Michael “Smokey” Molina is seeking the position as Mayor for the City of Douglas.

Molina is a proud native of Douglas where he has lived for 42 years.

He is a former Councilman in Ward 6, served on the League of Cities and Towns Resolutions Committee and Douglas Airport Authority. He also served as a member Board of Supervisors Happytimes Children’s Center, and Student Council Advisor for Ray Borane and CAS Middle Schools

He is a Douglas High School Alumni and has earned an Associate of General Studies/Phi Theta Kappa and Bachelor of Arts-University of Arizona

In 1984, he married his wife and best friend, Anna Gloria Iniguez. They have one daughter, Melanie Ann, and a grandson Michael Malakai who they call Doosin.

His parents are Miguel and Norma Molina who have lived in Douglas for over 65 years. His father is a Gulf War vet and he retired from Southwest Gas and his mother was the owner of Wedding Productions and an entrepreneur for over 30 years. His grandparents were Raul “Cisco” Valenzuela, Mary Valenzuela, Miguel Molina. His only surviving grandmother’s name is Herlinda Molina who lives in Tucson.

Molina was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy. He served during the Libyan Crisis.

Why should I vote for you? A vote for me is a vote for our kids and our senior citizens. I have a deep passion for helping others. I am a hard working, positive thinking young man who doesn’t have all the answers. I don’t lie or cheat and I most certainly do not point fingers at others for my shortcomings. I admit to my mistakes and work hard never to repeat them. I welcome the advice of others and am a team player.

What is a primary goal you want accomplished during your four-year term, and how will you achieve that goal? My first priority as Mayor would be to ensure the children, our senior citizens, and interest groups are properly represented. To accomplish this I will seek to create the following committees: a youth advisory committee, to include all schools, a senior’s advisory committee, and an events and activities board. Getting the public involved is my greatest concern at this particular time. Finding ways to keep our children engaged during the summer is big priority for me. Summer youth programs are a must. I feel the best way to accomplish goals is to start one myself. Working closely with the city manager, this will allow me to understand all the parameters and dynamics to such a project. Also to ensure all projects and enhancements currently being worked on by the mayor and council are completed.

What unique characteristic do you bring to the council? My positive outlook on life and my ability to motivate people. True leaders are those that can see problems and obstacles in positive ways. I have a talent for keeping focused and finding creative solutions to the issues that might be forthcoming.

One area facing all communities is the economy. What are your plans for the Douglas economy? One concern of mine regarding the economy is the need for jobs in our community. I’m all for it but I feel that if we are going to address this issue, we should be looking at sustainable economic development. Companies who come here short term might add to the problem. Also, not being a businessman, I plan to research different types of incentives or tax breaks that might encourage people to start a business.

The primary goal for Mayor and Council should be finding a way to keep our kids safe and engaged is important to me. If we are not looking out for our children, we’re not looking out for anyone. I feel the mayor and council should take a deep interest in a community center, summer work for students, workshops, and how we can get involved and become good role models. We start small but think big. Also I feel we need to change the way the people see our community and its government. As representatives of the people we need to find ways of getting people involved in their government.

 The new administration will be at a disadvantage since the budget will be done before it is sworn in. If possible the redirection of monies will be of utmost importance. If redirection of monies is possible I intend to ask for help in this process, my vision is “That the best days are yet to come.”