Mayor Spotlight: Kenn Weise, City of Avondale

City of Avondale
Incorporated: 1946
Population: 76,238
Elevation: 968 ft.
County: Maricopa
Area within Limits: 54.8 sq. mi.

Name, title & city/town:
Kenn Weise, Mayor, City of Avondale
Year elected to office: 2006
Years served as Mayor: 1 year
Hometown: Oak Lawn, Illinois

Why did you decide to serve in local government?
I knew Avondale was where I wanted to raise my family, and I wanted my girls to love where they grew up, just like I did growing up in Oak Lawn. My reason for serving is simple - I wanted to do my part to make the city a better place for my daughters.

What are the biggest challenges facing your town today?
The City of Avondale is in a strong and stable position fiscally and is looking forward to the future. We continue to work to attract new development and are poised for growth. One of our main goals is to bring quality employment to Avondale. Our focus is geared toward bringing in high paying, high quality jobs for our residents. It's what drives me and my fellow councilmembers.

What opportunities do you see for your community?
I see endless opportunities. Just a year ago we launched our new brand. Avondale's story comes from our residents, business owners and stakeholders. Avondale is a young, diverse and vibrant community that shares a deep sense of pride in our accomplishments. Our residents have hopes and dreams for themselves and their families. We're dedicated to building upon those hopes and dreams and supporting our residents and business owners alike; supporting those who are aspiring, achieving and accelerating along with us. I believe that if you limit the opportunities you seek, either by scope or value, then you settle for something less than what you could have achieved. When it comes to job attraction, opportunities in medical, manufacturing, education, entertainment, retail, are all out there. We welcome them to Avondale.

What are you most proud of during your time in office?
Our award-winning Care1st Avondale Resource and Housing Center is a perfect example of how human services can be provided to the community efficiently. It was something that was approved when I was a councilmember, and it has never stopped paying dividends. Thousands of people each year from around the west valley receive assistance through the health and human services that are offered at the center. This valuable resource is meeting the needs of many.

Why is the League important to cities and towns in Arizona?
The League is important to cities and towns because it's our voice at the Legislature. Many cities, yet one voice, one decisive organization, standing up for our residents. Ken Strobeck and his team have been invaluable to Avondale and our residents. They organize the cities from all over Arizona into something greater than our individual cities.
 

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

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