Claude Mattox, August 2010, Shaker
Posted on 17. Aug, 2010 by trish in West Valley 24
Claude Mattox deals with a lot of serious business as a Phoenix city councilman, but maintains a sense of humor through it all. He is chairman of the City Council Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee and president of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association. His numerous roles with civic organizations include sitting on the board of Westmarc and Gompers Habilitation Center. He also leads and plays guitar for his local band, the Screamin’ Javelinas, in his spare time and is listed as a “self-proclaimed international rock star” on his councilman website. Representing District 5, which includes west and central Phoenix, Mattox was first elected to City Council in 2000. A decade later, he is most proud of the impact his programs, including child drowning prevention, have had on youth. “When I took office, areas in my city council district had the highest number of child drowning incidences and deaths in the United States,” Mattox said. “Partnering with the Phoenix Fire Department and United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association, we proactively addressed the problem.” Mattox and his wife, Sherri, started the Margarita Bash charity fundraiser in 2001. The annual fun-filled event features performances from bands including the Screamin’ Javelinas and auctions of memorabilia from some of the top acts in music which have included Kenny Chesney, Peter Frampton, Rush, and Valley resident Alice Cooper. Since its inception, the Margarita Bash has raised over $300,000 for drowning prevention and other causes. While he cannot yet officially declare his candidacy for mayor of Phoenix in the 2011 election, he has stated that his intention is to run and he has been endorsed by former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, former U.S. Congressman Matt Salmon, and Jerry Colangelo among others. Says Colangelo, “Claude Mattox sees the big picture that many do not – especially when it comes to community and economic development. Without question, Claude’s efforts and ability to bring people together brought about great destinations for sports and entertainment like Cricket Desert Sky Pavilion, and the Maryvale and Camelback Ranch Spring Training Facilities… He has been a strong advocate for diversifying our economy and growing local businesses. His support for higher education, medical and bio-medical, and our renewable energy and sustainability sectors will ensure a strong economic future for Phoenix, the West Valley and the region. Claude understands what it takes to diversify and grow our economy.”
Years in West Valley? 32
Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? Jesus, Mohammed and Buddha. I want to know what they believe first hand, not centuries of interpretations.
What’s your biggest inspiration and why? My wife Sherri. She’s smart, a good business person, independent, strong and my best friend.
What do you know about life that you wish you had known 10 to 20 years ago? Don’t sweat the small stuff and the grass is not always greener on the other side. Accept who you are, be who you are and be proud of it.
What is your favorite place/feature in the West Valley? Cricket Desert Sky Pavilion
What is your favorite cause? Youth programs I have worked on: Let’s Do Lunch – a mentoring program where business people have lunch with 7th and 8th grade students in the Alhambra Elementary School District. Water Safety programs to prevent childhood drownings.
What would your super power be? Telepathy
What’s your nickname? Big Guy
What’s your favorite food? All of it, you don’t get to be my size being picky.
Greatest Extravagance: Buying guitars – I own seven and I’m trying to convince Sherri I need anotherone – and music equipment.
What originally drew you to the West Valley? Sherri moved here in 1979 and settled in the Maryvale area. I chased her out here a few months later. We’ve lived in the West Valley ever since.
What are your goals? I would like to continue to serve the City of Phoenix and the entire valley as the next mayor of Phoenix. I cannot officially declare, but I have filed an Exploratory Committee for Phoenix Mayor in 2012.
What is the secret to your success? I enjoy what I do. I take the time to learn and understand what I accept as my responsibilities and I surround myself with those who have attributes that compliment and compensate mine.
How do you feel the West Valley has affected you, and how do you feel you’ve affected the West Valley? What I have always appreciated about the West Valley is the commitment and attitude of the people who live here. That has always inspired me and motivated me to do more.
Who was an influence in your life/career, and how did they affect what you do? Wayne Dudley, my high school psychology teacher. He taught me to enjoy life, go after what I want and remember my roots. He and I are still in contact and are friends today.
What’s the biggest challenge facing you in your work? The economy, immigration, and providing services with less money.
