Emily Saeteurn said she had previously considered running for the Peoria City Council, but the "stars didn't align."
She considered it in late 2025, though she abandoned the idea because she wasn't sure what her family's life would look like once her husband officially retired from the Air Force.
But after residents questioned whether Peoria Councilmember Jennifer Crawford could hold office and run for reelection, Saeteurn filed as a write-in candidate. It was the final week to do so.
"I think the community still has questions about her residency," said Saeteurn.
Crawford is running unopposed for a second term to represent Peoria's southeastern region known as the Acacia District. She recently sold the house she listed as her residence on election
paperwork filed with the city. She owns other homes, but not within Acacia.
Peoria's charter requires council candidates to live in the district they seek to represent and stay living there throughout their term.
Crawford said she still lives in her district but refused to disclose where, saying it was a recurring allegation that has led to threats to her family's safety. At her request, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office is reviewing to verify whether she still resides in Acacia.
Saeteurn said that if she takes Crawford at her word, then she assumes the councilmember resides in Acacia. But the community still doesn't have all the answers, she said.
It's understandable if Crawford doesn't want to disclose her address due to past incidents, Saeteurn said. However, if someone is going to represent a district, Saeteurn said, they should disclose where they live.
"You want to know the people who live in that area," Saeteurn said. "If she did move or is no longer there, what is the purpose of serving the community you are no longer part of? If she did move, then the people of South Peoria need to have representation."
Saeteurn said she has lived in the Acacia district for 13 years, in a neighborhood southwest of 67th Avenue and Cactus Road. A review of property records confirmed she lives in Acacia.
Now that her husband has been retired since January, the uncertainty regarding how running for Council would affect her family's life has lifted.
"I'm happy to be running," she said.
Saeteurn has a background in social work and higher ed
Saeteurn said she has known the value of service, advocacy and community her whole life.
Her parents both received a master's degree in social work. Saeteurn followed in their footsteps and is currently working toward a PhD in social work at Arizona State University, where she is also a research specialist at the Center for Child Well-Being. She said she's previously worked in hospice, refugee resettlement and child welfare.
Saeteurn has also advocated for investments in public education, student safety and success and diverse learning opportunities within the Peoria Unified School District. In August, she spoke out against the district rolling back programs and curricula focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and said students should be exposed to different experiences through age-appropriate books.
Saeteurn believes her work has prepared her to lead.
"Working in social work, you just learn about people and what shapes them and what impacts their decisions and things that are out of control," Saeteurn said.
South Peoria residents haven't felt heard
Saeteurn said she's learned from residents that for some reason, many feel their voices aren't heard at City Hall.
Questions about Crawford's residency have added to their frustration, Saeteurn said. By giving voters another candidate option in November, she thinks residents will feel more hopeful.
One thing she's heard from residents so far is that Peoria leaders should be addressing the needs of the south while managing growth up north.
"Clearly, the city is expanding, which is great. But at the same time, other districts, including south Peoria, feel left out."
The region could benefit from more investments in parks, various programs and facilities, she said.
Saeteurn also mentioned data centers and Flock Safety automatic license plate reader cameras, both hot-topic issues right now, saying the city should always be transparent with communities and also obtain resident feedback. For instance, she said she knew Peoria has many safeguards in place regarding its Flock camera policy, but that the city should continue to protect people's safety and privacy.
As for the actual members of the Council, Saeteurn said she didn't know too much. She said she doesn't know Crawford and has only read about Mayor Jason Beck, who has drawn his share of controversy, on social media. Even then, she said, not everything on social media is true. Beck is not running for reelection in November.
Saeteurn said she's focused on talking to residents, building connections and learning what issues they face. She said she feels her exposure to different people and experiences has positioned her to make positive changes in Peoria.
If elected, Saeteurn said she was committed to making herself available for residents.
"I've been on the receiving end where I feel like leaders, people making decisions, do not want to know or do not care what I have to say," Saeteurn said. "And that's very frustrating."
Elena Santa Cruz covers the West Valley cities of Glendale, Surprise and Peoria. Reach her at elena.santacruz@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on X @ecsantacruz3.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How questions over AZ city council candidate prompted a write-in bid
