Phoenix mayor to Arizona Legislature: You’re the problem, not us
Apr 19, 2016, 5:18 PM
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said state legislators who “wage war on cities” do not deserve thanks for the economic progress his city has made during his time in office.
During his State of the City address Tuesday at the Sheraton Grand in downtown Phoenix, Stanton criticised the state Legislature for hindering the progress of Arizona cities and attempting to commandeer control by passing a bill that threatens to “cut the revenue we need for police officers and firefighters if cities don’t stay within the parameters of a narrow ideological box.”
“To the legislators who voted for that bill, let me say this: Phoenix and other cities, we’re not the problem,” Stanton said. “In fact, we are the solution, and instead of interfering with progress, learn from us.”
The mayor’s address was proud and optimistic for the most part, focusing mainly on economic successes and future prospects. He claims that unemployment rates dropped from 8 percent to 4.6 percent during his time in office, “the lowest it has been in eight years.”
His only negative statements were aimed at the state capitol.
“In the aftermath of the Great Recession, state leaders were slow to respond, and even moved us in the wrong direction – making deep and dangerous education cuts and growing hostile with our largest trading partner. Rather than investing in the future, they doubled-down on a failed economic model of the past,” Stanton said.
Despite his harsh words, the mayor called for state lawmakers to work with city officials in the interest of Arizona as a whole.
“Work with us, not against us,” Stanton said.
