City election today:

DiCiccio is only incumbent facing a council challenge

City Council watchers cast their eyes today on Phoenix District 6 where Sal DiCiccio is the only councilman to face a challenge. Kevin Patterson, executive development director with Banner Health, is trying to unseat DiCiccio, who has served on the council more than 13 years.

Half of the Phoenix City Council is up for re-election Tuesday, but all eyes will be on voters in east Phoenix where Councilman Sal DiCiccio is the only incumbent to face a challenger.

Kevin Patterson, executive development director with Banner Health, is trying to unseat the District 6 councilman who has served on the council for more than 13 years.

District 6 encompasses some of the wealthiest and whitest communities in Phoenix, including the Biltmore, Arcadia and Ahwatukee Foothills.

It is considered a conservative-leaning district, though history illustrates it can be a wild-card. Before DiCiccio’s most recent stint on the council, leftleaning Mayor Greg Stanton held the seat for about a decade.

DiCiccio, a fiscal conservative, has been critical of Phoenix’s mushrooming deficit and public-safety pension costs. He is controversial at City Hall, often clashing with his fellow elected officials and community leaders.

“Phoenix has a structural deficit and I believe my focus on instituting a true strategic plan, highlighting critical functions, is critical for the future of Phoenix,” DiCiccio said in an email to The Arizona Republic earlier this year.

Patterson, president of LGBT advocacy group Equality Arizona, is more progressive than his opponent. At the start of his campaign, he told The Re-

public he would ensure all areas of the district received their fair share of city services, and that concerns of small businesses were heard at City Hall.

“I would call myself a consensus builder,” Patterson said. “I’m definitely a respectful listener.”

The local race has mimicked the lack of civility seen in national elections.

Most notably, Patterson accused DiCiccio of “attempted threats and intimidation” in early July. Patterson alleged DiCiccio’s camp reached out to his employer, Banner Health, suggesting the hospital’s non-profit status could be in jeopardy if Patterson received special accommodations during the campaign.

DiCiccio’s campaign denied the allegation and accused Patterson of dragging Banner Health into controversy for political gain.

Jim Waring, District 2; Laura Pastor, District 4; and Kate Gallego, District 8; also are all unopposed.

Republic reporter Dustin Gardiner contributed to this story.