The Urban Phoenix Project PAC gave an update to its supporters on its efforts to recall District 8 Councilman Michael Nowakowski on Thursday night at GenuWine Arizona Wine Bar, here are some of the highlights:
Background
The recall of District 7 Councilman Michael Nowakowski is to take place in May, and has attained over 2361 signatures, well beyond the 1300 signatures needed to get on the ballot.
Allegations of conflict of interest in a downtown Phoenix land deal in 2015 as well as anti-LGBT comments in 2016 are just some of the reasons for the PAC’s recall effort.
But Nowakowski said his voting record shows a history of support for equality.
“I encourage people to look at my voting record,” he said. “Not only did I champion the vote for domestic partnership, I have a long history of fighting for equality for everyone… because of my leadership and support of numerous downtown initiatives, downtown Phoenix is thriving.”
City council endorsements and campaign contributions
At Thursday’s meeting the PAC sought to raise another $500 to reach their goal of $2,000 in order to give $1,000 each to the races in districts 5 and 8.
The PAC announced on Friday on its Facebook page that it is endorsing Vania Guevara for the open seat in district 5.
“Vania Guevara’s emphatic support for both light rail and Vision Zero weighed heavily in our decision,” the Facebook post said. “We were also heartened to hear her views on trees as important City infrastructure, which is something else we believe the Council needs to take more seriously.”
PAC chair Sean Sweat said the PAC will release its endorsement for District 8 on Monday.
Mark Cardenas
Former Legislative District 19 Representative Mark Cardenas is the only confirmed opponent in the recall election for District 7.
Lynn Corvana, Cardenas’ partner, said that Nowakowski’s comments have an impact on the community, despite his voting record.
Mayoral Endorsement
UPP PAC endorsed Kate Gallego for Phoenix’s mayor, citing her support for transportation, sustainability and inclusivity.
On the PAC’s website, it said Gallego “is by far the strongest advocate of transit among the candidates.”
Sweat cited Gallego’s support for light rail expansion over the summer as a reason for the endorsement.
The PAC’s website also says that Gallego has expressed support for designing safer streets, unbundling parking from rents, adding more affordable housing, and including mixed-use buildings on the Phoenix Biomedical Campus.
The PAC donated $4,000 in the fall as an effort for Gallego to win the spot as mayor in the upcoming March election.
Editors Note: This story was updated Friday afternoon to reflect the Urban Phoenix Project PAC’s endorsement of Vania Guevara for the district 8 city council seat.
Contact the reporter at rroble11@asu.edu.
