Meet the candidates for Mayor of Tucson, AZ. Primary Elections are on August 27th

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? Ed Ackerley Randi Dorman 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.

Why is it so important for you to become the next Mayor of Tucson, AZ.? I am running for Mayor because Tucson has limitless potential, and the decisions we make in the next four years will have a profound impact on our next 40 years. I have 30 years of business experience and 20 years of experience helping to lead the
revitalization of downtown Tucson, and I will lead the way in creating opportunities in each part of the city. I’m running to be Tucson’s first female mayor because it is time we think differently about what is possible here.
We need to create a vision for Tucson that rises above the status quo.

A vision that includes the jobs and opportunities Tucsonans need, that encourages our children to
stay and raise their families, that empowers local businesses to grow and new businesses to come here so we can build the thriving 21st century city we deserve.

The Mayor of Tucson has just one vote on the Council, but her true power is in her ability to set a vision, connect and collaborate with people to align behind that vision, and make that vision happen. That is what
I do every day.

My overarching goal is to ensure we think differently about what is possible for Tucson, inspire the community to reach higher and bring the vision of a better Tucson to life.

1. 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? Nuestra relación con México es crucial y el poder económico que derraman los visitantes
   y compradores es sumamente importante para la economía de Tucson. Cuál es su experiencia en esta área y como piensa mantener ese relación con nuestro país vecino?

Tucson’s relationship with Mexico is crucial both economically and culturally.
In my plans I have clearly spelled out the importance of thinking of ourselves as a region from Mexico up north, and I will advocate for policies that strengthen that relationship. I will make sure that our Mexican
visitors feel comfortable and safe, and understand that we welcome them.
I have deep experience working with multinational companies from when I led a team at Interbrand, the largest branding firm in the world. I will use my expertise in this area to further develop our business
relationship with Mexico and Mexican businesses, and make sure they know that Tucson is open for business.

1. 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?
   It is important that the police respect that Tucson is a friendly and welcoming town.

Police Chief Magnus has made great strides in this area. I will work with the Visit Tucson
office as well as our partners in Mexico to make sure that message is shared.
We are specifically an immigrant welcoming community. The Tucson Police Department created policies in 2012 and 2017 to ensure all people in Tucson know they are safe here and that they can report crime in our community without fear. We can and should build upon those policies to further our progress.