Deny Chandler's spendthrift leaders their bond
- Valley Telegraph
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 2
Bond issuance at today’s high interest rates is a recipe for future disaster and calls into question dumb growth policies that both Rs and Ds claim will pay for themselves.
Chandler voters will head to the polls in November to approve or reject a $300 million bond issuance, proposed during a time of high interest rates. We recommend voters vote 'No' and consider taking the time—and unfortunately, the money—to submit opposing arguments for inclusion in the official voter pamphlet
Classic case of political gaslighting
Voters are being gaslit by City leaders who claim this money is for infrastructure, public safety and parks:
Public Safety – $70 million
Parks and Recreation – $80 million
Infrastructure – $100 million
Economic Development – $50 million
However, these funds are only needed because city leaders have previously wasted comparable amounts.
Funds that could have supported essential services were previously spent on initiatives such as expanded homelessness programs, DEI indoctrination, and other controversial, non-essential and even harmful expenditures.
In short, city leaders have diverted funds away from essential services and now ask voters to cover the gap—while presenting it as necessary infrastructure investment.
We recommend voters reject this and force their leaders to cut back on wasteful spending and use the saved funds for essential services instead. More points to consider:
The City of Chandler has significantly increased its budget in recent years to $1.6 billion—almost $5,000 per resident, per year.
The City is now spending almost twice as much per year as only 5 years ago, even though population growth has remained modest.
In an awkward rant during last year's campaign season City Council member Ellis celebrated the massive budget as some sort of achievement
The budget increase is due to incompetent leadership wasting tax dollars.
At current interest rates, the City of Chandler would pay about 5% annually—roughly $15 million per year—in interest alone on this bond.
With around 300,000 residents, this bond would burden each Chandler resident with roughly $100 per year for the next 20 years—considering both interest and repayment.
And how will this be paid for? Most likely through higher taxes—and even more borrowing.
Make your voice heard
Arguments for or against the bond can be submitted via this website. We urge readers to consider submitting arguments urging city leaders to live within their means—rather than compromising Chandler’s financial future through irresponsible borrowing today.
The bond form can be found here. It must be notarized and can then be dropped off at City Hall at the Chandler City Hall City Clerk's Office, 175 S. Arizona Ave., First Floor, Chandler, AZ 85225 or emailed to elections@chandleraz.gov. A payment of $150 is required before the argument can be included in the pamphlet.
The deadline for submission is 6 August 2025, 5pm.
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