Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa Elected Officials Join Police Officers and Firefighters in Endorsing Sinema

Phoenix, AZ – In a press conference held today, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, former Congressman Harry Mitchell and Mesa Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh joined with leaders of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, the Arizona Police Association and Professional Firefighters of Arizona in endorsing Kyrsten Sinema for Congress. Sinema is running for Congress in Arizona’s newly drawn Ninth Congressional District, a district comprised by parts of Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Mesa.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton enthusiastically endorsed Sinema, saying, “I have known Kyrsten Sinema for many years, and I have never seen anyone with a stronger work ethic. She will stand up against partisan gridlock and deliver results for the families who live in our cities. Sinema worked with Republicans in the legislature to create jobs, fight cuts to education and find resources for the local police and first responders who keep our neighborhoods safe. I proudly endorse Sinema because she is the right person for the important job of rebuilding our nation.”

“We need members of Congress who will look out for the families in our cities instead of pandering to extremists,” said Mesa Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh. “The city of Mesa has made education a vital priority for our city. Sinema, being a product of Arizona’s education system, a recipient of Pell grants and an educator herself, knows the challenges that our cities face in recruiting and maintaining tomorrow’s workforce. I trust her to represent Mesa and be a real partner to us.”

“Kyrsten is a real legislator–she listens to people,” said former Congressman Harry Mitchell, who represented much of CD9 for four years, after a distinguished career as Tempe’s Mayor, councilman and state senator. “When you look at the Congress of today, you will see partisan bickering which doesn’t reflect the needs of everyday families. Kyrsten has demonstrated an ability to overcome the name-calling and divisiveness, and serve as the reasonable voice that we need in Congress.“

Phoenix Law Enforcement Association President Joe Clure pointed out that his group endorsed Sinema last winter because of her record of looking out for the safety of police officers. “Job safety is a critical issue for our members, and Kyrsten Sinema has always been someone we can talk with,” said Clure. “Our elected leaders are not kings who are above us–they need to be accessible to the taxpayer, and Kyrsten Sinema has always been willing to listen.”

Chuck LeVinus of the United Phoenix Firefighters, Local 493, reiterated his organization’s endorsement by saying that, “Sinema is the right person to work for public safety.”