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Anthony Smith strategically announced his intentions to run for mayor last fall and picked up the election packet at city hall in August, almost four months before the deadline to file (see related story). And it appears that his need for heavy campaigning may have ended before it officially began.

Mayor Kelly Anderson told 85239.com that he his not going to seek another term in office, leaving Smith as the lone mayoral candidate for the moment.

“I find it interesting,” Smith said about the potential of running unopposed. “Unless there’s someone who wants to come out and get their name in the newspaper for a bit, then I think I’m it.”

“I’m glad to see the end of the rumors finally,” Smith said about Anderson’s decision. “I campaigned hard establishing my position on the issues and meeting as many people as possible. I purposely disregarded the rumors regarding Mayor Anderson’s intentions and focused on communicating my platform.”

Smith is not taking anything for granted, however, and said, “I am fully committed to being Maricopa's next mayor and will campaign hard to get there."

In addition to the mayoral race, eight individuals have picked up information packets for the three open city council positions:
   • Marvin L. Brown
   • Carl Diedrich
   • Councilman William A. Dunn III
   • Marquisha Griffin
   • Councilman Kelly Haddad
   • Marty Hermanson
   • Robert Lewis
   • Camerino Lopez

According to City Clerk Vanessa Bueras, Maricopa residents who submit the petition with the required 27 signatures by the deadline will have their names placed on March’s primary election ballot. She said the signatures are representative of the candidate’s nomination by the citizens.

So far, Smith is the only candidate to have submitted the completed paperwork (see related story). The deadline to file is Dec. 12 for both mayoral and council candidates.

Photo by Mandy Hank

• Perhaps I should get 27 people together and throw my hat in the ring. Time for a change in Maricopa.... (JasonY)
• I would hope someone(s) else will enter the race. After all the problems the city council has had in the past year it would be nice to have some competition between some qualified candidates. That includes council positions also. (AZ Dreaming)
• We need to have more people run. What if this guy isn't the right one? Scary to think he would have no competition...... (phxgirl)
• Agree with AZ Dreaming, the race needs to have more than one candidate. (Winthorpe)
• I agree that I would like to see more candidates, but no one wants to or has time to do it. This is the frustration of our current officials. Everyone wants change, but that takes some action on the people's part. Of course, you will scrutinized for every thing you do. (luv the copa)
• Just remember you are the guarantor of all financial decisions good or bad made by the council and city management. After a brief conversation today I think we need more candidates and time. Total disclosure I guess will never happen soon, smoke and mirrors seem to be the game played by Maricopa politicians. (azcarcarrier)
• I am in no way qualified to run for Mayor... But what the hell! Is this guy? I know nothing about him.. can someone post his website for me? As for Council, I am giving these 3 a shot at the table. Carl Diedrich, Marquisha Griffin, and maybe Marty Hermanson. That's a instant 15 votes for these people. Because I know people! (Sinbad)
• I am in no way qualified to run for Mayor... But what the hell! Is this guy? I know nothing about him.. can someone post his website for me? As for Council, I am giving these 3 a shot at the table. Carl Diedrich, Marquisha Griffin, and maybe Marty Hermanson. That's a instant 15 votes for these people. Because I know people! (Sinbad)
• Tony is the Chairperson of Maricopa’s Planning and Zoning Commission. http://www.smithmaricopa.com/ (jestala)
• thanks for the website info - his issues and platform are listed and he seems competent and capable of helping our town move forward. (kermee)