Key Facts
Background
Jack Hastings graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Hastings is a US Civics high school teacher at Valley Vista High School [2]. He currently serves on the Surprise City Council and serves as an ambassador to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council [1]. As a councilmember-elect, Hastings asked then-incumbent David Sander to resign right away after Hastings won the election, not wanting Sanders to finish his full term, which has been received as impudent [3]. Hastings was also accused by the chairwoman of the Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission of using his position on the commission to further his campaign [6].
Key Issues
Public Safety
Hastings believes that public safety should be the top priority of the city. He voted to increase funding for police by over $4 million in this year’s city budget. He also supports the opening of the new fire station in the city [1]. He wants to add more police officers to schools [7].
Economy
Hastings supports increasing the number of jobs in Surprise, which he cites to be the reason he supported Amazon’s developments in Surprise. He also voted to fund the Economic Development Department with a $1 million contingency fund to attract jobs and business to the city [4].
Budget
Hastings wants taxes to remain low. He supports the lack of taxation on groceries in the city. He has stated that managing the city’s finances is one of the most important roles of the city [5].
Education
Hastings supports public-private partnerships between schools and local businesses [1].
Infrastructure
Hastings has stated that roads are a concern of his as the city grows [5].
Housing
To combat the ongoing housing shortage, Hastings supports more housing development to accommodate the increasing demand. Hastings also supports diversifying the types of housing in the city [5].
Endorsements
Arizona Police Association; Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona; Pinnacle West Capital Corporation