There used to be a popular soap opera called As The World Turns. The same title could apply to the prologue unfolding for the 2019 Mayor’s race in the City of Phoenix.
Due to term limits popular incumbent Greg Stanton will not be able to seek re-election. But former City Councilman Tom Simplot has made it known he wants the job, as does embattled current Councilman Michael Nowakowski.
Last year Simplot sympathizers sought to damage Nowakowski over questions involving a downtown Phoenix land deal. They viewed him as their greatest threat. And while Nowakowski has recovered somewhat with news of downtown Phoenix’s grocery store unicorn finally landing, there’s no doubt his future prospects have been wounded. But Simplot’s camp may regret his struggles.
For in his place is emerging Kate Gallego, also a current member of the Phoenix City Council and the Chairwoman of the city’s recent campaign to extend its light rail and transportation package. She is formidable in her own right and her husband is the U.S. Congressman by the same name and, ironically, the former top aide to Nowakowski.
Strange how the world turns, especially for Team Simplot.