Tara Walter: Mayor

In 2006, Honorable Tara Walter relocated to Florence, purchasing a home in Anthem at Merrill Ranch. She lives with her husband Jim, and their three children: Chris, Jason, and Claire. She is actively involved in community projects ranging from family oriented events to providing opportunities for children in our community. Mayor Walter also has the following priorities: Keeping neighborhoods safe, with prompt emergency response times; Focusing on future growth, while preserving our past; Unifying our town; and implementing strategic planning, with fiscal responsibility.

  

Mrs. Walter is an assistant principal with the Florence Unified School District. As an elementary school educator, she served as a Team Leader, Reading Coach, Mentor Teacher, Gifted Site Coordinator and Science Club Advisor. Mrs. Walter created the Science Club to heighten student interest in science; allowing students to participate, utilizing hands-on experiences. An emphasis was placed on participation, teamwork, and cooperation, while focusing on various science disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth science. The club development prepared students to participate in Pinal County Science Olympiad Competitions at Central Arizona College. Over the years, many students have placed in competitions, earning school recognition. Mrs. Walter also assisted in the creation of the NJHS Charter for Anthem K-8 and served as NJHS Advisor for four years. Her responsibilities in these positions allow her to create opportunities for the students and aide colleagues in achieving higher standards for themselves professionally.

  

Mrs. Walter holds two Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University, graduating with high honors in Educational Leadership: Principal k-12 and Elementary Education; two Bachelor’s Degrees from the State University of New York in Elementary Education and English (Literature/Writing), graduating on the Dean’s List; and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Herkimer County Community College. She was provided the unique opportunity to complete the second half of her student teaching experience abroad, in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. During her experience abroad, she welcomed the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. This experience allowed her to learn and appreciate other cultures and ways of life.

  

Mrs. Walter recognizes the civic duty of serving the community in which she resides. Prior to moving inside town boundaries, her family lived in another community, whereas the HOA was not well represented in the neighborhood. She saw this as an opportunity to create strong leadership and achieve a positive impact on the neighborhood. Her goals were realized when she was elected President of the HOA. The affect that she had on the neighborhood was lasting, and the results are still visible today.

  

Feeling that call to civic duty, she decided to run for Florence Town Council and was appointed to her first term in June of 2012. Her council peers selected her to serve as Vice-Mayor in 2014. During the 2016 election, she was elected to a four year term to serve as the Mayor of the Town of Florence. In 2020, she was re-elected for a second term as mayor. She feels there is much opportunity for prosperity and growth that is upon us right now and is proud to be part of a monumental time in the history of the Town of Florence.

  

Mayor Tara Walter is the Town Liaison for the following:

Arizona Mayor’s Educational Roundtable

Pinal Regional Partnership: First Things First Board

Arizona Legislature

Central Arizona Government

League of Cities and Towns Resolution Committee

League of Cities and Towns Budget, Finance and Economic Development (BFED), Public Safety, Military Affairs and the Courts (PSMAC) and Neighborhoods, Sustainability and Quality of Life (NSQL)

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LPEC)

Maricopa Association of Governments

National League of Cities and Towns

Regional Transportation Authority