Below is a transcript of an interview with Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, which was featured on “Face the Nation” on July 16, 2023.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Our guest today is John Giles, the Republican Mayor of Mesa, Arizona. Mesa is located about 20 miles east of Phoenix and is currently at the center of a record-breaking heatwave. Good morning, Mayor Giles. I can only imagine the challenges of managing a city in the middle of the desert, especially during this extreme heat. How is it affecting the health of your residents and the community as a whole?
MESA, ARIZONA MAYOR JOHN GILES: Good morning, Margaret. We are certainly accustomed to high temperatures in the Phoenix area and in Mesa. However, this heatwave is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Due to global conditions, we are not experiencing our usual July rainstorms. So we are seeing more consecutive days of extreme heat, with temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a prolonged period of intense heat that is taking a toll on our residents.
MARGARET BRENNAN: What are the short-term and long-term impacts you are preparing for in terms of water supply, considering the lack of rain?
GILES: Water is always a concern in the desert, and Arizona leads the nation in water conservation efforts. We have strict regulations that require proof of a 100-year guaranteed water supply before any construction can take place. However, we are still facing challenges with the Colorado River, which is a major water source for us. Thankfully, we have other water sources that we rely on. So while we are confident in our water future, we are continuously working to ensure a sustainable supply. As for the heat, we have short-term plans in place, such as providing cooling stations and organizing hydration donation campaigns to support those who cannot afford air conditioning. In the long term, we have climate action plans that prioritize heat mitigation, including a campaign to plant a million new trees in Mesa for increased shade and investment in transportation infrastructure.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Will the strain on infrastructure and resources due to the extreme heat require a slowdown in development? How is the electrical grid holding up?
GILES: Fortunately, our electrical grid is functioning well. We have two major electric companies that serve the Phoenix area, and we have not experienced any significant issues with power outages or electricity production. In fact, the Phoenix area is currently experiencing an economic boom, with companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Meta making substantial investments and creating jobs. Despite the high temperatures in July, our weather is actually an asset in attracting businesses to our region. As for development, we will continue to monitor the strain on infrastructure and make adjustments as necessary.
MARGARET BRENNAN: During your last appearance on FACE THE NATION, we discussed your concerns about migration and the impact it has on your city. The number of apprehensions at the border has reportedly decreased in recent months. Are you seeing a similar trend? And how is the extreme heat affecting people’s movement?
GILES: The extreme heat is a serious issue for individuals attempting to cross the border, especially those migrating from Central America. We are deeply concerned about their safety, and the Border Patrol and humanitarian groups are working tirelessly to rescue people in life-threatening situations. In our previous conversation, we expressed concerns about the transition regarding Title 42 policies. In the past, surges at the border have placed a heavy burden on communities like Mesa, as our resources are strained when federal resources fall short. So far, we have managed the situation under Title 42 reasonably well, but we remain vigilant and committed to finding long-term solutions.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for sharing your insights. Best of luck in dealing with the heat. Stay with us as FACE THE NATION continues.
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