By Gary Nelson | The Republic | azcentral.com
An all-star cast of Mesa movers and shakers gathered on the front lawn of John Giles’ downtown law office Jan. 13 to cheer his announcement that he is running for mayor.
Giles, 53, served on City Council 1996-2000, was vice mayor from 1998 – 2000, and left after one term to pursue business and family interests. He said business and community leaders urged him to run if Mayor Scott Smith opted to run for governor this year.
Smith announced his gubernatorial campaign last week, triggering a special mayoral election. Smith said he will time his resignation as mayor to ensure that Mesa can have a mayoral primary in August, if more than two candidates run, and the general election in November.
Vice Mayor Alex Finter will serve as mayor between the time Smith resigns, most likely in May, and the beginning of new council terms next January.
