On first meeting new Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation President Ruben Balderas, he does not appear to be a typical “political” individual.

He comes across as quiet and unassuming.

At the same time he exudes the energy that apparently serves him well in addressing community issues.

Balderas was the definitive winner of a special election in August to name a successor to the late Dr. Clinton Pattea as tribal president.

Balderas has family roots at Fort McDowell, but he spent his younger years in Texas. His family moved back to Fort McDowell in 1984, and he is a graduate of Mesa’s Mountain View High School.

After graduating Balderas began working in construction and became a journeyman carpenter. He worked in that capacity for a number of years at the Phoenician Resort, but saw an opportunity for a career in serving his community when Fort McDowell established its own fire department.

He earned a degree in fire science, attended the Mesa Fire Academy and received his EMT certification.

While working in the community as a firefighter, Balderas became involved in community activities and learned how government works.

Deciding he could give something back to the community, Balderas chose to run for the Tribal Council and his first try ended in defeat.

Undeterred, he ran a second time and was elected to the council in 2008 and served until 2012.

“I loved it from the start,” Balderas said.

He fell short in his bid for re-election so he updated his certifications and returned to the fire department.

With the passing of Pattea, Balderas decided he would put his name up for the special election, and he won handily.

Balderas said he learned a lot during his four years on the council.

But now, returning as president, he finds there is still plenty of acclimation for him.

“I want to make this a stronger nation for the future of our children,” Balderas said.

The nine tribal enterprises provide economic diversity and strength for the community, according to Balderas, and economy is one of the “4 Es” he wants to emphasize.

The head of that list is education.

“This is the most important issue for our children,” Balderas said.

He said that Fort McDowell has one of the highest graduation rates among Native American students in the country.

The elderly are the ones who have fought the battles for their children and grandchildren and have carried on the nation’s culture.

The environment is also a priority.

The economy is an area where Balderas is open to partnering with Fountain Hills.

“We have been good neighbors for a long time,” he said. “Economic development has been a topic of conversation and is a joint benefit for both communities.

“We can help one another to keep our communities strong.”

Balderas is the father of four children -- two adults, one high school freshman and an eight-year-old. He also has two grandsons.

Although the job keeps him busy, Balderas said it is important to spend time with his family.

“(This job) involves their future and we talked about it before deciding to run, I have their love and support.”