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Cicely Rocha-Miller

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Cicely Rocha-Miller
Image of Cicely Rocha-Miller
Elections and appointments
Last election

July 30, 2024

Education

High school

South High School, Bakersfield, California

Bachelor's

Arizona State University, 2005

Personal
Birthplace
Bakersfield, Calif.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Principal
Contact

Cicely Rocha-Miller ran for election for an at-large seat of the Chandler City Council in Arizona. She lost in the primary on July 30, 2024.

Rocha-Miller completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Cicely Rocha-Miller was born in Bakersfield, California. She earned a high school diploma from the South High School, Bakersfield, California, and a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in 2005. Her career experience includes working as a principal.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: City elections in Chandler, Arizona (2024)

General election

General election for Chandler City Council At-large (3 seats)

Incumbent Christine Ellis defeated Joseph Yang and Nicolina Intiso in the general election for Chandler City Council At-large on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Christine Ellis (Nonpartisan)
 
51.1
 
53,082
Image of Joseph Yang
Joseph Yang (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
48.3
 
50,249
Nicolina Intiso (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)
 
0.1
 
146
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.5
 
473

Total votes: 103,950
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Chandler City Council At-large (3 seats)

The following candidates ran in the primary for Chandler City Council At-large on July 30, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of OD Harris
OD Harris (Nonpartisan)
 
19.0
 
21,540
Image of Jennifer Hawkins
Jennifer Hawkins (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
16.7
 
18,914
Christine Ellis (Nonpartisan)
 
16.0
 
18,138
Image of Joseph Yang
Joseph Yang (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
13.5
 
15,222
Image of Cicely Rocha-Miller
Cicely Rocha-Miller (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
13.2
 
14,980
Image of Michael Simon
Michael Simon (Nonpartisan)
 
11.5
 
13,032
Image of Ajlan Kurdoglu
Ajlan Kurdoglu (Nonpartisan)
 
9.8
 
11,134
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
213

Total votes: 113,173
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Rocha-Miller's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rocha-Miller in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Cicely Rocha-Miller completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rocha-Miller's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Utilizing my 18 years of business ownership and experience, I bring to the forefront adept budget-balancing skills, a wealth of community service expertise, and robust communication and collaboration abilities to effectively serve our community. Furthermore, as a mother, I offer a unique perspective, infused with optimism and a proven ability to navigate through adversity, adding depth and resilience to my commitment to our community's welfare.

My journey into local politics began when a community issue arose in historic downtown Chandler, where my husband and I live. Joining neighbors, it ignited my passion for community engagement. Recognizing the need for better communication, I organized events to foster connections. Now, running for City Council, I aim to amplify all of the communities' voice.

Critical issues like investing in Public Safety, streamlining Business Development, and encouraging Community Engagement must be addressed. I'm grateful for public safety endorsement, advocating for their resources and well-being. Investing in them is investing in us.

Responsible business development is crucial for economic prosperity. Partnering with the Chamber, I aim to drive growth through business retention and workforce alignment.

As a Council member, supported by many current council members, community engagement is paramount. I'll be a connector, facilitating dialogue and amplifying our collective voice together as a member of our community.
  • Advocating for Police and Fire I commit to supporting increased funding for additional officers, securing resources for ongoing training, and prioritizing mental health options for our public safety workforce and the community. Our public safety departments will have access to top programs and resources, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
  • Honoring and Enhancing Neighborhoods & Parks Preservation of our neighborhoods' unique character will be at the forefront of my efforts, promoting responsible development. Community engagement initiatives will ensure residents play a vital role in decision-making processes that impact our neighborhoods directly.
  • Support Growth of Local Businesses I am dedicated to cutting red tape and streamlining processes for our local businesses to thrive and contribute to our vibrant community. By advocating for incentives and resources, we can promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and a diverse local economy.
Public Safety

I am honored to receive the support and endorsement of our Public Safety sector, which boasts an impressive 98% approval rating. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that we face staffing shortages, with a need for 353 officers to meet our goals. Public safety remains a top priority for Chandler, and it's imperative that we equip our law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources and support to ensure the safety of our community.

Economic Development

Fostering economic development requires a comprehensive approach aimed at creating a business-friendly environment while supporting the arts, education, and workforce development.
The Chandler City Council has several key qualities that make it a unique and vital part of our local and state government:

1. Local Representation: The City Council is the closest government body to our residents, ensuring that the unique needs and concerns of our community are heard and addressed. This direct connection is crucial for creating policies that fit Chandler's specific context.

2. Innovative Policies: The City Council has the flexibility to introduce and implement new policies that can serve as models for other cities. This ability to experiment and adapt quickly makes the council a vital source of new ideas.

3. Community Engagement: The council plays a key role in encouraging community involvement and participation in the democratic process. Through public meetings, forums, and direct interactions, the City Council ensures that residents have a voice in local government.

4. Budget and Resource Management: The council manages the city’s budget and resources, which is essential for maintaining and improving services like infrastructure, safety, and recreation. Effective budget management directly impacts our quality of life.

5. Intergovernmental Coordination: The City Council often acts as a bridge between our local community and higher levels of government, advocating for Chandler's needs at the state and federal levels. This coordination is vital for securing funding and support for local projects.

6. Responsive Governance: Being close to the community allows the City Council to respond quickly to local issues and emergencies. This responsiveness ensures that our community's needs are met promptly and effectively.
I look up to so many people, but the common thread among them is bravery. Individuals like Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey, Alexander Hamilton, Dolly Parton, Cesar Chavez, Muhammad Ali, and Walt Disney all exemplify courage in their own unique ways. They faced incredible challenges and obstacles, yet they persevered and made significant impacts on the world. Their bravery inspires me to strive for greatness and to make a difference in my own community.
If you want to understand my political philosophy, I recommend the book "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It offers valuable insights into human communication and interaction, which are crucial for effective leadership and governance. The principles of speaking with integrity, always doing your best, never making assumptions, and not taking anything personally are foundational to how I approach my role and responsibilities. These agreements help create a positive, respectful, and productive environment, which is essential for serving our community effectively.
I bring a unique blend of qualities that shape my approach to governance. As a solution architect, I leverage my problem-solving skills to address complex issues facing our community. I firmly believe in collaboration, recognizing that the best solutions emerge from diverse perspectives working together. A dedicated listener, I prioritize understanding the needs and concerns of our residents. Believing in unity, I strive to foster consensus and cooperation among stakeholders. As a natural optimist, I approach challenges with a positive mindset, inspiring others to embrace possibility and change. Diligent about timelines and deliverables, I ensure that commitments are met efficiently and effectively. Moreover, as a mother, I hold a strong belief in goodwill and prioritize making decisions that benefit the community over personal interests. Lastly, I excel in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and focus to achieve positive outcomes for Chandler.
I bring a unique blend of qualities that shape my approach to governance. As a solution architect, I leverage my problem-solving skills to address complex issues facing our community. I firmly believe in collaboration, recognizing that the best solutions emerge from diverse perspectives working together. A dedicated listener, I prioritize understanding the needs and concerns of our residents. Believing in unity, I strive to foster consensus and cooperation among stakeholders. As a natural optimist, I approach challenges with a positive mindset, inspiring others to embrace possibility and change. Diligent about timelines and deliverables, I ensure that commitments are met efficiently and effectively. Moreover, as a mother, I hold a strong belief in goodwill and prioritize making decisions that benefit the community over personal interests. Lastly, I excel in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and focus to achieve positive outcomes for Chandler.
1. Legislative Duties: Crafting, debating, and enacting city ordinances, policies, and resolutions that address local issues and improve our community.

2. Fiscal Oversight: Reviewing, approving, and monitoring the city budget to ensure we use resources responsibly and effectively for city services and projects.

3. Constituent Representation: Representing the interests and concerns of our residents in council decisions, serving as a liaison between the community and the city government.

4. Strategic Planning and Policy Development: Participating in creating and implementing long-term strategic plans for city growth, infrastructure development, economic vitality, and quality of life improvements.

5. Public Safety and Services: Ensuring we provide essential public safety services, such as police, fire, and emergency response, as well as other critical public services like sanitation, water, and transportation.

6. Economic Development: Supporting and fostering local businesses, attracting new businesses to our city, and promoting economic growth and job creation.

7. Community Engagement: Actively engaging with residents through public meetings, forums, and outreach activities to stay informed about their needs and concerns, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

8. Policy Implementation: Collaborating with city staff and fellow council members to implement approved policies, projects, and initiatives effectively and efficiently.

9. Intergovernmental Relations: Building and maintaining relationships with other governmental entities at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for our city's interests and secure necessary funding and support for local initiatives.

10. Promoting initiatives that enhance environmental sustainability and the overall quality of life for our residents, including parks, recreational facilities, cultural activities, and community health programs.
While legacy isn't my priority, I want my time in office to be remembered for the positive impact it had on our community. My goal is to be an asset to Chandler, ensuring our quality of life remains high and supporting the residents who call this city home.

I want to leave behind a community where people feel heard, valued, and supported. I hope to have contributed to creating sustainable policies, enhancing public safety, supporting local businesses, and improving our infrastructure. Ultimately, I want to be remembered for making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents and for fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within our community.
The first historical event that I remember happening in my lifetime was the Challenger spacecraft disaster. I was sitting in a classroom, watching the launch live, when it took off and tragically exploded. I was very young at the time, and it was a frightening experience that left a lasting impression on me. It was a moment that reminded me of both the incredible achievements and the profound risks of human exploration and endeavor.
My first job was working in a restaurant in New Hampshire when I was 15, during the summer before my 16th birthday. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to work in the service industry, as it teaches invaluable skills like teamwork, hard work, problem-solving, and resiliency. This experience has shaped my work ethic and approach to challenges, and I think it's a great foundation for any career.
My favorite book is "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book has really changed how I approach both my personal life and my work. It focuses on four main principles: speak with integrity, always do your best, never make assumptions, and don't take anything personally. These guidelines help me stay true to myself, communicate effectively, and handle challenges with resilience. They are especially helpful in my work in the community, as they promote understanding and honesty in all interactions.
If I could be any fictional character, I would want to be Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz." I love this movie, and Dorothy's journey is filled with personality and important life lessons. She shows incredible bravery, kindness, and determination as she navigates her way through challenges with the help of her friends. Plus, she learns that true strength and wisdom come from within, a message that resonates deeply with me.
A fun fact about me is that I love music and was a background singer in a band for several years. Music is a big part of my life, and we have it playing in our household throughout the day. With all the work around this election, I keep going back to the song "Stand Up" by Cynthia Erivo.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been coming to terms with the fact that I can't please everyone all the time. As a people pleaser, I've always strived to make everyone happy and meet their expectations. However, through my experiences, I've learned that it's impossible to satisfy everyone, and trying to do so can be exhausting and unproductive.

This realization has taught me the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing the needs of the community as a whole over individual preferences. It has also helped me focus on making decisions that are in the best interest of the greater good, even if they aren't always popular with everyone. This balance is crucial for effective leadership and ensuring that our community thrives.
Yes, there are some lesser-known responsibilities of the Chandler City Council that people should know about:

1. Land Use and Zoning: The City Council decides how land in the city is used, like where homes, businesses, and parks are located. These decisions shape how our community looks and grows.

2. Development Projects: The council reviews and approves big development projects, which affect job opportunities, housing, and local amenities.

3. Local Laws: The City Council can create local laws on a variety of issues, impacting everything from safety to environmental practices, directly affecting our daily lives.

4. Appointing Key Officials: The council appoints important city officials, like the city manager, who is responsible for running the city's day-to-day operations.

5. Public Health and Safety Rules: The council sets rules to ensure public health and safety, like building and health codes for public spaces and businesses.

6. Special Permits: The council can issue special permits for events and businesses, allowing for unique activities and operations in the city.
I believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things, and you don’t need prior experience in government or politics to get started in this field. What truly matters is having a strong sense of leadership and a genuine commitment to serving the community.

Experience from all facets of life is incredibly valuable. Diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that can lead to effective and creative solutions for our community. Whether you've worked in business, education, healthcare, or any other field, the skills and insights you've gained are all relevant and beneficial.

In essence, what is most important is the dedication to making a positive impact and the willingness to listen, learn, and lead. Anyone with a passion for serving their community can make a difference in this role.
Strong Leadership: The ability to lead, inspire, and guide others is crucial. A strong leader can unite the community and drive positive change.

Effective Communication: Being able to listen to residents' concerns and communicate clearly and honestly is vital. This helps build trust and ensures that everyone's voice is heard.

Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and come up with practical solutions to challenges is essential for addressing the needs of our community.

Empathy and Understanding: Understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences of community members helps create inclusive and equitable policies.

Financial Literacy: Managing budgets and resources effectively ensures that the city can provide the best services and infrastructure to its residents.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Working well with others, including fellow council members, city staff, and community groups, is key to achieving common goals.

Adaptability: Being able to adapt to changing circumstances and new information allows for more responsive and effective governance.

These skills, drawn from various aspects of life, equip someone to serve effectively on the City Council, regardless of their previous experience in government or politics.
I don’t have a single favorite joke because I love to bring joy and humor to everyone I meet. Anyone who knows me knows I have a great sense of humor and love to tell "Dad Jokes." Here is one that my friends and family have heard one to many times

Q: "Why did the chicken cross the road?"

A: "Becaaaaaaaauuuuuse!" (stretched like a chicken speaking)
Arizona Police Association, United Phoenix Fire Fighters, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99, Matt Orlando Current City of Chandler Council Member, Jane Poston, Current Chandler City Council Member, Angel Encinas, Current Chandler City Council Member, Patti Bruno, Former Chandler Council member (1996-2004), Harry Mitchell, Former US Representative and Mayor of Tempe (1978 – 1994 and 1999 - 2011), Roy M. Tatem, Jr. , Civil Rights Leader, Among several endorsements from residents of Chandler.
My views on financial transparency and government accountability are rooted in the belief that these are fundamental pillars of a healthy and functioning democracy. I firmly believe that the government must be open and honest with its citizens about how public funds are being used. This means providing clear, accessible information about the budget, expenditures, and financial decisions, so that the community can see exactly where their tax dollars are going.

Government accountability is equally important. Elected officials and public servants must be held to high ethical standards and be responsible for their actions. This includes being responsive to the needs and concerns of the community, making decisions that are in the best interest of the public, and being willing to answer for any missteps or mistakes.

Transparency and accountability build trust between the government and the people. When citizens feel confident that their leaders are being open and responsible, they are more likely to engage with and support their local government. This trust is essential for effective governance and for fostering a collaborative, thriving community.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 8, 2024