Controversial Forum: Small-Town Mayors Take the Stage with Disgraced Ex-AZ GOP Lawmaker

In a controversial turn of events, mayors from over ten small cities and towns in Arizona are slated to speak at the “Mayor’s Forum for the People,” set for February 20 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. The forum, organized by Prescott eNews and Yavapai Speaks, both owned by former state lawmaker David Stringer, has drawn significant criticism due to Stringer’s troubled past.

Stringer resigned from the Arizona legislature in 2019 amid an ethics investigation linked to child sex crime charges from 1983. He subsequently took a plea deal stemming from allegations of sexual contact with two boys under the age of 15, one of whom had an intellectual disability. Following his resignation, Stringer faced backlash not only for these charges but also due to racist remarks that surfaced during and after his time in office.

The mayors attending include Sedona’s, Prescott’s, Lake Havasu’s, Payson’s, Winslow’s, Williams’, and Cottonwood’s, along with four others not listed on the event’s promotional materials. Their participation raises questions, particularly as Stringer has affiliated with far-right groups and is known for publishing content from controversial figures, including a notable white supremacist.

One such figure is Jared Taylor, whose articles have appeared extensively on Prescott eNews. Taylor has a longstanding history of promoting white supremacy, asserting racial superiority through pseudoscientific means. Stringer’s association with Taylor and attendance at events where Taylor spoke has attracted scrutiny, further complicating the narrative surrounding the forum.

The event will be hosted by Lyle Rapacki, who runs a show on Prescott eNews. Rapacki is known for his conspiratorial views and connections to far-right extremist groups, including the anti-government Oath Keepers militia. His platform has made headlines for controversial topics, ranging from alleged satanism at military bases to unfounded conspiracy theories, including those linked to QAnon.

Additionally, a Town Hall Meeting sponsored by Prescott eNews and featuring Republican Senator Mark Finchem follows the forum. Finchem has been associated with similar extremist groups and has publicly supported various conspiracy theories.

Some mayors, like Don Dent of Williams, expressed surprise at the event’s affiliations, indicating they were approached by other mayors to attend. Cottonwood Mayor Ann Shaw voiced her concern about the potential alignment with ideologies she opposes, emphasizing her commitment to promote the needs of her city without engaging in divisive politics.

The mayors’ attendance may reflect broader local sentiments, as short-term rental regulations have become a contentious issue throughout Arizona. A 2016 law has made it challenging for cities to establish their regulations, sparking debates amongst local leaders, many of whom fear the implications of losing control over housing policies.

As the forum approaches, the juxtaposition of civic discussions on affordable housing and local governance against the backdrop of extreme political affiliations raises significant questions about the future of nonpartisan collaboration among Arizona’s municipal leaders.