Ramon Gomez, and wife source: YouTube

Sedona City Councilman resigns

by Cyndy Hardy

SEDONA, AZ – July 8, 2008 – Ramon Gomez said tonight that he will resign his seat effective August 1.

His primary reason for resigning is because wife, Dina Spector-Gomez, accepted a senior management position in corporate/energy communications with Southern California Edison about two months ago.

“We have tried the Southern California/Sedona commuting arrangement for the past 2 months, but it's been extremely difficult on our four children. So, we are putting our children and family first and making the move to San Diego County just in time for the new school year,” Mr. Gomez stated in a July 8 email to the council and his supporters.

Mr. Gomez will leave his position as Human Resources vice president at Sedona Center, whose holdings include several Uptown businesses such as the Amara Resort & Spa, Canyon Breeze and Sinagua Plaza.

Mr. Gomez’s employer and father-in-law, Al Spector, recently acquired L’Auberge de Sedona and Orchards Restaurant.

Mr. Gomez expects to return to his pre-Sedona career in labor relations and negotiations.

During his four-year residence in Sedona, Mr. Gomez was active in many community organizations, including the Sedona International Film Festival & workshops, Northern Arizona Interfaith Council and the Board of Directors for Sedona Montessori School.

Mr. Gomez’s resignation was not discussed at tonight’s City Council meeting.

Sedona City Code 2-1-4 provides that the City Council fill Mr. Gomez’s seat by appointment. The code does not specify how the appointment will occur, however, in the past the council has filled vacancies by voting on nominations made by council members.

The appointee will complete Mr. Gomez’s term, which expires in June 2010.

“I've met with Mayor [Rob Adams] and I am hopeful that the person chosen to fill my position will bring the same philosophies and common-sense approach that I have brought to the council,” Mr. Gomez stated.

© 2008 Cyndy Hardy. This article may not be reproduced, republished or distributed without written permission from the author. Contact the author at cyndyhardy@msn.com.