Race for mayor to replace retiring Morris in Cave Creek between Vice Mayor, newcomer

By Jeff Wendt
Mail

With Mayor Robert Morris announcing in January that he was not going to run for another term, Cave Creek will be looking for a new leader in 2027.

Two candidates have announced their intention to replace the outgoing Morris: Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer and Cave Creek resident Brian Hardy.

Here is a look at the two candidates running for mayor:

Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer is running for Mayor of Cave Creek. (Courtesy of Kathryn Royer)

Kathryn Royer

Royer was publicly elected as a member of the Cave Creek Town Council in August of 2018. Royer began serving her first two-year term in December of 2018.

Royer has been a resident of Cave Creek since 1996, after accepting a leadership position with Central Arizona Project in Phoenix. CAP manages and delivers Arizona’s share of Colorado River water to 5 million people in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties. In her capacity as Associate General Manager of Communications and Public Affairs, Royer became fluent in the business of water management, delivery and sustainability.

Prior to her senior management role at CAP, Royer was Communications Services Manager at Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO Industries), a shareholder-owned gas and electric utility company now serving more than 5 million customers. Royer began her career as a commercial broadcaster working at NBC and CBS-owned radio stations in Chicago as a news reporter, producer, anchor and public affairs director.

Since retiring from CAP in 2016, Royer gives back to her community through public service. Prepared with expertise in water delivery and sustainability, management, communications and organizational development, Royer provides informed, transparent and collaborative decision-making for the benefit of Cave Creek residents, businesses and visitors. Since being elected, Royer has provided essential leadership and vision to the Cave Creek Town Council, serving as Vice Mayor since 2022.

Royer is a graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications. Royer has two adult children who graduated with Honors from Cave Creek public schools, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. She is married to Gabe Royer and enjoys spending as much time as possible with her 4-year-old granddaughter, Olive.

Brian Hardy is running for Mayor of Cave Creek. (Courtesy of Brian Hardy)

Brian Hardy

Hardy has three children and two grandchildren. Hardy has been with his wife Annie since high school and has been married for 30 years. Hardy moved to Cave Creek five years ago and his youngest son graduated from Cactus Shadows.

Hardy has been involved in local causes such as sponsoring the Turquoise Rodeo and the American Legion. Hardy has also donated to local charities and engaged locally whenever he can.

Hardy has been in leadership roles since his first general manager position at 28 years old, managing over 300 employees. Hardy became vice president managing an auto group with over 1,200 employees. Hardy and his wife started an auto auction that became one of the largest in the country that sold to a public company on Wall Street after 16 years.

Hardy believes that responsibility, accountability and leadership make a big difference both in business and government. Hardy will protect and defend the identity and heart of Cave Creek, and will do his best to make sure decisions regarding water and growth are better than the decisions of the past.

Cave Creek has a water problem that has gone on too long. Indecision and bad decisions have consequences. Hardy believes Cave Creek voters have been kept in the dark on many issues through executive meetings and managed agendas.

Hardy is commited to communicate challenges openly. Hardy promises to bring people together to find solutions for the future of Cave Creek.

Hardy strongly supports the 4,005 acre-conservation land purchase. Cave Creek has already committed the funds for this purchase, but Hardy will explore other funds to save Cave Creek money.

Hardy is greatful to be a part of the Cave Creek community and looks forward to serving the citizens.

Jeff Wendt
Reporter | Phoenix/Cave Creek

jwendt@iniusa.org

Meet Jeff
Jeff Wendt started at Independent Newsmedia in January 2023, after 25 years working for Gannett and The Arizona Republic. Started as a high school sports scoretaker, worked up to reporting high school sports and then became an associate high school sports editor in 2002. Also worked in the Design Studio as a copy editor.

Community: Jeff serves on the Board of Elders at his local church.

Education: Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication

Random fact: Attended Game 2 of the 2001 World Series.

Hobbies: Playing video games (yes still the kid in me), watching reality TV, playing poker.