Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, along with Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, were headliners at the Fountain Hills Republican Club’s Candidates Forum Saturday, April 21.

Additionally, potential candidates for town council and various district candidates spoke at the monthly meeting.

Arpaio is running for U.S. Senate to replace Jeff Flake, who is retiring. He outlined his background from his years in the Army, to serving as a police officer in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas to his years as a DEA agent in a variety of countries around the world, including Mexico, Central and South America.

The former sheriff said he is running for Senate to go to Washington to enhance President Donald Trump’s programs and policies.

“You know me to be an independent guy,” Arpaio said. “If I disagree with somebody, I will go in the back room and try to work things out. I believe you deal with your enemies. I know how to negotiate, and I know negotiating pays off.”

Arpaio was mired in a criminal contempt case in which he was found guilty. Trump pardoned the former sheriff soon after the verdict.

He had told his wife, Ava, that he was done with politics, but after further consideration decided to take on Sinema.

“I am looking forward to running against Sinema,” he said.

Arpaio indicated his support of Cecil Yates, who is running for mayor in Fountain Hills and mentioned that his former chief deputy is considering a run for Maricopa County sheriff.

Reagan followed Arpaio’s presentation. She said in the three years of serving as secretary of state, she has streamlined the department, using computerization to save time and money.

She talked about voter regulations in the state and said the left is hell-bent on changing the laws. Those regulations being challenged include that only an individual may turn in his or her ballot, proof of citizenship and same-day registration.

Reagan was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2002 and then to the State Senate in 2010. She was elected to serve as secretary of state in 2014. She is a strong supporter of small business and cybersecurity.

State Sen. Kavanagh discussed two of his pet bills that were signed recently. His sex offender residency bill as well as his service animal bill will take effect in the coming days. He said he will continue to work on issues important to the state and particularly the community.

Others who spoke included State Rep. Jay Lawrence; mayoral hopeful Cecil Yates; Amberleigh Dombrowski, Mike Scharnow and David Spelich, all who have taken out petitions to run for town council; Jonathan Gelbar, who is running for superintendent of public instruction; and Michelle Ugenti Rita and Christina Kelley, who are running for Senate in LD 23.

In addition to the speakers, the Republicans presented Kevin Perreault with a $500 scholarship. Shari and Rod Moss were named Republicans of the Year.