Key issue: Does the city need a full-time mayor, or can the job be done part-time?
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Mayor Art Madrid (left) and Councilman Mark Arapostathis (right)
October 15, 2014 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s mayoral race is shaping up to be one of the hottest political contests in East County this election season, with two long-time community leaders vying for the city’s top job. Both are long-time La Mesa residents with extensive experience in politics and community service. East County Magazine sat down for in-depth interviews with both candidates to talk about their records, their views on leadership, and their visions for La Mesa.
Incumbent Mayor Art Madrid has served as Mayor for 24 years and as a Councilman before that, since 1981. He has chaired the San Diego Association of Government, served as President of the California Council of Governments representing all cities and counties statewide, and was once named San Diego County’s Outstanding Elected Official by the American Society of Public Administrators. Madrid is running on his record, which includes advocating for issues including public safety, youth and senior services, civic and business issues, and environmental concerns. He dedicates 60 to 70 hours a week on the job—and believes La Mesa deserves a full-time Mayor.He says this will be his last term, if reelected, and he hopes to complete projects he's initiated as legacies for the city that recently celebrated its centennial.
The challenger, Councilman Mark Arapostathis, known as “Dr. A” for his doctoral degree, has been named Teacher of the Year by both San Diego County and the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, as well as a La Mesa “Hometown Hero.” He is a full-time teacher and also serves as Director of Peter Pan Jr. Theater and C. Hook Theater, but says he believes he can fulfill the mayoral duties part-time with help from technology. He agrees with the Mayor on key issues, but says his strengths including bringing together people of diverse backgrounds and he hopes to bring greater unity to the Council. Also past president of the La Mesa Arts Alliance, he hopes to bring more focus to cultural arts in La Mesa.
Mayor Madrid has challenged Councilman Arapostathis to a debate, but Arapostathis has declined, stating that he has “23 events in 29 days” and prefers meeting voters face to face, walking door to door. Arapostathis did agree to an in-depth interview for our news website, while Mayor Madrid opted for a radio interview. You can hear the full radio interview here (it takes a few moments to load), read highlights from our interview with Mayor Madrid here and highlights of our interview with Dr. Arapostathis here.
Comments
Hilarious, the suggestion
Anonymous?
Mayoral mud
Do not use this magazine for political & social issues.
Don't be Fooled!
Anonymous, that's a lie.
And by deleting my comments
mayoral issues
No, my friends do not wish to
I'm not going to wander the entire town looking for these folks.
No one, very much including
Claims?
Mayor denies claim
Oh course he denied it!
Art denied it?!?! What a
Insulting women is never acceptable, Kristine.
Check Your Facts
I have not seen the mailer.
It may "sound like" the
not true
Bullying?
Strong City Manager = Part-time Mayor
Note to all posters
Drunk driving, hit-and-run,
Craig-