What kind of mayor does Phoenix need? That answer should drive this race

Want a glimpse of the emerging face of America? Then look to Phoenix, where a fourth-generation Mexican-American and a single mom of a biracial toddler are vying to become the city’s next mayor.

Like other sprawling metropolises, Phoenix has undergone an economic, cultural and political transformation, and with it has come unique challenges and opportunities.

Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela, the two top vote-getters in the November election, represent the new generation of Phoenicians capable of leading the city of 1.6 million residents.

The Arizona Republic argued then that Gallego was the most qualified candidate in a four-way race. She came out with a 19-point advantage over Valenzuela – her closest competitor – but didn’t secure the required 50-percent-plus-one vote to win outright.

Early voting is underway for the March 12 runoff in which Phoenix residents are asked to choose between the two. Valenzuela has made a point that this round two is a reset for his campaign.

The key question driving this race

For that reason, The Republic’s editorial board interviewed them again to take a fresh look at their stances, their qualifications and temperament to not only lead the city but become a guiding light for the Valley.

Both are impressive young politicians who represent and inspire the city’s new generation of residents that come from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.

We remained equally impressed with their personal struggles, which reflect the realities of many residents.   

ROBB:Neither candidate will do what Phoenix needs most

The 43-year-old Valenzuela epitomizes a generation of Latinos who don’t speak Spanish, but who identify culturally with first-generation immigrants because they came out of the same neighborhoods.

Gallego’s personal life speaks to women who must balance the demands of a single mom and professional ambitions.

We like them both. They’re both Democrats and both have served well on the Phoenix City Council. But Phoenix voters must choose, so we will, too. Ultimately, it comes down to the kind of mayor the city needs.

What kind of mayor would Valenzuela be?

Valenzuela, a Glendale firefighter who was elected to the council from District 5 in 2011, bills himself as consensus builder. He proves it with a large coalition of business, Hispanic and public-safety union leaders backing him.

That kind of support also raises eyebrows about what these forces expect from him as mayor.

Case in point: A public safety union is shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars on a television ad campaign attacking Gallego’s record. The ad characterizes her as anti-public safety, which an azcentral fact check found misleading.

In response, Gallego points to her record supporting public safety. She questions the union’s motive for attacking her.

VALENZUELA:Why I want to mayor of Phoenix

We asked Valenzuela what exactly public-safety union leaders expect from him as mayor, and he reverted to general talking points.

However, over the past few months, Valenzuela has matured in his messaging. He looks more poised and speaks with greater confidence about his ability to rally support to solve problems.

One shining example was his work to ease the pension crisis, working with then-state lawmaker Debbie Lesko to champion an initiative to reform pensions and save taxpayers more than $1 billion over three decades. Another was a public-private partnership with Grand Canyon University that helped reduce crime and increase property values around campus.

What kind of mayor would Gallego be?

The 37-year-old Gallego also has evolved over the last year. At launch, she appeared stilted in social gatherings. Today she is more approachable and at ease.

Something that hasn’t changed is her commanding knowledge of city issues and her ability to clearly articulate them.

The New Mexico native moved to Phoenix in 2004. Seven years later, she married Ruben Gallego, now a congressman, and took his last name. The couple has since divorced, but when asked why she kept her Latino last name – which appeals to that segment of the population – she explained she kept it because she has a voting record with it. Her maiden name is Widland.

Of the two candidates, Kate Gallego stands out with more sharpened ideas to move Phoenix forward. She wants to more aggressively expand Sky Harbor International Airport, better anticipate future droughts by building up infrastructure to move water around the city, and lead Phoenix to a more knowledge-based economy.  

Gallego also shares a vision with the late Sen. John McCain on developing an ambitious plan for the Rio Salado, including commercial and retail projects the likes of revitalizing the Chicago River. She notes, rightfully, that it could be a legacy project that evolves and redefines Phoenix.

Gallego, who was elected to the City Council in 2013 from District 8, eloquently talks of juggling the campaign with raising a child. She has proven she can adeptly do both.

So, who's best for the job?

We believe Gallego has the right mix of focus, smarts and political leadership to lead Phoenix forward.

Gallego has the academic credentials. She has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

But most importantly, she’d be an independent mayor with the acumen to not only stave off incessant attacks against city management but join other Valley leaders to drive the region’s economy.

Both leaders are dynamic people and would inspire Phoenicians, but it really comes down to who is best qualified. The answer is Kate Gallego, and we urge Phoenix voters to elect her as the next mayor.  

This is an opinion of The Arizona Republic's editorial board. What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor to weigh in.

READ MORE:

• Valenzuela and Gallego spar in Phoenix mayoral debate
• Phoenix mayor race will be historic - no matter who wins
• Police and fire groups' attack on Gallego is unfair