12/11/2009 6:00:00 AM
Rock musician files last-minute petition for mayor
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| Jason Marino |
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KINGMAN - The deadline for registration in next spring's City Council elections has come and gone, and according to City Clerk Debbie Francis, each announced candidate has managed to turn in enough signatures to qualify for a spot on the ballot.
Voters in March will be selecting three Councilmembers from a field of five: incumbents Janet Watson and Ray Lyons and newcomers Erin Cochran, Allen Mossberg and Richard Anderson. Voters will also select one of three candidates for mayor: incumbent John Salem, Army veteran Art Jones, and a last-minute addition to the roster, local musician Jason Marino, whose band "The Asphalt" was featured in the Nov. 23 edition of the Miner.
Marino, who filed his election paperwork just one day before the deadline, managed to get 268 signatures on his election petition in just 24 hours, easily meeting the 216-signature requirement to qualify. While he has lamented in the past that his band isn't more well-known locally, Marino said he was still able to draw upon a base of more than 700 local fans, contacting them via the Internet, and getting many of them to register to vote, specifically so they could sign his petition.
While many of his fans are younger people within the 18 to 35 demographic, Marino said he was confident that he had enough qualified signatures to avoid a possible challenge from Salem, should he choose to do so. Petition signatories must be registered voters living within the city limits, and no duplicate signatures are allowed between the three mayoral candidates.
"You could have a situation where someone wasn't being truthful, but that's something I wouldn't expect or even be concerned about at this point," Marino said.
"It's a lot of young people and a lot of professionals from the hospital here. A large majority came from KRMC."
Asked why he chose to run, Marino said his primary goal was to provide residents with a voice on Council. "The candidates always say what they want to do, but it's not about what I want, it's about what the people here want," he said. "Let's ask Mrs. Jones out in the audience what she wants me to do. I mean, I'm only one person."
That said, Marino does have several policy positions of his own he'd like to see happen, namely the transformation of Kingman's downtown business district into a vibrant collection of small, independently owned restaurants, stores and art shops, which he believes could be the change necessary to bring new residents to town. He mentioned Mill Avenue in Tempe as a model for what he'd like to see happen downtown.
"It's an old street, and it used to have an old flour mill there, and they turned it into this wonderful street with coffee shops and art shops, small town markets, places that people flock to," Marino said. "I want to attract out-of-town businesses that want to come here and help really breathe some life into this community."
At age 34, Marino added that it was important to him to give people in his age group a reason to feel proud of the community, which in turn would give them a reason to stay here and help make things even better. "People in my demographic, 18 to 35 years old, they don't tend to have pride in the community when you talk to them," he said. "They have a hard time saying 'Yeah, I love that I live in Kingman,' and I want them to be proud of this community and to get into it. We need culture, we need arts, we need excitement."
Despite his neophyte political status, Marino said he feels confident he can win the election "hands down" by drawing on his social networks and getting the city's youth out to the ballot box. He added that he may clash with some of the older members on Council, but that's fine with him, since he said he's not running for mayor to make friends.
"I'm doing it to make a difference, I'm not doing it so we can all be chummy and have the same opinion and get along," he said. "I want to see the things this town wants, and I want to see them through. I'm not a pushover, I'm a very tough individual."
Marino added that he and others his age feel the city is essentially stuck in a holding pattern right now, and they're ready to see something happen here.
"A lot of people in my demographic are just like 'whatever,' and that's because nothing's really happening, nothing's changing. It's stagnant, and that's hard for people in my demographic to get excited about," Marino said. "People lack vision. And the people that are running this town lack vision. I'm the future, people in my demographic are the future here, and these are the people who should be the visionaries and the ones deciding where this town's going to go."
For his part, Salem said he was excited about getting back into campaign mode. He had nothing but good words for next year's five Council candidates, adding that both the incumbents and the three newcomers were well-versed in the issues.
"I've had the opportunity to work with Janet and Ray and we have a very good relationship," Salem said. "The other candidates are all very conscientious of what's going on in the city, and they all appear to be very informed with regards to city issues."
As for his two mayoral opponents, Salem said the choice for voters was fairly clear: "If the people of Kingman want a professional, hard-working and diligent mayor, then vote for me," he said. "If you want an alternative, well, you have two others."
Asked whether he would consider challenging either of his opponents' petitions, Salem said he hadn't yet made up his mind. Any member of the public has between now and Dec. 23 to submit a challenge to a given candidate's petition, however, the process requires an appeal to Superior Court, with a clear explanation of why the challenger believes the given candidate's signatures are invalid.
According to the city clerk, the last successful challenge to a candidate's petition came in 1998, which resulted in Council candidate Darren K. Morrison's removal from the ballot.
Candidates must obtain between 216 and 433 qualified signatures to qualify for the ballot. The total number of signatures received from each mayoral candidate are as follows: John Salem, 258; Art Jones, 368; Jason Marino, 268. Council candidate signatures were: Janet Watson, 303; Ray Lyons, 259; Richard Anderson, 314; Erin Cochran, 308; Allen Mossberg, 244.
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Posted: Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Article comment by:
Jason Marino
It's a cropped photo from my wedding. The paper needed one. I sent it. Sorry it seems so offensive.
I'd prefer it if you would critique me on something of substance, maybe ask around about me, even write me and ask about me and my ideas personally....
jasonmarinoforcouncil@gmail.com
Regards,
Jason Marino
Posted: Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Article comment by:
Show
If Marino ever does run again, perhaps he'll receive a warmer reception if he tried smiling instead of a condescending sneer!
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Article comment by:
Capt. Nice
obviously no name I do not know this guy and you have told me more than he did. Being a Christian is a plus in some peoples eyes and owning a business is another plus unless it is a porn shop or of that nature. What I'm saying is that he should come out and tell more about himself because all I know is he is some sort of rock star and that does not impress me.
Actually young people do not impress me either from what I have seen around town, but I know not all of them are stupid. Lets hear more about this guys past and I will think about it but until then he is just another ear ring characture wearing a mafia suit. Call me judgemental if you want but look who we voted in as President!
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
most are heroes, he is not
You might do a little more investigating on your American Hero. He plays the Hero card alot. He was not wounded. He was treated for a shoulder injury with the Wounded Warriors at Fort Knox. His injury was not from battle, but rather softball. Little man syndrome at its best.
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Over 400 signatures in one day? The article said he had 268...apparently you know more than City Hall; perhaps you should run ;0).
I don't know Mr. Marino, never met the man, though I heard there's a Pennington connection. I have met Art Jones on two occasions, though I don't know him personally.
I don't know about you guys; obviously everybody has their own opinion. Not knowing their respective educational backgrounds, business experience, nor their plans for Kingman, when it comes to integrity that is sorely lacking around here from our good ole boys, and given nothing more, I would certainly choose a man who has transported vehicles through the Mideastern deserts under fire, a wounded American hero to a man who has transported musical instruments across a stage and strutted his "stuff". How about you?
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
He must have something going for him, he got over 400 signatures in one day. I want to know what his opinion is on our local economy. What is he planning to do to improve it? Will he bring fresh ideas for downtown to the council? We don't need another educator, we need someone who will get things done and get his fellow councilmen behind him to accomplish his goals. What are his goals by the way?
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
@ Capt. Nice
Obviously you don't know Mr. Marino if you think he is a pot smoker who doesn't pay taxes. He is actually a good Christian who owns a business downtown.
Posted: Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Article comment by:
Capt. Nice
Most rock stars (not all) have the morals of a snake and I don't have a whole lot of faith in them. Usually these rock stars are left wingers out to change the world into pot smoking dopes like they are, so I think Mr. Marino had better get on the horn and let the people know what he is all about. He has an up hill climb as far as I'm concerned. If he can prove he is a normal tax paying citizen looking out for the interests of Kingman instead of lining his pocket I'll be all for him.
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by:
Realist
Kingman needs new ideas and new blood on council. A young perspective would bring more energy to projects that need to be done. I give kudos to Jason and Erin for wanting to run for unappreciative offices. Those who serve don't get the proper thanks or appreciation they deserve. I think Ray Lyons has done a good job and deserves re-election. Other than that, let's get some new blood on the council. GO Jason, GO Erin, GO Alan. Make sure the person you vote for walks the talk. Are they for sales tax increase? Property Taxes? What are their ideas to improve local economy?
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by:
C.C.C.
Kingman Crossing has a major problem from what I heard.
vThat was (The State said each side of the freeway would have to have another lane added for one mile on each side of the crossing.)
Then the Rail Road said no way!
If this is correct what needs to happen is Kingman Crossing and Rattle Snake should be moved and become one and it would be more realistic closer to Rattle Snake. I don't have property by either!
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by:
Dee Dee
I for one am tired of this boring town and of all the "old" folks running it. This new candiate is refreshing...He already has my vote!
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
I've had the chance to meet Mr. Marino and I found him to be a very rude person. If you want my vote maybe you could be a little nicer to people.
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by:
Not The Average Bear
The smartest thing said here bears repeating:
"Kingman gets businesses last because the city officials won't give the big boxes anything. Havasu and Bullhead have either waived taxes regarding land and permits or lowered them. Kingman refuses to give an inch as noted by the Kingman Crossing fiasco where there was a company willing to foot the bill for most of the Kingman Crossing exit off I-40, but they wanted a piece of the sales tax action which was a no-no to our mayor and council. I think it is great we have 3 people interested in the mayor's position. May the best person win. Now if we could only get rid of Janet Watson, the pain in the butt."
Let's add this: Lets get rid of Gary Watson the next chance we get because he is just another puppet for Ron Walker. Plus we cannot allow him to serve another term to get his elected official retirement. He seems very lost at the BOS meetings, and his nervous cough is DRIVING ME CRAZY! I don't see confidence coming from his words. It's almost like he needs someone to tell him what to say.....A BAD CHOICE was made the day he was voted in.
WAKE UP KINGMAN AND MOHAVE COUNTY! You have ACTUALLY DO something different if you want things to change.
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Article comment by:
Geo
It's great that this guy says "We need culture, we need arts, we need excitement." But to do things we need something called "money!" And in a garbage economy there isn't money to be playing with.
Unless he plans to pay for culture, arts, and excitement with all that money he's making in his band?
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
@ Star Struck
The article wasn't just on Jason Marino. The last part was about Salem. Maybe we should hear what each candidate has to say first and not whine about things that don't matter like who had the bigger article....grow up people.
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