Mesa’s reelected officials say they won’t let up during ‘lame-duck’ terms
During the 2012 election season, while the competition was heating up in mayoral and council races in nearby Chandler and Gilbert, Mesa’s four candidates up for re-election ran unopposed, guaranteeing each a clear run back to city hall.
While the mayor, Scott Smith, and council members Dave Richins in District 1, Alex Finter in District 2 and Dennis Kavanaugh in District 3 each enter their last term in office, Smith told the Tribune that the prospect of a “lame duck” period in office isn’t likely. He said the council, which also includes Christopher Glover in of District 4, Dina Higgins of District 5 and Scott Somers of District 6, plans to attack the issues with the same no-holds-barred enthusiasm with which it has helped see Mesa through its portion of the recent international financial crisis.
“Whatever we’re doing seems to have struck a chord and to keep doing what we’re doing but do it better,” Smith said. “I think that’s the mandate.”
The three council members, sworn in Tuesday, agreed with the mayor on the point, and that the way forward for the council is to increase economic development in the region is to capitalize on projects already underway.
These include developing commerce and infrastructure in the areas around Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, continuing to help the five new colleges coming to the city grow and emphasizing the light rail extension.
Information from the East Valley Tribune
