Smith throws hat in the ring for mayor

Anthony Smith believes it is time for a change at the top of the ticket in Maricopa government. In order for that to happen, someone has to take a step forward.

The chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission and a Maricopa resident for four years, Smith told inmaricopa.com Tuesday morning he is throwing his hat in the ring and running for mayor. The primary election is set for March 11, 2008, with the general election May 20.

It was at a Council meeting earlier this month when Smith stood up and spoke during the public’s time to talk about any issues. Smith told Council that the city’s leadership had fallen into a funk.

Reaffirming those beliefs, Smith said he and his supporters believe his three years on Maricopa’s Planning and Zoning Commission and his commitment to the community make him the candidate to guide Maricopa to the next level of growth.

“I feel an opportunity has been missed to take advantage of the development slump and progressively put together strategies and plans to move the city forward,” Smith said. “I have been actively involved in Maricopa’s government and its community development. I understand the character of Maricopa and its challenges. I also believe that I am better positioned for leading this city forward. While on the P&Z Commission, I judged each project based on what’s best for Maricopa. As mayor, I will approach each issue with the same focus,” he said.

Smith believes Maricopa has plenty on its plate, with now being the time to refocus. Asked what his first project would be if elected mayor, Smith said he would work on getting a city center.

“A city center would be a great opportunity for us to drive economic development,” Smith said. The city center could have different sub-districts including educational, entertainment, some government and more, according to Smith. He added that a city center should be “pedestrian friendly” and not too far away from a main artery.

Smith believes the next five years will determine whether Maricopa becomes a growing employment center or merely a bedroom community to Phoenix. Smith believes the keys for leading Maricopa towards being an employment center are:
• Driving economic development
• Improving our transportation system
• Enhancing quality of life opportunities

Smith said, “I firmly believe one of the keys to helping the transportation situation is creating a local environment that is more Maricopa-focused. Make Maricopa an employment center, improve recreational opportunities, create community-wide facilities, improve our schools, and make Maricopa a place where you live, you work, you go to school and you play. This will not only bring prosperity to Maricopa, but will help to reduce the overall traffic problem. We desperately need to improve critical external transportation links, but accomplishing the things I mentioned will reap huge benefits and ultimately help keep state and county leaders focused on Maricopa’s growth. Maricopa must become a more ‘business friendly’ community. The city must put into place more practical policies and procedures to guide the startup of new businesses and not become a stumbling block for existing ones.

“Sure, I like Red Lobster and Applebee’s, but having home-grown businesses provide us with unique selections help our local merchant community by keeping the investment in Maricopa. The same is true for schools. We must do a better job building partnerships with our local schools. Strong support of our local schools by the city and community will help reduce traffic into Metro Phoenix and build a dynamic community.”

Recently, at age 54, Smith left Motorola and started a project management consulting business. A graduate of Purdue University, Smith has a Bachelor of Science degree in construction technology.

“I had a diverse career working on projects that gave me first-hand knowledge of the design and construction of infrastructure improvements, community planning and site development,” Smith said. “As a certified Project Management Professional, I have the knowledge and experience for strategically planning and implementing complex projects. My critical planning skills and determination will make me an asset for moving Maricopa up to the next level of growth and opportunity.”

In the coming weeks, Smith will be organizing his campaign and helping to increase voter registration.

Smith noted, “We are still eight months away from the Primary Election. This next election is very critical for deciding our future direction. I hope to see at least twice as many citizens voting in March than we did in the last election.” Smith said he will use some meeting opportunities with the public as an opportunity to encourage people to get out and vote for the candidate of their choice. “This (next election) is a great opportunity for people to get more involved. We have to change our passions into actions.”

Smith has an appreciation for Maricopa’s recent history, noting, “Maricopa would not be a city if not for some of the fine families that had a vision and did the hard work to get us incorporated. Their efforts are appreciated, but now is the right time for change.”

Smith’s marriage to his wife Nancy has created a blended family with Anthony having three grown children (Mandi, 29, Tiffanie, 28 and Anthony, 26) and Nancy with two. Nancy’s son Kyle, 23, is entering the seminary this fall at Phoenix Seminary and Kortney, 19, worked this past summer at Maricopa’s Chamber of Commerce. She is a sophomore at Central Arizona College on a softball and academic scholarship. In addition, Smith has six grandchildren with three living in Arizona and three out of state. His wife works as a program manager for Motorola in Chandler.

With current Council conflict of interest issues in mind, Smith pledged, “If elected mayor, I will not make any investments nor take any clients that do business with the city. If elected, I will not have to check my family tree or review my financial portfolio before voicing my position or casting a vote on City Council.”

Asked his thoughts on the current mayor, Smith said he thought Kelly Anderson, whom he noted is aware of his candidacy, was a good, honorable leader.

“I feel I’m better positioned to lead,” Smith said. “I feel there are a lot of good candidates out there, and I hope they too will step forward.”

For now, Anthony Smith has taken that step forward.

Photo by Dave Thomas