The town of Florence has three council member spots up for grabs, and Gary Mittendorf is throwing his name in the hat.

The Florence resident of nearly five years also has over 40 years of construction industry experience in Arizona. In Florence, he is a member of the American Legion, has worked with the Florence Community Food Bank and has served in numerous leadership positions with the Boy Scouts of America, according to an email.

Currently, he works with the Florence Unified School District as a trainer for new school bus drivers and also drives every day for K-8, high school and CAVIT students, his email states.

“I worked in construction here in Arizona for over 40 years and helped to build many of the largest projects in the state as a project manager, warranty representative and trainer for new construction trainees for the US Apprenticeship Council,” he stated. “I have served as past president of the Southern Arizona Roofing Contractors Assoc., past president of the Phoenix chapter of Construction Specification Institute, and associate member of American Association of Architects, American General Contractors Assoc and board member of Catalina Council of the BSA.”

Mr. Mittendorf is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a graduate of the USAF NCO academy, a graduate of the US Apprenticeship Construction Program, and attended Arizona State University, Maricopa Community College and Rio Salado Community College for construction and management classes.

According to his email, Mr. Mittendorf and Bill Tanner are running as a team, with the former saying several people have asked why that is the case.

“Bill is a remarkable leader with decades of hands on experience in the mining and military intelligence fields,” Mr. Mittendorf stated. “With our joint interest in jobs, historic preservation, desire to revitalize downtown Florence and create a vocational training partnership, we thought we’d make a good team — although we’re running separate campaigns.”

Below is more on Mr. Mittendorf’s — and Mr. Tanner’s — goals for town council.

On the Issues

If elected, both Bill and I commit to the following policy initiatives:

• Create jobs by promoting that “Florence is Open for Business”
• Hold the line on new tax increases
• Protect water and the environment through cooperation not frivolous litigation
• Promote a vibrant arts scene and reinvigorate historic preservation
• Create a vocational training partnership to teach valuable skills in construction and the high-tech industries

We will vigorously oppose any policies that threaten jobs, stifle innovation or drive up municipal costs.  We will do this by adopting policies that help to create and grow our small businesses, support our communities, our families and our children…not outside special interests like utility owners and land speculators.

Finally, on a personal note, I have made an additional commitment. I will not accept political contributions in this race. If I am honored to represent you on Council, it will be with the understanding that I am beholding to no special interest and that I will serve with only your interests in mind.

It is time for a change at City Hall. But we can’t make this change without your support and your vote. We would be honored if you would vote for Gary Mittendorf and Bill Tanner, Florence Town Council in the upcoming municipal election.

Thank you for your consideration and don’t forget to “like” me on Facebook at Elect Gary Mittendorf, Florence Town Council.

Visit the town website for more information on Florence elections.