PHOENIX (By Monica Alonzo-Dunsmoor,
Arizona Republic) June 21, 2005- Phoenix residents interested in snagging a
seat on the City Council can start applying now.
The city clerk started accepting nomination petitions last week in Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8.
A dozen residents have already filed the notices of their intention to run. They now have until July 15 to collect and submit 200 valid signatures needed to get their name on the Sept. 13 ballot.
Voters also will have three propositions to consider during the election.
One proposes to increase the mayor's annual salary to $88,000 from $62,800 and the council members' salaries to $61,000 from $51,500.
The Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected City Officials recommended the pay hikes.
A survey by that commission found that the average salary for mayors in the country's 25 largest cities is $127,000. Although Phoenix is at least the sixth-largest city in the nation, the mayor's salary ranks 21st compared with other mayors in those cities. If voters approve the raise, Phoenix would still rank 21st.
The two other propositions are charter amendments that establish who is in charge during a time of emergency in the mayor's "absence or disability."
If the proposition were approved, the vice mayor would be next in line, followed by the council member who most recently served as vice mayor.
A third proposition cleans up some language in the charter regarding how many lines should be provided on a ballot for write-in candidates.
Anyone interested in running for council can pick up the necessary paperwork at the Clerk's Office on the 15th floor of City Hall, 200 W. Washington St.
For information, call (602) 262-6811.
The city clerk started accepting nomination petitions last week in Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8.
A dozen residents have already filed the notices of their intention to run. They now have until July 15 to collect and submit 200 valid signatures needed to get their name on the Sept. 13 ballot.
Voters also will have three propositions to consider during the election.
One proposes to increase the mayor's annual salary to $88,000 from $62,800 and the council members' salaries to $61,000 from $51,500.
The Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected City Officials recommended the pay hikes.
A survey by that commission found that the average salary for mayors in the country's 25 largest cities is $127,000. Although Phoenix is at least the sixth-largest city in the nation, the mayor's salary ranks 21st compared with other mayors in those cities. If voters approve the raise, Phoenix would still rank 21st.
The two other propositions are charter amendments that establish who is in charge during a time of emergency in the mayor's "absence or disability."
If the proposition were approved, the vice mayor would be next in line, followed by the council member who most recently served as vice mayor.
A third proposition cleans up some language in the charter regarding how many lines should be provided on a ballot for write-in candidates.
Anyone interested in running for council can pick up the necessary paperwork at the Clerk's Office on the 15th floor of City Hall, 200 W. Washington St.
For information, call (602) 262-6811.
