Robert and Cindy Cluff
If you are the type of person who would never run for public office, District 5 candidate Robert Cluff can relate.
This is the first time Robert has pursued public office—something he thought he would never do. For the past eight years or more in Mesa, there have not been a lot of candidates from which to choose. He would like District 5 voters to have a choice.
Robert, age 51, is a fourth-generation Arizonan who has called Mesa home for more than 20 years. He has lived in District 5 for the past 14 years. He and his wife of 27 years, Cindy (Richardson) Cluff, have five children. Born in Safford, Arizona, he has lived most of his life in Arizona and Utah.
“The last 20 years, I have spent my time and energy helping my wife raise our family, establishing my career and serving in church leadership,” Robert said. “I am now at a time in my life where I can serve my community.” Robert was appointed by the city council to serve on the board of the Mesa Museum and Cultural Arts, a position from which he was required to resign to run for city council. He also has volunteered as a youth corrections group-home counselor, Boy Scout leader and Mormon bishop.
“My desire is to serve the citizens and businesses of District 5 and the city, to listen to their needs and concerns, while learning how to best meet those needs,” Robert said.
Robert has worked in the financial, construction and information technology industries in Arizona for the past 25 years. He currently is the chief executive officer of LVM Systems, the nation’s leader in health care call center software. Last year, LVM celebrated 25 years in business. “For the last 15 years, I have helped our Mesa-based company grow from seven employees to over 60,” Robert stated. “LVM has been profitable each of its 25 years, and increased revenues annually, all while having no reduction in workforce, pay or benefits,” he continued. “My hands-on, boardroom experience will help guide Mesa on the path to continued prosperity.”
“Most political leaders talk about getting big business and high-wage jobs to come to Mesa,” Robert continued. “While that’s definitely important, it’s today’s small businesses that employ the majority of all Arizona workers. Today’s small business is tomorrow’s high-wage employer.”
Robert is not your typical politician. When asked who his ideal supporter would be, Robert said, “Anyone who has stopped voting due to politicians being great campaigners but lousy elected officials; folks tired of candidates who seek political endorsements more strongly than the citizens’ vote; voters who are tired of the financial influence politicians solicit; for that matter, even those who are simply tired of seeing campaign signs littering our public roadways.” Robert added, “It’s really quite simple, if voters in District 5 want to elect someone with practical business acuity and no political indebtedness, I’m the right candidate.”
Robert also is encouraging those he meets to get involved and run for office. He was the first candidate to announce running against an incumbent in District 5 throughout the past six years. That incumbent resigned within days of Robert announcing his run. Since there are no more than two candidates running for each open position, each of Mesa’s local elections will be decided in the primary on Aug. 26. Therefore, Robert encourages all residents to vote in this year’s primary election. “If the residents want their voices heard,” he added, “they must vote in the primary.”
For more information, visit www.Facebook/cluff4mesa.