FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2011
CONTACT: Robert Johnson
PHOENIX – Former Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely shined yesterday at the candidate debate hosted by the group, Citizens of Phoenix. Neely displayed the breadth and depth of her understanding of the issues in the first meeting of the five mayoral candidates.
“I am pleased with the results of the debate,” said Neely. “It was a wonderful opportunity to share ‘The Phoenix We Want’ with the citizens and my vision for more jobs, a balanced budget, and increased transparency. Most importantly, I had fun.”
The debate ranged on a number of issues including neighborhood preservation, public safety and jobs. Neely discussed working closely with neighborhoods on issues such as preserving open space, addressing water rates, and pushing for increased efficiencies across the city.
“Last year, I pushed for efficiency studies in departments across the city including police, fire, courts, and the water department,” said Neely. “Streamlining the size of government is something we will never stop doing. We will always look for new ways to get the job done – to reinvent an old process. Changing things in government is never easy. The system wants things to stay the same – it fights change. But some things have to change. They need to change.”
On the topic of jobs, Peggy made it clear that she is no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix.
“My focus is on jobs, jobs, jobs. My priority as the Mayor of Phoenix, my focus each day as I go to work, my commitment of time and energy will be on jobs. I will work as Mayor to attract business and investment to attract high wage employers,” said Neely.
During her time on the city council, District 2 has been a strong leader in job creation attracting companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/ Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique developing thousands of jobs and attracting regional and national headquarters in Phoenix.
“I think Peggy scored major points with her experience in creating jobs,” said Kathy Landis. “It was really clear that she was the candidate with the most real experience. It is that kind of leadership we need for the city as a whole.”
Neely stuck to the issues and responded with real actions she took while on council and the plans contained in her extensive policy agenda. She also pointed to the need for accountability and transparency in local government and the need for the Mayor and council to go above and beyond in being open and accountable for her actions.
“When it comes down to it,” explained Ken Cada, “Peggy is the only candidate with a real plan. The voters of Phoenix deserve real plans – and Peggy delivered.”
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