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By Lillian Boyd || Arizona Republic
Keno Hawker, the former mayor of Mesa, has died at age 76, according to a statement released Oct. 21 by city officials.
Hawker was first elected to the Mesa City Council in 1986 and served 10 years. He also served two consecutive terms as mayor from 2000 to 2008.
“…As a successful businessman, he used his expertise to steer Mesa through the post-9/11 recession,” the city statement said.
He was originally from Portage, Wisconsin, and had earned a degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Keno Hawker,” said sitting Mesa Mayor John Giles in the city statement. “We served on the Mesa City Council together and he was very supportive of me as mayor. He led the city during some challenging times. He was a strong advocate for Mesa, and we continue to benefit from his leadership today.”
“Our deepest sympathies to the Hawker family, Mesa colleagues and friends.” Jordan Rose, A huge loss for the city and Valley.
Co- Founder and President Rose Law Group.
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