Ed Ackerley

Why is it so important for you to become the next Mayor of Tucson, AZ.?

For the past several cycles, the Tucson City Council has been dominated by one party.  It is important that if the city is going to move forward

that other points of view are considered and respected through representative governance.  I am the only native Tucsonan in the race, and I am not running as a Democrat or a Republican 

– but a Tucsonan.  The leadership record I have compiled over the last four decades in business, non-profit work, and the community have prepared

me to be the next Mayor of Tucson.  The voters of Tucson are looking for something different and I provide that option for voters.

Our relationship with Mexico is crucial, and the purchasing power of its visitors is very important to our city’s economy. What is your experience in this matter, and how do you plan on maintaining this relationship?

Over the past fifty-one years my advertising agency has advertised in Northern Mexico to bring visitors to Tucson for our clients.  That experience has included advertising,

relationship building and engagement with many friends from Mexico who have helped in this endeavor. Mexico is vitally important to the continued economic recovery and 

growth of Tucson and we must work with the Mexican Consulate, with the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Mexico Commission, Visit Tucson, and other local, 

statewide and national organizations to encourage trade, commerce and exchange with Mexico.  The relationship is important and as Mayor I would continue to foster strong ties 

with Mexico, the Mayors of the northern cities, governors of northern states, and work to stimulate trade and business relationships.  The Office of Economic Initiatives in City Hall is one place that 

we can facilitate this continued relationship under direct control of the City Manager, Mayor and Council.

Do you think The police should respect the fact that Tucson is considered a friendly and welcoming town. If so, how would you plan on sharing this message with Tucson’s residents and foreign visitors ?

Yes. Tucson IS a friendly and welcoming town and General Orders of police reflect this rich history of hospitality. Part of my plan is for me to not only be Mayor, but the 

Chief Marketing Officer of the City of Tucson to let residents, the country, and foreign visitors know about the wonderful place Tucson is and encourage visits, business,

commerce and cultural exchange.  One of my top priorities would be a branding campaign to share the news that “TUCSON…It’s Pretty Cool!” to communicate the positive

things our city has to offer.  We can fix the problems – we need to accentuate the positive and celebrate the relationship with Mexico and others coming to our city.Dr. Ed Ackerley is an Independent candidate for Mayor. Running as a Tucsonan, he will represent the city and lead the council to solve common issues. His vision for Tucson includes supervising municipal services: bolster police and fire, fix roads and potholes, oversee public transportation, increase economic initiatives including good paying jobs, manage parks, ensure and deliver enough clean water into the next century, effectively deal with the recycling problem, preside over city courts, direct the environmental services program, provide quality planning, zoning and development for future growth. As Mayor he will be the Chief Marketing Officer of the city to communicate the great things about Tucson to spur tourism and job opportunities. He co-owns Ackerley Advertising (established 1968). He is a graduate of Palo Verde High School (1976) and teaches at the University of Arizona where he received his undergraduate degree (1979) and Northern Arizona University where he earned his Masters and Doctorate (2006). He is a former Chairman of the Council of Governors of American Advertising Federation and was recognized with Advertising Professional of the Year, Hall of Fame and AAF Silver Medal Awards. He and his wife Susan (also a native), have three sons and two grandsons.