Editor's note: The following is an extended version of the story.
Tempe residents will choose their first new mayor in a decade and fill three spots on the city council in Tuesday's city election.
To better inform campus voters, The State Press asked each candidate a series of 12 questions covering various issues of interest to the ASU community.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Dennis Cahill
Occupation: Bricklayer/Businessman, City Councilman
What is the most significant issue or biggest problem Tempe is currently facing?
Tempe is a land-locked city, Cahill said, which will require creative solutions to growth. Close relationships with ASU and student input in city affairs will be important in this effort. To assure students have a voice in the city government, Cahill said he would like to reserve a seat on every board and commission for an ASU undergraduate.
If elected, what is the first issue you would like to address?
Working to designate committee seats for students would be Cahill's first concern as mayor, he said. "We already have a very good working relationship with [ASU President] Dr. [Michael] Crow, but we need to have that same relationships with [students]," Cahill said.
How do you view the relationship between ASU and Tempe, and how should this relationship progress?
ASU and Tempe already have an excellent relationship. The University is a wonderful center for the city, Cahill said. "ASU is almost like the jelly in the middle of a jelly role," he said. Several ideas that have improved Tempe, like the Rio Salado Project, have been the result of ASU think tanks, Cahill said. "I'm sure there's more innovative ideas to come," he added.
How, if at all, would you like to work with the students of ASU?
Cahill said he is looking forward to working with students to help build the "leaders of tomorrow." "It's imperative that we introduce the talent we have at ASU to the larger community as soon as possible," he said.
How do you propose to work with ASU to house the University's exploding student population?
"I do encourage ASU to build more housing," Cahill said. Additionally, Tempe's new light rail system will help relieve traffic congestion as students living off-campus travel to ASU Main and Downtown, Cahill said.
What development and/or redevelopment projects would you like to see initiated in Tempe?
Cahill said the development of Tempe Town Lake will provide a significant boost to the city's economy. However, the city council must be cautious in choosing developers to build projects along the lake. "If you build the wrong thing, it will probably be there darn near as long as if you build the right thing," Cahill said.
Are current Tempe policies adequately addressing homeless issues in the city?
Tempe has an unusually young homeless population that needs different solutions than the ones currently available, Cahill said. "A lot of our homeless are younger and they don't want to be put into [existing] groups for services," he said. Cahill would also like to examine converting the vacated fire station on University Drive into a homeless center, he said.
What are Tempe's most important tools for strengthening the economy?
"Very few people realize that despite the recession we're in...[Tempe is] the only community in Maricopa County that has an excess of jobs," Cahill said. Tempe will continue to provide unique job opportunities as the city welcomes the new IKEA and Costco Home stores, Cahill said. Both companies offer pensions and the opportunity for employs to continue their education, he added.
As the new light rail system is built, how will Tempe need to adapt?
Cahill said he has supported light rail since a tax to fund the system was approved in 1996. "[Light rail] will help tie our downtown to Phoenix's downtown," he said. A direct connection to Phoenix will bring more tourists into Tempe, Cahill added.
What is your position on the Last Call Bill currently making its way through the State Legislature?
Cahill said he supports the Last Call Bill as a way to bring more tourists to the state. "Tempe is a tourist destination and Arizona has to have all of the same tools as a tourist destination," he said.
Do you feel you have run a clean campaign?
Cahill said he has run a clean campaign, but "allegations without proof have been rampant" from his opposition. "This has been the dirtiest campaign in the history of Tempe," he said.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the ASU community?
"I'm just excited you guys are here," Cahill said.
Hugh Hallman
Occupation: Attorney, Former City Councilman
What is the most significant issue or biggest problem Tempe is currently facing?
Tempe's two biggest obstacles are rebuilding the economy and finding resources to renew neighborhoods, Hallman said. Hallman would like to start economic revival by strengthening Tempe's partnership with ASU, particularly through the Bio-design Institute, and encouraging the University to develop its portion of Tempe Town Lake, he said. Hallman said he would like to "bring [Tempe Town] Lake and Mill Avenue together as one economic component," which would free up more money to be refocused on neighborhoods. Additionally, Hallman said he would like to examine park rehabilitation, traffic reduction, general deterioration around the city and police staffing.
If elected, what is the first issue you would like to address?
"I don't see myself addressing any particular one issue," Hallman said. His main focuses would be on rebuilding the economy and assuring the police department has a "full patrol staff to attend to neighborhood needs," he said.
How do you view the relationship between ASU and Tempe, and how should this relationship progress?
"I think I already began working on that relationship [with ASU] 18 months ago," Hallman said. Hallman said he lobbied the legislature on behalf of ASU last year to help secure funding for the Bio-design Institute. Hallman would also like to work with ASU to develop Tempe Town Lake, build "appropriate and attractive" student housing and assure neighborhoods that ASU will help preserve residents' quality of life.
How, if at all, would you like to work with the students of ASU?
Hallman said it would be to Tempe's advantage to have students involved in the government. "I have a whole host of students working in my campaign," he said. He would especially like to see students on boards and commissions, he said.
How do you propose to work with ASU to house the University's exploding student population?
Hallman said he would like to work with the University to build student housing. However, the University is nearly finished growing, he said. The main campus is projected to grow by approximately 2,000 students and the emphasis will shift from undergraduates to a larger graduate student population, Hallman added.
What development and/or redevelopment projects would you like to see initiated in Tempe?
Tempe needs to construct "cost effective and attractive" resources around Tempe Town Lake and along Mill Avenue to revitalize the economy, Hallman said. Increased revenue should then be used to "revitalize aging strip malls," he said.
Are current Tempe policies adequately addressing homeless issues in the city?
Tempe's policies do not address homeless issues, Hallman said. "They haven't been for a decade," he said. Hallman would like to develop a full service social resource center targeted at those on the street who don't want to remain homeless, he said. Hallman also said Tempe should supply more resources, such as medical attention, to those who choose to remain on the street.
What are Tempe's most important tools for strengthening the economy?
"We need to take a look at the economic niches that Tempe has," Hallman said. The city should focus on technology and knowledge based opportunities rather than entertainment ventures, Hallman said.
As the new light rail system is built, how will Tempe need to adapt?
"Our biggest challenge is making sure the construction phase of light rail that does not undermine our already shaky economy," Hallman said. Once the light rail system is built, it will help guide business to Tempe, especially Apache Boulevard, he said.
What is your position on the Last Call Bill currently making its way through the State Legislature?
The Last Call Bill will allow Tempe to compete with other tourism destinations, Hallman said. "It doesn't really exacerbate drunken driving issues," he said.
Do you feel you have run a clean campaign?
"Yes," Hallman said.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the ASU community?
"Student engagement in our community is a healthy activity," Hallman said. He said he would like to encourage more students to get involved in government. "[Involvement is] not only rewarding, you can have an impact on society," he said.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Barb Carter
Occupation: Special Education Teacher, Vice Mayor/City Councilwoman
What is the most significant issue or biggest problem Tempe is currently facing?
Tempe has enough money in the Rio Salado maintenance fund to maintain Tempe Town Lake for five years before dipping into general funds, Carter said. The city needs to initiate development projects along the lake so that tax payers will not have to shoulder that burden, she said. Carter said she would also like to focus on the redevelopment of Apache Boulevard and neighborhood revitalization.
If elected, what is the first issue you would like to address?
The city council will soon examine a study on historic preservation projects in Tempe, Carter said. She would like to prioritize the four properties in the study and decide what will be done with those structures. Carter is especially interested with the future of the Flour Mill on Mill Ave. and Third Street, she said. "We made a significant investment, $11.8 million in the [Flour] Mill," she said.
How do you view the relationship between ASU and Tempe, and how should this relationship progress?
"I have extremely high hopes for a continued great relationship [with ASU]," Carter said. The city and the University have already partnered for a hotel feasibility study, the light rail project and Sparky's FestDevil 2003 Homecoming celebration. Also, ASU's presence in the Brickyard will strengthen the relationship between Tempe and the University. "It's exciting and I think the collaboration will continue," Carter said.
How, if at all, would you like to work with the students of ASU?
Carter said she would like to encourage more students to sit on boards and committees, especially the Community, Schools and Higher Education Committee. "I think there have been times when students have been left out of the mix," she said. "We need that student voice, because that committee looks at everything...Student opinions matter."
How do you propose to work with ASU to house the University's exploding student population?
Student housing will take careful and collaborative planning, Carter said. The University is planning to build new housing projects on McAllister Avenue and along Apache Boulevard, she said. "[Tempe] just need[s] to be in the loop to make sure it doesn't impact our neighborhoods," Carter said. She would also like to provide more housing options for married and graduate students closer to campus, she said.
What development and/or redevelopment projects would you like to see initiated in Tempe?
Carter said the new light rail system will give Tempe a unique opportunity for development along Apache Boulevard. She would like to see the development of an art and pedestrian corridor, she said. Carter said she is also looking forward to planning for the new convention center, a mixed-use housing and retail project at Tempe Town Center, projects along the lake and possible housing for graduate and married students off of College Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Steets.
Are current Tempe policies adequately addressing homeless issues in the city?
Carter said she agrees with Tempe's homeless policies, but they are not the source of Tempe's homeless problems. "I think our hearts are in the right place. Our pocket books aren't deep enough to do what we would like to do," she said. With the recent economic downturn, Tempe has not had the money to adequately fund homeless services for the past two and a half years, she said. But the city has moved forward in resources for the homeless with programs like the Tumbleweed Center and the Homeless Task Force, Carter added.
What are Tempe's most important tools for strengthening the economy?
Tempe needs to become a "destination," Carter said. ASU helps the city in that endeavor, she said. Carter would also like to make sure spring training teams stay in Tempe, replace the Fiesta Bowl with the Insight Bowl and focus on youth and amateur sports, she said. "We need to have a niche market. We're not going to be a resort area like Scottsdale, but we are going to be an event area," she said. Carter also said she would like to attract unique stores to the downtown area.
As the new light rail system is built, how will Tempe need to adapt?
Carter said Tempe will need to work to make sure businesses and residents along the light rail line are not impacted more than they need to be. "It's going to be a disruption to everyone," Carter said. "I think the whole city is going to feel the impact in one way or another." But light rail will ultimately stimulate growth, synergy and activity, Carter added.
What is your position on the Last Call Bill currently making its way through the State Legislature?
Carter said she does not think the Last Call Bill has many negatives. "We'll have to see. Is it going to lead to more drunk driving? I think the verdict is going to be out...until it's been in place for awhile," she said.
Do you feel you have run a clean campaign?
The city council campaign have been very clean, Carter said. "I have attacked no one, and there were opportunities for me to ... embarrass people because they didn't have their facts straight," she said. Mud-slinging does not serve the community well, she added.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the ASU community?
Carter said she grew up in a university community and chose to live in Tempe because of ASU. "I love the synergy of a University town.," she said. "I love that University students keep us young in thinking...Tempe would be a very different place if ASU wasn't there." Carter also said she hopes students know the city cares about them, but that students must also be responsible to the city.
Hut Hutson
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Hutson said he did not have time to answer questions before the election, but would like to direct students to his campaign website, www.huthutson.com, for more information on his campaign and positions.
Mark Mitchell
Occupation: Salesman, City Councilman
What is the most significant issue or biggest problem Tempe is currently facing?
Mitchell said he would like to focus on economic development in order to raise tax revenue needed to maintain and enhance quality of life. "It all flows into one another," Mitchell said.
If elected, what is the first issue you would like to address?
Mitchell said he is currently working on several projects he would like to continue. These include implementing the destination task force, working with ASU to develop a hotel/conference center, development of a youth and amateur sports complex and working on a community block grant for neighborhoods.
How do you view the relationship between ASU and Tempe, and how should this relationship progress?
ASU and Tempe have a strong relationship, but it can always get better, Mitchell said. "By working together, we're going to accomplish great things," he said. The University and city have already worked together on light rail, securing funds for the Bio-design Institute and the identification of possible revitalization projects in the aging areas in Tempe.
How, if at all, would you like to work with the students of ASU?
Tempe is partnering with different ASU colleges for specific city projects, Mitchell said. For example, the recently initiated Capstone Project has architecture students identifying possible revitalization projects around the city, he said. Mitchell said he would also like students to serve on boards and commissions in the government. "There's a lot of great ways we can learn from the students," Mitchell said.
How do you propose to work with ASU to house the University's exploding student population?
Crow and ASU's administration have committed to building 10,000 new beds, Mitchell said. Mitchell would like to examine traffic problems in the city in relation to student housing, he said.
What development and/or redevelopment projects would you like to see initiated in Tempe?
Mitchell said he would like to see the development of a hotel convention and conference center, youth and amateur sports facilities and redevelopment projects in the city's aging strip centers. The council is working to make Tempe a "vibrant, mixed-use community," Mitchell said. "We're marketing Tempe as a smart place to be," he said.
Are current Tempe policies adequately addressing homeless issues in the city?
Tempe policies can always be improved, Mitchell said. The city is currently helping the homeless by funding the Tumbleweed center and giving money to other cities' homeless programs. Additionally, Tempe is "very fortunate to have active citizens" concerned about homeless issues, Mitchell said. Community groups are helping the homeless by sponsoring events such as the Empty Bowls program, he said.
What are Tempe's most important tools for strengthening the economy?
Partnerships are key for economic growth, Mitchell said. The city is working with ASU and developing relationships with property owners and developers to discover what resources will be best for particular areas of the city, Mitchell said.
As the new light rail system is built, how will Tempe need to adapt?
Light rail will cause several challenges during the construction phase, Mitchell said. "The Tempe chamber of commerce is addressing that right now," he said. Mitchell said he would like to see the bus system complement the light rail line. He also said the city needs to educate high school students about the advantages of the system. "This is something very visionary. We're planning towards the future," Mitchell said.
What is your position on the Last Call Bill currently making its way through the State Legislature?
Mitchell said he does not have enough information on the Last Call Bill to take a position on it, but will enforce whatever the legislature decides.
Do you feel you have run a clean campaign?
Mitchell said he has run a positive campaign. "Tempe has always been a positive, progressive, can do community, and I strongly believe in that," he said.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the ASU community?
"Vote for Mark Mitchell for city council," he said. Mitchell also encouraged students to become involved in the community. "The reward is so great, and in a community like Tempe, there are so many opportunities," he said.
Augustus Shaw
Occupation: Attorney
What is the most significant issue or biggest problem Tempe is currently facing?
Economic revitalization and the redevelopment of aging strip malls and retail centers are Tempe's biggest challenges, Shaw said. "With the proper leadership and the elimination of bureaucracy and red tape, we can once again have exciting strip malls and retail centers," he said. Vibrant retail centers would increase the city's tax base, he added.
If elected, what is the first issue you would like to address?
"I made a promise to ASU I would walk over to the student body president to set up a round of meetings with him or his representatives," Shaw said. Shaw would also like to organize monthly meetings between University and city to encourage communication, Shaw said.
How do you view the relationship between ASU and Tempe, and how should this relationship progress?
"We are standing on a precipice right now," Shaw said. The relationship between Tempe and ASU is "OK," but the two organizations will have more opportunities to work together as the student population increases, the T-Gen project is initiated and Tempe Town Lake is developed, he said. Shaw said he would like to see a regular monthly meeting between an ASU administrator and a council member to encourage communication. "We need to work hand in hand. We do not need to be on the opposite sides of any issue," Shaw said. "We're married basically and we need to get some marriage counseling."
How, if at all, would you like to work with the students of ASU?
Shaw said he would like to develop a strong relationship with students. The city can benefit from the knowledge base and vibrance the University provides and getting involved in city affairs can help further students' causes, Shaw said. "My sole goal with the students is to let them know they are not ignored," Shaw said.
How do you propose to work with ASU to house the University's exploding student population?
"I would ask ASU to live up to their promise of adding more dorms by campus," Shaw said. He said he would also like the city to create more multi-family housing residential areas around the University and work with the transportation system to provide students with free bus passes.
What development and/or redevelopment projects would you like to see initiated in Tempe?
"I'd like to see ASU and Tempe work together hand in hand to get that lake done," Shaw said. He would like to see the T-Gen center, condos, paths, restaurants, parks and entertainment venues ultimately surrounding the lake. "Who wouldn't want to go to school here? Can you imagine the recruiting pictures?" he asked.
Are current Tempe policies adequately addressing homeless issues in the city?
Tempe is not addressing homeless issues well, Shaw said. "The current council fired the one person in the city who was in charge of finding housing for the homeless," he said. Shaw said he would like to hire a housing specialist back to work with all private, public and religious organizations to bring a homeless center and affordable housing to Tempe and bring affordable housing into the city.
What are Tempe's most important tools for strengthening the economy?
"We don't have the tools right now to strengthen our economy," Shaw said. After losing the Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, the two biggest resources the city has for economic development are the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and ASU, Shaw said. "We are a two income household and we need ASU to increase its income," he said. Shaw would also like to address aging strip mall and retail centers and liberalize the sign ordinance, he said.
As the new light rail system is built, how will Tempe need to adapt?
"We need to have light rail be a piece of a fully integrated transit plan," Shaw said. Shaw said he would also like to develop comprehensive education programs for high school students and give free bus passes to ASU students.
What is your position on the Last Call Bill currently making its way through the State Legislature?
"I'm for it! Are you crazy? It gives us another hour of sales tax revenue," Shaw said. Additionally, most people will not take later bar hours as an excuse to be irresponsible, he said. "I have fun at the bars, I know when to say when, I know not to drink and drive," Shaw said.
Do you feel you have run a clean campaign?
"I would never sink so low to soil someone I respect just for my own personal gain," Shaw said. "Everyone running for council in this city cares about this city...I respect them all and I would love to serve with each and every one of them." "
Is there anything else you would like to tell the ASU community?
Shaw encouraged students to vote for him if "they want a leader that actually cares about them, that believes the city of Tempe cannot make it without ASU and genuinely wants to be a part of the University."
David Strang
Occupation: Television Producer
What is the most significant issue or biggest problem Tempe is currently facing?
The combination of neighborhood revitalization, economic development and strengthened ties with ASU are Tempe's largest challenges, Strang said. "Tempe has to realize it is really an urban core," he said.
If elected, what is the first issue you would like to address?
Strang said he would like to address affordable housing and social services issues. The city needs to look at housing options for both students and its older population, Strang said. "If you don't have affordable housing, we don't provide for that. You have to live somewhere else," he said. Also, Tempe's high homeless and poverty rates require the city to reprioritize its financial obligations and give money to social service agencies, he said.
How do you view the relationship between ASU and Tempe, and how should this relationship progress?
Strang would like to see the University and city be more integrated. He pointed to State Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan as the ideal city/university relationship. "You don't know where Ann Arbor starts and the University ends," he said. Projects like the Brickyard and Tempe Town Center are a good start to this integration, he said.
How, if at all, would you like to work with the students of ASU?
"I want to work with [students] very closely," Strang said. He said he would especially like to address rental housing issues and bringing students into city government. "It's easier said than done, because I know they have other priorities," Strang said. However, Stang's experiences with students in the community have shown him that students care and want to be involved in the city, he said.
How do you propose to work with ASU to house the University's exploding student population?
The University needs to have enough affordable and quality housing for students, Strang said. The city must work with ASU on this project, he added. But that does not mean all students should be housed on campus. "There will always be some who want to rent," Strang said.
What development and/or redevelopment projects would you like to see initiated in Tempe?
"I'd like to see mixed use redevelopment revitalization of some of the neighborhood strip centers," Strang said. He would like to identify specific neighborhoods around the city that could house a mixture of retail centers, senior housing and loft style apartments, he said. Such projects would ultimately strengthen the city's tax base, he added.
Are current Tempe policies adequately addressing homeless issues in the city?
Strang said he would like to see a homeless resource center in Tempe. While there is a staff person addressing homeless issues in the city and funding for the Tumbleweed Center for homeless youth, Tempe's resources need to be better coordinated to deal with the problem, he said.
What are Tempe's most important tools for strengthening the economy?
Redeveloping neighborhood centers and revitalizing neighborhoods will help increase city funding, Strang said. "If you keep property values high, that's tax revenue," he said. Additionally, the city should focus on attracting a mix of businesses so more people will want to shop in Tempe, he said.
As the new light rail system is built, how will Tempe need to adapt?
Strang said he would like to develop different methods to use light rail in neighborhood revitalization. Additionally, the city will have to protectthe businesses and low income housing along Apache Boulevard during the construction phase of the project. "We can't displace them without some good alternative," Strang said.
What is your position on the Last Call Bill currently making its way through the State Legislature?
While Strang said he is in favor of the Last Call Bill, he has heard from a Hayden Square residents concerned about increased activity in downtown Tempe late at night. "He's already having problems with entertainment and noise," Strang said. Tempe will have to address noise issues in specific areas of the city, he said.
Do you feel you have run a clean campaign?
The city council campaign has been so friendly that candidates often fix each other campaign signs when they fall down, Strang said. "That doesn't mean we don't have differences, but it has been a very good campaign with us," he said. He has received feedback from several community members that the mud-slinging in the mayoral race has decreased the number of potential voters interested in going to the polls, he said.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the ASU community?
"Get involved in the city. You're living here for four or five years. The decisions you make are important," Strang said. "Students can have an incredible affect on the city if they want to and they need to take it seriously." The students are the fabric of the city, Strang said, and have the potential to decide the mayoral and city council election if enough students get out and vote.
Reach the reporter at amanda.keim@asu.edu
