I was pleased to participate in the Candidate Forum held by the Town of Paradise Valley Independent on June 28, 2022 at Town Hall. I appreciated the strong public turnout and the positive feedback I received! Here are my notes for the opening remarks I delivered:
Hello, I am Jerry Bien-Willner, your mayor since 2019.
I’m seeking re-election to keep our Town stable, safe, and at the TOP – and to finish some important work.
It’s wonderful to see our Town thrive. And I remain totally committed to our Town’s success – and, course, to you all – our amazing community of residents.
My background is on my website, but here’s a little bit about me. I was blessed to grow up in our amazing Town – my parents have lived here since 1978.
My wife Robyn and I met in New York City, where she worked in the luxury fashion industry. I was practicing complex litigation. Yes, I’m obviously not as cool or stylish! But we’re proud that I did recover over $1 billion – yes, with a “B” – for my clients by winning many notable cases. Together, we chose PV as the place to start our family. We are blessed with two wonderful kids.
I’m humbled by strong public support from so many outstanding people -- 12 Town mayors and vice mayors, former police chiefs, and many other great leaders in PV and around the state. These fine people know me and my work well.
And so do you.
Here are some of my priorities and accomplishments if I am re-elected as your Mayor.
First, protecting our Town’s unique character. Our Town is rightly recognized as the best residential community in the state, and among the best in the country – with your support, we will continue to keep it that way! No undesired development projects have been approved on my watch; I firmly but respectfully say no to projects that don’t meet community standards after public input and our Town’s rigorous review process. And all of this is reinforced by the Town’s 10-year General Plan, which is on the ballot with unanimous support. We are continuing to head in the right direction.
Second, getting results on issues such as:
· Short Term Rental Reform: I’m proud to lead the charge against this negative trend – I helped organize a team of mayors from around Arizona, and have led our community’s team, which includes citizen advisors. Paradise Valley is recognized as a trailblazer in this area, and we are closing in on even better tools to manage short-term rentals. I’m ready to finish the job.
· I helped lead our efforts to save $11 million for residents in the EPCOR rate case.
· We managed the pandemic and unrest with success, and without needless division.
· Our Town’s financial condition is outstanding — we will continue to make sure of this, and that we will have NO PROPERTY TAX.
· Infrastructure: We remodeled our Post Office and Community Room on a tight budget and we’ve improved our streets, all projects done with deep resident engagement.
· Led negotiations to resolve the biggest lawsuit in Town history, which arose from events before I was Mayor – without caving, but instead with great success for the Town. A true win/win.
· We initiated the first-ever youth recognition program – at no cost to Town, but priceless to the kids.
And third, but just as importantly, supporting our community’s public safety. We are the safest community in Arizona, with a fully funded and accredited force for first time. And I applied my emergency authority and the trust you placed in me to keep us safe during civil unrest in neighboring communities.
There’s so much more, and more to come with your support. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Mayor.