Cave Creek Town Council Swears In New Leaders Amid Community Excitement

The Town of Cave Creek welcomed its newly elected Mayor and Town Council members during an official swearing-in ceremony held in the Cave Creek Council Chambers. This event marked the commencement of their two-year terms, following the results of the July 30 Primary Election.

The council comprises a mix of experienced leaders and newcomers. Incumbent Mayor Robert Morris leads the group, along with Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer and council members Tom Augherton, Thomas McGuire, and Dusty Rhoades. Joe Freedman and Cynthia Driskell are new appointees, marking their first term in office. The ceremony was officiated by Presiding Judge Tara Parascandola from the Carefree-Cave Creek Municipal Court.

A key decision made during the inaugural meeting was the election of Kathryn Royer as vice mayor, signaling a commitment to collaborative governance moving forward.

Joe Freedman, one of the new council members, shared insights about his background as part of a public service bio. Hailing from Detroit, Freedman moved to Phoenix in 1981 after being laid off from his job at Pontiac Motors. He has since spent 44 years in Arizona, finding a home in Cave Creek, where he enjoys the local rural lifestyle with his wife, Linda. Their son, Jacob, is an Arizona State University student who attended local schools.

Freedman’s educational background includes a degree in Political Science from Arizona State University, where he was also active in the Rugby Club. His political involvement began with an internship for U.S. Congressman John S. McCain, leading to further roles in McCain’s election campaigns. Freedman’s career has encompassed various industries, including sports marketing and retail, with significant contributions to local organizations like the Phoenix Firebirds and True West Magazine.

After a stint at REI focusing on hiking preparation, Freedman decided to pursue public office, emphasizing his desire to serve the Cave Creek community. He won a closely contested race and aims to safeguard property rights, maintain zoning integrity, and advocate for the acquisition of state trust land for future generations.

For more details about the Mayor and Town Council members, residents are encouraged to visit the official Town of Cave Creek website at www.cavecreekaz.gov/770/Meet-the-Town-Council.