EDS: Cronkite School students profiled candidates for Phoenix City Council and the Maricopa County sheriff race. You can find all the profiles here.
By Shondiin Mayo
Special for Cronkite News
- Candidate name: Martyn Bridgeman
- Position sought: Phoenix City Council in District 7
- Age: 40
- Career: Real Estate
Martyn Bridgeman sets himself apart from the other three candidates for Phoenix City Council District 7 as the only one who isn’t a former public servant. His deep ties to Phoenix and unique experience in real estate keep Bridgeman anchored in his first campaign. Bridgeman said his main objective is to serve the constituents in the district and make sure “that decisions are made based on what the people are wanting to do.”
He also seeks to improve accessibility and transparency in the City Council. Bridgeman said his dual mission focuses on fostering transparency by fundamentally increasing the availability of information to residents online and striving to be approachable.
Bridgeman said his run is inspired by his mother, who has dedicated herself to community service in multiple roles and is the former human services director for Phoenix. Bridgeman said he aims to foster a sense of belonging in Phoenix, emphasizing that growing up in the city instills deep roots that prevent anyone from feeling like an outsider.
“I don’t want to feel like a stranger in my city,” he says. “You cannot feel like a stranger in Phoenix, and that’s what growing up here means, you have those roots to where you’re never strange, no matter where you go.”
He said his purpose for running is to bridge the gap and connect with the younger generation, sharing valuable knowledge while encouraging everyone else to join in the journey.
Bridgeman is a real estate agent based in the city and actively participates as a board member of the Phoenix Center for the Arts, in addition to being a co-founder of the SEEN, a nonprofit supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As board chair of the Phoenix Center for the Arts, Bridgeman has advanced significant initiatives. The center highlights his achievement in obtaining funding for the Third Street Theater and overseeing a renovation project that enhanced both the interior and exterior of the Phoenix Center of the Arts.
“This project, valued between $500,000 and $1 million, has significantly improved the Center’s facilities, creating a more vibrant and accessible space for artists and the community,” according to the organization.
Bridgeman said he recognizes the obstacles he will face moving forward. District 7’s boundaries extend from 107th Ave. to 7th St. and W Indian School road to W Elliot road and encompass areas of downtown, Laveen, south Phoenix and Maryvale. Bridgeman said he aims to address homelessness, improve public transportation, enhance neighborhood services and promote economic development through support for small businesses.
His ultimate aspiration is to nurture and develop small enterprises within the district.
“And with that district, it allows for people who live in the district, who own a business, to have a storefront and to really create that small town sidewalk feel that a small business needs, because of rent, for a small business to be profitable,” he said.
Bridgeman also places a strong emphasis on the efficiency of transportation. The challenge confronting the district presents an opportunity for Bridgeman, who understands the difficulties associated with bus travel.
“It’s hard to get from out there to the core of Phoenix on a bus,” he said. “It’ll take you two hours. Not OK.”
Public transit use in metro Phoenix has reached 56% of its levels before the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). At the onset of the pandemic, ridership plummeted due to stay-at-home mandates and social distancing measures. A significant number of previous riders did not return to their usual travel habits. The change in routines has created challenges for individuals relying on specific routes and schedules to commute to work or return home.
Bridgeman’s family has a long history in Phoenix, and he said he recognizes the significance of each vote, and understanding that every single vote holds equal importance.
“Being a leader, understanding that you don’t know it all, and you cannot possibly know it all. It means having the humility to call and talk to other people,” he said.
Bridgeman said he no longer wants to remain on the sidelines and aims to take action for those around him and his district. Bridgeman compares this slow progress to pushing a ship without water, but he believes that even a small movement is still progress.
“So to take that first step, reach out to the generation in front to get their wisdom and knowledge. Take that first step for the generation behind me, and drag all the rest of y’all along …” Bridgeman said.
His campaign slogan is “Together We Rise.” Bridgeman said he is leveraging his last name to foster unity within the community.
“I feel good because my heart is in the right place and my intentions are,” he said.
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