Councilwoman Peggy Neely
Northeast Phoenix Republic/Phoenix Republic
Interim council pick was democracy at its finest
On the last day of June, Mayor Phil Gordon, my colleagues on the Phoenix City Council and I voted to appoint Bill Gates to the interim District 3 seat, which was vacated by Maria Baier to become the Arizona State Land Commissioner.
Our vote was not unanimous.
Gates, 37 and legal counsel for golf manufacturer Ping, Inc., was appointed on a 5-3 vote.
The council's action followed a brief presentation by 18 candidates who had thrown their hat in the ring.
The process was democracy in action. And more specifically, open action.
The field of contenders was impressive. It included small business owners, a reverend, a former city councilman, a school governing board member and an enthusiastic 18-year-old Thunderbird High School graduate by the name of Christopher Lee Klugman.
Mr. Klugman was unfazed by the daunting opportunity. He was not intimated by the City Council atmosphere and competing against candidates much older than he and more accomplished.
Mr. Klugman made a compelling, well-articulated presentation before the Phoenix City Council.
Echoing my colleague, Councilman Sal DiCiccio, don't be disappointed that you weren't selected.
Become even more determined than ever to pursue your civic duty dreams. You'll not only get there, but you'll be among the brightest shining stars.
After some wonderful and impressive presentations, several residents and community activists voiced their support for differing candidates.
In the end, however, the task was turned to us on the City Council to discuss, debate and decide on our next colleague.
There was no shoe-in candidate.
We had a number of great candidates, which made our task even more difficult.
The final moment was dramatic.
But more importantly, it was democracy in its most transparent and open form.
I had the honor of nominating Mr. Gates.
But what will stand out for me forever was watching an open, democratic process that our Founding Fathers would have profoundly appreciated!
Peggy Neely is a Phoenix city councilwoman for District 2. She can be reached at 602-262-7445 or council.district.2@phoenix.gov.
This column appeared in the July 10, 2009 edition of the Northeast Phoenix Republic and Phoenix Republic.