their real needs. My approach will be practical, solutions-oriented, and focused on supporting responsible growth and consistency in chandler.

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Joe Granado, Candidate for Chandler City Council

My leadership will reflect the values of the business community by focusing on practical decesion making, fiscal responsibility, and long term economical strength. As someone who built a company from the ground up, I understand what businesses need. A city that supports growth without uncesssary barriers.

Through my role as a Professor at ASU, I stay actively engaged in workforce development, helping prepair the next generation of skilled professionals that our local economy depends on. I believe in strong partnerships between education, industry, and the city are critical to Chandler's continued sucess.

My civic involvement also reflects a commitment to preserving what makes Chandler unique. I have served for years on the Architicual Committee for the historic San Marcos Golf Estates, working to protect its character and uphold its long standing values. I will bring a balance approach, supporting business growth, investing wisely in infranstracture, developing our workforce, and preserving the character of our community.

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Ron Hardin, Candidate for Chandler City Council

If elected, my leadership will reflect the Chamber’s commitment to a strong, business-friendly environment grounded in stability, predictability, and smart growth. I understand what it takes to run and grow a business, and I’ll bring that practical perspective to every decision. I will prioritize policies that support small businesses, attract high-quality employers, and ensure responsible fiscal management. Just as important, I’ll focus on clear communication and collaboration so the business community has a consistent voice at the table. My goal is to make Chandler a place where businesses can invest with confidence and continue to thrive.

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Jane Poston, Candidate for Chandler City Council (Incumbent)

I believe my decision making and leadership is very much in line with the values of the Chandler Chamber and the business community.  Not only am I a small business owner, active in the Chamber, and a sponsor of Women in Leadership, I personally believe that Chandler’s superpower is the collaboration of city government, the business community, educational institutions and nonprofits.

As a Councilmember I have strongly advocated for the City to work collaboratively with the Chamber as it represents the voice of the business community.  Some examples include inviting President/CEO Terri Kimble to share the state of the business community on my Council show, partnering with the Chamber on hosting a business roundtable, and attending multiple business roundtables (BR&E/Workforce Development) as a City Council representative to be a resource to Chandler businesses. I most recently supported the Chamber and City partnership in educating nonprofits, and have begun work to implement an ethics policy – a position the Chamber’s How We Stand document has called for over the last seven years.

During my current term, I have worked hard to keep the lines of communication open to ensure the Chamber has a voice on critical issues, and I have appreciated in return being able to rely on the Chamber for its input and outreach to the business community.  It’s a true partnership that, if elected, I will continue to grow.

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Cicely Rocha-Miller, Candidate for Chandler City Council

My style of leadership is rooted in actual experience. As a business owner, event planner, and producer, I’ve spent my career managing budgets, solving problems in real time, and bringing people together to execute a common vision. That translates directly to how I would serve on council. If you can plan events, you can just about do anything.

Running a business quickly teaches you to be resourceful, accountable, and solutions-focused. You learn to listen, make well-informed decisions, and adapt when needed. Most importantly, you understand the impact those decisions have on people, employees, and the wider community.

Chandler’s economy is driven largely by small businesses, and I understand the opportunities and the challenges that come with that because my husband and I live it every day. Heck, it has been ingrained in me generationally to build a life as an entrepreneur. Beginning with navigating regulations to managing growth, I know how important it is for the
city to be a partner, not a barrier.

My approach will always be responsible, business-minded, and community-centered. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, isn’t just a value. It’s how I operate. In a time when we are polarized by what some feel is a lack of ethics (and I share that sentiment), I know it’s what our community needs and craves, and I believe I am best able to represent it.

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MAYORAL CANDIDATES

Matt Orlando, Candidate for Chandler Mayor

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would be an important signal of trust and alignment with the business community that has helped drive Chandler’s success. It would reinforce to voters that my record and priorities have been recognized by those who understand what it takes to grow a strong local economy.

If endorsed, I would use that support as a platform to deepen engagement with business owners, employers, and entrepreneurs across Chandler. I would also work closely with the Chamber to ensure the City remains responsive to business needs, whether that’s through smart policy, workforce development, infrastructure planning, or maintaining a predictable and business-friendly environment. I have always worked and saw the Chamber as a key partner in shaping today’s Chandler and will be in lock step with the Chamber for the future Chandler. I will utilize the Chambers strengthens to ensure Chandler continues to thrive, and I would use that relationship to keep strengthening the connection between city leadership and the business community we serve.

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Jeff Weninger, Candidate for Chandler Mayor

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would mean the world to me, because it’s coming from people who are actually out there working with our business community every day. They see what’s working and what’s not, and they hear directly from business owners about the challenges they’re dealing with.

As a small business owner myself, that carries real weight. I’ve been on the other side of it, dealing with permits, regulations, and all the day-to-day things that can either help you or slow you down. So having the support of the Chamber would mean we’re on the same page when it comes to what businesses need to succeed.

I wouldn’t look at it as just an endorsement, I’d look at it as a working relationship. I plan to stay in close contact with the Chamber, show up, listen, and make sure we’re actually addressing issues instead of just talking about them. 

At the end of the day, when our business community is doing well, Chandler is doing well. And I want to make sure City Hall is a partner in that, not a hurdle. 

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COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Lisa Askey, Candidate for Chandler City Council

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is a strong and positive force in our city - not only for businesses, but for the community as a whole. The Chamber helps create the kind of environment where people can live, work, and thrive, and that success is built on a strong partnership with city leadership.

Earning the Chamber’s endorsement would be meaningful support for my campaign. It signals to the business community and residents that I am committed to policies that promote economic strength, stability, and long-term success. It would also create valuable opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with business leaders across Chandler.

I would use that support to actively engage with the business community—listening, learning, and bringing those perspectives back to the Council. I will prioritize open communication and consistent outreach so I can be a reliable partner and an effective advocate for the businesses that are vital to Chandler’s continued success.

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Angel Encinas, Candidate for Chandler City Council (Incumbent)

Receiving a Chandler Chamber endorsement again would be an honor. Such support is an impactful statement that signals my commitment to the local business community. It would show residents and business owners that I understand the challenges of running a business in Chandler and am focused on creating policies that help all businesses—large or small, across every industry.

If endorsed, having the Chamber’s support would mean that businesses have a direct voice with me on the council. I want them to feel that the city is alongside them, not working against them. That means actively listening to their obstacles, understanding what helps them grow, and collaborating on solutions that reduce barriers, streamline processes, and encourage investment in Chandler.

This endorsement would be a partnership. I would work closely with the Chamber and its members to maintain open lines of communication, foster collaboration, and ensure that their perspectives are consistently reflected in city decision-making. My goal is to make every business whether a startup or an established company feel heard and supported.

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Joe Granado, Candidate for Chandler City Council

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would provide strong credibility to the business community that my campain aligns with probusiness values and practical leadership. It would amplify my message to employers, entrepreneurs, and stakholders who are directly invested in Chandler's
economic sucess.

I would use that support to actively engage with the business community. My goal is not just to earn the endorsement, but to build an ongoing partnership with the Chamber to support policies that promote responsible growth, workforce development, and a strong local economy.

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Ron Hardin, Candidate for Chandler City Council

A Chandler Chamber endorsement would be meaningful to me both personally and professionally. As a member, graduate of the Leadership program and supporter for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the Chamber’s impact in strengthening our business community. That endorsement would signal to voters and business leaders that my campaign aligns with the values of responsible growth, economic strength, and collaboration. I would use that support to deepen engagement; listening to business owners, participating in Chamber initiatives, and ensuring their perspectives are reflected in city decisions. My goal is to maintain a strong, ongoing partnership that helps Chandler’s businesses continue to succeed.

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Jane Poston, Candidate for Chandler City Council (Incumbent)

The Chamber's endorsement would signal to the business community that our vision and values are in alignment. My company has been an active Chamber member for more than a decade, and I have dedicated my time personally and as a Councilmember because I believe that the work the Chamber does is incredibly valuable.  The Chamber is a community leader and its opinions carry weight.

On a practical side, I would plan to share that endorsement widely through social media and signage and hope to have opportunities to engage with members of the business community who are interested in city issues and my campaign.

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Cicely Rocha-Miller, Candidate for Chandler City Council

The Chamber plays a critical leadership position in molding and supporting our local business environment. Earning their endorsement can signal that my campaign is consistent with the needs and demands of the business community, and that matters. Residents look to stakeholders like the Chamber for influence when voting.

An endorsement like that cultivates trust. It provides credibility with voters and confirms that I am prepared to represent Chandler thoughtfully and in a balanced way. I would use that support not just in campaign communication, but as a link to greater engagement with Chandler residents. It would open more opportunities for meaningful conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Those conversations develop into real community action.

For me, it’s not only about earning an endorsement, frankly, but that’s the start of a beautiful relationship, which I believe I have already begun; it’s about continuing to show up, listen, and build relationships that last well beyond the campaign.

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