Stanton talks relations with Mexico, infrastructure in final State of City

PHOENIX — Mayor Greg Stanton talked about relations with Mexico and infrastructure, among other topics, during his final State of the City address Wednesday in downtown Phoenix.

During his address before Phoenix City Council members, city staff, management and other dignitaries at the Sheraton Hotel near Third and Van Buren streets, the mayor praised the many billions of dollars being spent on transportation projects around his city.

Stanton, who is running for Congress, said having good transportation infrastructure will only help the economy.

The mayor also used his final State of the City to needle state lawmakers for poor relations with trade partners in Mexico. He accused the state of turning its back on its southern neighbor.

“To succeed in the long term, to lift everyone up, we need an economy rooted in innovation and focused on exports,” he said., adding that he’s been on a mission to repair the city’s relationship with Mexico by conducting trade missions and even reopening trade offices closed by the state.

Stanton also said those wanting to do business with the city must also adhere to equal pay provisions.

“We’ve held our contractors to higher standards,” he said. “If you want our business, you have to do business the right way and that means paying women and men equal pay for equal work.”

He also made mention of affordable housing efforts, the downtown medical centers and the positive contribution that Arizona State University has brought to the downtown area.

Follow @mchriscarlson