City Council Debates Controversial ‘Resign to Run’ Rule for Local Elections

Lake Havasu City is poised for changes in its local election framework as the City Council evaluates an amendment to city code regarding the resignation of officials seeking public office. This proposal, introduced by Councilmember David Lane during a recent meeting, highlights a crucial issue: the need to mitigate conflicts of interest when elected officials become candidates for other positions.

Lane pointed out that many governing bodies mandate the resignation of officials under similar circumstances. To address this, he suggested that members of various advisory boards—such as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission—should resign if they intend to run for city council. This would prevent potential conflicts, particularly the issue of voting on overlapping agenda items.

While the council has not officially acted on the proposal yet, there is a growing consensus among members regarding the need for the changes. They debated the advantages of board experience for potential candidates against the possible conflicts that such dual roles could create.

Mayor Cal Sheehy expressed support for the proposed change, acknowledging the importance of allowing citizens to serve on boards while ensuring they understand procedural aspects like open meeting laws. “I think there’s some merit to following the state statute of resign to run,” Sheehy stated, emphasizing the value of experience for candidates.

Vice Mayor Cameron Moses also endorsed the new code, suggesting that potential candidates should resign as soon as they initiate their campaign activities, such as pulling nomination packets or gathering signatures. His position reflects a desire to maintain the integrity and purpose of advisory boards.

The pivotal question remains: at what point should a board member resign upon deciding to run for a council position? Councilmembers Michele Lin, Jeni Coke, Jim Dolan, and Nancy Campbell advocate for resignations to occur once a candidate’s name is officially on the ballot. In contrast, Lane favors resignations to take effect upon submitting nomination packets.

The City Council is set to vote at its upcoming meeting on introducing an ordinance that would modify the current code. This legislation could align with either Arizona’s resign to run law—requiring resignation upon filing nomination papers—or stipulate that resignation occurs when a statement of interest is submitted.

Under the proposed ordinance, any resignation would need to be formalized in writing and filed with the city clerk, becoming effective upon that submission. Following the ordinance’s introduction, it must return for final adoption at a later meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at 92 Acoma Blvd.