Gene Giger vies for council re-election
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Gene Giger

He's been a member of the Chandler City Council for two years, and he aims to increase that number. Gene Giger, incumbent in the anticipated Chandler council elections, said he runs on a platform of progress.

"I am committed to continued progress," Giger said. "What we have accomplished in the last two years I would see as very positive."

Giger first entered the council election process two years ago when he felt it was his civic duty to get out and give back to the community what the community gave him: satisfaction.

"It was the satisfaction from seeing things go positive and hearing people say `Thank you'," Giger said. When Giger ran for council he was retired and had the time to do what he couldn't do before. Now his position and two others are up for grabs.

"I've got more people coming up now and saying the garbage pickup is the best thing that's happened to the community."

Giger added there are some who don't like the garbage pickup contract, but said his goal is to do what's best for the majority of the citizens of the community.

"I can't find anything to do that will please 100 percent of the people," Giger noted.

The incumbent also said another big issue for Chandler is the burn ordinance.

"A lot of people say burn ban, but it's not; it's a burn ordinance" Giger said. "And not many people think about the economic factors of a burn ordinance."

A lack of burning material outside would create an environment where windows could be opened to save on air conditioning costs, Giger said. And there is also the factor of courtesy.

"The bottom line is," Giger said, "it's state law."

Giger is part of the Chandler Economic Development board, and notes city finances are in excellent shape. He also likes fishing and is part of the Lion's Club.

"It's one of the best organizations around," Giger said. "Where else can you go accomplish so much and have so much fun?"

Above all things, Giger said, he encourages the citizens of Chandler to vote.

"Don't let a small percentage choose the officials for you," Giger said. "Apathy is the scariest thing there is to me. People who are happy often see no reason to vote, while people who are unhappy will be there to vote."

Giger added he wants people to vote for him, but wants everyone to vote in any case.

"What matters to me is the officials are chosen by the majority, and not the majority of the voters," Giger said.

Giger has lived in Chandler for over eight years. He is married to Helen Giger and they have three grown kids and six grandchildren.