Scottsdale, Gilbert preparing for new mayors as Election Day nears
Oct 29, 2020, 4:35 AM | Updated: 5:35 pm
(Campaign Photos)
(Campaign Photos)
PHOENIX — Scottsdale and Gilbert are preparing to elect new mayors next week and will replace a pair of Republicans who are leaving office in different ways.
Jim Lane is moving on as Scottsdale mayor after holding the office for three terms, the maximum allowed in the city.
Gilbert is looking to replace Jenn Daniels, who announced her immediate resignation during a Town Council meeting in August to become one of four Maricopa County chairs for Republican U.S. Sen. Martha McSally’s reelection campaign.
As a result, Scottsdale’s process of electing a new mayor has been more traditional.
Five candidates were on the ballot in the August primary.
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Since no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters advanced to next week’s election.
That left Republican Lisa Borowsky and Independent Dave Ortega, both of whom have served on Scottsdale City Council.
Borowsky and Ortega faced off in a debate earlier in October and the two explained their platforms, which had their differences.
Ortega wants to reinstitute the mandatory mask policy Lane rescinded in late September.
Borowsky called the policy redundant since Maricopa County’s mandate remains in effect.
Both also had different viewpoints on the looting events that occurred at Scottsdale Fashion Square in May.
Borowsky called out Scottsdale police’s response to the looting. Ortega supported the department’s response.
Gilbert residents, meanwhile, will choose between Matt Nielsen and Brigette Peterson to replace Daniels, who did not seek reelection before announcing her resignation.
Nielsen, a political newcomer, and Peterson, a former Town Council member, were the two highest vote-getters in the August primary.
The two — who both lean conservative — also faced off in a debate earlier this month.
Nielsen argued his lack of political experience makes him a better choice to connect with residents.
Peterson said her experience will lead to a more smooth transition from Daniels’ regime.
Vice Mayor Scott Anderson is serving as interim mayor until January.
