June 30, 2009

Bill Gates Appointed by Phoenix City Council to Fill District 3 Interim Seat

Bill Gates, associate general counsel for Ping, Inc., who also has been active in community service, was appointed today by the City Council to fill the District 3 interim seat that was vacated recently by Maria Baier.

The City Council voted 5-3 in naming Gates, who was among 18 candidates vying for the interim term. A special election will be called on Nov. 3 to fill the remaining two years of the term.

Gates, 37, has declared an intent to run in that election. Fifteen other candidates have filed documents declaring an intent to also run.

"It is a wonderful honor, but it's also an immense responsibility, especially in these tough times we're in to do the very best for the citizens of our city," Gates said.

Gates, who earned his law degree from Harvard Law School, has been an attorney with Ping since 2001, where he advises on legal matters, focusing on employment, intellectual property on the Internet and anti-trust law.

His community service includes working with several nonprofits, including UMOM New Day Centers, Valley Leadership, Friendly House and the American Legion Boys State.

He also has served on the Paradise Village Planning Committee and the 2001 Phoenix Citizens Bond Committee.

Gates said his priorities on the council will be focusing on constituent service, maintaining and improving public safety, and economic development in his district.

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