Mayors of cities and towns from Arizona are calling on state lawmakers to not interfere with local decisions. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Mayors, from left: Jonathan Rothschild (Tucson), Doug Von Gausig (Clarkdale), Greg Stanton (Phoenix), Jay Tibshraeny (Chandler), Elaine Scruggs (Glendale). (Photo by Mark Brodie - KJZZ)

MARK BRODIE: Yesterday, the state senate defeated a proposal that would have asked voters to ban cities and towns from using speed and red light cameras. But, the mayors say other bills would hurt their economic development and decision making authority. Mesa Mayor Scott Smith says municipalities have gotten better at customer service, and helping businesses succeed.

SCOTT SMITH: Then it’s a little bit disconcerting when we see at the legislature what seems to be yesterday’s news, solving problems that really don’t exist to the level that they might have existed, they’re merely perceptions. We see a lot of solutions running around chasing problems.

BRODIE: The mayors are asking lawmakers to not pre-empt cities and towns, but to work together. One mayor says the legislature appears to be slamming on the brakes and the accelerator at the same time, and that uncertainty about state laws hurts cities’ and towns’ ability to create or retain jobs.