Mesa Legend

Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Jesse Mock Empty lots and a rundown apperance of the area around Southern Avenue and Alma School Road was a major concern voiced by citizens during a forum at MCC.

Media Credit: Aaron Dunton Mesa City Council candidate Mark Yarbrough speaks at an MCC forum.

The fledgling Fiesta district including the eyesore lots at the corner of Southern Avenue and Alma School Road, was a major topic of discussion when Mesa's three candidates for mayor visited MCC on Jan. 22.

Claudia Walters, Rex Griswold, and Scott Smith, the city's three mayoral candidates took questions from members of the public while each addressed why they felt they would be the best candidate for the position.

Candidates for the District 3 city council city, Dennis Kavanaugh and Mark Yarbrough, were also in attendance to participate in the forum.

Many citizens attending the forum expressed concern over the appearance of much of West Mesa and the lack of proper code enforcement.

"It is hard to be proud for Mesa these days," said Dobson Ranch resident Frank Meisner.

The majority of Mesans in attendance voiced their frustration over the continuing decline of the area of town around the Fiesta Mall.

"I get so tired of driving by Southern and Alma School everyday and having to look at these unsightly, run-down lots," said another Dobson Ranch resident.

The candidates did not disagree that Mesa needs change.

"We need to change the conversation about Mesa" said mayoral candidate and current Vice Mayor Claudia Walters.

"We need to work hard with neighborhoods," former councilman Rex Griswold added.
Griswold noted that while 32,000 people voted in Mesa's last mayor election, already 53,000 had signed up for early ballots.

Candidate Scott Smith, who is the only one of the three candidates who has not served on the Mesa City Council, stressed the need for new leadership in solving many of Mesa's economic issues.

"Whether we have a full house or a junk hand we need to take it and win with it," Smith said.

All three candidates said they endorse a property tax for Mesa to generate more revenue for city for programs such as code enforcement, a big concern for many citizens who attended the forum.

Kavanaugh and Yarbrough also get a chance to participate in the debate highlighting what is an interesting race for the district seat which includes Mesa Community College.

While Kavanaugh has extensive experience on the City Council, Yarbrough has none but cites his energy and passion for bettering Mesa as his strongest attributes.

The city's contested races will come to an end on March 11 when Mesa holds its election.

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