Phoenix mayoral candidates spar over Wes Gullett's employment

PHOENIX - Three of the candidates for Phoenix mayor weighed in during a debate Monday night on the employment of a fourth candidate.

Wes Gullett is a partner with FirstStrategic, a communications and public affairs firm that also does lobbying work.

Gullett addressed his opponents' concerns calling them "ridiculous."

"They know it's something they can bang me on so that's what they're doing," said Gullett. "It's much ado about nothing."

Greg Stanton brought up the issue of Gullett's employment a few minutes after Gullett did himself.

"The people of Phoenix shouldn't be concerned if you have outside interests affecting your decision making," said Stanton.

Gullett said he will take a leave of absence from his firm if elected drawing criticism from Claude Mattox and Peggy Neely.

"If I was in the same position, I would resign," said Mattox.

"We need to know who Mr. Gullett's clients are, so we're able to make a full disclosure of what needs to happen," added Neely.

For more on the mayoral race, check out the ABC15 section.