Paradise Valley mayor, Town Council candidate election packets available

Candidate orientation Jan. 16, 2020

An election will be held on Aug. 4, 2020 to fill the Office of Mayor and three seats on the Town Council.

Candidate information packets, including all the forms and instructions necessary to run for office, are now available from the Town Clerk’s Office, at 6401 E. Lincoln Drive.

The deadline to collect signatures and file as an official candidate is April 6, 2020. Newly elected councilmembers will take office on Jan. 14, 2021.

The Town of Paradise Valley will host a Mayor and Town Council Candidate Orientation at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2020 in the Town Hall Boardroom to answer questions about running for office.

The Town of Paradise Valley is fortunate to have skillful and accomplished residents who routinely volunteer their time to the community, according to a press release.

Whether it is in the form of a civic, religious, or charitable organization; one of the many appointed members of the town’s committees, commissions, and boards; or the all-volunteer municipal court, town residents share a unique sense of community pride.

Running for public office can be daunting. The goal of the candidate orientation is to familiarize potential candidates with the campaign process, provide an overview of town government and operations, and describe the expectations and time commitments for mayor and councilmembers.

Town government operates under a council-manager form of government in which the elected Town Council is responsible for making policy, adopting ordinances, authorizing appropriations, and exercising general governmental oversight.

The mayor is a voting member of the legislative body and acts as presiding officer of the council. Additionally, the mayor fulfills ceremonial duties and represents the town on regional committees and organizations. This governing structure is patterned after the private business or corporate structure in which policymaking and administrative operations are separated. This structure simplifies government and reduces direct political involvement in administration, the press release stated.

The council is composed of six members who are elected to serve four-year staggered terms. The mayor is elected to a two-year term. At the first meeting in January, the council selects a vice mayor from among its members to serve a one-year term.

The mayor and council serve on a voluntary basis accepting no compensation for their service.

The council appoints the Town Manager who is responsible for administering government operations, appointing department heads, and implementing the policies adopted by the mayor and council.

The mayor and council also appoint the town attorney, the municipal court judges, and all members of various town boards, committees, and commissions.

To be qualified to run for office, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Candidates must be registered voters (and registered in Paradise Valley) at the time of filing their nomination paper.
3. Candidates must have resided in Paradise Valley for one year preceding the primary election date.
4. Candidates must be able to speak, write, and read the English language.

For more information or to request a candidate packet, contact:
Duncan Miller, Town Clerk
480-348-3610
dmiller@paradisevalleyaz.gov