Election Forums 2026

Miami Council Candidate Forum

Posted

The following are statements and headshots provided by Miami Town Council candidates in preparation for the public candidate forums that will be hosted by Globe Miami Times and the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce in June.

Miami has four open council seats up for reelection — the seats of Councilman Jose Angel Medina Sr., Councilman Dan Moat, Councilman Don Reiman and Councilman Mike Sosh. All four are running for their seats again, in addition to John Barajas, Richard Hall, John Soderman and Ray Webb.

Note: Barajas and Moat did not submit a statement or a headshot to Globe Miami Times. Medina’s full statement was reduced in order to meet the 100-word limit required by GMT.

Miami Town Council Candidate Forum

Time: Thursday, June 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum in Miami, Inspiration Room

Richard Hall

Candidate

Richard Hall is a Phoenix native with deep family ties to Miami and a self-employed business owner committed to investing in the town while preserving its historic character. He successfully restored a historic downtown building and is currently restoring a second property. Richard is passionate about supporting local businesses, responsible development and community revitalization.

Over the past year, he created and organized “Trashy Thursday,” co-organized the Keystone Stair Climb, and serves as vice chairman of the Miami Design Review Committee.

Richard hopes to bring practical leadership, local investment and a strong commitment to Miami’s future to the town council.

Jose Angel Medina Sr.

Incumbent

After 42 years in above ground copper mining, I decided it was time to retire.

Serving twice as mayor of the Town of Miami gave me the opportunity to gain experience by attending conferences and conventions. Regarding the Miami Council, I have always believed it takes at least one term to fully understand how the council works.

In my view, each member is one-seventh of the council, and no single person or small group can control the council, despite what some people believe. My belief is that presently the right people are serving the Town of Miami on the council.

Don Reiman

Incumbent

I seek reelection to the council to support the progress being made in pursuit of self-sufficiency and improvement of community services.

For the first time in the 14 years I have served on the council, the town is operating in the black. Major projects are being completed and others are being initiated.

I believe proper government should be based upon reason and analysis of alternative actions and consequences before committing to act. Operating a town with limited resources is a complex task.

I have the experience and education to be of great benefit to Miami in the future.

John R. Soderman

Candidate

I am a third generation Miami resident. I have lived in Arizona for 78 years, 75 of those in Miami.

I graduated from MHS in 1966 and ASU in 1972 and returned to my hometown of Miami.

I began my career at Copper Cities Mine in 1972 and retired from Pinto Valley Mine in 2015 as the planner for the electrical department. I support improvements at the Senior Center, Miami Public Library and Miami Police Department.

I will work to promote road improvements and the elimination of blight and abandoned properties in the Town of Miami.

Michael Sosh

Incumbent

I was appointed to the town council and later elected to serve a four-year term. Born and raised in Miami, my roots run deep. My children attended Miami schools, and I’m proud to call myself a Vandal.

I dedicated 25 years to the copper mines and 20 years with ADOT serving and working hard for our community. Miami is more than where I live, it’s home — a great place to work and raise a family.

I’m asking for your vote so I can continue working for the people of Miami.

Ray Webb

Candidate

We moved our family and business to Miami in 1999. I previously served two terms on the council, and our united efforts through working together proved very productive. Currently, the town is moving forward and ready for growth, and I want this opportunity to help.

I support historic preservation. I support local businesses and new businesses. I support the economic development that the arts, music and tourism bring.

I will help Miami find more funding so we can provide for a better police department, improve town infrastructures, annex more areas for growth and grow smart, and bring back youth programs.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here