Surprise, AZ News blog

Surprise mayoral candidate Bob Vukanovich attends nearly every City Council meeting, often criticizing the city’s leaders openly.    

The 78-year-old resident and former councilman considers his outspoken attitude a reason to get residents’ votes.

“I’m the only one who can rattle the cage hard enough,” Vukanovich said
Vukanovich said the mayor should have a strong role in leading the city, and should operate as the CEO.

This is not a new view for Vukanovich.

While he represented District 5, from 2001 to 2004, he supported granting more power to the mayor and council, and allowing them to fire certain department heads.

Under the city code, only the city manager has the power to hire and fire department heads.

Vukanovich was recalled in 2004 in part for seeking the power to fire department heads, losing in the recall election to current Councilman Joe Johnson.

As mayor, Vukanovich said he would keep a close watch to make sure all city departments were “operating efficiently.” He suggests creating a committee to audit the efficiency of city departments and to ensure everyone is keeping up with city responsibilities.

Before tackling the city’s growth problem, Vukanovich said leaders should first improve transportation. Vukanovich said he would want Bell Road repaired on a faster schedule, and he wants a dependable bus system.

In terms of business, Vukanovich said he would like to see an entertainment center “like Disneyland” to serve recreational needs in the city.

In 2000, Vukanovich faced problems with the city, receiving public-nuisance violation notices for deteriorated and dilapidated structures and zoning violations at his swap-meet business in Surprise. It has since shut down.

Vukanovich said his past problems with the city would not hurt his campaign today, and he vowed not to shy away from the issues.

Vukanovich admits he is a man of few words, but said he is always a straight shooter.

Reach the reporter at (602) 444-6912.