Controversy Erupts as Fountain Hills Mayor Faces Complaint Over Unfilled Council Seat

Fountain Hills Town Councilman and Republican Mayoral Candidate Gerry Friedel has charged that incumbent Democrat Mayor Ginny Dickey is obstructing the appointment of Republican Gayle Earle to the council. Earle emerged as the sole victor in the July 30 primary, yet Dickey has opted not to fill the vacancy.

By refusing to appoint Earle, the council remains deadlocked at 3-3, potentially violating state law under A.R.S. 9-235, which mandates councils to address vacancies.

In response, State Representatives Alex Kolodin and Joseph Chaplik filed a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. They seek an investigation into Mayor Dickey’s suspected non-compliance concerning council vacancies.

Friedel’s campaign warns that the town’s funding could be at risk due to Dickey’s inaction. A statement from the campaign reads, “The AG will investigate Mayor Dickey’s unwillingness to agendize filling the vacancy while the State Treasurer will be required to hold back the shared state funds for the town, effectively bankrupting Fountain Hills until the complaint is resolved.”

Friedel emphasized the urgency during a recent statement: “On September 30, 2024, State Representatives Alexander Kolodin and Joseph Chaplik formally requested the Arizona Attorney General’s Office to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey during a Town Council Meeting on September 17, 2024.” He cited the state law that requires councils to fill vacancies rather than postpone until elections conclude.

In the July primary, Earle secured 4,226 votes, the highest among candidates. While Friedel, Councilmembers Hannah Toth and Allen Skillicorn backed her appointment, Dickey and fellow council members Peg McMahon and Brenda Kalivianakis opposed it, leading to the gridlock. Failure to fill this vacancy threatens the town’s operations and finances, prompting calls for Dickey to act more decisively.

Councilwoman Hannah Toth passionately advocated for Earle’s appointment via social media, accusing the Democratic members of prioritizing party loyalty over constituents’ needs. “The people of Fountain Hills have chosen Gayle Earle… They have assaulted democracy, robbing the people of their voice,” Toth asserted.

In a follow-up post, Toth clarified that Earle was slated for a term from 2025 to 2029 but that an urgent vacancy arose due to a council member relocating. “We need someone to fill the seat for the three meetings before Gayle is sworn in,” she explained, highlighting her frustration with the Democrats’ apparent reluctance to install someone already elected.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. For the latest updates, follow him on X or share tips at Matthew@azfreenews.com.