Best of EV 2012: Top politician Smith tackles Mesa's image with confidence

Scott Smith - 'Best EV Politician'

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, pictured during the recent dedication of a Veterans Wall of Honor at the Boeing plant in Mesa (March 23, 2012) was named "Best East Valley Politician" by voters in the Tribune's second "Best of EV" contest. [Tim Hacker/ Tribune]

Tribune File

Scott Smith

From the concourse of Hohokam Park, Mesa mayor Scott Smith holds a press conference on where the city stands in negotiations with the new Chicago Cubs ownership. Nov. 4, 2009.

Ralph Freso

Scott Smith

From the concourse of Hohokam Park, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith holds a press conference to discuss the city's negotiations with the Chicago Cubs. Nov. 4, 2009.

[Tim Hacker, Tribune]

Scott Smith

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith addresses those in attendance for a ground breaking ceremony for the freeway expansion of State Route 24 in southeast Mesa, Tuesday, April 3, 2012. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Tim Hacker

Brinton Honored

Robert Brinton's widow Nanette Brinton,right, looks on as Mesa Mayor Scott Smith prepares to honor Brinton at Hohokam Park in Mesa, Monday, March 5, 2012. Brinton who passed away last year was instrumental in the Cactus League. [Tim Hacker/ Tribune]

Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith

Scott Smith, left, Mayor of Mesa, Ariz., and Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, right, talk to members of the media following a meeting with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, and bipartisan group of mayors to discuss the economy at the White House in Washington, Monday, June 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Jae C. Hong

Scott Smith, Jan Brewer

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, right, is greeted by Mesa Mayor Scott Smith prior to the start of a Republican presidential debate among the 2012 Republican presidential candidates Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Tim Hacker

President Obama

Arizona Govenor Jan Brewer, center, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, right, and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton walk out to Air Force One to greet President Barack Obama at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, in Mesa. [Tim Hacker/ Tribune]

Tim Hacker

Scott Smith

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith speaks during a press conference, Monday, September 26, 2011 in Mesa, announcing the expansion of the nearly $10 million expansion of the passenger terminal as well as an Allegiant Air flights to Las Vegas starting in November at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. [Tim Hacker/ Tribune]

Tim Hacker

Sustainable Communites Fund

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith speaks during the launch of the Sustainable Communities Fund in Tempe, Wednesday, June 1, 2011. [Tim Hacker, Tribune]

Darryl Webb

Scott Smith

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith and Chicago Cub team owners Tom Ricketts made it official Wednesday morning that the Cubs are they're staying in Mesa during a press conference at the State Capitol in downtown Phoenix.

Tim Hacker/Tribune

Scott Smith

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith speaks with supporters in attendance of the Proposition 420 election party Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at the Hilton Phoenix East Mesa Hotel. In the background is Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts.

Ralph Freso

Group uses animals to help children connect

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith serves up some barbecued beef during the Sunshine Acres 50th annual Barbecue on Sunday afternoon. Feb. 28, 2010.

Darryl Webb

Mesa mayor blasts critics of ticket surcharge

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith smiles after he and Chicago Cub announced that the Cubs are staying in Mesa during a press conference at the State Capitol in downtown Phoenix. Jan. 27, 2010.