By Sierra Palmer
Special to East Valley Tribune
If you’re looking for the Mayor of Mesa, you won’t find him inside the box of old thinking.
According to city staff and regional leaders, Mayor Scott Smith has transformed the City of Mesa with his out-of-the-box recipe for success.
“Figure out who you are, figure out what you do well, and do it even better. Never ever try to be something you’re not,” Mayor Smith said. “Just be great at what you do.”
Shelly Allen, a 30-year employee for the city of Mesa and former assistant economic development director, said that Smith’s ability to relate to residents makes him great at what he does.
“The citizens of Mesa believe that Scott is one of their own, people believe in him, are inspired by him and trust that he has Mesa’s best interest at heart.” Allen said.
Although he was student body president at Mesa’s Westwood High School in 1974, Smith said he never planned on pursuing a political career.
