Key Facts
Background
Somers previously represented District 6 on the Mesa City Council from 2006 to 2014. As a council member, Somers chaired the National League of Cities Public Safety and Crime Prevention and the Board of Directors for East Valley Partnership. Somers also helped develop the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway and Eastmark areas. Somers has also served on the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Visit Mesa, the Mesa United Way, and Mountain Vista Medical Center. Prior to his time on the council, Somers served in the US Air Force and on the front lines of fire and emergency medical services [1].
Key Issues
Budget
Somers wants to optimize city operations and identify cost cutting opportunities to keep taxes low. He previously served on the council during the 2008 recession during which he created responsible budgets, found operational efficiencies, and implemented entrepreneurial service delivery solutions, creating an approximately 20 percent budget cut [1].
Economy
Somers wants to increase Mesa’s job and economic growth. Previously on the council, Somers helped develop the Mesa Gateway Strategic Development Plan, the Eastmark and Cadence communities, the Elliot Road Technology Corridor, and attracted jobs from companies including CMC Steel, Able Engineering, and Apple [1][2].
Public Safety
Somers wants to keep response times low and ensure first responders save lives and property. Previously, he worked with the Mountain Vista Medical Center on an initiative to divert low-acuity, non-emergency patients from the 9-1-1 [1]. Somers wants to use his experience as a former first responder [4].
Housing
Somers wants to keep taxes and fees low to allow for more affordable housing. He wants to create private partnerships to facilitate infill operations in vacant locations [4].
Endorsements
Mesa Councilmember, Kevin Thompson
Former Mesa Chief of Police, Frank Milstead
Former Mesa Councilmember, Dennis Kavanaugh