By Mark Stanton | Point of View
As we get close to the primary election on July 30, I would like to state how grateful am for all the incredible support and encouragement that I have received during my campaign to be the next mayor of Paradise Valley.
In addition, I appreciate the respectful and civil campaigns of the other candidates seeking the same office.
Paradise Valley is a very special place to me.
I grew up in the town and my wife and I are raising our two children in my childhood home. As your current vice mayor and a council member for the past decade, I have been honored to give back to my community through volunteer public service. Now, I am asking my fellow citizens for the privilege of serving as your mayor.
I am proud of my record as vice mayor and as a council member. As mayor, I will build on these successes. I have the skills, temperament, and commitment to be the leader of our wonderful community.
Our town was founded on limited government, while offering high-quality customer service for residents, surrounded by world-class resorts and unparalleled natural beauty. I am committed to four pillars for public service in our town: public safety, fiscal sustainability, quality of life and customer service for residents.
In 2014, 2016, and 2020, I was elected to serve on the Paradise Valley Town Council.
While serving on the council, I have twice been unanimously elected by my peers to serve as vice mayor. I have served as the council liaison to the Paradise Valley Planning Commission, Advisory Committee on Public Safety, Experience Scottsdale Board of Directors, Historical Committee, Paradise Valley Arts Board and HOA Forum as well as many subcommittee roles.
I remain a steadfast advocate for public safety, fiscal accountability, transparency, and quality of life initiatives.
A believer in genuine collaboration, I have utilized my leadership skills to help unify and support the talents of my fellow council members. Together, the council has fought successfully against unregulated short-term rentals, protected local government control, supported photo radar enforcement, maintained a limited government, and preserved our residential community.
Professionally, I have built a career in the private and public sectors. I have worked in leadership positions with several public relations and marketing agencies before opening my own communications firm.
As a public servant, I have served as chief of staff for the Maricopa County Board Supervisors – District 3 (Paradise Valley and North Phoenix.) I was honored to be appointed by the governor to be deputy director for the Arizona Office of Tourism from 2009-2015. In that role, I led Arizona’s national and international marketing and economic development initiatives promoting tourism, an industry that is the foundation of Paradise Valley and a key pillar for the town’s financial success.
I am the only candidate for mayor that has served as a leader in business, as well as in local, county and state government in Arizona. Having held many leadership positions and I have unparalleled experience, insight and connectivity that are valuable commodities representing the town.
For the past 6 years, I have proudly served as President & CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, a private, non-governmental organization. The Chamber is a member-based economic development organization founded in 1947. The Scottsdale Area Chamber promotes the world-class brand of our region (including Paradise Valley) by supporting businesses and helping create jobs throughout the region.
I am grateful for the amazing support and encouragement that I have received during this campaign.
Now, as town residents fill out their early ballots or make plans to vote on July 30th, I humbly ask for your vote for mayor of Paradise Valley.
Editor’s Note: Mark Stanton is a member of Paradise Valley Town Council in pursuit of the mayor’s seat this election cycle
