Jim Patterson, 65, is a real estate developer who was Chandler's mayor from 1980 to 1984.
Last week, he stepped into the city's tense drug-testing debate when he announced formation of Arizona Citizens United for Research and Employment to encourage the biotech industry and Covance Inc.'s plans to build one of its largest drug development sites in the city. Since the firm announced those plans last year, it has been the target of protests from animal-rights activists who oppose the company's use of animals in its laboratories.
What made you decide to get involved in this issue?
Throughout its history, Chandler has been a leader. I see this as a great opportunity for the city to become a leader in finding a cure for horrible diseases: cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's. Many of my friends and family have experienced these different conditions and diseases, so I want to do anything I can to promote cures.
When you were mayor did you face any issues that were similar to the Covance controversy?
When the electronics industry was looking around in the early '80s, it was my first year as mayor and we definitely wanted to attract business and industry. But when we were talking to Intel, there was a certain amount of concern in the community over the kinds of water uses, the kinds of products the electronics industry would be putting back into our waste system. And we had virtually no experience in that. But we worked it out.
What role do you expect to play in the city's future?
I won't be seeking public office again; I've done that and I enjoyed it tremendously. At this time in my life I want to be of service to the community. I'm president of the Chandler Historical Society, and we're working to get the new museum built. I've lived in Chandler since 1945, and I have a deep love for this city. |
