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Phil Gordon
Phil Gordon was elected Mayor on Sept. 9, 2003 and was sworn in on January
2, 2004.
Born in Chicago on April 18, 1951 to Sid and Judy Gordon, he is the oldest
of three children. In the mid-1960s, the Gordon family moved to Phoenix
where Phil attended Madison Meadows Elementary and Middle School and
Central High School. He attended the University of Arizona and graduated
with a bachelor's degree in education. After earning his undergraduate
degree, Gordon entered Arizona State University School of Law and
graduated cum laude.
Gordon has worn many professional hats. He has taught school, owned his
own business, served on the Madison School Board and was chairman of
Landiscor aerial photography company. Before serving in elected office,
Gordon was a leader in the movement to revitalize, preserve and redevelop
central Phoenix.
After serving as chief of staff for Mayor Rimsza in 1996, Gordon's
interest in Phoenix became his incentive to seek public office. Pledging
to fight crime and preserve neighborhoods, he entered the race for Phoenix
City Council and was elected in 1997 and 2000.
As a councilman, Gordon spearheaded Shannon's Law, making it a felony to
discharge a firearm within city limits. He co-founded and chaired the
Slumlord Task Force, which produced legislation to aid in the fight
against neglectful and criminal landlords.
As Mayor, Gordon lists his three priorities for the city as: Public
Safety, Education and Jobs. He has already chalked up a tremendous record:
Light Rail, ASU Downtown, two new downtown hotels, expansion of the
Phoenix Convention Center and the passage of a $878 million bond program.
The U of A Medical School is headed for downtown Phoenix and, according to
The Tucson Citizen, "Credit for this belongs to UA President Peter Likins,
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and members of the Board of Regents who hammered
out details between two schools that have been traditional rivals."
Gordon is married to Christa Severns and has four children, David, Jeff,
Rachel and Jacob.
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