Vote Torgeson

JIM TORGESON

for Gilbert Town Council

Families First * Smart Growth * Rebuild Trust

About Me

Always ambitious, I had my first job at age 14. I graduated from UCLA and took my early success as a musician and parlayed that into a successful live music venue with major headliners. Since 2007 my wife, 2 children and I have lived in Gilbert, a town that we love, where I have been active as a citizen and local small business owner. I am a member of the Rotary Club, President of the Legacy at Gilbert Commons HOA, board member of the Free Enterprise Committee (SBA), former board member Tempe-Apache Blvd Redevelopment Committee, and former Director Tempe Apache Blvd Businessman’s Association

 

I served 2 terms as Chairman of the Heritage District Redevelopment Commission. I presided over the redevelopment commission during the district's largest period of growth and have laid out plans for years to come. It has been my pleasure to help realize a vibrant and successful downtown area.

 

Where I see Gilbert at risk is in the long term planning of our community. We are the fastest growing community in the U.S. and planning will have a genuine impact on our growth and financial potential. Yet Gilbert does not have one long term planner, let alone a department, that is responsible for the stewardship of our community. As a businessman and taxpayer, I am concerned how the lack of future planning will have an impact on services and taxes in Gilbert.

 

As your town councilman, not only would I scrutinize and call for transparency and responsibility in the town's spending, as I have in the past (see video), but I also pledge to work closely with the talent and resources we have now, attract the resouces we need, and facilitate a vision and plan for a future of Gilbert that enables us to be competitive and attractive on a sound fiscal footing.

Jim Torgeson head shot

My Record So Far.

Chairman of Redevelopment: Heritage District

Over the past six years, I have served as a board member and as Chairman of the Heritage Redevelopment Commission. Working closely with the Economic Director, I revitalized a sleepy downtown into one of Arizona's most vibrant locations. I have changed the face of the Heritage District and it is an unmitigated SUCCESS! Retail, restaurants, entertainment, art walks, festivals… This groundwork will continue to attract businesses, create jobs and thrive for decades.

Zinke Dairy Land Fiasco

I exposed (see video) the 51 million dollar inflated land deal (the property was worth only $14M), that caused elected officials and irresponsible town staff to lose their jobs. I also lead the effort to change the laws so that a lemon of a deal like this could never happen again.

I’ve blown the whistle on many similar "good old boy" deals.

Former Chairman of Community Services Committee

I ensured all funds allocated were actually made use of in and for the benefit of Gilbert in a responsible fashion such as repair/ replacing necessary traffic lights and crosswalks rather than funding charities in Scottsdale! I also advocated for a battered women's shelter in Gilbert when community development block grant funds become available.

Advocate for Property Rights

I sued and won against the Town of Gilbert when the former Town Manager inappropriately used eminent domain against my family and many other families along Higley Rd.

Champion of Public Safety

I held council members, who supported the "Public Safety First" bond, accountable (see video) when the city council signed a later agreement that would put bond holder profits ahead of funding for police and fire departments. "Public safety" fears are continually used as a means to increase taxes.

Defender of the 1st Amendment

With the assistance of the Goldwater Institute, I sued and won against Scottsdale over their unconstitutional law to infringe on business owners' First Amendment rights. This has literally created and ensured thousands of Arizona jobs.

Endorsements

Ken Bennett Former Arizona Secretary of State 

As a former Gilbert resident whose family (Haymore's) were Gilbert pioneers, I wholeheartedly support Jim Torgeson for Town Council! He is educated, articulate and a force of nature. He will get the job done!

State Representative Anthony Kern

Jim Torgeson possesses the strength, intelligence and courage to make the best choices and follow through on them. I would be proud to have him serve me as you should be proud to have him serve you.

Theodore Bessa- U.S. Army, Retired

"I have known Jim Torgeson for over 35 years. I know him to be a successful businessman, family man, and civically-minded citizen. As a former Special Ops Sergeant Major in the US Army, I believe the future of this community needs a man like Jim, who is not afraid to say what needs to be said, to tackle difficult problems, or to take on political bullies. Jim is the right man for Gilbert’s future."

James Caskey- Parental Rights Advocate

"I am proud to endorse you for Gilbert City Counsel. Your character has exemplified an outstanding Arizona Citizen, Business Leader, and Family man. You’re a Champion of parental rights and people entrust themselves to your leadership in our community. You have my best wishes for a most enjoyable election and much continued success in your outstanding endeavors as a Gilbert City Councilman."

Eddie Cook- Town of Gilbert Councilmember

"It is with great joy that I endorse Jim Torgeson for Gilbert Town Council. Through his service as Chairman of the Town of Gilbert Redevelopment Commission, Jim has passionately provided leadership and vision in the revitalization efforts of the downtown Heritage District resulting in the entrepreneurial restaurants, retail businesses, arts and culture, food trucks, and farmers market we all enjoy. He has dedicated his time to the success and vibrancy of the small businesses that have now found a home in our downtown. Jim’s strong small business acumen and economic development expertise will bring great value to the Gilbert Town Council. Please join me in supporting Jim Torgeson for Council."

Aimee Rigler- Gilbert Councilmember

“I worked with Jim for years at the Small Business Alliance. He has always had conviction for protecting individual liberties, a reasonable approach to public policy, and the know-how for effectively implementing improvements. Although Jim has never served on Town Council – he has a record. As a small business owner and resident he has publicly fought unnecessary increases to sales tax and the creation of a local use tax. He has pushed for common-sense repeals and improvements to regulation impacting small and large businesses alike. Through sound redevelopment policies and bettering the town’s business processes, Jim has paved the way for smart growth in Gilbert’s downtown and other areas. It has been a pleasure and honor working with Jim for nearly a decade on small business issues in our community – and I wholeheartedly support him for Gilbert Town Council.”

M.B. Allen

"As a former employee (20 years ago), I feel I can share something few get to see; he wasn't just a boss, he was a leader and a teacher. He would always say "you don't work for me, you work with me." His way of distilling situations for problem solving taught me so much. I still call and ask for his advice to this day. Gilbert is lucky to have him."

Steve Berg- Shenandoah Homes / RocknRoll High School

"Jim understands smart growth and economic development. Coupled with his ability to get to the root of the subject, I am confident he will be an excellent councilmember."

Eddie Farnsworth- Former Gilbert Councilmember

"Jim Torgeson has been involved in Gilbert politics, policies and town processes for many years. As a successful businessman and local entrepreneur, Jim has used his expertise to help other businesses navigate the complex municipal codes. He has been vigilant in advocating for a reduction in regulatory burdens and limited taxation. As a Gilbert resident, I’m grateful that Jim will continue this fight by bringing his much needed experience and common sense perspective to the Gilbert Town Council. Please, join with me in supporting Jim Torgeson for Gilbert Town Council."

Nancy Roberts- Heritage District property owner

"Jim saw the predicament my family was in regarding Heritage District property and turned lemons into lemonade for us and everyone downtown. He'll make a great Councilman"

Laurin Hendrix- Gilbert Councilmember

"The Town of Gilbert needs a strong leader like Jim Torgeson. His conservative principles and extensive business experience will be a great asset to the Town Council. Jim will do what is right for families and small business owners in our community, while keeping taxes down. I am proud to endorse Jim because he is the right leader for Gilbert."

Bob Robson- Former Arizona House of Representatives Speaker Pro Tem

"I have worked on several pieces of legislation with Jim over the last 15 years. He has proven to be a principled thoughtful defender of free speech and constitutional rights. As an outsider, he been able to investigate complex transactions and hold local government officials accountable. As a councilman he will hold your interest higher than anyone else's."

Justin Everett- Colorado Representative

"In this race he is the best champion for liberty and freedom and I think he will best represent the values of the citizens in Gilbert Arizona"