[Editor's note: This is the first in a series of five articles introducing the candidates for Tempe City Council.]
Name: Onnie Shekerjian
Age: 47
Occupation: Public policy researcher and advocate
How long have you lived in Tempe? 19 years
Why are you running for City Council? I love living in Tempe. I love how eclectic and diverse the community is. I would like to bring my passion for good public policy, and making government actually work for people, to City Council. Professionally, I have worked as a researcher and advocate and will bring those skills to the Council. I believe a City Council member needs to always remember what is important: protecting the quality of life in our city; ensuring an accessible and responsive city hall; always, always treating the tax payers' dollars with more respect than our personal money.
What experience qualifies you to serve on the Council? My work on over 60 boards and commissions over the last 19 years and as a researcher has allowed me to understand that good public policy transcends personalities. Additionally, my professional work as an advocate has taught me the importance of finding win-wins in negotiation.
What is the most important issue of this campaign? Maintaining a balance between economic development and attention to our neighborhoods. We need to move forward carefully and responsibly with development. For example, with the development in downtown Tempe, we have an opportunity to grow vertically. But the growth needs to be closely overseen so that it does not undermine the stability of neighborhoods. This is an ongoing balancing act for the city that can be aided by the formation of "Village Planning Committees." Phoenix has successfully used [them] for years. These committees can empower residents to have a voice in development surrounding their neighborhoods.
What kind of relationship would you hope to have with ASU? I would hope to foster a good relationship with ASU — one made of a spirit of partnership.
What do you think is the most important issue regarding student housing? Ensuring that neighborhoods and student housing off campus work cooperatively together to resolve any neighborhood issues.
How do you think ASU and Tempe should each do their part to address that issue? Look for opportunities to take input from all stakeholders on this issue; to look for win-win solutions to challenges in our neighborhoods where off-campus student housing may be located.
Why would ASU students want to elect you? I value the students' perspective and would look for more ways to gain that perspective on city issues as a council member. I understand what valuable insight college students can provide — last year, both of my daughters were ASU students. I am a better person because of their input on my personal life. ASU and the wonderful, vibrant atmosphere the students bring to our community is one of the reasons we chose Tempe as a place to raise our family.
Profiles compiled by Grayson Steinberg. Reach the reporter at grayson.steinberg@asu.edu.
