On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors selected former Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers as the new Maricopa County District 5 supervisor to replace former Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox.
Four Democrats, including Rogers and former Phoenix City Council member Michael Johnson, applied for the interim seat. Phoenix attorney Otilia Diaz and political and policy consultant Cristina Arzaga-Williams were also considered by the four current supervisors, all Republicans.
“I thank the Board for appointing me and look forward to the challenges, solutions, and success that comes with moving Maricopa County forward and serving the citizens of the county and District 5,” Supervisor Rogers said.
Lopez Rogers served 18 years on the Avondale city council, she has been president of the National League of Cities, and has served as a board member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Maricopa Association of Governments executive committee.
Board Chairman Denny Barney stated that, “On behalf of this Board, we would like to thank all of those interested citizens who applied for this vacancy. This process has been quick and purposeful, for a reason. It is important that we continue our work on the budget and the start of the new fiscal year is just a few weeks away. I welcome Mrs. Rogers to the Board of Supervisors and believe that, due to her familiarity with governmental operations, she will help Maricopa County to continue to serve the taxpayers well.”
Supervisor Steve Chucri commented that, “The appointment process is not an easy one and is made more challenging when qualified, experienced candidates apply. I am pleased that the residents of District 5 will have representation as we make important budget decisions in the coming months and look forward to working with Mrs. Rogers.” Rogers served on the Avondale City Council since 1996 and as mayor since 2006. Her candidacy was supported by seven West Valley mayors, all part of the sprawling district, which covers 4586 square miles from Phoenix to Gila Bend. She has been a lifelong resident of the West Valley and grew up working in the fields with her parents.
Supervisor Clint Hickman said of the appointment, “There is important business goes on around here round the clock so we do need to have a judicious process. District 4 and 5 in the West Valley cross paths so much as we work on issues. Our districts share parts of Buckeye, Avondale and Goodyear and we have to work together. Mayor Rogers grew up in the fields like I did. I look forward to working with her.”
Supervisor Andy Kunasek stated, “I really don’t feel we should appoint a placeholder. I wanted to choose someone who has demonstrated a genuine interest in the office for a long time. Mrs. Rogers has demonstrated her interest and commitment to public service and her community.”
Lopez Rogers resigned as mayor to run for the District 5 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors seat after Wilcox resigned to run for the retiring Congressman Ed Pastor’s seat.
Lopez Rogers will likely face state Senator Steve Gallardo, who decided step out of the race for Pastor’s seat.