JIM TORGESON

Revitalizing the Heart of Gilbert

During my service on the Heritage District Redevelopment Commission, including two terms as Chairman, I helped lead the vision and planning that transformed Downtown Gilbert from an underutilized area into one of Arizona’s most successful downtown districts.

Through strategic redevelopment, business recruitment, and community-focused planning, we created a destination that supports local entrepreneurs, attracts visitors, generates economic opportunity, and enhances Gilbert’s unique character. The Heritage District’s continued growth is a testament to what thoughtful planning and strong community partnerships can achieve.

As Gilbert continues to grow, I remain committed to building on that success while preserving the values and quality of life that make our community such a special place to call home.

Exposing Waste. Delivering Reform.

Effective leadership requires both vision and accountability. During my service to Gilbert, I helped uncover a controversial land transaction that raised serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and public transparency. By bringing attention to the issue and advocating for reform, I helped strengthen the policies and safeguards that govern major municipal transactions today.

My commitment has always been the same: protect taxpayers, demand transparency, and make decisions that serve the long-term interests of Gilbert residents—not special interests. As Gilbert continues to grow, that commitment remains as important as ever.

Investments That Put Gilbert First

As Chairman of the Gilbert Community Services Committee, I worked to ensure that federal and community development funds were invested where they would make the greatest impact—right here in Gilbert.

I advocated for responsible use of public resources, prioritizing critical infrastructure improvements such as traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian safety enhancements, and neighborhood improvements that directly benefit Gilbert residents. I also supported efforts to expand services for vulnerable members of our community, including advocating for a battered women's shelter when Community Development Block Grant funding became available.

My approach has always been simple: taxpayer and grant dollars should be spent responsibly, transparently, and in ways that improve the quality of life for the people of Gilbert.

Standing Up for Property Rights

I believe government must always respect the rights of its citizens and exercise its authority responsibly. When the Town of Gilbert improperly pursued the use of eminent domain against my family and other property owners along Higley Road, I stood up and challenged that decision.

Through the legal process, we successfully defended the rights of affected property owners and demonstrated that government must be held accountable when it exceeds its authority. The experience reinforced my belief that elected officials must carefully balance community growth with respect for private property rights.

As a Town Councilmember, I continue to support policies that protect property owners, promote transparency, and ensure that residents are treated fairly and respectfully by their government.

Keeping Promises to Taxpayers

Voters deserve honest and transparent government. When the Town promoted the "Public Safety First" bond, residents were told the funding would support critical public safety priorities. Later, when decisions were made that appeared to place financial obligations to bondholders ahead of those stated priorities, I spoke out and demanded accountability.

My concern has always been straightforward: taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being used, and government should honor the commitments made to voters. Public safety is one of the Town's most important responsibilities, and it should never be used as a justification for spending decisions that lack transparency or proper public scrutiny.

Throughout my public service, I have consistently advocated for responsible budgeting, transparent decision-making, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance with the promises made to the community.

Defending Constitutional Rights & Economic Freedom

I have always believed that government should protect constitutional rights, not restrict them. When the City of Scottsdale enacted regulations that infringed upon the First Amendment rights of business owners, I partnered with the Goldwater Institute to challenge those restrictions in court.

We prevailed, affirming important free speech protections and helping ensure that Arizona businesses could continue to communicate with their customers without unconstitutional government interference.

The impact of that victory extended far beyond a single case. By protecting the rights of business owners and preserving a pro-business environment, the decision helped support economic growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation throughout Arizona.

Whether defending constitutional freedoms or advocating for local businesses, I believe government works best when it protects opportunity rather than creating unnecessary barriers.