The Urban Phoenix Project PAC recently announced a campaign to recall District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski following recent controversy related to the proposed South Phoenix light rail extension, and multiple other incidents in recent years.
“Some council members have failed to uphold not just the most basic urban principles, but even ethical principles,” Sean Sweat, chair of the Urban Phoenix Project PAC said at the time. “So with that in mind…we launched a recall on Councilman Nowakowksi. He deserves to be removed.”
Nowakoski said the recall attempt “will not change (his) dedication to his district or Phoenix.
“I will continue to advocate for the issues District 7 residents have expressed are important to them,” Nowakowski said in the statement. “This includes my ongoing support for workforce housing and the South Central Light Rail Extension.”
Walk through incidents in recent years below.
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Nowakowski accused of conflict of interest in downtown land deal
February 2015
In 2015, a developer accused Michael Nowakowski of failing to disclose his conflict of interest in a 7.5 million-dollar land development deal in downtown Phoenix. The developer had discussed the deal with Nowakowski, the area’s council member.
The city ultimately picked the Cesar Chavez foundation to develop the land. Nowakowski serves as the executive vice president of the foundation’s radio network. However, he said he did not know about the foundation’s bid until a month after it was submitted. A report later cleared Nowakowski of any wrongdoing but said Nowakowski could have been more upfront about his employer.
Read More: Councilman Nowakowski cleared of wrongdoing by city-commissioned report
Anti-LGBT comments surface in a video
March 2016
A video emerged of Nowakowski saying he “never thought (he) would see the day that men and men would be married or where people were allowed to go into the same bathroom as (his) daughter” while addressing evangelical constituents and pastors.
Nowakowski released an apology statement after facing backlash: “I know that I represent a diverse district that includes members of the LGBTQ community. My record shows that I have voted to protect our diverse community, giving an equal voice in government to all. My future voting record will continue to protect the rights of the LGBTQ community.”
LGBTQ community groups across Phoenix have repeatedly called for his resignation following the comments.
Read more: Community weighs options for Nowakowski after controversial LGBTQ comments
Nowakowski’s rumored vice mayor appointment stirs up LGBTQ community
March 2016
Nowakowski was rumored to be in the running for the vice mayor position following Laura Pastor. The possibility of his election stirred up the Phoenix LGBT community. The Arizona Democratic Party LGBT Caucus called for the community to contact council members and attend the Wednesday meeting on their Facebook page.
“It is THE DUTY OF EVERY PHOENIX CITIZEN to OPPOSE THE ELECTION OF THIS KNOWN HOMOPHOBE!” they wrote at the time. Thelda Williams was appointed for the role instead.
Read more: Williams appointed vice mayor following outcry against Nowakowski”
Nowakowski votes to research the impacts of light rail expansion
June 20 2018
Nowakowski voted to research into the impacts of expanding the light rail, delaying its progress. Nowakowski wanted to look into the implications of reducing the amount of open lanes from four to two, as well as the impacts on local businesses. Some businesses along the corridor opposed the expansion, claiming it would hurt their businesses.
Phoenix City Council appointed Nowakowski’s former chief of staff
August 8 2018
Felicita Mendoza, Nowakowski’s former chief of staff, was appointed to interim District 8 Council member after Kate Gallego left the seat during her mayoral campaign. Nowakowski indicated he wanted to explore impacts of light rail expansion into South Phoenix, which could delay construction.
The vote triggered criticism from those who approved of expanding the light rail into South Phoenix. The Urban Phoenix Project PAC, recently formed with the goal of electing urbanists to City Council, argued in a statement, “Nowakowski cannot be allowed to gain a second vote on the Council by appointing his chief of staff to lead the other half of South Phoenix.”
Read more: Phoenix City Council appoints former staff member to represent District 8
Urban Phoenix Project PAC launches campaign to recall Nowakowski
August 29
The Urban Phoenix Project PAC holds a launch party where they announced their campaign to recall Councilman Michael Nowakowski.
Read more: Urbanist committee launches campaign to recall Nowakoski
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the fact that The Urban Phoenix Project PAC and The Urban Phoenix Project are separate organizations.
