This new mayor, like the last one, has talked about equality, fairness and helping those in greatest need in our community. The last one talked about improving the west side, revitalizing the Glendale neighborhood and helping west-side minority businesses. Will the new mayor continue to pursue those efforts and promote diversity by actions, rather than by appointments or simply another study?

The new mayor can count on the support of many of us who wish him success and are willing to lend a helping hand. He brings a sense of humanity, caring, honesty and a willingness to listen. He brings a history of trying to involve others in decisions affecting the public. And while he has a vision of what he believes our city can become — a great American city — it remains a vision until we work together to make it a reality.

Good luck, mayor, we will be cheering you on. And how about a city hall that smiles.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, has served as a juvenile probation officer, served on several national corrections boards and was appointed to the President's Commission on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net