The field of candidates for Tempe's mayoral and City Council races grew Friday with a pair of candidates jumping in the race.
Michael Monti, owner of the landmark Monti's La Casa Vieja, is running for mayor. And Dick Foreman is running for the council after 10 years on the governing board of the Tempe Union High School District.
Monti joins Councilman Mark Mitchell in the race to replace the outgoing Mayor Hugh Hallman when his term ends in mid-2012. Both hail from prominent families.
Mitchell is the son of Harry Mitchell, who was on the council, a mayor, a state Senator and most recently in the U.S. House of Representatives. The younger Mitchell is in his third term on the council.
Monti's father Leonard opened his downtown Tempe restaurant in 1956, which has gone on to become one of the East Valley's most enduring eateries.
Candidates can formally file election paperwork with Tempe starting Nov. 14. Three candidates have formed political committees that could lead to a candidacy. They are:
• Foreman, a utilities manager at Southwest Gas who has also served on several city commissions.
• Ann Heins, owner of a real estate brokerage.
• Kolby Granville, an attorney who has served on city commissions.
Three council positions are open in this election, which are currently held by Corey Woods, Joel Navarro and Mitchell. Tempe's primary election is March 13, and the general election is May 15.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-6548 or ggroff@evtrib.com
