Name: Ed Ackerley
Age: 64
Occupation: Owner of Ackerley Advertising and career track faculty at University of Arizona Eller College of Management
Party: Independent
Office sought: Mayor
Website: ackerleyformayor.com
Ackerley, a lifelong Tucson resident and owner of a local advertising agency, has again tossed his hat into the ring to become Tucsonβs mayor in this yearβs city-wide election.
Ackerley ran for mayor in 2019 but lost to current Mayor Regina Romero after garnering about 40% of the vote in the general election.
Ackerley said heβs ready for the important leadership position after preparing βmy entire life β¦ from my time as a student, studying and teaching leadership, obtaining a doctorate in leadership, counseling hundreds of businesses in management and leadership, and providing proven and powerful leadership in the community for community organizations and nonprofits.β
The candidate said his top three issues to address as mayor would be public safety, homelessness and economic development. Heβs running for the office βbecause Tucson can do better, and I can provide the leadership needed to jumpstart our local economy and provide a safe environment for all citizens.β
Some of Ackerleyβs suggestions include hiring 1,000 police officers by 2025 and βtackling the explosion of fentanyl use, lawlessness, and the assault on businesses by those that choose to steal rather than contribute to our community.β He also supports creating βhomeless transition centersβ to evaluate the unsheltered population and βprovide quick strike teams to address, relocate and clear homeless camps.β
βMayor and council need to provide opportunity for jobs, employment and meaningful wages; prioritize municipal services and structure for success into the future; and align the budget to accomplish these priorities,β he said.