Getting to Know Your Candidates: An Exclusive AP&G Interview with PV Town Council Candidate Daran Wastchak
Arizona Progress & Gazette 6/30/26
You’ve lived in Paradise Valley for 20 years. What first drew you here, and what has kept your family rooted in this community?
As a native of Arizona, I have always been fascinated by Paradise Valley’s rural feel, nestled amongst Camelback and Mummy mountains, with one-acre lots that leave lots of space between homes, and all in the middle of the natural desert, like you typically see only on the outskirts of the Valley. Whenever I drive home, whether from a surrounding city, returning from a trip out of state, or from another country, I’m always happy to be back home in Paradise Valley. My daughters were one, three and five years old when we moved to PV, so this is the only home they’ve really known. Being in the center of everything, close to the airport, world-class restaurants, and downtown Phoenix, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else
You hold a Master’s and PhD in Public Administration and Policy. How has that academic background shaped the way you think about local government?
I’ve been drawn to public service for over thirty years, since I completed my bachelor’s degree at ASU. Graduate work in public administration greatly increased my knowledge of government management, budgeting, and policy setting, providing a practical background and appreciation for how government can operate efficiently and effectively.
While state and federal government operates remotely from most people’s daily lives, local government impacts us each and every day. This makes it all the more important to maintain an open dialogue with Town residents, explaining complex issues, and being as responsive as possible to feedback, input and ideas that are shared with Town Council and staff.
You’ve been a small business owner for over 25 years. What’s the most important lesson from running a business that you’d bring to the Town Council?
People are the most important ingredient to any organization’s success, whether that’s public, private or nonprofit. Take care of those on your team, be inclusive in decision making, provide opportunities for personal and professional growth, go out of your way to recognize and praise success, and treat every mistake as an opportunity to improve and do a better job. The Town Council is one part of a large team that is integral to the success of the Town of Paradise Valley. The positive example it sets for everyone to see, based on civility, respect, and positive working relationships, leads directly to a positive culture in the Town’s staff.
Original article: https://arizonaprogressgazette.com/apg-interview-with-pv-town-council-candidate-daran-wastchak-paradise-valley/
Paradise Valley council candidates concerned about infrastructure, responsible growth
Paradise Valley Independent 05/27/2026
Employment: Self-employed, small business owner, providing training for the residential construction industry on how to build comfortable, durable, energy-efficient homes.
Community involvement: Served on the town of Paradise Valley Planning Commission for six years, two as chairman; run the monthly Paradise Valley Men’s Breakfast meetings; member of the Arizona Town Hall board of directors (currently serve as board chair); and member of the Arizona Wind Symphony, playing alto saxophone
What are the biggest challenges facing the town?
In 2024, I was disappointed to discover (no one told me) that the “home” being built next door to me would be a 10-bedroom assisted-living business, and there was nothing I could do about it. Earlier this year, our mayor and town council modified the town’s assisted-living home ordinance for the benefit of town residents, but the Arizona Legislature and governor subsequently passed a bill nullifying our town’s changes. This overruling of local governance by the state, known as “preemption,” is the biggest challenge facing the town, and it can negatively impact important issues like short-term rentals, photo radar and even the laws governing how we manage the next assisted-living business in the town that could be built next door to your home.
How would you rate the town’s infrastructure and what needs immediate attention?
When heavy storms and rain descend on Paradise Valley, the historic wash across the back of my property runs heavy, but with good drainage swales, it no longer floods my backyard. Others in town are not as fortunate, impacted every time there is rain. In June of last year, town staff completed a stormwater master plan that evaluated each of the flood hazard areas in Paradise Valley, identified seven improvement projects, created preliminary cost estimates and prioritized them. These projects need immediate attention, have been scheduled in the town’s capital improvement program, and should be completed as soon as possible.
Original article: https://www.yourvalley.net/paradise-valley-independent/stories/an-example-of-true-civility-in-paradise-valley,656163
Stanton unopposed, four vie for Paradise Valley council seats
Paradise Valley Independent 03/25/2026
The slate of candidates for Paradise Valley’s July 21 primary election is set.
Mayor Mark Stanton is running unopposed, while Council Member Anna Thomasson is the only incumbent running for reelection. Also running for a seat on the council are Bob Brown, Bill Nassikas and Daran Wastchak.
Vice Mayor Christine Labelle and Council Member Ellen Andeen-Keller are not running for reelection.
Here’s a look at the candidates based on information from their campaign
Original article: https://www.yourvalley.net/paradise-valley-independent/stories/stanton-unopposed-four-vie-for-paradise-valley-council-seats,673265
AN EXAMPLE OF TRUE CIVILITY IN PARADISE VALLEY
Paradise Valley Independent 01/27/2026
by Daran Wastchak
OPINION — In December of last year, I attended the Paradise Valley Planning Commission public hearing on proposed changes to the assisted living home ordinance.
With the newest assisted living home in the town being built next door to my own home, I spoke in support of the changes. Speaking in opposition was Scott O’Connor, who I’ve known almost 15 years and hadn’t realized was in the audience.
Fast forward to the recent Paradise Valley Town Council meeting. Both Scott and I were there to speak again, but rather than sitting on opposite sides of the room, I made a point to say “hello” and sat next to him to catch up until the meeting started. Scott was kind enough to share that he thought my comments at the Planning Commission meeting, in opposition to his own, were well said, reasonable and he appreciated them.
When the call to the audience began, Scott spoke first, sharing a story about his mom, who spent her last years in one of the Paradise Valley assisted living homes, and his arguments in opposition to the changes. Then I had my turn, again speaking in support of the changes.
To my surprise, as I returned to my seat after speaking, Scott had a big smile on his face and was clapping quietly for me. Scott exemplified true civility in how he handled our opposing points of view, demonstrating that you can disagree without being disagreeable.
Was I really that surprised? No, not coming from Scott. It’s the way he was raised, by one of our town’s, and state’s and nation’s most respected citizens, and a true exemplar of civility in her public life. Scott’s mom was the first female Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor.
Thank you, Scott, for your gracious example of true civility.
Original article: https://www.yourvalley.net/paradise-valley-independent/stories/an-example-of-true-civility-in-paradise-valley,656163