Crisco Kidd: His Honor To Run For Mayor
• Veteran air personality Crisco Kidd recently had an epiphany — so he put his 21-year radio career on hold, resigned as host of the popular afternoon drive Crisco Kidd Block Party on Riviera Broadcasting Rhythmic KKFR (Power 98.3 & 96.1)/Phoenix after four years and announced his candidacy for Mayor of Phoenix! And yes, he’s damn serious. Kidd, whose given name is Joshua Carmona, has been laying the groundwork for several months, made the official announcement last week and launched a campaign website, itstimephoenix.com.
Over the weekend RAMP reached out to Carmona, who explained his reasons for running — “This was one of the toughest decisions I’ve made in my radio career but, someone had to do it,” he said. “I believe, that if you’re true radio personality, and you have built a real connection with your city, then you should jump at any opportunity to give back and serve the communities that have supported you, or you have benefitted from.”
He added, “Enough talking about action. It’s time to do something about it. This year, more than any, was a chance to show that you’re willing to sacrifice more than you ever have, to be a voice for the people you are supposed to be a reflection of, and stand up for what is right. Regardless of format, our job is to know our listeners and their needs and who better than anyone of us to get out and do it.”
Carmona continued, “I’m truly thankful that [KKFR PD] DJ Complex, [Riviera CEO] Mike Cutchall, and all of my Power family are behind my decision, and whether I win or not, we are pushing the boundaries of what we can do in radio, inspiring and serving our communities like many of us haven’t done before.”
Carmona, who is running as an Independent, is facing a stiff challenge — he will be running against incumbent Democratic Mayor Kate Gallego, fellow Democrat Tim Seay and Republican Merissa Hamilton. “People ask me if I’m concerned about not being on the ballot. The answer is NO,” he said. “Arizona has paper ballots where you have to fill them out by hand, and the Mayor is non-partisan, so, every oval has to be colored in anyway. Me not making the ballot isn’t something to be ashamed of — I refused to let city corruption stop me and was able to still collect 700 signatures in six days. It took the other candidates two to three months to get their 1,500. I am certified and recognized by the city so every vote counts.” Remember: the deadline to register to vote in the most consequential election of our lifetime is Oct. 5!
