Now we’re going to check in with the Editorial Board of The Arizona Republic. It’s a regular segment where we talk about the big issues facing the state and the region — featured in the newspaper’s Viewpoints section.

With Greg Stanton moving on to run for Congress and Thelda Williams only an interim mayor, Phoenix voters will be selecting its next leader later this year. How much of a role will the new mayor play in shaping the city’s identity? How important is that?

The Republic addressed the issue on its editorial page, and Editorial Director Phil Boas is here for his weekly appearance to talk about it.