Pinetop-Lakeside — Town Council Member Taber Heisler has announced his candidacy for mayor of Pinetop-Lakeside, pointing to his experience in public safety, local business, and community service as the foundation of his campaign.
A longtime resident of the White Mountains, Heisler currently serves as an assistant chief with Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District. He is also a local business owner and father, raising his family in the community he now hopes to lead.
You may have watched Heisler while he communicated with the public during town council meetings. You can also navigate to the Pinetop-Lakeside Facebook page and watch past council meetings.
“Pinetop-Lakeside is where my family lives, where my kids are growing up, and where I want to see our community thrive for generations,” Heisler said. “Serving on the Town Council has given me the opportunity to listen, learn, and work alongside residents, business owners, and community partners as we work through the issues facing our town.”
During his time on the council, Heisler has built a reputation as an accessible and engaged official, known for addressing issues directly and encouraging open dialogue. He has supported what he describes as responsible governance, measured decision-making, and policies aimed at supporting both residents and local businesses.
“Leadership requires more than showing up to meetings,” Heisler said. “It means being present in the community, listening to people where they are, and working together to find practical solutions. Sometimes those conversations are difficult, but they are necessary if we want to protect the character of our town and strengthen our future.”
Beyond Town Hall, Heisler’s work in emergency services and ongoing involvement in local events and organizations have kept him closely connected to residents across Pinetop-Lakeside. He said those relationships help inform his understanding of the community’s needs and priorities.
If elected, Heisler said his focus would include maintaining essential services, supporting economic stability, ensuring responsible governance, and encouraging continued public involvement in local decision-making.
“I understand what it means to live here, work here, and raise a family here,” he said. “Those experiences shape how I approach every decision. My goal is to ensure Pinetop-Lakeside remains a strong, vibrant community that continues to attract families, support local businesses, and preserve the quality of life that makes this place so special.”
Heisler is running against Harry Turner, who has served on the Pinetop-Lakeside town council but had to resign his seat to run for mayor. Turner has lived in Pinetop-Lakeside since 2020.
