Phoenix developers raise funds for a new city councilman, a self-proclaimed outsider

Throughout his successful campaign for Phoenix City Council, Carlos Garcia painted himself as the ultimate political outsider. 

He had never run for office. He's an immigrant born in Cananea, Sonora, Mexico. He ran a migrant-rights organization for more than a decade, taking on the likes of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Senator Russell Pearce. 

During his inauguration on June 6, he celebrated as his supporters cheered "Si Se Puede." He swore to them that he would not change now that he'd reached City Hall. 

He'd keep his long ponytail, his casual dress and continue to be "unapologetically progressive," he told the crowd. 

But on the evening of June 26, he'll be rubbing shoulders with some of Phoenix's richest and most powerful donors. 

According to an invitation obtained by The Arizona Republic, a prominent lawyer and real-estate investor Wayne Howard is hosting a fundraiser at his north Phoenix office to help Garcia pay off his campaign debt.

The rest of the "host committee" are also recognizable City Hall insiders: former City Manager David Cavazos, former Mayor Paul Johnson and prominent real-estate attorneys Jordan Rose, Paul Gilbert, Jason Morris and Wendy Riddell — just to name a few.

The suggested contribution for attendees is $500. 

In an interview, Garcia said Howard approached him at the inauguration ceremony and asked if he could host a fundraiser to help pay off his debt. 

"I think they're just as curious as everyone to find out what I'm about," Garcia said.  

'They'll quickly find out who we are'

Garcia said the fundraiser isn't an indication of his commitment to Howard or anyone else.

"I'm confident in my values and where I stand and glad they want to get to know us, but I think they'll quickly find out who we are," Garcia said. 

He said Howard and some other developers began donating to his campaign following his success in the initial March election. Garcia received the most votes in that election and defeated former Councilman Michael Johnson in the May run-off. 

Howard, known as the leader of the "breakfast club" of developers who do business in Phoenix, said in an interview he didn't remember how the fundraiser came about but thought it was an important opportunity.

"Carlos didn't have support from most of the normal participants in city elections so this gives those folks the chance to meet them and get to know them, and I think that's a very good thing," Howard said. 

It's not clear how much debt Garcia racked up throughout his campaign. The final campaign finance reports are not due until July 1 and Garcia did not immediately respond to a request for the amount. 

Howard said his donations and the fundraiser are not about cultivating a relationship with Garcia for professional gain. He said as a native Phoenician, he cares about the city and believes Garcia will represent it well. 

"I've met him and I like him and I think having diversity on the council is a good thing and I support him," Howard said. 

Garcia said he's committed to hearing everyone out — even developers and attorneys. 

"I'm not going to shut any doors on anybody. It's an open door, but I'm also not going to guarantee anything to anyone regardless of if they donated anything or not," Garcia said.

Reach the reporter at jessica.boehm@gannett.com or 480-694-1823. Follow her on Twitter @jboehm_NEWS. 

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