FIVE LEADERS IN SEARCH OF A FOLLOWER

posted by Michael Chihak

The annual conference of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns presented both an opportunity and a challenge for us at Arizona Week.

A roomful of politicians, all and always with plenty to say, especially in these difficult times for local governmental officials.

We lined up five mayors from around Arizona, from cities and towns big, medium and small. University of Arizona journalism senior Melanie Huonker, as an Arizona Week intern, did the yeoman's work of making the arrangements. Melanie also did the majority of the background research work on the issues, both generally and for each participant's municipality.

All five showed up as promised, and we dove into what turned out to be a sustained, 32-minute interview covering a wide range of municipal, financial, economic and political issues.

Bottom line: They played well together. To see for yourself, go to azweek.com.