The mask continues to slip at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
During the May 20, 2026 formal meeting, Agenda Item 97 — the resolution setting voting centers and drop boxes for the 2026 primary — exposed deep fractures, open hostility, and a glaring lack of collaboration between the Board and the elected County Recorder Justin Heap.
Watch the revealing segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWYuHhxrkKQ
What Happened:
- Supervisor Gallardo openly declared he has “very strong doubts” about Recorder Heap’s ability and willingness to run a successful election, citing a complete breakdown in trust.
- Multiple supervisors voiced frustration with Heap and his attorney, accusing them of last-minute threats of criminal charges against election workers and volunteers.
- Supervisor Stewart attempted to amend the resolution to allow the Recorder input on drop box locations by June 1st — the amendment died for lack of a second.
- The resolution passed, but only after heated exchanges revealing years of dysfunction, broken agreements, and finger-pointing.
While the Board preaches “transparency” and “working together,” the public record shows something different: selective decorum, executive sessions, and public attacks on another elected official. Citizens watching these meetings see the same pattern — rules enforced strictly on the public, but flexibility (or chaos) when it involves their own power struggles.
Scripture warns us: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
The people of Maricopa County are groaning under endless conflict while basic functions — elections, libraries, contracts — suffer from neglect and division. We deserve officials who put aside personal animosity and work for the good of the voters, not political games at taxpayer expense.
No more public feuds. No more last-minute threats. No more treating the people’s business like a battlefield. The voters sent all of these officials to serve — not to fight turf wars while elections hang in the balance.
The public record is clear. Citizens are watching, documenting, and refusing to accept dysfunction as normal.
Agenda Item 97 — Where Decorum Rules Went Out the Door
This video condenses portions of the May 20, 2026 Maricopa County Board of Supervisors formal meeting to focus on Agenda Item 97.
The meeting begins with the reading of the Board’s decorum rules and expectations for conduct.
The video then fast-forwards through portions of the meeting to highlight Agenda Item 97 — where those same standards appeared to break down.
This condensed presentation focuses on the interactions surrounding:
• Board Chairman Kate Brophy McGee
• Supervisor Thomas Galvin
• Supervisor Steve Gallardo
• Supervisor Debbie Lesko
• Supervisor Mark Stewart
• Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap
According to statements made during the meeting, the Recorder’s Office had provided legal notice earlier that day regarding concerns tied to the proposed actions being discussed.
At approximately noon, the Recorder was reportedly given roughly one hour’s notice to appear before the Board at 1:00 p.m. regarding the matter.
Recorder Justin Heap did not appear.
During Agenda Item 97:
• Supervisor Mark Stewart attempted to advocate for a bridge or compromise between the Board and the Recorder’s Office.
• Tensions escalated during discussion surrounding resolutions and legal authority.
• Multiple interruptions, accusations, and pointed exchanges occurred during the debate.
This video compares: The decorum rules established at the opening of the meeting The conduct displayed during Agenda Item 97 Portions of this video have been sped up for pacing and viewer clarity.
Additional procedural sections were condensed to focus on the relevant discussion and key events.
Share these videos. Demand real cooperation, transparency, and accountability from every elected official — especially those responsible for our elections.
It is Our Duty.
Stay vigilant.
