Hi Councilman, thank you so much for your time. We unfortunately neglect your city in our coverage and that needs to change, so thank you for offering your insight.
Thank you, happy to help shine a light on all the great things we are doing in Tempe!
To start out, you’ve had an impressively long time in council. How did you get your start in the political space and what do you credit for your longevity?
As a type 1 diabetic, I know how critical access to healthcare is. While I’ve always been politically minded, it was the healthcare debate of 2009 that really motivated me to get off the couch and start knocking on doors. As you know, thanks to the courage of Congressman Harry Mitchell, the ACA passed early in 2010, and I immediately got involved in his re-election campaign. Sadly, we lost that one, but that was all the spark I needed.
As far as longevity is concerned, one of the things I like to say about being an elected official is campaigning is easy, while governing is hard. I think for anyone to be successful in office they must recognize that our world is not always black in white (though sometimes it is) much more often issues are in a shade of gray. Being able to put aside ideology and to be able to work with those you may disagree with on a certain issue, but agree with on other issues is key to being effective in the long run. Or as it’s said, you gotta know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em.
What would you say is a unique value-add that you bring to the Tempe city council?
I always do what I think is right for the city ahead of political considerations. This has gotten me in plenty of trouble over the years, but I have almost a physiological response to pandering and disingenuous votes. I joke that when the left thinks you are too conversative and the right thinks you are too liberal, you must be doing something right.
As we all know, Arizona State University dominates Tempe. How does the city balance the needs of the university with those of permanent residents and businesses? Are there lessons there for managing any dominant institution?
You know, I’m on the town and gown committee at the National League of Cities. I was surprised to hear that most college towns have almost an adversarial relationship with their higher education institutions. That is absolutely not the case with Tempe and ASU. It’s much more of a symbiotic relationship where the success of each relies on cooperation and goodwill between both partners.
Housing affordability is a constant issue in the Valley, and Tempe is no different. What tools does Tempe have to address affordability, and what would you like to see happen at the state level to give cities more flexibility?
Cities need the ban on inclusionary zoning repealed. That ban prohibits cities from mandating a certain portion of any given development to be affordable. With this ban in place, despite Tempe’s best efforts, I worry we will not reach our housing goals.
Further, we need to continue our regional effort to rapidly increase the housing supply. That effort is underway, and we did recently see a dip in rental prices, so it’s my hope we keep our proverbial foot on the gas. (https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/watch-data-shows-rent-prices-continue-to-fall-in-the-valley)
What are your top two or three priorities for Tempe this year, and how might they affect or involve neighboring communities like Scottsdale?
One, I’d like Tempe to pass a drink spiking education and prevention ordinance. Tempe is a college town with a vibrant night life; it only makes sense that we take common sense steps to make sure those coming to Tempe are doing so in the safest possible environment.
Two, I’d like to look at some sort of term limit system in Tempe. We are currently an outlier as we do not have term limits. I am wary of artificial limits and taking the agency away from voters, but I also recognize that eventually it’s time for anyone to move on. I think we can find a middle ground here.
Third, I cannot say at this time as it’s top secret, but you will know it when you see it!
Mill Avenue has long been the pearl of the city, but there have been plenty of criticisms that it has gotten too expensive, too corporate, and lost a lot of its previous charm. How do you feel about that criticism?
I think this is a market-driven problem. Tempe is a place everyone wants to be and when demand increases so do rental prices, not only businesses but for housing. That said, the city is actively buying property in downtown Tempe so we can offer lower rents to business that provide real community benefit. So, I think the criticism is fair, though it is a result of Tempe’s success. It’s something the council is actively working on to provide a variety of retail and experiences to our downtown.
Tempe has pursued fairly aggressive densification, particularly near ASU and along light rail corridors. What would you say to critics who worry this approach creates traffic congestion or changes neighborhood character? Do you think Scottsdale could learn anything from Tempe’s approach?
This answer is much the same as the previous question. The council hears almost daily that housing affordability is crisis as it is across the nation. Tempe’s population has doubled in the last 40 years, while its land-area has stayed the same. We cannot be both for accordable housing and against building new housing. It is a matter of fact that high density housing is more affordable with a significantly less impact on the environment.
Tempe is an importer of jobs. Meaning, we have more jobs in Tempe than housing available. Coupled with the largest public university in the nation, it’s no secret that our housing supply is strained to say the least. I think Tempe does a good of job as any balancing these opposing forces, considering the limitations put on us by the legislature. We don’t always get it right, but real effort is made.
On a fun note (maybe?), we know that you’re a big Detroit Lions fan. Which fanbase dwells in the larger factory of unyielding sadness and disappointment, Lions fans or Arizona Cardinals fans?
Lions hands down. Until January of 2024, the Lions had won a single playoff game in my father’s lifetime. We lost the 49ers after leading by 17 points in the 3rd quarter in the NFC championship game. Last least we went 15-2 to win the NFC, only to lose in the divisional round to the Commanders, at home. It still stings to think about.
The Lions ineptitude is stuff of legend, and while I sympathize with Cardinals fans (the Cardinals are my second team), at least they’ve been to the big game, and nearly won.
Lastly, we also know that you’re a big dog person. For people who want to adopt or help an organization that houses dogs, where do you recommend they look?
Lost Our Home Rescue in Tempe does amazing work. I’d urge anyone looking for a furry family member to adopt from a certified rescue. Both of my dogs have been rescue pit bulls and I cannot overstate the amount of happiness and love they have brought to my life.