I am excited to begin a partnership with the citizens of Mesa to develop a vision for the future of Mesa. However, in order to look forward to see what Mesa can become, I think we should look back at how we got to where we are today.

It was a little over 130 years ago, that a small group of pioneers settled on a barren patch of desert near the banks of the Salt River in what is now the City of Mesa. Life was not easy as they struggled to survive in an extremely harsh environment. But even with their many challenges, they succeeded in building a thriving community. They were driven to succeed by an unyielding faith in God, a commitment to hard work, and a firm belief in a promise made to them that they could make the desert blossom as a rose. The city we live in today is the legacy of their perseverance, their faith and their vision. The desert truly has blossomed, and has been transformed into something wonderful: Mesa, Arizona.

But this group of pioneers did not start from scratch. They built their community literally upon a foundation that had been laid centuries before by the Hohokams, native inhabitants who had also occupied the land. As the pioneers discovered, it helps when you have something solid upon which to build.

Tonight, we begin a new chapter in the modern history of Mesa. And, just as the pioneers who came before us, we are not starting from scratch. The foundation we have been given, however, is much stronger than the one our predecessors had to work with. Our foundation is not made of bricks and cement, but a commitment to deep seeded values such as faith, service, families, freedom, education, sacrifice and community. Many of you may remember that it was because of these values that Mesa was recognized as an All-American City in the late 70’s.

Based on our history, we know what and who we can become. Our history and our values form the strong foundation that is a starting point from which we can build our own All-American City.

This won’t be easy. We’re in the middle of some tough times. I know that many in our community have lost their jobs or are otherwise struggling financially. Mortgage foreclosures, $4.00 a gallon gas, and low interest on savings have hurt nearly everyone. Our city government has also struggled with its finances. The city has cut many services in order to balance its budget. I can’t promise you today that we have seen the end. Given the current economic conditions, we might find that our city’s finances will become even worse before they improve. But, I am completely confident that they will improve.

Albert Einstein once said, “in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Remember, our pioneer founders overcame several droughts, extreme heat, disease, crop failures and financial downturns worse than we will experience. Yet, in spite of these hardships, they were able to build this shining city on a hill, ok, so maybe it was built on a mesa. We will also work through our challenges. We will not be denied our potential. We will work to solve our problems, and we will emerge together as a stronger community.

Throughout the past year, my reference point, and my anchor in reality has been my beautiful 3 year-old granddaughter, Scarlett, and her two brothers, Skousen and Sutton. For me, they represent the reality of the future of our city. In 20 short years Mesa will celebrate its 150th birthday. By that time, Scarlett just might be starting her own family. I often ask myself, “What will Mesa be like when Scarlett has a family? Will she want to live in Mesa, as generations before her have done? Will she and her spouse have the opportunity to find high paying jobs within the city? Will she feel confident that her children can receive the best education possible? Will she feel protected and secure? Will she live in an All-American City?”

As I ponder these questions, I recognize that the decisions we make, and the actions we take will determine the kind of city we create for our children and grandchildren. For their sake, we must commit to building that All-American City. We must start today to change so we can build a better Mesa. As we address today’s issues, we also set the stage for the future. To build an All-American Mesa, I believe we must focus our vision on six critical areas, which is where I will be focusing my attention as mayor.

First, we can build a better Mesa where Scarlett and her family can live in safer, more active neighborhoods. Where their children attend nationally recognized schools, colleges and universities; and where they shop, recreate, and enjoy quality entertainment close to their home.

Second, we can build a better Mesa where our children and grandchildren don’t have to leave the city to realize their career goals. We can build a city with an economic base that provides opportunities for all of its citizens to enjoy high paying jobs. The days of forcing our best talent to either work or live in other cities must come to an end.

Third, we can build a better Mesa where each of us is proud of our community; one that celebrates its successes, and is confident as it deals with its problems; a city that non-residents admire, and where people, businesses and investors want to locate.

Fourth, we can build a better Mesa that is a leader in regional issues; a city that works with its neighbors in planning and developing areas such as Mesa Gateway and Superstition Vistas; and that protects its existing assets while maximizing its many opportunities.

Fifth, we can build a better Mesa where citizens trust their city government because it manages its finances wisely, is focused on complete citizen satisfaction, is transparent in its actions, shows respect for all, protects its citizens’ basic rights, and listens to its residents.

Sixth, we can build a Mesa that enjoys new buildings that are built in old places; a community that is committed to the renewal and revitalization of its mature areas, and which is focused on attracting new investment to all parts of the city, but especially areas such as the west side and Fiesta Mall. We can revitalize these areas by creating zoning for those areas that recognizes the reality of those areas.
If we are to build a better Mesa for ourselves today, and for our children and grandchildren tomorrow, we must work together as a community. Mesa is extremely fortunate to have many people who love this city, and who are willing to lend their time, talents, and resources to building it up. We are tremendously grateful for these efforts; but, how much greater could we be as a community if we have even more of you contributing?

City government is not the community; it is a part of the community; and, while the city plays a very important role in our efforts, our greatest strength lies not in the city, but in its people. Our pioneer forefathers did not succeed because of their city government. They succeeded because they came together both as individuals and through their schools, churches, organizations, and the city government to build a better community.

I ask again, what kind of community do you want to live in? What can you contribute to help build Mesa once again into an All-American City? As your mayor, I promise that I will do all within my power to see that our vision of a better Mesa comes to fruition. I am confident that with faith, dedication, commitment, and a lot of hard work, we can make this desert blossom into an even more beautiful and desirable rose. We can make Mesa the place of choice for people and for business. Let’s start building a better Mesa together. The job starts tonight.

Thank you very much.

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