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Marquette grads heat up Phoenix mayoral race

By Jessie Bazan, Comm '14

One alum running for political office is newsworthy. Two competing against each other is highly unusual. But having three Marquette grads vying for the same position, halfway across the country? That's downright remarkable.  

Then again, when it comes to politics, we've learned anything is possible.

Half of the six candidates campaigning to be mayor of Phoenix are Marquette alumni. Greg Stanton, Arts '92, Jennifer Wright, Bus Ad '96, and Anna Brennan, Nurs '81, faced off Aug. 30, in the primaries of this hotly contested mayoral election. (Editor's note: Since this story was published, Stanton has advanced to the general election.)

They aren't the only Marquetters hanging out in what Forbes magazine calls the third-fastest growing city in America. Out of the 2,910 alumni living in Arizona, 1,211 live within a 30-mile radius of Phoenix. Marquette Club of Phoenix president Erin De Avila, Comm '93, says she is thrilled to have the blue and gold represented in Arizona politics.

"Anything that happens in Phoenix can affect everyone who lives in the Valley of the Sun," De Avila says "I will definitely keep track of the race as it moves forward."

During this ultra-busy campaign season, Marquette Magazine was able to reach two of the three candidates to gather their advice for alumni looking to get into leadership.

Greg Stanton, Democratic candidate

1.    First, serve others. Lead by action.

2.    Build up a resume of your own by having a professional career first.

3.    Always be willing to listen and change your mind. Always, no matter how strongly you disagree, be willing to sit down and talk to people.

4.    Know your core values and don't stray from those.

5.    Be respectful in your interactions.

Jennifer Wright, Tea Party candidate

1.    Leaders take responsibility.

2.    Leaders do what it takes to get the job done.

3.    Leaders step up to the plate before being asked.

4.    Leaders embrace hard work.

5.    Leaders expect quality results.

To read more about Marquette's connection to the Phoenix mayoral race, check out this recent story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.