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So is this something you have been thinking about for some time?
Something like this you have to think about it for a long time. I have a family with two kids. This was a very important decision which I had to weigh a lot of certain factors and I am lucky that my wife is supportive. She believes in what I want to accomplish as mayor and wants me to be successful. The time was just right for me.
What are your qualifications to run the city of Phoenix?
Well first of all I am a local kid. I grew up in west Phoenix with a working class family. My dad took the city bus to and from work for 25 years as he sold shoes for JC Penny. When I went to college I came back because I love this town. I have been around for the economic highs and lows. I am a big believer that we need to fundamentally change our economy, make it more sustainable and make it more diverse. I have served nine years in the Phoenix City Council and loved every minute of it. I know how to work with the city staff, other elected officials and our community. I have the experience, work ethic and the passion to do a great job as mayor.
What are your plans to better the economy?
We have done the same things for far too long in this city. When the economic downfall hit we got hit harder than the rest of the county. Phoenix can compete successfully in the international economy. We need to partner with higher education. We have to work on reducing our drop out rate. Focus in on science technology, engineering and math those are the jobs that are really going to create the jobs of the future. We can't really rely on growth and we certainly can't do give-a-ways. They send the wrong message to the country and the world telling them that we are not serious about creating a higher wage and more diverse economy. The main message is that we have to be a lot smarter about economic development. And that means occasionally saying no to deals that are just not good for the long term interest of Phoenix.
What are your other priorities if you take office?
Number one is education. If Phoenix school districts are not strong all of the other goals that we have as a city cannot be successful. Our long term interests and the long term interest of our public schools are directly aligned. The mayor has to use the bully pulpit of the office even more effectively. More can be done. We need to stand up for our public schools including enhancing our after school programs. The bottom line is Phoenix needs to do even more for education and we know for sure that the legislature is going in the opposite direction. Public safety is a big priority. We need to keep our commitment to community policing. The police officers need to know their community. Then need to be aware of their community leaders so they could be the eyes and ears of the police department. Clean energy and sustainability is important. Phoenix has done a lot and we need to continue to lead by example. I am also a big believer in the importance of arts and culture in our community. That is sometimes the first things to be cut and that is a big mistake. Arts and Culture and economic development are one in the same. We need have support that part of the community.
What are some of your experiences with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community?
The city of Phoenix owes a great debt of gratitude to the LGBT community. There has been a renaissance of popularity of central Phoenix neighborhoods. That is because the LGBT community came in early and built up those neighborhoods. On a personal level I have been proud to support the LGBT community. I have voted to support domestic partner benefits on the city council. For me that was a no brainer. When the vote of a domestic registry came up again that was a no brainer. I consider my relationship with the LGBT community a true partnership. It has been a great positive supportive relationship on both our sides. (Stanton received the 2009 Building Bridges Champion Award from Equality Arizona)
For more information on Greg Stanton, upcoming events, and volunteer information or to find out more in the issues visit GregStantonforMayor.com or call 602-882-7335.
