Mayor officially begins re-election campaign

In preparation for the 2006 city election, Mayor Kelly Anderson was the first potential candidate to pick up an election manual after they became available yesterday. The City Council terms of Vice Mayor Brent Murphree, Councilman Edward Farrell and recently elected Councilman Joseph Estes (see related story) all expire next year. In addition, Maricopa’s registered voters will also elect their mayor for a two-year term.

Current mayor Kelly Anderson will vie to keep the title as Maricopa’s chief political leader and is eager to begin the process of his re-election bid. “We have laid tremendous groundwork the last two years, including the Impact Fee Study, Small Area Transportation Study and General Plan,” Mayor Anderson said. “What we’ll see in the next two years will be astounding. I would like to be on board during this time to see it come to fruition.”

Mayor Anderson feels fortunate that he has had the opportunity to meet with thousands of constituents by attending community events, ribbon-cuttings, coaching Little League games and the like during the last year and a half. Nonetheless, he plans to spend time going door-to-door to meet with prospective voters in advance of the March 14 Primary Election and May 16 General Election. There will be no shortage of doors on which to knock as Maricopa now has an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 residents, 10,000-plus more than during the last campaign just two years ago.

Deputy city clerk Vanessa Bueras reviews the election manual with Mayor Anderson.

Mayor Kelly Anderson hopes to office at City Hall for another two years.

When asked if he expected any competition for his seat at the helm of the City Council, Mayor Anderson responded “I hope so.” He says that choices benefit the community and that “competition enhances the need to stay on top of issues.”

Any voter registered and residing in Maricopa can run for a seat on the City Council or to be the city’s next mayor. Nomination papers and petitions, currently available at City Hall, are due December 14. For more information, contact Maricopa’s deputy city clerk, Vanessa Bueras, at (520) 568-9098 x 230 or via email. If you are not registered to vote in Pinal County, you can do so at City Hall or online at www.ServiceArizona.com.