A Conversation with...Miami Mayor Angel Medina

Born in Miami, first-term Mayor Angel Medina comes from a family immersed in the Copper Triangle’s mining history. Mayor Medina’s primary goal is to drive more businesses to Miami and to help the town grow economically without impacting its friendly small-town culture. He recently spoke with us about his path to the mayor’s office and his hopes for the town’s future.

Q: How did you end up running for mayor of Miami?
MM: In Miami, we work a little differently than some other communities. All of the council members run for office and then nominate and vote for a mayor. It was my first term as a councilman, so I was both surprised and honored to be elected by my peers. It was a big vote of confidence. It knocked me over when I found out. It’s my first year and I love it.

Q: How did you get involved in politics?
MM: I got involved in politics at Monroe School in Phoenix in 1960, and I ran away from it. The teachers saw something in me that I guess I didn’t know at the time, and volunteered me for a spot on the student council. That was the beginning of a life-long interest in political involvement. Bottom line, I just like helping people.

Q: So what’s happening in Miami right now? What are the hot issues?
MM: Believe it or not, the biggest issue is the haulage truck at the edge of town (this truck sits on the west end of Miami, in front of Bullion Plaza). Some want it, some don’t, but most people feel strongly about it. Outside of that, our biggest concern is bringing businesses to Miami. We want businesses that will impact Miami more than just drawing income. For example, we need a grocery store, but not the typical supermarket. We need more of a mom-and-pop sort of business that can be tailor-made to the community.

Q: So, what’s in store for Miami’s future?
MM: I’m really excited for Miami, because we have a unique group of people. These people are like pioneers, and I try to meet as many as possible. Recently, I met a newcomer to the town. She just moved here from Phoenix and she’s very energetic. She wants to get involved. I see this all over town. There’s talent everywhere I look in Miami. I think with this happening, it’s easy to project that Miami will soon blossom and grow.

Q: What sort of changes have you noticed since Resolution Copper came about? How do you think the company and the mine will impact the future of Miami?
MM: Everywhere I go, everyone I ask feels positively about Resolution Copper. The people I’ve met from the company really project those positive feelings, and I’m comfortable dealing with them. Since Resolution came in, we’ve been attending meetings and I like what I hear. The scholarships are great. I’m excited for the future. Resolution’s going to be hiring the workforce of tomorrow so I’m happy to see the company looking to the kids in the area and taking steps to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

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