Mayor Linda Kavanagh announced last week that, after six years in office, she will not be seeking a fourth term as mayor in the 2018 election. Afterward, two potential candidates announced plans to run, including current Councilman Cecil Yates and former Councilwoman Ginny Dickey.

In the announcement stating she was retiring at the end of 2018, Kavanagh endorsed Councilman Cecil Yates as her replacement. He released a statement a short time later announcing his candidacy.

At about the same time former Councilwoman Ginny Dickey emailed a statement saying she had picked up the paperwork to get her place on the ballot as a candidate for mayor earlier in the week. She was unsuccessful in her run against Kavanagh as a write-in candidate in 2016, but still garnered nearly 2,000 votes.

Dickey had served eight years on the council and eight years on the School District board prior to that.

As for Kavanagh, she said she felt she had accomplished her goals as mayor.

“Looking back since I first took office, the council and I have made great accomplishments such as completing our downtown, improving our infrastructure especially our parks, balancing our budget without raising taxes, and maintaining a great quality of life for our residents,” Kavanagh said in her statement. “We have made sure that public safety is always a priority and have worked to improve our roads, support our business community and our school system, and have ensured that Fountain Hills is well represented at the state and county level.

“It has been a great honor and a privilege to be the mayor of such an extraordinary town.”

Kavanagh said she has no immediate plans for her political future, but is not ruling anything out.

Yates

In her endorsement of Yates, Kavanagh said, “Cecil is an outstanding council member who knows the issues and looks after the taxpayers’ best interests. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of government especially budgets and economic development.

“I can think of no better person to succeed me and no better leader to take Fountain Hills forward.”

Yates said he is pleased and honored to announce for mayor.

“During my term as councilmember, 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,” Yates said in his statement.

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

“I look forward to a positive campaign, reconnecting with our residents and businesses, and tackling the challenges before us together.”

Dickey

Dickey has been a resident of Fountain Hills since 1983, in which time she served 16 years in elected public office on the School Board and Town Council.

“I am committed to Fountain Hills,” Dickey said. “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.”

With the Primary Election for the Town Council still 10 months off (August 2018) there has been, at least to this point, no rush of candidates to announce for the council.

At this date the three incumbent council members whose term expire next year all say they have made no decisions regarding a potential run for re-election next year.

Others who may be interested should know that candidate packets are now available by contacting Town Clerk Bev Bender at Town Hall. Candidates for either mayor or council will need to collect at least 198, but no more than 395 signatures for nomination. Those signatures must be registered voters in Fountain Hills.

The nominating papers may not be turned in before April 30, 2018, but no later than May 30, 2018.