Surrounded by family and supporters at the Shalimar Country Club Wednesday night, Tempe Councilman Mark Mitchell announced his intent to run for mayor next year.
Running under the slogan “Keep Tempe Different,” Mitchell said he plans to continue the legacy of his father Harry Mitchell, who was mayor from 1978 to 1994 and served as a U.S. Representative from 2007 to 2011.
“Everyone in my family has always been involved in public service, whether they have been teaching or volunteering with the Kiwanis club,” Mark Mitchell said. “I don’t really know anything different other than to give back to the community.”
Mark Mitchell, who attended McClintock High School and ASU, said his ties to Tempe are driving his desire to become mayor.
“I’m a product of Tempe and I’m proud of what we have built,” he said. “That’s why I stand before you tonight and ask for your support to be the next mayor of Tempe.”
Mitchell has served on the Tempe City Council for 12 years since his election in 2000 and said he decided to run after incumbent Mayor Hugh Hallman announced this summer he would not seek re-election.
Mitchell said one of his priorities is to create an environment where small businesses can flourish.
“We need a bold vision for our future and strong leaders committed to invigorating our economy, giving our local businesses the opportunities to grow and getting our families back to work,” he said.
Harry Mitchell, who was on the City Council for 24 years before moving on to serve as mayor, said he believes his son is ready for a run at the mayoral seat.
“I think it’s great that he wanted to do this,” Harry Mitchell said. “He has been involved in the community for many years and been on the council for 12 years. He’s well prepared and I think that’s good.”
State Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, said Mitchell would be a great mayor if elected.
“His time on the council has already shown that he is business friendly,” Sinema said. “He is also dedicated to keeping Tempe unique, I think that’s what’s really important. You keep the flavor of Tempe so that people are attracted to Tempe for what it is and not the cities around it.”
Tempe resident Randy Gross, a neighbor of Mark Mitchell’s, said the last name “Mitchell” means both traditional values and an open-mindedness to move forward.
“I think it means integrity and community building,” Gross said. “They truly care about making Tempe a great place to live.”
Harry Mitchell said he isn’t pushing his son to solve a particular issue but offered advice for Mark to be honest with people and remain true to his hometown upbringing.
“We’ve lived in our house for 45 years and whether I was a congressman, a mayor or a state senator, it didn’t matter,” he said. “You are who you are and you don’t try to be somebody else because of a title or position.”
In addition to the office of mayor, three council seats will be up for grabs in spring 2012. A primary election will take place in March followed by a general election in May.
Reach the reporter at brennan.j.smith@asu.edu
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