I will work toward a Phoenix that works for everyone
As a member of the Phoenix City Council, I helped lead Phoenix’s efforts to reform our municipal courts.
Too many residents faced a destructive cycle of debt, lost driving privileges, and even lost jobs just to pay civil fines such as parking tickets. Those who owed money aren’t criminals, just residents like you and me who made mistakes and struggled financially.
Together, we created the Compliance Assistance Program (CAP), where those cited for minor infractions can obtain lower fees and a reasonable payment schedule.
It turns out when you treat people with compassion and resolve to work with them to meet their obligations, that’s exactly what they will do.
The program benefits Phoenicians who don’t directly participate. Phoenix turned a $283 million backlog of unpaid fines into $17.7 million in revenue. An ASU study found CAP generated $149.6 million in GDP. Fifty-three percent of participants found new jobs directly because they could drive again, and 41 percent saw increased income. One woman even decided to leave a violent relationship.
Developing this model program took more than outside-the-box thinking. It took a lot of work to gather stakeholders, weigh research and advocate for change. Changes like this don’t happen with part-time, partially engaged leaders.
Now I am running for mayor, where even greater challenges and opportunities await. I am prepared to build a Phoenix that works for everyone, but it won’t just be a full-time job — it will be 24/7.
A columnist in this space recently suggested that Phoenix would be better served by a mayor who devoted as much time to playing golf as leading the city. I respectfully disagree.
We live in the nation’s fifth-largest city, filled with residents who expect and deserve an engaged and accessible mayor.
When a constituent sees you at the grocery store and has a problem, a great mayor never says “not now.” Our residents expect a standard of leadership that I will work every day to meet and exceed.
Phoenix has a city manager, true. But the mayor is the public face and voice of the city to residents, visitors, and those looking to expand or grow businesses here. The mayor is the opener and closer for major economic development projects. The mayor is also where the public looks if there’s an emergency, and who shoulders the blame if and when something goes wrong. In a city the size of Phoenix, that’s no job for a dilettante.
We are all busy. We all have multiple priorities in our lives. I am raising a son, and I am utterly devoted to him. But he is also my motivation for making our city great. I am a Phoenix resident by choice, and I have a vision for a city so cool he never wants to leave.
I understand Phoenix, with its vast potential and many challenges. I understand the job of Phoenix mayor and how to build coalitions that move us forward — like we did when we reformed our court system, passed a 21st century transportation plan and approved equal pay for equal work. Together, we are eager and prepared to build a Phoenix that works for everyone. That better future starts with this election, and I respectfully and humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 6.