Curious who’s running on the Democratic ticket for several county, state, and federal offices? Care to meet them in person and hear their views on issues that affect the future of Maricopa County, Arizona, and the nation? Then mark your calendar to attend the Sun Lakes Democratic Club’s April 8 meeting at 7 p.m. at Sun Lakes Country Club.

The meeting will include Tyler Kamp, a native Arizonan and ASU graduate running for Maricopa County Sheriff. He served with the Phoenix Police Department for more than 20 years and has a variety of international law enforcement experience. Kamp’s experience includes work in various not-for-profit organizations aimed at eradicating poverty.

On the education front, those attending will hear from two incumbents seeking reelection to the Maricopa County Community College (MCCC) Governing Board. Dr. Linda Thor, who currently serves as a Member-at-Large, was first elected to the board in 2016. Her leadership at colleges in Arizona (president of Rio Salado College) and California (president of West Los Angeles College) has benefited MCCC, one of the nation’s largest community college districts.

Joining Thor is Jacqueline Smith who was first elected to represent District 1 on the Governing Board in 2021. She has a BA and JD from Georgetown University and has designed and launched a number of initiatives at ASU since 2009. Smith has also served as a mentor, advisor, and board member for many local and national organizations.

On the state level, we will hear from Brandy Reese, Democratic candidate for AZ House, LD 13. Reese, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, worked 14 years as a forensic scientist and peace officer. She describes herself as a lifelong education advocate and is seeking the House seat currently held by Jennifer Pawlik who is not seeking reelection. Pawlik will also be on hand to update the audience on bills before the Legislature.

Throwing her hat into the ring for the U.S. House is Katrina Schaffner. Schaffner attended community college and trade school and has spent her adult years advocating for an economy and healthcare system that works for everyone. She is running to retire Andy Biggs and represent the 5th Congressional District in Washington.

The Sun Lakes Democratic Club includes like-minded individuals, part of over 2,500 registered Democrats throughout the Sun Lakes area, promoting an Arizona that works for everyone. We invite you to join us on April 8 at 6:30 p.m. for a social hour, with the meeting starting at 7 p.m., in the Navajo Room at the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 E. Sun Lakes Blvd N, Sun Lakes. We also meet for First Friday Coffee each month at Kneaders on Queen Creek and Alma School Roads in Chandler at 10 a.m.

For questions, please call Roxy Banta at 480-899–5696 or email [email protected].