Why I'm Running
I never thought owning and running the oldest house in central Arizona would interest or prepare me to be Tempe's next Mayor. But it has. Since 1876 this old home has welcomed boarders and diners to Tempe. One of Arizona's most outstanding public servants, Carl Hayden, was born here. This home is a memorial to Tempe and to service.
Every day at Monti's La Casa Vieja we must address and solve many of the issues that confront Tempeans daily. Our employees and vendors rely on Monti's for jobs. Tempe residents rely on their elected officials to provide a fair business atmosphere to encourage more jobs, too. As Mayor, residents can rely on me to protect Tempe residents and Tempe jobs.
Tempe Town Lake is an important part of Tempe's business atmosphere. How can we make Town Lake all it can be? How can we maximize it for recreational opportunities and to recoup the investments made by taxpayers? Monti's La Casa Vieja is just a stone's throw from the water. We know what has worked and what has not. I know I can offer important first-hand experience to lead Tempe on these issues.
We get a lot of suggestions and sometimes complaints here at the restaurant. Why isn't something on the menu? Why wasn't something cooked quite right? We must respond to our customers. That's not unlike what a Mayor hears from constituents. I know how to respond to our customers. I will do the same as your Mayor. I will always respond.
Our building is historic, and so is the Hayden Flour Mill across the street. Every day Tempe maintains this structure and late last year we encouraged the city to animate the mill. Historic preservation is a must here in Tempe. We have a lot to be proud about. Celebrating our past can make for a great future. This is just one of the many opportunities.
Tempe has so many wonderful special events that fill our hotels, restaurants and help our tourism industry. As with the lake, we have seen what has worked most effectively. We have learned to plan such events in a way that is best for residents and businesses. If people can't get to a Tempe business, it's tough to keep the doors open. Traffic management and parking are our lifeblood. If the city doesn't do it well, if we do not do it well, our businesses suffer. That goes for Tempe residents, too. This is another area where I have first-hand experience to ensure that our city government performs effectively.
When Arizona State University does well, we in Tempe do well. When ASU's reputation, sporting events and students do well and are enhanced, we all benefit. As a neighbor and graduate of the university, it will have no greater friend and ally than I.
Our city is a quilt of great and diverse neighborhoods. The Mill Avenue neighborhood is one of those great neighborhoods. It takes someone of this place, of this community to understand how to keep all of them great.
Every day people visit Monti's to have a special experience. Every day you expect your city and your mayor to work to protect and enhance your quality of life. As a business owner, I'm used to those expectations and pressure. I would be honored to have a similar responsibility as your mayor.
Ours is a citizen government, not ruled by the politicians but by the people. There is no better example than retiring Mayor Hugh Hallman. He has decided that two terms is enough, and that it is time for a new citizen to step forward.
I submit my name to you readers for this consideration. I am honored that Mayor Hallman thinks I am up to the task. He has done an exemplary job for Tempe. Filling his shoes will not be easy.
I honestly believe that Tempe will best be served now, not by someone that will make politics a job, but by someone whose job is a temporary stay in politics for the betterment of the community.
I am a small business owner, not a politician. I have welcomed you at Monti's for years. I humbly welcome your consideration next year as the next Mayor of Tempe.
