By Casey Flanagan | Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent
Mesa Mayor John Giles is living proof that seizing a spontaneous opportunity can have a historic impact.
Mayor Giles was content with his work throughout his four years as a Mesa City Council member, and never thought he would hold a public office again. He was satisfied managing his own law firm alongside his son-in-law, as well as working on a total of 25 boards and committees within his community.
Scott W. Smith stepped down from his position as Mesa’s mayor to run for governor in 2014 though, giving Mayor Giles the choice to step forward and help his community in a new way. It took some reflecting to warm up to the idea of running for mayor, but he eventually decided it would be the perfect job for him.
Five years later, Mayor Giles has led his home town to be the 19th best-run city in the United States, according to statistics from Wallethub. The next best Arizona city on the list is Phoenix, at 34th.
