At first glance, applied biological sciences senior James Hazel looks like any other 20-year-old college student.
His shaggy, shoulder-length hair and easygoing demeanor make him easily mistakable for any ASU student — one whose idea of “fiscal responsibility” is staying in his dorm and eating Ramen noodles instead of splurging on deep-dish sausage pizza at a restaurant on Mill Avenue.
But come March, Hazel may be in charge of balancing the budget of a city of more than 200,000 people as a member of the Gilbert Town Council.
“I don’t fit the traditional model, obviously, of candidates that are on the ballot,” Hazel said. “I see myself as bringing fresh ideas and a new approach on the council.”
Hazel, a Gilbert native and a student at the Polytechnic campus, is vying with six other candidates for two seats on the council. He said his ideas would benefit a growing city whose government, like others, is struggling with a budget deficit.
As a council member, Hazel pledges to rein in spending and streamline programs.
One of the most dramatic cuts Hazel promises to make would come at his own expense. At a Jan. 28 candidate forum, Hazel pledged not to accept a salary or vehicle allowance during his term, meaning savings of about $100,000. None of the other candidates joined him in his pledge.
“It might seem like a gimmick,” Hazel said. “But it’s a gesture that [shows that] I’m willing to make sacrifices and serve the community.”
Another important issue to Hazel is public safety. He has pledged not to make cuts to the police or fire departments, which he says have helped keep Gilbert one of the safest cities in the Valley.
Hazel is the son and namesake of former Gila County Attorney and Arizona Superior Court Judge James Hazel Jr. Hazel’s grandfather, James Hazel Sr., said Hazel Jr.’s political career is what inspired Hazel III to get into politics.
“His dad was heavily involved in politics,” Hazel Sr. said. “James has always been interested in his father’s political career.”
Hazel Sr. described his grandson as “extremely intelligent,” and said he showed an early interest in politics.
“He’s always been politically inclined,” Hazel Sr. said. “Going way back to when he was a young teenager, he and I often discussed national political events.”
Hazel began campaigning last fall around October, when he got enough signatures from Gilbert residents to put his name on the ballot. Since then, he has funded his own campaign for office, which consists mainly of handmade signs, speeches at town forums and a Web site he designed and maintained himself. The total cost of the campaign, according to his grandfather, is around $250.
Hazel’s friend Lindsey Lutes, a UA political science freshman, describes him as thoughtful and attentive to detail.
“We do have, on a national political level, completely different views, but he’ll never argue with me about something until he does research on it,” Lutes said. “He can do that, [but] none of my other friends can.”
Hazel said his lack of political experience could work in his favor, as he said he does not to have ties to the organizations or interest groups that influence other politicians.
“I am not tied to … particular boards or commissions,” he said. “I don’t have a particular political agenda to advance.”
Hazel said whether he wins or loses the election, he hopes to inspire younger people to become more involved in local politics. His parting words of advice were aimed specifically at college students that he said often feel their voices are too insignificant to make a difference.
“I cannot stress how important it is to get out there and be part of the political process,” Hazel said. “Take an interest in the issues that are affecting you and your community.”
It is advice that Hazel himself has taken to heart.
Reach the reporter at derek.quizon@asu.edu.
