City of Casa Grande

Born in Whitefish, Montana, Mayor Robert Jackson has lived in Casa Grande since 1991. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, holding a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Jackson retired from the City of Casa Grande as Public Works Director in 2002. He is now self-employed as an engineering consultant.

Mayor Jackson is serving his second term as mayor ending in 2011. Bob has a long history of service with the City, including membership on the Golf Advisory Board, Redevelopment Committee (Vice-Chair), Charter Review Committee (Chair), Electric Light Parade Committee (founding member), Casa Grande Boys and Girls Club Board, and the Historical Society Board. He currently serves as Chair of Against Abuse Inc. and the Pinal County District 3 Transportation Committee. Governor Janet Napolitano has
appointed Jackson to the Highway Expansion Loan Program (HELP), the ADOT advisory board that oversees a comprehensive loan and financial assistance program for eligible highway projects in Arizona.

Jackson has three children, Matt, Kristin and Anthony and two grandchildren, Landon and Mason. His wife, Judee, is the manager of Community Development for Arizona Public Service - southeast division.

You can reach the Mayor at:
 
City of Casa Grande     Phone: (520) 421-8600
510 E. Florence Blvd.     Fax: (520) 421-8602
Casa Grande, Az 85122     Email Bob Jackson

Almost a native of Casa Grande, Mary Kortsen is serving her first term on the City Council. She was elected Mayor Pro Tempore in June 2009. After being born in Nebraska, Kortsen was raised in Casa Grande and has lived in the City for more than 50 years. She attended Central Arizona College and the University of Arizona.

 Kortsen was practically born and raised in public service. Her father, Dr. William Ford, served on the City Council from March 1965 to April 1969 and her father-in-law, James Kortsen Jr., served 12 years as a Pinal County Supervisor. One of Mary’s first jobs was working for the City as a lifeguard and concession stand attendant during her teenage years.

Kortsen served on the Stanfield Elementary School Board from 1978 -1986, Casa Grande Regional Medical Center Board of Directors from 1984 -1997, and as Chairman of the Desert Valley Care Center from 1993 to 1997.

Today, Kortsen is self-employed as an independent paralegal and certified legal document preparer. She has two daughters, Jennifer and Amy, a son, Jimmy, and six grandchildren.

You can reach Ms. Kortsen at:
City of Casa Grande     Phone: (520) 421-8600
510 E. Florence Blvd.     Fax: (520) 421-8602
Casa Grande, AZ 85122    Email Mary Kortsen

Mr. Dick Powell is currently serving his fourth term in office, which extends through June 2013. His prior years of service were from June 1997 – June 2001 and June 2001 - June 2005. Additionally, Mr. Powell served as Mayor Pro Tempore from June 1999 – June 2000, June 2008 - June 2009 and February 2004 through June 2004.

Mr. Powell is a member of the Republican Party. He graduated from Casa Grande Union High School, and holds a double degree in Marketing and Management from Northern Arizona University. He operates a 50-year-old Casa Grande retail business, is married and has four children.

Mr. Powell’s civic involvement includes membership in the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, Life member of the West Pinal Sheriff Posse (past President), 4-H Club member for 10 years - serving as a local and county leader, Town Hall Delegate to Casa Grande, Pinal County and Arizona Town Halls, Founding Member of the Greater Casa Grande Economic Development Foundation (past executive committee member), First Presbyterian Church member and elder, and member of the Casa Grande General Plan Update Committee. Additionally, Mr. Powell formerly served on the Casa Grande Union High School Governing Board for eight years during which he served as President for four years.

You can reach Mr. Powell at:
City of Casa Grande     Phone: (520) 421-8600
510 E. Florence Blvd.     Fax: (520) 421-8602
Casa Grande, AZ 85122     Email Dick Powell

Mr. Ralph Varela is currently serving his second term as Councilman for the City of Casa Grande, which extends through June 6, 2011. Additionally, Mr. Varela served as Mayor Pro Tempore from June 2006 - June 2007.

Mr. Varela is a member of the Democratic Party. He holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University. Mr. Varela has been Chief Executive Officer for the Pinal Hispanic Council for thirteen years. He is married and has two daughters.

Mr. Varela served on the Arizona State Liquor Board as appointed by Governor Hull from 1998 to May 2003. Mr. Varela served on the Casa Grande Police Advisory Board from February 2001 to May 2003. Mr. Varela’s civic involvement includes: Sunrise Optimist Club, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Board (Vice-President), Casa Grande Parks and Recreation (Basketball and Soccer Coach), and Pinal County Juvenile Court Community Advisory Board.

You can reach Mr. Varela at:
City of Casa Grande     Phone: (520) 421-8600
510 E. Florence Blvd.     Fax: (520) 421-8602
Casa Grande, AZ 85122     Email Ralph Varela

First elected in June 2001, Mr. Miller is serving his third term from through June 2013. He served as Mayor Pro Tempore from June 2004-June 2005.         

Mr. Miller is a member of the Republican Party. He was born and raised in the Tempe/Mesa area. He graduated high school from Tempe High School in 1970, and in 1971 he moved to Casa Grande. Mr. Miller owned and managed a truss manufacturing plant and lumberyard in Casa Grande for over 15 years before becoming an employee for the City of Casa Grande for five years. He worked first in the Housing Department as a Rehabilitation Specialist, and then in the Building Department as a Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer. Presently, he is the project manager and construction coordinator for a local construction company. He is married and has three children.

Mr. Miller’s civic involvement includes membership in the Masonic Lodge, President of the Casa Grande Food Bank, and Vice President of the Casa Grande Soccer Club. Additionally, he coaches a boys U14 soccer team.

You can reach Mr. Miller at:
City of Casa Grande     Phone: (520) 421-8600
510 E. Florence Blvd.     Fax: (520) 421-8602
Casa Grande, AZ 85122     Email Steve Miller

A native of Casa Grande, Councilmember Karl Montoya is serving his first term on the City Council, extending through 2011. He is proud to admit that he has lived in the same house in Casa Grande since birth.

Montoya attended Central Arizona College and is employed by Fertizona as an agriculture consultant. He has served as chair of the City’s Police Advisory Board and Silent Witness Board. For the last four years, Montoya has volunteered as a Safety Officer for Casa Grande Little League. He is also a commander for the City’s volunteer Citizens on Patrol.

Montoya has two children – Jake and Kara.

You can reach Mr. Montoya at:
City of Casa Grande     Phone: (520) 421-8600
510 E. Florence Blvd.     Fax: (520) 421-8602
Casa Grande, AZ 85122     Email Karl Montoya