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Scott Smith will continue quest to Build a Better Mesa

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2012
CONTACT: Paul Bentz

Mayor Scott Smith announces run for second term as Mayor of Mesa

Mesa- Mayor Scott Smith today officially kicked off his bid for reelection for Mayor of Mesa. Smith announced he decision to seek a second term following his State of the City address that focused on his Building a Better Mesa initiative. Building a Better Mesa focuses on creating jobs and economic opportunity, insuring Mesa is a safe place, and being a leader throughout the region.

Mayor Smith, current Vice President of the US Conference of Mayors said, “I am excited for the opportunity to build on what we have started here in Mesa. We have some great initiatives coming up with iMesa and I hope to have the opportunity to see those through.”

Mayor Smith had never served in an elected position prior to running in 2008. He shortly proved that his background as a businessman and CPA was just what Mesa needed. Over the last four years, Mesa has had a balanced budget while streamlining operations throughout the city.

Since taking office, Mesa has been at the center of some of the largest economic developments in the state including the Air Force Research Lab, planned Gaylord Resort, Cubs Spring Training Complex, First Solar factory and many more.

Understanding the importance that Mesa plays throughout the region, Mayor Smith has forged key relationships with elected leaders throughout the valley and worked diligently on projects beyond Mesa’s borders. Smith has also brought Mesa to national light as Vice President of the US Conference of Mayors, the highest position held by an Arizona Mayor. Mayor Smith will be President of the organization in 2013.

Smith isn’t done yet though on his quest to Build a Better Mesa. Through his iMesa initiative, Mesa will soon embark on a list of community driven ideas to make Mesa a better place for those that work and live here.

Mayor Smith is a third generation Arizonan and has lived in Mesa for nearly 45 years. Prior to elected office, Smith was a successful business consultant and homebuilder, primarily focusing on companies that needed help with restructuring or expanding their business. He was a CPA and earned his MBA and Law Degrees. from Arizona State University. He and his wife Kimberly have been married for over 30 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

To learn more about Mayor Smith, you can visit his website at www.ScottSmithforMayor.com.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, City Government, Elected Officials, Press Release Tagged With: ,

A Photo Tells A Thousand Words: Obama Confronts Brewer, Gets Earful

January 26, 2012 By 19 Comments

Thank you Governor Brewer for not backing down when confronted by President Obama this afternoon.

This is Our State and even the President needs to show a little respect when he touches down on our turf, especially turf that once sent our men and women off to battle.

Lesson to President Obama: Never mess with a Governor who eats scorpions for breakfast!

Filed Under: Elected Officials, Federal Government, Freedom of Speech, State Government, States Rights Tagged With: , ,

Arizona GOP Announces Mesa Arts Center as the Location for Republican Presidential Debate

November 1, 2011 By 6 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2011
CONTACT: Mark Stanton

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey announced Tuesday that Mesa Arts Center will be the location for the Arizona Republican Presidential Debate featuring candidates seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

The nationally-televised debate is being sponsored by the Arizona Republican Party and the Cable News Network (CNN), and will be conducted and aired live on CNN at 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET) on November 30.

Mesa Arts Center, which opened in 2005, is a world-class facility well-suited to host this world-class event. The $98-million complex sits on seven acres and includes more than 212,000 square feet of theaters, studios and exhibition space.

“Mesa Arts Center is an ideal venue for the debate,” said Chairman Morrissey. “This state-of-the-art facility will be front and center as Arizona welcomes the candidates for this important event.”

Governor Jan Brewer, who played a key role in securing the debate in Arizona, called the event a critical opportunity to spotlight southwestern issues and have the candidates hear directly from Arizona voters. As Arizona’s top-elected official, she stated that this debate is very important to the state and the nation.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Governor Brewer. “Arizona will play a key role in the coming election, and I’m looking forward to our voters getting an up-close look at our nation’s candidates for president.”

“I’m thankful to CNN and the Arizona Republican Party for their sponsorship of this important debate,” Governor Brewer added, “and the City of Mesa for its work in making this event a reality. I know the Mesa Arts Center will truly help Arizona shine on the national stage.”

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the national exposure of the debate will pay dividends for both the State of Arizona and City of Mesa.

“Mesa is honored to host this important event at our beautiful arts center,” Mayor Smith said. “We are confident that we can demonstrate all Arizona has to offer to both the attendees and millions of viewers.”

The Mesa Arts Center is an architecturally-stunning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona’s largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions and outstanding arts education classes. The facility is an architectural showpiece and a destination for visitors to the Phoenix area. For a map of the facility go to www.mesaartscenter.com. The Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Mesa, Arizona is home to nearly half a million people, making it the 39th most populous city in the United States – larger than Kansas City, Miami, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. The area’s economy is driven by five major industries: healthcare, education, aerospace, technology and tourism. Mesa is home to Chicago Cubs spring training, the Boeing Company’s Apache Helicopter, First Solar’s newest solar panel manufacturing plant and the Arizona Laboratories for Security and Defense Research (AzLabs), one of only a handful of high-level security facilities of its kind in the United States. For more information about the City of Mesa go to www.mesaaz.gov.

The Arizona presidential debate will be viewed worldwide, thanks to the global, 24/7 reach of CNN and CNN.com. The debate will be aired live from Arizona on CNN, and globally on CNN International, CNN en Espanol and CNN Radio.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Debates, Political Parties, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Mayors Scott Smith and Jay Tibshraeny Endorse Salmon for Congress

October 31, 2011 By 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2011
CONTACT: Adam Deguire

Mesa and Chandler leaders praise Salmon’s record of supporting East Valley cities

 EAST VALLEY – Former Congressman and candidate for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District Matt Salmon proudly announced today that his campaign received the endorsements from two more prominent East Valley Leaders:

Mayor Scott Smith – City of Mesa
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny – City of Chandler

 Mesa Mayor Scott Smith stated, “Matt has a proven track record of supporting East Valley cities and understands firsthand how overbearing federal regulations and policies have a direct effect on local government. This district is home to the region’s most dynamic economic engines such as Gateway Airport, Falcon Field, and Boeing and Matt understands how municipal and federal governments can work together to create jobs and economic opportunity for Arizona citizens. I am proud to join Matt’s team.”

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny added, “Matt Salmon has shown time and time again he has the principles and courage to get the job done in Washington. Matt was an integral member of a Republican-majority Congress that balanced a federal budget for the first time in over a generation, and I know he’ll lead the fight to do it again. The problems that our nation faces are daunting and Matt’s experience in Congress will allow him to hit the ground running and get to work on finding the solutions.”

“I am honored to have the support from two of the East Valley’s most innovative and respected leaders in my bid to return to Congress,” said Salmon. “I know how critical it is to have strong working relationships with our local leaders and I plan to work closely with all municipal leaders in my district. Mayors Smith and Tibshraeny have made the tough decisions necessary to balance their city budgets, while maintaining the critical services their constituents require. I pledge to make the same tough decisions back in Washington in order to get our country’s financial house back in order.”

With a population of over 430,000 residents, the city of Mesa is currently the 3rd largest city in Arizona and the 38th largest in the nation, encompassing the majority of congressional district six. Mesa is home to the Apache Helicopter production facilities in addition to the former Air Force Research Labs at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Chandler is currently the 4th largest city in Arizona and is home to the Intel Corporation, Microchip Technology and Freescale Semiconductor.

Mayors Smith and Tibshraeny join East Valley mayors Gail Barney (Queen Creek), Hugh Hallman (Tempe) and John Insalaco (Apache Junction) in supporting Salmon for Congress.

About Mayor Scott Smith
As a first-time political candidate, Scott Smith was elected Mayor of Mesa, Arizona in May of 2008. As a strong proponent of regional solutions, Mayor Smith serves in key roles on many local, state and national boards and committees. Most recently, Smith was elected as the Second Vice President of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM). He will become the organization’s president in 2013 and the first Arizona mayor to serve as president of the organization. Mayor Smith earned a degree in Accounting from BYU, and MBA and JD degrees from Arizona State. He and his wife Kim have been married for more than 30 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

About Mayor Jay Tibshraeny
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny began his unprecedented 5th term as Chandler’s Mayor in January 2011 after serving eight years in the Arizona State Senate from 2003-2011. He originally served as a member of the City Council from 1986 to 2002 as Councilmember, Vice Mayor and as Mayor. He was first elected Chandler Mayor in 1994, and served in that capacity for four consecutive terms through 2002. Mayor Tibshraeny is a small businessman and a citrus grower. He completed 12 years in the Chandler Public School System and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Arizona State University. He and his wife Karen have one daughter, Lauren.

About Matt Salmon
Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge. A proud conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office. He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life. He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award.

Matt Salmon has received endorsements from Arizona Congressman Trent Franks, former Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, South Dakota Senator John Thune, Mesa Vice-Mayor Scott Sommers, Mesa Councilmembers Dave Richins, Dennis Kavanaugh and Christopher Glover, and Chandler Councilmembers Rick Heumann and Jack Sellers.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,

Rep. Schweikert Announces Listening Tour with Scottsdale, Mesa Mayors

September 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 19, 2011
CONTACT: Rachel Semmel

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Congressman David Schweikert announced today that he will host two Listening Sessions next week. He will host one with City of Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and one with City of Mesa Mayor Scott Smith. Please circulate and share the times and locations for next week’s events:

Constituents are invited to stop in to speak with the Congressman and Mayors Lane and Smith respectively during their open forum discussions.

Town Hall with David Schweikert and Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
When: Monday, September 26, 2011
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Scottsdale Mustang Library
Address: 10101 North 90th Street, Scottsdale, 85258 (map)

Town Hall with David Schweikert and Mesa Mayor Scott Smith
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Mesa Utility Building, Community Room
Address: 640 N. Mesa Drive, Mesa, 85201 (map)

Filed Under: City Government, Elected Officials, Press Release, Town Hall Tagged With: , , , , ,

Mayor Scott Smith joins White House call on national budget

July 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

For Immediate Release: July 11, 2011
Contact: Melissa Randazzo

Today, Mayor Scott Smith participated in a conference call with President Barack Obama and top White House economic officials to discuss ongoing budget negotiations. The call was arranged by U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and included a select group of mayors.

In his remarks the President stressed to the mayors the importance of increasing the debt ceiling and asked them to help him achieve a balanced approach that would include both spending cuts now and revenue adjustments starting in 2013. After the President spoke, the mayors were able to ask questions and give input. During this portion of the call, Mayor Smith emphasized the necessity of reaching an agreement that brings certainty and stability to the nation’s financial situation.

“I appreciate the President speaking directly to the mayors and laying out his thoughts on how this serious issue can be settled,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “We need to get this issue resolved soon. The uncertainty in Washington is stifling investment on Main Street. Mayors want to get on with the work of fixing the economy and creating jobs, and we are willing to help however we can.”

Mayor Smith was recently elected to USCM Second Vice President and will be the organization’s president in 2013.

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Mesa Mayor Scott Smith was recently elected to Second Vice President to the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

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Mesa Mayor Smith Elected US Conference of Mayor Second Vice President

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2011

Mayor Smith Elected US Conference of Mayor Second Vice President-Meets with President Obama

Mesa – Mesa Mayor Scott Smith has been elected Second vice President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). Smith was chosen this week as part of the Conference’s 79th annual meeting in Baltimore. The election puts Smith in line to become the organization’s president in 2013. He will be the first Arizona mayor to serve as USCM President. During the meeting, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was elected the organizations President and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was elevated to Vice President. The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,204 cities of that size in the U.S.

“I am honored to be selected by my peers as the Second Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors,” Mayor Smith said. “The Conference is the leading voice of America’s cities and I look forward to working with my fellow mayors on important issues that affect each one of us. I am especially grateful to be serving in leadership with Mayors Villaraigosa and Nutter, two distinguished leaders from two great cities.”

Having a representative from Arizona in USCM leadership gives the state an added voice on the national level and a direct connection to the federal government on crucial issues such as job creation, debt reduction and transportation spending.

During the conference, Mayor Smith also visited the White House as part of a bi-partisan group of 14 mayors invited to meet with President Obama and Vice President Biden to discuss the economy and job creation.

During the meeting Mayor Smith voiced concerns to the President that excessive Federal regulations were inhibiting investment and stifling job growth at this critical time.

“Meeting with President Obama and Vice President Biden provided an opportunity to have a very frank and candid discussion regarding the need for job creation and critical infrastructure investment,” Mayor Smith said. “I look forward to continuing this dialogue with the President and his Administration as part of my new role with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.”

Mayor Smith was elected to his first political office in 2008. Since taking office, he tackled Mesa’s unprecedented budget crisis by restructuring city departments and operations cutting nearly $65 million from Mesa’s operating budget. These actions allowed Mesa to be more efficient with fewer disruptions than many neighboring cities. Smith also led the charge on three of the most significant economic development deals in the regions history, keeping the Chicago Cubs in Arizona, the 1,500 room Gaylord Resort, the First Solar manufacturing plant, and today, the Air Force Research Laboratory.

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Filed Under: City Government, Elected Officials, Press Release Tagged With: ,

Mesa City Council Members Support Matt Salmon

June 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2011
CONTACT: Adam Deguire

Half of City Council Members endorse Salmon’s Bid to Return to Congress

EAST VALLEY – Matt Salmon, former Congressman and candidate for Arizona’s sixth Congressional district announced today that three members of the Mesa City Council have endorsed his campaign for Congress. Salmon’s campaign announced the following endorsements:

Vice Mayor Scott Somers – District 6
Councilman Dave Richins – District 1
Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh – District 3

Vice Mayor Scott Somers said, “Matt Salmon knows the importance of Gateway Airport, not only to the City of Mesa but to the East Valley region. He will do what’s right to ensure its success and long-term growth. He is committed to getting results – not sitting on the sidelines.”

“Mesa and the East Valley have a 21st century economy and need a representative in Congress who understands the diverse businesses that make us successful” said Dave Richins, who represents Northwest Mesa in Council District One. “Matt Salmon has that experience and will fight to support the needs of the City of Mesa and all of Arizona.”

Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh of District 3 added, “I first met Matt Salmon at Mesa Speaks back in the 1980’s in Prescott and I supported him in his very first run for the Legislature. He did a great job in Congress for us and was very responsive to the needs of the city. He is honest, ethical and a true man of his word. He has never been a divisive ‘name-caller’ which is refreshing these days.”

Former Congressman Salmon stated, “I am proud to call Mesa my home. I am honored that these members of the Mesa City Council believe in me and know that I will protect and promote the hard work they are doing to maintain Mesa’s reputation as a great place to work and to do business.”

About Matt Salmon
Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge. A proud fiscal conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office. He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life. He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award.

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Elected Officials, Endorsements, Press Release Tagged With: , , , , ,