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March 7, 2003/Adar2 3 5763, Vol. 55, No. 28
City councilman to run for mayor
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Phoenix City Councilman Phil Gordon declared his candidacy for mayor in a once-deteriorated, polluted alley that has been trans-formed into a neighborhood park.
Gordon picked the park at the 11th block of East Missouri Avenue, a result of the McMurry Block Watch - a partnership between neighbors and the McMurry Publishing Company - to react to rising levels of crime, said Gordon in a phone interview.
This location "is a symbol of what we have done (to transform neighborhoods) and what we want to accomplish in the future," said Gordon. "I want to make the city of Phoenix the safest in America. I won't quit until we get it."
To identify dangerous Phoenix neighborhoods, Gordon helped form a Slumlord Task Force to make these areas safer, he said.
He worked together with County Attorney Rick Romley six years ago to set up a task force comprised of a bi-partisan group of neighbors and businesses.
If elected mayor, Gordon said he intends to use the lessons learned from the Slumlord Task Force to improve Phoenix's safety and security. Other goals include creating jobs and improving education. Gordon has also been active with the Arizona Jewish Historical Society.
Because of his decision to run for mayor, Arizona's Resign to Run Law has required him to step down from city council. The non-partisan election is scheduled for Sept. 9.
A political fund-raiser in support of Gordon will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Cookies Amour, 1341 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix. Suggested donation is $75, and checks should be made payable to "Phil for Phoenix." Call 602-944-6789.
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