Ari Kalan, a longtime resident of Apache Junction and a commissioner on the Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission, recently announced he is running for Apache Junction mayor.

“I love serving our city, but as our nation and community struggle with new challenges, I believe it is critical that our next mayor have a strong voice, he must be willing to make sure Apache Junction is not overlooked because of our size and small-town atmosphere. I believe our next mayor must have the ability to face the challenges this city is currently facing and be able to consider the needs of all residents regardless of their age. I am that next strong mayor that this city needs,” Kalan said in a release.

He was a five-time letterman in varsity sports at Apache Junction High School and was selected as an American Legion Boys State representative. He was voted by school faculty as the “Outstanding Citizen of the Year.”

After graduating from AJHS in 2006, Kalan furthered his education at Central Arizona College and Arizona State University, and later obtained his Arizona general contractor’s license.

Today, as a small business owner, Kalan says he will bring his strong work ethic to the city as the next mayor. He and his fiancé, Catherine, have two children, with another one on the way.

“I cannot describe the excitement Catherine and I share about raising our children here in Apache Junction, the same place where I grew up and the same community that helped mold me into the strong, principled man I am today. For me, family and community mean everything, I love this city and I want to give back to this community that has given me so much,” Kalan said in the release.

In addition to serving as a city commissioner, Kalan coaches youth sports for the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department.

Apache Junction is different from other “used to be small-towns,” Kalan said.

“We are still small and I want to do everything possible to help protect our unique, small-town atmosphere. As your next mayor, I will work hard to maintain our equestrian community and our family values while continuing to promote our local businesses as they are the backbone of Apache Junction’s economy. As our city grows, it is important that our mayor understands all the challenges and has the ability and perseverance to stand strong for our entire community, ensuring Apache Junction remains a beautiful and safe place to live,” he said in the release.

If he is elected, Kalan would be the youngest Apache Junction mayor at the age of 36 years old, he said.

“With my combined passion for our community and my background in construction management, I believe I offer unique experiences that make me the best candidate to lead Apache Junction into the future. So, I am humbly asking my fellow citizens to please consider giving me the opportunity to be their next mayor,” Kalan said.