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January 17, 2003/Shevat 14 5763, Vol. 55, No. 21
Councilman considers run for mayor
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Phoenix City Councilman Phil Gordon filed papers Jan. 8 with the City Clerk to open an exploratory committee to run for mayor.
The purpose of the committee is "to review the hundreds and hundreds of e-mails and letters I have received in the last 12 months asking me to run for mayor," said Gordon. He will use the next 30-60 days to gauge his support level in the community, he added, and then decide whether or not to run.
If Gordon runs for mayor, Arizona's Resign to Run Law will force him to step down from his position as councilman.
"This is something I don't take lightly that I would have to give it up," he said. "It's a job that I love."
Gordon said he would make up his mind by mid March. The non-partisan election is scheduled for Sept. 9.
Gordon is currently serving his second term as city councilman. He was elected to represent District 4 in 1997. He formerly served as Mayor Skip Rimza's chief of staff for two years.
Gordon attended and was confirmed at Temple Beth Israel's religious school. Three of his four children attended religious school at Beth El Congregation.
A desire to improve the city's "livability issues," primarily concerning public safety, guided his decision to consider running for mayor, he said.
"We need to focus our energies to make sure that you feel safe wherever you go," whether attending public events or visiting parks or nature trails, he said.
Another issue is protecting and preserving neighborhoods. "If you're not going to feel safe in your neighborhood, you're not going to feel safe wherever you go," said Gordon.
A strong economy is a third livability issue. Ensuring that everyone has jobs "gives hope and vision to individuals that they can provide for themselves and their families," he explained.
Gordon said that he has established an exploratory committee headquarters at 3625 N. Central Ave. Call 602-604-0150 or visit www.philgordon.org.
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