Pictured Is: Brenda Kalivianakis. She Is The Fourth Person On The Left.
Revised May 26, 2022.
Editors Note: It was The Next To Last Night Of League Play On Monday May 2, In The Monday Trios League At Bowlero Via Linda Lanes In Scottsdale. My Team Was Mixed Nutz And We Were Bowling Against Two Dudes And A Chick On Lanes 35-36. Little Did We Know, That The Chick We Were Bowling Against Was Brenda Kalivianakis, Who Is A Candidate For Town Council Of Fountain Hills, AZ. Like What Any Good Journalist Would Do, We Asked And Were Granted A Sit Down Interview Following League Play That Evening. Here Is The Story We Wrote From The Interview We Did With Her. And BTW, She Is Really Good At Bowling, Too!
By Michael 'Chip' Begg
Managing Editor - thetenpinpinexpress. com
Director Mesa Metro Association
Scottsdale, AZ - - - As a former Prosecutor, Criminal Defense Attorney, business owner and currently serving in the United States Coast Guard Aux. It's been all about serving for Brenda Kalivianakis.
So, with hope in her heart and an optimistic attitude, come election day August 2nd and possibly on Tuesday, November 8, she is hoping for a chance to serve a whole bunch of others. About 25,000 of them. (If Brenda wins 50% plus one vote in the primary, she’s automatically elected to office)
Brenda is an avid bowler, was a divisional staff officer for the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, plays saxophone in the USCG Aux band, a big band, and a concert band. Brenda is particularly proud of her service record in the USCGAux. In addition to being a Secretary of Records for two years in Division 10, Brenda is also a member of the Color Guard and has the following notations on her service record: Coast Guard Unit commendation 2019, Sustained Aux service award 2020, Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit award 2022 and Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation 2022.
"Probably the last thing I was looking for is a run for public office," said Kalivianakis, following league play, in the Monday Night Trios League on May 2. We met with Brenda at Bowlero Via Linda in Scottsdale, AZ. "I was very content with my life and never considered running for office. About five years ago a good friend of mine asked me to be a precinct committee person for the republican party. Out of my desire for service to my party and good governance, I accepted the position. I had a very solid reputation and resume as a former prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney and founder and president of a marketing company in Chicago, Illinois. The Chairman of legislative district 23 asked me approximately nine months, ago if I would consider running for Town Council of my hometown, Fountain Hills, Arizona. He explained to me that our current mayor and town council were quite liberal, and a commonsense conservative would be much better for citizens of Fountain Hills. After all, Fountain Hills is a very conservative community. After giving it much thought and prayer, I decided to run for Town Council” Brenda declared."
Without trying to spell out her last name every time we refer to her in this article. We will just refer to her as Brenda K. Readers, you're welcome! Announcing your candidacy for office is one thing, but getting your name on a ballot in time for election day is quite another.
"To get on the ballot I needed to collect 342 signatures from registered voters that reside in Fountain Hills. With clip board and nominating petitions in hand, I attended all the festivals and public events and spoke to the people about my approach to conservative government and my vision for a better future for Fountain Hills," she said, on getting the required number of signatures to get on the ballot. "I handed out my business cards and flyers that represented my platform and my stand on the issues facing our town. The people seemed to like my candor and straight forward approach - the simplicity of a non-political person running for office. I ended up gathering over 600 signatures and am currently on the ballot for the primary election on August 2nd and the general election in November.
According to The Town of Fountain Hills website the Town of Fountain Hills is a master planned community established in 1970 by McCulloch Properties (now MCO Properties, Inc.). Prior to 1970 the area was a cattle ranch and was part of one of the largest land and cattle holdings in Arizona. The land was purchased by Robert McCulloch in the late 1960s and the community designed by Charles Wood, Jr. (designer of Disneyland in southern California).
One of the community's most valuable assets is its natural beauty. Incredible views and natural desert terrain provide for a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, boating, and golf. In fact, Fountain Hills contains some of the more challenging and picturesque golf courses in the State of Arizona.
"Fountain Hills has 25,000 people and is an active community and a destination city. We have lots of tourism as people love the world-famous fountain and the natural beauty of this area. Although I am running as a conservative, a large part of our reach has been to moderates and liberals," said Brenda K, of her game plan. "We are a small town and personally, I have little time discussing national controversial issues. In fact, I just recently published a letter to the editor entitled "My Promise" that highlighted my commitment to represent all the people of Fountain Hills regardless of party affiliation, religion, sex, race, disability, or sexual preference. I did get some negative feedback that I was not partisan enough but over all my message of working together and building bridges and not walls was very well received."
Brenda K graduated from the Southern Illinois University of Law in 1988. She has some experience as a writer as she was an Associate Editor of the SIU Law Journal. She also spent several years as a prosecutor for the Assistant State's Attorney in Illinois. After leaving the State's Attorney's office she then became a Criminal Defense Attorney. Subsequently, she ran her own marketing firm near Chicago.
"One of the issues I am trying to address is stopping the partisan bickering and to bring people together. In the USCGaux., it's all about accomplishing the mission regardless of outside issues that divide us. Managing a town should be the same. For far too long the current administration spends far too much money on capital improvements that are "want to have" items," she says, of one of the issues she wants to address. "These are sexy projects that make the newspaper and provide a good back drop for ribbon cutting ceremonies. We need to concentrate on "need to have "items in our budget. These include improvements to our infrastructure, repairing out roads, filling potholes, storm water management, repairing our leaky community center and other brick and mortar issues. Depending on who gets elected with me, these improvements may be very easy to pass or very hard."
According to the towns webpage. The elevation of FH is 1,520 feet at the fountain, 3,000 feet on Golden Eagle Boulevard, and is 500 feet above Phoenix. Over the past twenty-four years Fountain Hills has grown from 10,190 residents to a Town of 23,820 in 2020. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) estimates that the population of Fountain Hills will continue to grow to a build-out population of between 25,000 and 35,000.
Although the rate of growth has slowed due to the economy, the Town continues to attract residents who are building large custom homes to take advantage of the scenic vistas surrounding our mountain community.
The Town of Fountain Hills Land Use Analysis and Statistical report 2013 shows that the community consists primarily of 6,668 residential acres (51%); 3,940 acres (30%) of open space, golf-courses, and parks; and 3,191 acres (25%) of remaining developable land. Fountain Hills has a total of 298 acres (.2%) that are zoned commercial, 212 acres of which are developed and 86 acres of which are undeveloped. The Town has a total of 40 acres (.3%) that is zoned industrial, 31 acres of which are developed and 8 acres of which are undeveloped. Based on abundant open space and playground equipment available for public use, Fountain Hills was designated since 2010 as a "Playful City USA".
"Voters have been so jaded by self-serving politician's that trust is a key issue. If you're a republican, voters point out the disappointments of Mitt Romney, Liz Cheney, Jeff Flake and the list goes on. Not to mention the RINO republican troubles we have on the national level. One of my God given gifts is sincerity, honesty, and passion. The voters may get fooled by smooth talking salesman but fortunately, people have a knack for identifying sincerity as well," said Brenda K, when asked if she will do what she intends to do if elected in November. "When I talk to people, I'm getting more than their vote, I am gaining their trust and friendship. Reflected in my sincerity is my fundraising efforts. I have collected far more funds than the normal candidate running for Town Council and the reason why is they believe in me, my promise to them and my message of good governance and leadership. When elected to office, they know they have a friend on the Town Council."
Arizona became State 48 in 1912. During its 110 years, it has had some great politicians.
"Recently, my candidacy came to the attention of Barry Goldwater Jr. I have always admired both Goldwater Jr and Sr and was thrilled when his people introduced themselves to me and said Mr. Goldwater was a big fan of mine," said Brenda K, of some of the famous politicians that have served State 48. Others have included John McCain and Jan Brewer. "The Goldwater staff asked if there was anything he could do for my campaign, I immediately asked if he could do a fundraiser for me. Several days later the phone rang, and they said an emphatic "Yes," he would be glad to help. That event is scheduled for next month. I have the endorsement of Americas toughest Sheriff, Joe Arpaio. I also have the endorsement of sitting Vice Mayor Gerry Friedel. Both are a major influence in Fountain Hills. I also have the support from many of the candidates running on the republican ticket for statewide office. It has been very satisfying to have such universal support of my candidacy by so many distinguished people."
From now until election day, she will have more public events on her schedule. With the goal of swaying more of the electorate in her favor. This is something that she absolutely looks forward to.
"I absolutely live for my campaign events," she said, of running for office. "Not unlike playing the saxophone in a band, my campaign events could be compared to a sax solo, you're on your own with no safety net."
"Meeting and speaking to the voters is such a beautiful thing and something I look forward to each and every time I get the opportunity. People want a better life; a better government and they want to be assured that someone is looking out for them and fighting for them each and every day. Explaining why we have the problems we have and then explaining how to make the system work is very rewarding," said Brenda K. "After speaking with a group, it is so rewarding when people form a line to shake your hand and add input, they deem important."
On freedom of speech Brenda feels Elon Musk buying Twitter should really help to open a fair and honest debate without one side being censored. ‘’I hope this sale come through to a successful conclusion, said Brenda K. This new Dept of Misinformation established the Biden administration keeps me awake at night. The first amendment guarantees freedom of speech and misinformation is in the eye of the beholder."
According to Bowl. Com, the Encyclopedia Britannica of bowling. She has been a member of the Metro Phoenix USBC Association since 2019-20. Bowlero Via Linda in Scottsdale, has been her home center for the last three years. During her first season, her high average was 140 for 33 games in the VIP Summer League. Year number two at Via Linda, saw her raise her average by 13 pins. As she averaged 153 for 105 games in the Heinz 57 League. This year at Via Linda has been her best season yet. She has raised her average even higher to 169 for 105 games in the Young at Heart League. This year also earned her a “Most Improved Bowler” award from her league.
"Bowling has been such an important part of my journey, particularly since I have decided to run for office. My thoughts are always racing at 100 MPH on my next event, next speech, next interview. I can't even watch TV anymore; I can't concentrate on the plot," she says, on what bowling has done for her work/life balance. "However, when I lace up my bowling shoes and hit the hardwood lanes, all I think about is putting those ten pins in the pit. Bowling takes me away from my troubles and concerns and allows my mind a vacation from all other thoughts. I am very competitive by nature and that instinct takes over in a bowling competition."
While she does not have any honor scores listed in her profile on Bowl. Com. She accomplished something on the lanes during her elementary school years, that the rest of us may not ever accomplish during our bowling lifetimes.
"I began bowling in earnest in 6th grade. I was a part of a Saturday morning league. Interestingly, my greatest bowling accomplishment happened back then; I picked up a 7 -10 split. Unfortunately, I was not a witness to my bowling highlight," she said, of this accomplishment. "I threw the ball and thought it was coming up short and gutter bound, as I walked back to the table, I heard a chorus of cheers and congratulations. The ball did not enter the gutter but followed the one board and somehow manage to take out both the 10 and remaining 7 pin. Wow, amazing! They gave me a trophy and it was a very big deal, too bad I missed it!"
From the time she picked up the 7-10 split as a junior bowler in Illinois, she knew she would be hooked on the game of bowling. Another aspect of the game she enjoys, is the comradery the sport brings when people bowl in a league.
"From the time I threw my first bowling ball to joining a league happened at light speed. From the get-go, I just knew this sport was for me. It had food, refreshment, fun, exercise, and competition," she says, of being an avid bowler. "How much better does it get? I am currently in three leagues and a substitute bowler on a fourth. I am a member of the Arizona Bowlerettes and play in tournaments when I possible given my current schedule.
"First and foremost, bowling is about fellowship and friendship. I have met many lifelong friends at the bowling alley. Most people don't think about it but there are two places in the whole world where a girl can leave her purse unattended, church and in the bowling alley," she continued. "Second, I just love the competitive nature of bowling. I am particularly fond of being the anchor of a team when given a chance. Knowing that in a close game your team is counting on you. Well, it's invigorating. Unlike any other sport of avocation, bowling takes me to a very special place in my mind."
In addition to winning the Most Improved Bowler Award this past year, in her two-day leagues her team finished in as champions in one league and runner up champions in the other. In both leagues she won the ladies high season average with her 169 averages. The lessons she took and the extra practice time she had in between campaign appearances really paid off.
"I have never been more happy, more engaged and have never had the sense of purpose as I have this year. I have achieved a sense of joy and self-satisfaction; I wish I could bottle it and give it to all my friends. In the upcoming year I hope the good folks of Fountain Hills chose me to serve them as their Town Council person," she says, of how this year has been going for her. "I will give it my full measure, my best effort and use all my energy to serve the citizens well and for those people that have such faith in me to be proud. I also want to continue to improve my bowling skills and to be an asset to my teammates and a joy to those around me."
As a bowling media outlet, we have never had the privilege of endorsing a candidate for office who is also an avid bowler. Until now. Therefore, thetenpinexpress.com endorses Brenda Kalivianakis for Town Council of Fountain Hills.
State Of Arizona Bowling News.
May 25, 2022