|
|
Executive Committee Spotlight:
Treasurer Mitchell
Name, title & city/town
Mark W. Mitchell
Councilmember
City of Tempe
Year elected to office
2000
Years served on Executive Committee
Since 2006
Hometown
Tempe, Arizona
Why did you decide to serve in local government?
Mitchell family members have a long history of giving back to the community as educators, volunteers and elected officials, so
public service is in my blood. I was raised in Tempe and it's the setting for my fondest childhood memories. This community shaped
me and I can only hope to give back to it in kind. I ran for City Council because I wanted to give my children and future
generations an even better future here. I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to help shape and ensure a sustainable
future for all of us in Tempe.
What are the biggest challenges facing your city today?
Tempe ranks very highly among comparable communities nationally in our annual survey of resident satisfaction. That says something about our ability to maintain
quality service despite the worst national and local economic challenges of most of our lifetimes. We have been proactive and fiscally responsible, cutting our
budgets substantially, eliminating management layers and condensing city departments. Tempe's biggest challenge today is continuing to not only maintain, but
also to improve, our many programs and services as we all pull out of this economic downturn together.
What opportunities do you see for your community?
Tempe has a great chance of being one of the first to emerge from the statewide economic downturn. There's a reason we called ourselves "The Smart Place to Be"
for many years in conjunction with our economic development efforts. We are proactive in investing in infrastructure to help cultivate partnerships between the
private and public sector. The city is in a position to use those investments to help turn Tempe's economy around. Our investments in transportation, such as
light rail, neighborhood circulator buses and the future Mill Avenue Streetcar, will literally drive this economic rebound and help people get to and from work,
while living an urban lifestyle. Tempe's future is as exciting as it has ever been and our enthusiasm for what is on the horizon will once again sell this
community and take it to the next level.
What are you most proud of during your tenure on the Executive Committee?
We are able to work with the state Legislature to communicate how important cities and towns are to Arizona. These relationships with lawmakers are vital for
ensuring that cities and towns are true partners of the state.
Why is the League important to cities and towns in Arizona?
The League's professional and knowledgeable staff effectively advocate for the best interests of Arizona cities and residents. After all, municipalities
deliver most of the direct services that Arizona residents need and want. We need to ensure that our ability to carry out this mission is not impeded by any
policy or body.
|
|
League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
|
|
|
