Frey to fill Bradshaw’s vacated Sedona City Council seat

Former Vice Mayor Frey has said he intends to run for Sedona Mayor in the March 2010 election.

How can Mr. Frey fill Bradshaw's vacated seat and also run for mayor, when Bradshaw was required to resign his seat to be able to consider the same?

Under Arizona Revised Statute 38-296, known as the 'resign-to-run' rule, no incumbent to an elected office may run for another elected office, "except during the final year of the term being served..."

Since Bradshaw's remaining term was not his final year, he was forced to step down in order to run for mayor. (To date, Bradshaw has not pulled a candidate package.)

When Bradshaw resigned, the City Council voted to shorten his open seat's remaining term to six months.  Frey's appointment is, therefore, temporary; so he can run for mayor and others can run for his 'to be vacated' seat.

The appointment is considered a boost to Frey's intended mayoral bid since it will put him back in the public eye.

Two other applicants were also interviewed by council before making their choice: Mike Ward (expected to run for council in the March 2010 election) and Helen Knoll.  

According to Mayor Adams, Frey was picked by the council because of his prior experience serving on the council.

“I do support the vote of the council,” Mayor Adams said.

The mayor said his first choice for the appointment was Helen Knoll.

“She aced the interview,” the mayor said. “She has had a tremendous amount of experience dealing with complicated and sometimes contentious issues. She would have been a good fit on the council.”

With Mr. Frey’s appointment to the council, there will be three appointed councilors serving – Pud Colquitt, Mark DiNunzio and Jerry Frey.