Official Statement
Statement in Response to Events Unfolding in Minnesota and the Country
Our city thrives when our voices are heard. It is the bedrock of my campaign; to ensure that every Peoria resident is given an opportunity to provide feedback and share their ideas and concerns when it comes to the community we call home. This right and commitment to transparency does not change in the face of challenging times. Rather, our resolve as leaders should be to work harder to ensure that every Peoria resident feels safe, protected, and maintains their constitutional rights.
public safety and economic development
Practicing good public safety keeps citizens safe and makes a city one that leads by example.
When evaluating the decision by Peoria’s current administration to effectively close Fire Station 199, it’s important to recognize that the effects of moves like this are not limited to the constraints it puts on the city’s mission to care for its population. Equally as consequential is the impact on Peoria’s standing as a destination for businesses and tourists alike.
Fire Station 199
Decisions made about Peoria Fire Station 199 at Lake Pleasant are not just disappointing, they are dangerous and will cost lives
The current City of Peoria administration’s move to shutter one of our city’s most vital public safety resources, Fire Station 199 at Lake Pleasant, troubles me. And here’s why.
Peoria Plans for Second $3.8M Helicopter
But former Peoria Police Chief Art Miller said this is precisely why taxpayer dollars should not be spent on purchasing helicopters for the city.
Miller, who is running for mayor in the 2026 election as a Mesquite District resident, said he doesn’t see police helicopters as a major law enforcement tool specifically for the city, especially when, previous to the first purchase, Peoria had access to Phoenix, Maricopa County and Mesa helicopters.
A 2023 public record request by Peoria Independent from Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office revealed the agency responded to only seven calls of service from Peoria in the previous year-and-a-half.
Helicopters are good for search and rescue, but drones are more efficient and cost effective, Miller said.
“Helicopters are outdated,” he said. “Drones, they are the way to go. Drones can be operational in minutes. And for under $1 million you could get full drone deployment over the whole city.”
Peoria Made the Right Call on Real-Time Crime Center, Now Let’s Invest in Smarter Technology
The Real-Time Crime Center has been years in the making.
As Peoria’s former chief of police, in 2023, I proposed this system, which was initially approved by the mayor and council.
However, after the project was set in motion, the new mayor backtracked, claiming he never approved it. Behind closed doors, he attempted to push a more expensive and less effective alternative.
Fast forward to today — Peoria has unveiled its RTCC, ultimately choosing the Fusus system that was originally proposed. This state-of-the-art center will provide our police officers and civilian staff with real-time intelligence, improving public safety and response times.
But we can’t stop here.
It’s time for Peoria to lead the way in cost-effective, tech-driven policing. Instead of sinking millions into maintaining outdated helicopters — often called “flying dinosaurs” in law enforcement circles — Peoria should invest in a modern drone program. Many agencies nationwide have already implemented drone systems that integrate seamlessly with RTCCs, providing faster, more efficient, and more affordable aerial surveillance.
A robust drone program would cost a fraction of traditional aviation expenses, freeing up city funds for parks, trails, and infrastructure. We owe it to our residents to make smart, forward-thinking investments in public safety.