With the announcement by Mayor Linda Kavanagh that she will not be running for mayor next year, the news came quickly that there are two candidates prepared to face off in the race, which will not take place until late August 2018.

Councilman Cecil Yates is executive Director of CPI, and AZRE Magazine’s 2017 “People and Projects to Know” in commercial real estate, declared his candidacy for Mayor of The Town of Fountain Hills. Earlier this week, Yates picked up his candidacy packet from Town Hall and is ready to collect the necessary signatures for formal candidacy.

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for mayor of the Town of Fountain Hills,” Yates said. “During my term as council member, I utilized my business and civic experience for municipal government and economic development to help create a better environment for the town’s residents, businesses and visitors.”

“In my candidacy, we will continue to work together to improve the quality of life for all.”

Also announcing her candidacy for mayor on Thursday afternoon was former Councilwoman Ginny Dickey.

Dickey said she brings her decades of local political experience including two terms as a Councilwoman and FHUSD Board Member to the 2018 race for Fountain Hills Mayor.

Since moving to Fountain Hills in 1983, Dickey has been very involved in the community and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. She participated in the Fountain Hills Town Hall planning sessions over the years, starting in 1984. During her tenure on the Fountain Hills Unified School District Board, from 1994 to 2002, she served twice as president.

“I am committed to Fountain Hills,” said Dickey, who served on the Town Council from March 2006 until December 2014. “I appreciate where we started and what we are, as well as believe in a bright future. Since day one, I have advocated for the families and individuals who chose to make Fountain Hills their home. Responsible resident-centered growth, local amenities and activities, maintaining our assets plus strong education and business partnerships create the balanced, safe and beautiful community we love.”

The Times will have full coverage of the opening announcements for the 2018 Town Council election in the Nov. 1 edition.