Mesa mayoral candidates unveil plans to aid city

When Mesa voters head to the polls May 20, they'll have to choose between "Moving Mesa Forward" or "Building a Better Mesa." Those are the plans of the city's two candidates for mayor - Rex Griswold, who wants to move Mesa forward, and Scott Smith, who wants to build a better Mesa.

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The candidates unveiled their plans Wednesday in a move to differentiate between themselves and specify their goals if elected mayor.

Smith's plan focused on building pride in the community and improving the city's economic base.

His "village system" plan would involve placing citizens on boards that look at zoning cases and neighborhood issues.

Smith also said the city should promote its museums, the Mesa Mormon Temple and the Mesa Arts Center as assets.

Smith also criticized the current administration's decisions to pull city funding out of parades and community events.

"I believe Mesa has lost the heart of its citizens, its collective heart," he said.

Smith's economic plan would focus on big-picture developments, not just projects that would bring sales tax revenue.

He named Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Falcon Field Airport, Waveyard, downtown Mesa, the Fiesta district and light-rail development as economic drivers.

"We make decisions for today when we approve the Wal-Mart," he said. "I can look ahead and be proactive. The city plays catch-up too often."

Smith said his plan is still in draft form and he intends to release more details as the campaign continues.

Griswold's plan focuses on communication between government and residents, using creative ways to bump up revenue and building relationships with leaders in government and business.

Griswold named public safety as his first priority, saying it affects residents personally.

"For a mayor, working regionally is most important, but for the people, it's public safety," he said. "It's about feeling safe."

Griswold also stated support for initiatives already under way, such as the slum landlord ordinance making its way to the November ballot, reducing crime in the city by 5percent and encouraging Mesa police officers to receive federal immigration training.

The former District 5 city councilman said he would continue habits he formed while in office, such as responding to residents' inquiries within 24 hours and attending local events.

Griswold said he manages by surrounding himself with people smarter than himself.

"I like to let other people do what they're best at," he said. "I like to build consensus and groups. It's not an ego thing."

"Moving Mesa Forward"

Rex Griswold's 100-day plan

Participate in federal immigration training for Mesa police officers

Push a four-minute fire response time, prioritize calls for service

Create plan for sale of Pinal County land to pay for debt and infrastructure

Identify new revenue sources, such as advertising on city buses, increase citywide recycling, reduce city's purchase of bottled water

Reorganize city's Web site to improve access, hold online forums

Regularly meet with city employee groups to build morale

Develop partnership with Mesa employers and other local leaders

"Building a Better Mesa"

Scott Smith's plan

Promote pride in the city and its assets

Bring back community-building events such as parades

Survey residents and customers to gauge city services

Bring back people and recommendations from the Financing the Future 2025 project

Establish a reward fund for employees who suggest innovative ideas

Sell city-owned assets to reduce debt and create rainy-day funds