In a town where rising utility rates and questions of fiscal mismanagement have stirred growing concern, newly elected Councilman Monte Lyons is taking a different approach. Rather than reacting to crisis, Lyons is advancing a proactive plan to identify inefficiencies, develop innovative revenue solutions, and ensure long-term financial health—without defaulting to higher taxes and fees.
“Our infrastructure is failing faster than industry standards due to past councils’ reactive, fix-as-it-breaks maintenance approach, which prioritized short-term savings over long-term maintenance,” Lyons said. “While it may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it was irresponsible stewardship. Now, we face the consequences with rate hikes. I’m determined to avoid that in the future. Our infrastructure belongs to the people of Gilbert—they are the stakeholders.”
His remarks echo the frustrations captured in a February report by the Arizona Daily Independent, which traced the town’s deteriorating infrastructure—especially its sewer system—back to years of mismanagement and neglect. “Failed Leadership, Failing Pipes” detailed how maintenance shortcuts and opaque budgeting contributed directly to the 95% sewer rate hike, with further increases already under discussion.
Introducing FORGE
His first initiative, FORGE — Fiscal Oversight, Revenue Growth & Efficiency—is part of Lyons’ broader vision to modernize Gilbert’s financial strategy. Lyons is working to institutionalize both transparency and accountability, positioning FORGE as a tool for smarter, community-informed governance.
With FORGE, Lyons aims to shift the conversation from damage control to a long-term strategy—placing innovation and fiscal responsibility at the heart of Gilbert’s next chapter.
“A DOGE-Style Revolution”
The creation of FORGE follows a wave of civic engagement inspired by so-called “DOGE-style reform,” a nod to the decentralized and populist ethos made popular by internet culture and cryptocurrency movements. Citizens are calling for a similar recalibration of local governance—less government waste, more transparency, and far greater accountability.
While the Gilbert Town Council has not yet formally appointed the committee, Councilman Monte Lyons is preparing to bring forward a slate of high-profile applicants for consideration. If approved, FORGE would be more than a symbolic gesture—it would be a working committee with a mission to reshape the town’s financial direction.
Proposed Membership
The proposed committee would tentatively include ten members, with Lyons and fellow Councilman Kenny Buckland among them. Lyons is expected to nominate the following prominent professionals:
● A former member of the Trump 2016 administration, bringing deep expertise in federal
budgeting, defense strategy, and economic policy.
● A former CFO of a national fast-food chain and Oil & Gas Co-Op, offering seasoned insight into lean operations and private-sector fiscal efficiency.
● A current consultant for a large firm dedicated to helping negotiate government contracts.
● Several respected professionals from the Gilbert community, with experience in construction, real estate, and nonprofit advocacy.
Rather than relying on the traditional approach of raising taxes and fees, Lyons intends for the committee to explore new, sustainable revenue streams and strategic investment
opportunities—ideally preserving both essential services and the community’s quality of life.
Vision:
Establish affordable, efficient, and sustainable financial and operational models that position Gilbert to maintain the quality of life we have come to expect.
Mission:
Identify opportunities for fiscal efficiency, innovative revenue solutions, and strategic investments without compromising essential services in order to address the challenges presented by Gilbert’s rapid growth and infrastructure demands.
Gilbert’s Opportunity for Change?
The formation of FORGE represents a key moment in Gilbert politics, with many hopeful it could signal real change. However, as with any new initiative, there is naturally a sense of cautious optimism. Given the town’s history of financial struggles and the rising costs impacting residents, the success of FORGE will ultimately be judged by its ability to deliver concrete results—not just good intentions.
With sewer rates set to increase and public confidence in town leadership shaken, the committee’s work will be critical in restoring faith in local governance. The hope is that by focusing on fiscal responsibility and innovative solutions, FORGE can move beyond rhetoric and establish a new standard for how Gilbert’s government operates—without simply resorting to the traditional approach of raising taxes or fees.
Whether the committee can reverse the damage of the past remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: expectations for more responsible and transparent leadership in Gilbert are higher than ever.
fix the problem.. not ‘legislate more of the same as the fix’ interesting – wish they’d do this with MEDICARE.