Mayor and CouncilThe Mayor’s role in a city or town is similar to the Governor’s role in the state. As the municipality s Chief Executive Officer, the mayor manages the municipality’s administration and operations. In some cases, an appointed City Manager handles day-to-day operations and staff. The mayor runs Council meetings to establish policy with the Council. Typically, a Mayor does not have the power to veto ordinances passed by the Council.The Council enacts ordinances, sets policies, develops an annual Legislative Agenda for the City, and oversees the city budget and capital improvements program. It responds to constituents concerns at neighborhood meetings through written correspondence, telephone communication, and staff assistance. 4-year term.Why You Should Care:The Mayor and City or Town Council play a significant role in keeping our communities running efficiently and overseeing dozens of programs and facilities that directly impact our daily lives. They determine priorities and spending for indispensable services such as police and fire protection, housing, emergency medical services, municipal courts, trash collection, traffic control, public transportation, parks and recreation services, zoning regulation, and public works, including streets, sewers, and signage.For additional information:https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-mayorhttps://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-city-and-town-council-members____________________________________________________________________________________________Alcalde y Concejo MunicipalEl papel del alcalde en una ciudad o pueblo es similar al papel del gobernador en el estado. Como director ejecutivo del municipio, el alcalde gestiona la administración y las operaciones del municipio. En algunos casos, un administrador municipal designado se encarga de las operaciones y el personal del día a día. El alcalde dirige las reuniones del Consejo Municipal para establecer políticas con el Consejo. Normalmente, un alcalde no tiene poder para vetar las ordenanzas aprobadas por el Consejo Municipal.El Consejo Municipal promulga ordenanzas, establece políticas, desarrolla una agenda legislativa anual para la ciudad y supervisa el presupuesto de la ciudad y el programa de mejoras capitales. Responde a las preocupaciones de los electores en las reuniones vecinales a través de correspondencia escrita, comunicación telefónica y asistencia del personal. Plazo de 4 años.Por qué debería importarle:El alcalde y el Consejo Municipal desempeñan un papel importante para mantener nuestras comunidades funcionando de manera eficiente y supervisando docenas de programas e instalaciones que impactan directamente nuestra vida diaria. Determinan las prioridades y el gasto en servicios indispensables como policía y protección contra incendios, vivienda, servicios médicos de emergencia, tribunales municipales, recolección de basura, control de tráfico, transporte público, parques y servicios recreativos, regulación de zonificación y obras públicas, incluidas calles, alcantarillado, y señalización.Para información adicional:https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-mayorhttps://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-city-and-town-council-members
Campaign YouTube
Public Policy Priorities
Mark Freeman is committed to ensuring the safety of our community, upholding law and order, protecting our rights under the Second Amendment, promoting responsible fiscal policies, and enhancing America's global position. With Mark Freeman at the helm, Mesa will flourish, and our fundamental principles will be upheld.
Qualifications and Experience
Mark Freeman brings a wealth of experience and leadership to his candidacy for Mayor of Mesa, rooted in deep community ties and public service. With over seven years on the Mesa City Council, including two as Vice Mayor, and 31 years as a Captain Paramedic in the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, he has firsthand knowledge of the city's needs. As a farmer and small business owner, he understands the importance of responsible growth and water management, advocating for conservation through his work with the Salt River Project and Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. Mark's commitment to public safety, economic prosperity, and the future of Mesa makes him a uniquely qualified leader.
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
Salt River Project District Council, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, League of Arizona Cities & Towns Public Safety, Military Affairs and Courts Committee, Mesa Board of Adjustment, Maricopa County Farm Bureau, Arizona Farm Bureau, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, National League of Cities Public Safety & Crime Prevention Federal Advocacy Committee, National League of Cities Board of Directors.
Endorsements
Fraternal Order of Police, Mesa Lodge #9, Mesa Police Association, AgPac of the Arizona Farm Bureau.
Community Service
Past President of the Lehi Community Improvement Association, Arizona Farm Bureau, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA), League of Arizona Cities & Towns Public Safety, Military Affairs and Courts Committee, Lehi Area Board of Directors, Maricopa County Farm Bureau, Mesa Board of Adjustment, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Salt River Project District Councilmember.
Occupation
Mark Freeman is a retired Captain Paramedic from the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, a farmer, and has served on the Mesa City Council representing District 1 since 2017. He was Vice Mayor from 2019 to 2021.
Education
Mesa Community College
My top three priorities as Mayor of Mesa are:
Water Resiliency: With the Colorado River’s water supply dwindling, it’s vital to implement strategies that promote conservation and economic growth. As a farmer and SRP official, I understand Mesa’s water portfolio and will advocate for long-term sustainability.
Public Safety: Having served 31 years as a Captain Paramedic with the Mesa Fire Department, I’m committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe. I’ve led local and national safety committees and will ensure our police and fire departments have the resources they need.
Attainable Housing: Every resident deserves a chance at homeownership. I’ll work with the city and developers to promote housing options like townhomes, condos, and accessory units, ensuring essential workers like teachers, firefighters, and nurses can afford homes in Mesa.
I would focus on several key measures. First, I would ensure that we maintain a balanced budget, prioritizing essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and water management while avoiding unnecessary spending. Additionally, I would push for more thorough and regular financial audits, making sure that every dollar spent is accounted for and used effectively.
I also believe in making the budget process more transparent to the public. I would work to improve access to budget information, holding public forums where residents can ask questions and offer input. Lastly, I would encourage strong partnerships between the city and local businesses to promote economic growth without relying on increased taxes. By maintaining clear financial oversight and encouraging community involvement, we can ensure Mesa’s financial health for the long term.
Our community faces several urgent challenges, and I am committed to addressing them head-on with practical solutions.
Water Resiliency: With the ongoing drought and decreasing water from the Colorado River, securing a sustainable water supply is critical. As Mayor, I will work to implement conservation strategies and develop partnerships to diversify our water resources. My experience with the Salt River Project gives me a unique understanding of water management, and I will ensure Mesa is prepared for future challenges.
Public Safety: As a former Captain Paramedic, I know how essential it is to maintain strong public safety services. We need to ensure our police and fire departments are fully staffed and equipped to keep our neighborhoods safe. I will continue advocating for resources that allow these departments to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
Attainable Housing: The cost of housing is becoming a barrier for many working families. I will work with developers to
If I received a $1 million grant for the city, I would invest it in improving Mesa's water resiliency and infrastructure. Water is one of our most critical challenges, especially with the ongoing drought and limited supply from the Colorado River. Ensuring a sustainable water future is essential for our residents, businesses, and overall growth.
I would allocate the funds toward enhancing our water conservation programs and upgrading infrastructure to reduce water waste. This could include expanding the use of smart water technologies, fixing aging pipelines, and promoting water-efficient landscaping across the city. By investing in these areas, we can make a lasting impact on our water security while saving money in the long run through increased efficiency.
This approach not only addresses an urgent need but also ensures that Mesa continues to grow in a sustainable, responsible way, preparing us for future challenges while protecting our most vital resource.
Campaign YouTube
Public Policy Priorities
Public Safety, Economic Opportunity, Fiscal Responsibility, Housing Affordability
Qualifications and Experience
Mayor of Mesa 2008-2014. Business Consultant and CEO of multiple successful companies. CEO of Regional Public Transportation Authority (Valley Metro), Former CPA. Law Degree. Only Arizona Mayor to be elected by peers as President of the US Conference of Mayors.
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
Arizona State Bar
Endorsements
Mesa Firefighters Association, Mesa Police Association, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, WeSERV Realtors Association
Community Service
Mayor of Mesa, Chairman of Maricopa Assn of Governments Regional Council, Chairman of Regional Transportation Policy Committee, Campaign Chair of United Way
Occupation
Retired
Education
Mesa Westwood High School. Bachelors in Accounting from BYU, MBA and Law Degrees from ASU.
(1) Public Safety:
Keeping residents safe is the main role of city government. Our police, fire and courts must have the resources to hire and retain high quality men and women, receive world class training, and get the tools necessary to do their jobs. During my first term, we dealt with the impact or the Great Recession while maintaining high public safety standards. I am the only mayoral candidate endorsed by both Mesa firefighters and police.
(2) Growth and Development:
I am focused on creating the right environment for our small businesses to thrive. We will cut red tape and make our permitting process more streamlined and business friendly. We will focus on facilitating success over regulating.
(3) Keeping Mesa affordable:
The high cost of housing is one of our great challenges. We must be innovative to find ways to increase housing stock by building new housing on under-utilized commercial and infill property. Quality development can be affordable with creative solutions.
Mesa must have a balanced budget that spends tax dollars in the areas that benefit Mesa residents the most. Mesa residents must be engaged in the process, and I will listen to their wants and needs before committing to specific financial plans. Also, I will not support engaging in new programs that have long-term financial obligations without fully understanding the budget impact. I am not supportive of a primary property tax to balance the budget or otherwise fun programs or projects that cannot be covered by existing revenue sources.
I believe because of the economy and State Legislature actions, Mesa will once again face financial challenges. We will be challenged to meet necessary public safety needs, deal with issues such as homelessness, and meet the needs of Mesa citizens. Meeting these challenges will require proven experienced leadership. We will first insure we can staff our police and fire with the highest quality individuals. We will need to partner with regional, state, federal and private organizations to manage homelessness effectively and caringly. Mesa must continue to attract quality investment and development that provide opportunities for the next generation of Mesans. I have successfully met these challenges in the past, and will utilize my experience, principles and lessons learned in working to secure the future of Mesa. I am the only candidate for Mayor who has a proven record of successfully leading our city, and I am passionate about the opportunity to build a better Mesa.
My priority with any grant is to use it to create the most long-term impact possible. I believe that education and experience that create lifetime careers bring the most lasting benefit to a community. I would use the $1 million to offer opportunities to those who might not be able to take advantage of advanced training, internships or apprenticeships that create higher paying career opportunities. Those who receive these opportunities most often take high quality jobs, have more stability in their lives, invest more in the community, and improve the overall quality of life in a city. Helping people improve their lives is a gift that keeps on giving. We all win with this kind of investment.
