AUDIO: Phoenix City Council races have been decided in runoff election

by Julia Thompson
  • Slug: BC-CNS-City Council Audio. Runtime: 2:02. By Roxanne De La Rosa.
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For the first time in history two African-Americans will serve on the Phoenix City Council at the same time. Kesha Hodge Washington won District 8 which was formerly represented by Carlos Garcia. Kevin Robinson beat out Sam Stern for District 6. Despite low voter turnout Robinson surpassed his campaign goals.

ROBINSON:Getting out the vote was critical and we’ve partnered with so many different groups and organizations. I think we have been really successful at that. With regard with the goals we’ve put for ourselves early into the campaign. We thought if we knocked at least 10,000 doors we would really be successful and we knocked in excess of 12,000 doors.

VOICE TRACK: Washington also noted low voter turnout and says one of her goals is to get more people out to the polls.

WASHINGTON: I would like to see more and more people become involved in our civic process and realize how important local elections are to everyday life.

VOICE TRACK: Incumbent Carlos Garcia says there is no better accountability measure than  elections.

GARCIA: I have to face people here today or at their doors and they get to decide whether they get to keep me for four more years or go a different direction.

VOICE TRACK: Garcia lost to newcomer Washington and now both Robinson and Washington say they are eager to get to work helping their districts. Robinson says he wants to continue to help the city move forward.

ROBINSON: I think it’s critically important that we collectively work as a team and do what’s best for the residents of Phoenix as in general District 6 specifically.

VOICE TRACK: Washington says being the first African American woman on the city council is important because representation at the table matters.

WASHINGTON: I would be grateful for that, but I would also be cognizant that I represent the entirety of the district, not just the demographic that looks like myself.

VOICE TRACK: Both Robinson and Washington were endorsed by Mayor Kate Gallego. Gallego said she looks forward to working alongside the council.

Roxanne De La Rosa , CRONKITE NEWS.