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April 16, 2004/Nisan 25 5764, Vol. 56, No. 30
Gordon's first 100 days
Mayor reflects on accomplishments, goals
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Looking back on his first 100 days in office, Mayor Phil Gordon lists as his accomplishments the preservation of the regional trans-portation initiative, confirmation to develop an Arizona State University campus in downtown Phoenix, and implementation of his front porch program.
The transportation initiative is a ballot measure to extend a half-cent sales tax increase for 20 years to fund light rail, buses, freeways and 10,000 new jobs, said Gordon.
"When I was elected (the initiative) was falling apart" because the state legislature was blocking it, said Gordon.
"For my first three weeks, I lived at the legislature, doing shuttle diplomacy and difficult negotiations," he said.
Gordon succeeded in making sure the transportation initiative will be included in the November election ballot.
"It showed my style of leadership," working together to achieve com-promise, he said.
Gordon marked his 100th day in office as Phoenix mayor on April 10.
Gordon said another highlight has been confirming plans to develop a campus for Arizona State University in the heart of downtown Phoenix, both in new buildings and in existing space, including classrooms in the Mercado, he explained.
On the proposed campus, 15,000 undergraduates and graduates will study journalism, fine arts, architecture, nursing and social work, he noted.
Gordon is also proud of launching his "front porch initiative" on April 3. The mayor's office intends to give away 1,000 benches to Phoenix residents. To apply for one, call 602-262-7111 or visit the Web site, www.phoenix.gov.
"Come out of the house and the back yard and get to know your neighbors," Gordon said.
Gordon has also kept in touch with the Jewish community. Two weeks before his inauguration, he celebrated Hanukkah with the Chabad Mishmar Program that provides educational and social programs for teens.
He attended a March 19 Shabbat service at Har Zion Congregation, when the congregation's Education Center was designated a Framework for Excellence school by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
He also visited the first-grade class at the Phoenix Hebrew Academy in Phoenix to read a story to the students and to answer questions about what it means to be a Jewish mayor.
Gordon said through the years, he has developed a greater sense of Jewish spirituality and deeper Jewish cultural roots. At the same time, as mayor of Phoenix, he will be open and inclusive to all faith-based communities, he added.
In the coming months, Gordon said he will focus on quality neighborhoods, jobs and education.
Gordon noted that within 30 years, Phoenix could become the third largest city in the nation. It is now the fifth largest.
"We need to take our place in line with the other great and global cities," he said.
Contact the writer at barry_cohen@jewishaz.com.
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