Key Facts
Background
Vicki Hunt graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Grand Canyon College, and then graduated from Chapman University with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Afterwards, she conducted advanced graduate work at the Bread Loaf School of English in Vermont and Oxford University in England. Hunt is a former Peoria High School teacher, and former owner of Old Town Bed and Breakfast. Hunt is currently the mayor pro tempore of Peoria. She has also been a member of the Peoria Historical Society, Friends of Peoria Public Library, Theater Works, and the Arizona Commission on the Arts. [1]. Hunt was first elected as councilwoman in 2003 till 2010, and was reelected in 2014 [2]. Since May 2017, she has been a member of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce [3].
Key Issues
Infrastructure
Hunt wants to improve local amenities including bringing shade structures to the lake at Pioneer Park. Hunt also wants to add accessible playground equipment for children with special needs. She has also previously advocated for the demolition of some buildings in Old Town. Hunt is supportive of the shade initiative, which added parks, trailheads, and pedestrian areas [2].
Public Safety
Hunt wants to increase the number of police officers. Hunt has invested in body cameras for all police officers, and added additional School Resource Officers. She also added Rescue194, which brought 5 ambulances to Peoria. Hunt was also behind the creation of a homeless outreach program and a misdemeanor repeat offender program [2].
Economy
Hunt supports attracting new businesses and supporting existing businesses in Old Town. Hunt is also against increasing property and sales taxes [2].
Transportation
Hunt wants to continue the program of POGO, which was installed while she was in office. She also supports previous adjustments to transportation in Peoria: the green bike lanes on roads, the renovations to the Peoria Main library, and the drainage adjustments along 67th avenue [2].
Endorsements
Paul Johnson, Former Mayor of Phoenix; Professional Firefighters of Arizona; Bridget Binsbacher, Councilmember; Bill Patena, Councilmember; Mike Finn, Councilmember; Cathy Carlat, Peoria Mayor; Joe Eriquez, Heart for the City CEO/President [2].