Reyes Medrano, Jr.
City Manager
Tolleson, Arizona
My public career highlights and education: I received a master’s degree in educational psychology and human relations from Northern Arizona University. One of my greatest professional joys has been collaborating with exceptional colleagues while serving the community where I was raised.
What I like best about public service: I love the satisfaction of seeing how the work that we do directly affects the families and friends we grew up with. There is nothing better than having someone from your family or an old classmate come up to you at a project and saying, “You did it.”
The best advice I’ve received: Tolleson participates in and promotes the Orange Frog program and workshops. They teach you the importance of self-love. Happiness yields success — not the other way around. By choosing to be happy, you reset your perspective, which allows you to be successful.
One thing I wish more people knew about the the city of Tolleson: No one will ever be turned away if they need help. Tolleson is 85% Latino, and people have misconceptions about the people. To serve the community respectfully and effectively, you must love the people you serve.
A project or initiative we’re currently working on is: We’re in the process of completing the Tolleson Aquatic Center. This will be a regional destination attraction featuring three pools: a long-course pool for competitive swim events, a teaching pool dedicated to water fitness and water safety classes and a recreational pool designed for water play and family fun. This is a commitment from the city government to the people of Tolleson to promote swimming and health. We have an Olympic pole vaulter, Nick Hysong, in our community, and we expect to have future Olympic swimmers.
People might be interested to know that: I am the proud father of 6 children and soon to be 13 grandchildren. That joy is indescribable. I was also a great catcher at St. Mary’s High School and a professional Bailarina Mexicana.
