Ron Petren announces run for Sun City West governing board

Ron Petren announced he is running for Sun City West’s governing board, citing more than four decades of community experience and a pledge to bridge longtime and newer residents.

Petren introduced himself as a candidate and described a resume that includes owning a community pharmacy for decades, serving on public and nonprofit boards, teaching science in higher education and leading community organizations. He framed those roles as preparation for local governance and said good governance ‘‘comes down to three things, listening carefully, planning responsibly, and following through with integrity.’’

Petren praised Sun City West’s residents as the community’s defining strength. ‘‘Sun City West is a remarkable place because of the people who live here,’’ he said, adding that many residents chose the community for its stability and friendliness. He said resident comfort and quality of life should remain central to the board’s decisions and acknowledged that not all residents want rapid change or complicated technology.

At the same time, Petren said the community is changing as newer, often tech‑savvy residents arrive. He said he wants to ‘‘welcome innovation without losing the character that makes Sun City West special’’ and described his core campaign goal as ‘‘bridge these generations while honoring our traditions and preparing wisely for the future.’’

He listed three specific priorities: strengthening communication, ensuring fiscal responsibility and making sure ‘‘that all residents, long term or new, feel heard, respected, and included,’’ and asked for residents’ trust and their vote. Petren closed the brief address by thanking the audience.

Petren did not specify a campaign schedule, endorsements, or the exact governing body seat he seeks beyond saying he is running for the community’s governing board; those details were not provided in the address.