Twelve to run for Sedona City Council seats

It’s turning out to be one of the largest fields in recent memory for those seeking to serve as Sedona mayor and council members, as 12 candidates have thrown their proverbial hat in the ring.

“This is my fourth city council election as city clerk. Twelve candidates reflects the highest number during my tenure,” Sedona City Clerk Susan Irvine said.

Councilman Joe Vernier’s departure earlier this year from council means that five positions on the dais — mayor and four council seats — will be voted on in November. 

Voters will cast ballots for mayor, three four-year terms and one two-year term for council. The winner between the two candidates running for Vernier’s seat will serve a two-year term since his was elected to office in November 2016.

Those seeking office had until Wednesday, May 30, at 5 p.m. to return a completed candidate packet including a minimum of 96 signatures of registered Sedona vot-ers. This number represents 5 percent of the number of ballots cast in the previous mayoral election in 2016. In that election, Moriarty ran unopposed, so the number of votes was much lower than in 2016. Candidates seeking office two years ago had to obtain 136 signatures.

The city of Sedona will conduct its 2018 primary election Tuesday, Aug. 28, and the general election, if necessary, Tuesday, Nov. 6. Also on the Aug. 28 ballot will be whether or not residents wish to extend the Home Rule option.
Those who submitted their completed candidate packets by the deadline included:

Mayor

  •  Pete Conrad
  • Sandy Moriarty
  • Tony Tonsich

Four-year seat

  • Bill Chisholm
  • Brock Delinski
  • Janice Hudson
  • Scott Jablow
  • Noelle Julian
  • Salvatore “Sam” Tardio
  • Jim Weis

Two-year seat

  • Mike Ward
  • Jessica Williamson

Incumbents Jon Thompson and Tom Lamkin have chosen not to seek a second term on council. Incumbents Jablow, Moriarty and Williamson are running for re-election.

A candidate who receives a majority of votes in the primary election will be elected, effective the date of the general election. The general election is required only if all offices are not filled in the primary election.

All new council members will be seated between Tuesday, Nov. 27, and Tuesday, Dec. 11. Monthly compensation is $500 for council members and $700 for the mayor.

To be eligible, a candidate must be a qualified elector at the time of election, be at least 18 years of age on or before the election, have resided within the Sedona city limits for one year preceding the election, and have had their civil rights restored if convicted of a felony.