Ex-councilman Petersen running for mayor
1 commentOct. 6, 2008 04:35 PM
Gilbert Republic
Former Gilbert Town Councilman Dave Petersen pulled papers Monday for mayor.

Petersen would be joining what could be a crowded field in the town's spring election.

Mayor Steve Berman has announced plans to run for a third term.
Possible challengers include Eric Hurley, who filed paperwork in September to create his "Hurley for Mayor" committee. Forming a political action committee allows candidates to start collecting signatures and campaign donations.

Others, including Gilbert Public Schools governing board member Thad Stump, have said they're considering a mayoral run.

Petersen, who was on the council from 2001-05, said he's not exploring but definitely planning a run.

"I'm hitting the ground running," he said. "I plan to get my campaign committee formed (today)."

Petersen said dissatisfaction with Berman led to him returning to Gilbert politics.

"There is a feeling in the community that our current mayor has lost the public trust," Petersen said. "I have been raised that you don't complain about somebody unless you are ready to do their job."

Berman has had a difficult personal year with the break-up of his fourth marriage amid public accusations from both him and his estranged wife. He also received extension criticism for his letter seeking leniency for a drunken driver involved in a fatality. He later apologized for that letter.

During his years on the council, Petersen, 51, was known for his conservatism, including opposition to accepting federal money in most areas.

"We just wrote another $700 billion check on your grandkids' bank account," Petersen said Monday in reference to the bailout plan. "We have no business taking any money from the federal government for things like first-time homebuyers assistance or any other vote-buying scheme."

Petersen has served on the Mexico-Arizona border as part of the controversial Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, the largest civilian border patrol movement in the country.

Hurley has also gained some national media attention after he formed a tax-exempt group this spring named Swift Boat Obama to oppose Sen. Barack candidacy for president.

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