Glendale Councilmember Jamie Aldama running for mayor against Jerry Weiers, Paul Boyer
Glendale Councilmember Jamie Aldama is the third politician to announce plans to run for mayor of Glendale in 2024.
He is running against incumbent Jerry Weiers, who has been as mayor for 10 years now, and Paul Boyer, who served the Republican party in the Arizona Legislature as house representative and senator from 2013 to 2023.
When announcing his run on Tuesday at Murphy Park in downtown Glendale, Aldama said his main priorities will be unifying the city as well as creating consensus on the City Council.
"When elected, my top priority will be to improve the image of the office of mayor, strengthening our economy by continuing to encourage businesses to move into Glendale and improve our relationships with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce," he said.
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Aldama is a current member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Elected Local Officials, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The council member, who represents the Ocotillo district, was first elected in 2014 and has served multiple city commissions and committees, including the Glendale Planning and Zoning Commission. He is also a former Glendale Elementary School District board member.
Finding consensus, unifying the city
Aldama said he believes his 32-year experience working in the public sector, including at the Maricopa County Community College District, will set him apart from his opponents.
"I know the system, I know how employees want to be treated, I know the procurement process, I know the public process ... It's something that brings value to the council and helps me vote on the issues they bring forth," he said.
When asked how he thought his relationship with Weiers would work until the election next year, he said he doesn't think "it's going to be good, but that won't be on my part."
Aldama then pointed out that in 2018, when he ran for reelection, Weiers endorsed his opponent, Emmanuel Allen.
"It was a very tumultuous (time) and that's where the division comes in. I guess I could say I'm used to it, I'll continue to get used to it but I hope that type of behavior ends," the council member said. "I just want to lead, I just want to help our city grow."
Aldama also said he plans on holding one of the largest meetings with Glendale constituents if elected and asking them for input, adding he doesn't feel like the city is currently in the hands of the residents.
"When I get into office, we're going to start the healing and we're going to bring respect back to the dais and we're going to start to unite the community and put the local government, the municipality, back in their hands," he said.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Paul Boyer, Jerry Weiers, Jamie Aldama run for Glendale mayor in 2024
