By Parker Leavitt
The Arizona Republic
As a newly-cast Gilbert Town Council takes the stage for the next two years, community activists and government workers are eagerly watching to see how a more conservative contingent will affect its handling of several major issues looming on the horizon.
Mayor John Lewis, Councilwoman Jenn Daniels and newcomer Jared Taylor on Tuesday were sworn in to four-year terms, joining four other council members whose terms expire in 2015.
Although the entire council has a conservative reputation, varying degrees of ideology among the group will likely emerge as battle lines form over controversial issues.
Councilmen Victor Petersen, Eddie Cook and Jared Taylor are often identified with the right-wing “tea party” and could act as the more-conservative bloc, while Lewis, Daniels and Vice Mayor Ben Cooper have sometimes favored a more moderate approach. Councilman Jordan Ray could emerge as a swing vote.
How these apparent alliances will play out remains to be seen as the council presides over the town during a period of renewed growth and significant challenges, ranging from labor issues to a political climate some see as highly-partisan.
