Council member Andrew Rodriquez, top right, decided to fulfill his third term. | Eloy City website
Council member Andrew Rodriquez, top right, decided to fulfill his third term. | Eloy City website
The Eloy City Council is working to decide its next move after council member Andrew Rodriguez said he "would not be seeking" another term on the governing body, despite having just been reelected to his seat during the August primary election.
According to a story by Pinal Central, the council approved Rodriguez's declination to be reelected to his seat Sept. 26 and voted for a declaration of a vacancy after the general election by the city clerk. Mayor Micah Powell said the council would discuss the vacancy at a meeting Oct. 3. In the case of Rodriguez's seat, extra steps must be taken because the declination is not the same as a resignation.
"Generally, when a councilmember wishes to cease service, they offer a resignation, which is accepted by the council," City Attorney Stephen Cooper said in the story. "This situation is a little unique because this is a future council seat that (Rodriguez) has not been sworn into yet. So technically, (Rodriguez) cannot resign."
Rodriguez said he decided not to reclaim his seat for a third term for personal reasons.
"I want the citizens of Eloy to know that I truly care for the community," he said. "I thank them for their trust in reelecting me to council and I will always be grateful for the time served on the City Council. My family thanks you for the support and the additional time I will have with them. It was a difficult decision, but I leave council knowing we made a difference during my eight years on council and I know that I will continue to make a positive impact in promoting the city of Eloy. Eloy Strong will always be my goal."
Along with Rodriguez, Jose Garcia was reelected to the council, and newcomer Michelle Tarango was also elected to a seat. With Rodriguez's declination, Cooper said the newly vacant seat can be decided in the General Election on Nov. 8.
"The reason for that date was in the primary election, we filled three seats," he said. "State law would allow us to swear in a new councilmember immediately after the general election" and take office on Nov. 14, he added.
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