What would Cave Creek Town Council candidates do about growth, budget?

Cave Creek voters are deciding who will fill six Town Council seats in the July 30 election.

Cave Creek Town Council incumbents Tom Augherton, Thomas McGuire, Dusty Rhoades, and Kathryn Royer are hoping to retain their seats.

There are four newcomers hoping to replace their incumbent competitors: Cynthia Driskell, Joe Freedman, Julie Goldammer and Alex Nadesan.

The Arizona Republic asked each candidate about everything from their reason for running to how they plan to address issues facing Cave Creek.  

Here’s what they had to say, in alphabetical order. Some answers may have been slightly edited to fit agreed-to lengths for all.

Arizona election: Read our full election coverage of the Cave Creek Town Council race

Vision: Why are you running for Cave Creek Town Council?

Why are you running for Cave Creek Town Council? If elected, what will your first priority be?

Tom Augherton: Originally on Town Council in the 1990s, shortly after incorporation, I asked voters to return in 2022, to offer an historical perspective of original community goals, and suggest recalibration of specific town issues related to lifestyle and growth.

Now, the most important priority for Cave Creek Town government is an examination of Council decision-making, and resident access to their elected officials, staff, consultants and legal advice, underpinning those decisions. 

Public testimony is limited at all Council meetings; agenda packets are published immediately before a Council meeting; (agendas released on a Thursday, with Town Hall closed on Fridays does not provide access to staff for inquiries before the Monday meeting).  The chair controls all agenda items with an ordinance preventing other council member access. 

Special interests have routine agenda access; other town issues representing resident interests do not.  

The Council is a deliberative body with seven seats, but needing only a subset of four to decide the town’s pace and direction on the tailored, pre-vetted agendas.

I am glad to be here to speak against the proposed return to four-year terms, which the town began with in 1986, but changed to two-year terms with other voter-approved operational reforms.

Cynthia Driskell: I have lived in Cave Creek for 40 years and own a debt of gratitude in support of a wonderful community. The town is maturing and making good progress on safety, utilities and paying down debt. As a business owner, commercial property owner and resident, I feel I have a balanced perspective on the impact of Town governance decisions for the future. I have regulatory experience at the state and local level.  My first priority is to continue strong fiscal management, pay down debt, and develop a reserve fund for economic downturns.  Improving efficiencies in town utilities, service management and staffing will benefit the town's bottom line.  Cave Creek has a bright future and I want to help support it!

Joe Freedman: When I attended Arizona State University in the early 1980’s studying political science (1985, B.S.) I had an internship with a U.S. Congressman in District One. I learned then there is nothing more noble than giving back to your community to serve the best interests for the majority of people regardless of political motivation. It’s better to give back than to take.  I consider myself a grassroots candidate not controlled by anyone or any group’s individual interests. Since college I have always wanted to run to “give back” and I feel that now is the best time of my life to do this.  I am retired and can give 100% of my dedicated time to help guide and improve Cave Creek going into the future.

My first priority will be to meet with the town staff to identify where we stand regarding our water supply and how we are set up going into the future.  I will also discuss this with fellow council members. It’s very complicated and to understand it entirely you must be an on-going student of the past, present, and future to intelligently make prudent decisions.  I know quite a bit now but there is still much to learn.

Julie Goldammer: In the last 5-plus years, my Saguaro West neighborhood has been the brunt of nine different up-zoning notices-both from the Town of Cave Creek and the county. I’ve advocated in support of a balanced lifestyle where our neighborhood can benefit from essential services, but still protect our quality of life.  The town has targeted our area as the place to potentially allow upzoning to commercial, but there are loopholes in our ordinances that can add unnecessary consequences from high density development.  Our small town is made up of neighborhoods.  It's just a matter of time before other neighborhoods deal with similar circumstances.  I'd like to bring my knowledge of compliance, project management and advocacy to the table to help resolve issues in a way that doesn't jeopardize property rights and quality of life.  My first priority is to change the way we manage Town Council agendas.  The current system gives full discretion to the mayor.  An elected six-person council exists for a reason.  Let's incorporate those voices in agenda-setting.

Thomas McGuire: My first priority is to serve Cave Creek in line with our vision of the community. Cave Creek is a unique town and we want to preserve its character and to attract new residents who share our love of the natural desert environment. Growth cannot be stopped, but I support using tools such as zoning and limitations on water availability that can result in modest growth guided by the voter-approved Cave Creek General Plan.

Selecting and monitoring our town manager is a major part of council responsibilities. Many voters will recall when we had a nearly complete turnover of the Town Council in 2013. Most of the incumbents chose not to run in that election, but I stayed with the job. That council selected a temporary town manager replaced by a regular town manager. Both did poorly in management of our excellent town employees, and both needed to be replaced. I was proud to show my dedication to the community by finding other, better qualified candidates. Fortunately, this council has selected an excellent town manager, and I will be vigilant in ensuring his best professional service for the town.

Alex Nadesan: I am recently retired from a successful business career.  My experience, energy, and openness to listening to and collaborating with others will benefit residents and the TOCC. My priorities will be to use the General and Strategic plans as guidelines in decision making.

Dusty Rhoades: I am running for re-election as there are many issues that still need to be tackled.  My highest priority is that the mayor is the only person who can add an item to the council agenda. Lacking the ability to add items to the agenda, we get a singular view of where we stand as a town.  It has precluded the council from public discussion on important but controversial issues such as water on the west side of town, updating the Town Code, Dark Sky International, and a multitude of long-term decisions that will determine the town’s future.

Kathryn Royer: If re-elected to my fourth term, my priority would be to strategically manage our financial resources to enable Cave Creek to preserve more open space and maintain the low-density lifestyle we all enjoy. Other primary goals include completing the construction of a water utility interconnection with Phoenix in case of a catastrophic failure of our single, 12.5-mile pipeline from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal; finalize our water utilities master plan, including drought contingency and water conservation strategies, prior to any 2027 reductions in our CAP water supplies due to a 24-year drought on the Colorado River; fully fund a pavement management plan to improve surface streets throughout the community; support the newly created Cave Creek Fire Department and its second location off Carefree Highway; and enhance public safety, security and parking in our town core. Finally, my presence on the council helps to ensure an open, transparent government through improved communications, teamwork and collaboration with colleagues, staff members and community volunteers on all committees, commissions, and task forces. Cave Creek residents deserve to know and understand their local government and become involved in the leadership of their town.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Cave Creek Town Council candidates stand?

New state policies will affect town budgets. If faced with a deficit, will you support raising taxes to maintain town services or cutting programs? Which specific services and/or taxes would you consider first and why?

Augherton: Every federal, state and county fiscal cycle has an organic effect on Arizona local government:  the amount of shared funds, the level of grants and appropriations etc. The State of Arizona just ended the Second Regular Session of the 56th Legislature with a $1.4 billion shortfall. Cave Creek continues to be the second highest expensive government in Maricopa County, per capita, in a town of 5,500 residents. The town bill is $57 million.

Many elected officials say they are opposed to adding a new local property tax. What will be needed in the next few years are elected officials who will do more than “oppose” but actually work against a town property tax.

Driskell: Cave Creek will be impacted with a loss of revenue on rented residential properties in 2025. We could have also been impacted if the Arizona Legislature reduced or eliminated sales tax on food. We were definitely challenged by the economic downturn in 2007-2010. We should strive to spend below our approved budgeted level, developing an optimal three-year operational reserve for essential services. The town is already at the high end of sales tax at 3%. I would not favor increasing that level.

Likewise, I do not favor a property tax for general operating expenses. It would not be supported by the residents. Development impact fees and utility fees could be reviewed for increases. Implementing a slower schedule of maintenance and upgrades could be instituted. Cave Creek should commit to working cooperatively with other cities and towns to protect shared revenues with the state and county for essential services to residents are not cut.

Freedman: First off, I am against raising taxes unless the world is coming to an end! I also question why our state legislature would create policies knowing that they would hurt cities and towns in the first place? Right now, Cave Creek financially is doing as well as it has been since before the water company was purchased from Global Water in 2005. Recent councils have trimmed a $60 million deficit to less than $20 million and this will be resolved sooner than later. We now have viable businesses such as Walmart and Sprouts on Carefree Highway that generate enough tax dollars to completely fund our new fire department.  Cave Creek going forward does not have to worry about cutting services or raising taxes.  We have more money being generated in the future to improve the overall quality of our town.

Goldammer: Currently, our town's philosophy is to rely on sales tax revenues in lieu of property taxes to support our operations. I would not be in favor of creating a tax to support a service without bringing it to the voters. We run a complex water company and sewer utility that services less than 40% of our town's homes. These utilities have an endless need of capital due to the aging and poorly designed infrastructure. Any larger city or town would have challenges with our system, and we should focus on what we do best as a town.  Several years ago, town leadership decided to use money set aside for preservation and our Spur Cross preserve (a half-cent sales tax approved by the voters for preservation) to subsidize our water company. In order to run an autonomous water utility, we must keep raising rates.  I am in support of finding creative solutions to keep water flowing, but we should look at options that include a third-party acquisition. There are other entities with more knowledge and resources that can provide a more reliable service to our water customers.

McGuire: I am committed to avoid a town property tax. Recent analysis by an independent consultant has affirmed that we are on sound footing for the next five years. But if large reductions were required, basic town services must have the highest priority: water, wastewater treatment and roads. If cuts were required, vehicles could be kept longer, and outside services could be reduced by bringing the services in house.

If the voters don’t approve “home rule,” disastrous, state-imposed expenditure limitations will apply. The town could not even use the money it takes in. Voter approval of “home rule” will enable the town to avoid massive cutbacks of vital services.

Fortunately, due to recent policy changes, our enterprises: Cave Creek wastewater and potable water to both Cave Creek and Desert Hills are now very close to being financially self-sustaining. Desert Hills customers use our infrastructure and services for their water needs. They need to pay for both direct expenses as well as the portion of Cave Creek water services they benefit from.

The bottom line is that town services are covered by our revenue sources without the need for a town property tax, now and for the foreseeable future.

Nadesan: Cave Creek is currently in a strong financial position. If that were to change, I would not raise taxes. Instead, I would work closely with town staff and council members to make cuts that would not affect the public safety and services of the residents. I would propose a halt to programs that are not critical and can be restarted when the budget is available.

Rhoades: The answer will depend on the overall magnitude of the legislature’s changes and how they impact the town. For instance, we have a $57.4 million budget for a town of 5,135 according to the U.S. Census. There are multiple program areas where we could trim and cut back with minimal impact on the residents. Another way to spread cost over time is bonding large ticket items, so that the people who derive future benefit pay for their use. Given our current budget, I do not support any tax increases.

Royer: Cave Creek was fortunate to execute its vision for the Carefree Highway Corridor beginning in 2009, which has generated significant sales tax revenues from Walmart, Sprouts, McDonald’s, Harbor Freight, and a variety of other retail operations.  These revenue sources, along with state shared revenues, construction taxes, and state and federal grants, have sufficiently sustained town government.  We do not have a property tax and do not anticipate going to the ballot box in the future for any form of taxes from our residents.

Perceptions: What would Cave Creek Town Council candidates change?

What is the best thing about Cave Creek that you would never change? Why? What is the first thing that needs changing and why?

Augherton: The best thing about the Town of Cave Creek is the geographical location and the utter unbridled beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert region, with its hidden canyons and high desert rugged mountains. It is elevated above the urbanized Valley floor and still retains its cooler, open-space land use patterns, and darker nighttime sky to peer into deep space.  

It may not be classically rural anymore, but it is the next-best alternative in 2024.

When viewed, four-legged neighbors tend to have a calming effect in a community. Instead of soaring freeways, the desert trails of migrating javelina, jackrabbits and deer each have their own unique traffic pattern. 

After witnessing the abandoned pit-house foundations of the Hohokam and faded petroglyphs and pot shards right off local roads, you realize that there have been, and will be, many other residents of these desert lands.

Driskell: The best things not to change are the open space and community trail system. Cave Creek is home to two of Maricopa County's best parks - Spur Cross and Cave Creek Regional Park. These are beloved open spaces to let residents and our visitors truly enjoy the best Arizona has to offer. The community trail system is our own rural, rustic sidewalks. Perfect for walking dogs, riding horses, and kids on their bikes. These attributes, and the additional zoning of more open space preservation, will keep Cave Creek more rural and unique as the other area cities add residential density.

One primary challenge that needs our attention is that Cave Creek needs to balance the needs and desires of residents for small town quiet life with the need for visitor/tourist income for economic viability.  We have two distinct commercial areas - the Town Core and the Carefree Highway corridor.  We need to balance economic development with resident satisfaction.

Freedman: I would never change the current town plan that was recently written, adopted, and ratified by our citizen’s vote in 2021. It was written by a combination of that current council (2021), the town staff and most importantly citizens groups.

Goldammer: Cave Creek is a treasure trove of culture, history and natural beauty. I would never change the eclectic makeup of our town that has resulted from a diverse and resilient group of people who came together to incorporate Cave Creek in the '80s.  We should do a better job supporting local commerce and attracting new business that can thrive in our community especially during the summers.  Besides making it easier to do business in town, we should promote the Town's brand including bringing events and festivals that can drive revenues for those establishments.  With this comes better education around parking in the town core and Dark Sky certification. 

McGuire: Most of us have common values, a love of the natural desert setting, and using or appreciating the importance of trails. As a frequent user of our public open spaces, I look for opportunities to expand them. Maricopa County and the Desert Foothills Land Trust have coordinated with the Town of Cave Creek to expand the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation area by 30 acres. If other high-priority properties become available at reasonable prices, we need to be sure that the town, along with those partners, have the financial resources to obtain them. The highest priority properties are those adjacent to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and the Cave Creek Regional Park.

Nadesan: I value Cave Creek’s western heritage, zoning ordinances, and open spaces. Moving forward, I would work with the staff and council members to build upon the existing modes of communication and collaboration with our residents since a more informed community leads to a stronger community.

Rhoades: Our rural lifestyle and community atmosphere is the best thing about Cave Creek. It is unique and worth preserving. For example, most of the people in the town favor us joining Dark Sky International and limiting the amount of light pollution so our kids and grandkids can enjoy viewing the night sky.  Our town code needs to be updated to reflect that change. As far as changing things, we bill ourselves as a quirky and unique destination community, but we lack a sound plan to draw visitors. The town can assist our merchants by working with them to sponsor weekend child friendly events, host equine and other events at the Rodeo Grounds, and partner with our merchants to promote specialty events with food, art, and western or mining themes to draw visitors. Destinations also need an aesthetic appeal that promotes the image we want to project. We should plan for enhanced roadway medians, Dark Sky International compatible street lighting, and adding some features of interest like old fashioned hitching posts, water troughs, mining paraphernalia, etc., to enhance our public trails and increase tourist appeal.

Our town staff has recently negotiated the long-range extension of our 20-year arrangement with the Arizona State Land Department giving Cave Creek priority in the purchase of nearby state land as natural desert open space. These properties are also protected by open space zoning. But if purchase is necessary, we must be ready.

What most needs to change is for the council to focus on the needs of the whole town rather than a small number of dissatisfied citizens, or a single neighborhood group that come before us.

Royer: Cave Creek is an eclectic western community composed of artists, bikers, entrepreneurs, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts of every kind. We have incomparable mountain views, luscious desert landscape, a variety of amazing critters, and low-density housing, allowing personal privacy and dark skies.  We would never want to change our physical environment or unique way of life, which we passionately protect.  As with every town and city in Arizona, water is becoming even more precious than it was 20 years ago.  Our relationship with outdoor watering and any other wastefulness of the resource is a behavioral change that needs to happen sooner than later.

The big picture: What is the biggest issue facing Cave Creek?

What is the biggest long-term issue facing Cave Creek? How would you work to address it over the course of your council term?

Augherton: Growth — the scope of new residents and development of residential and commercial infrastructure.  

The availability of water is interwoven with this transition, as well as future land use patterns and the pressure to intensify zoning flexibility for ‘affordable’ housing, expanding public transportation, and ‘upzoning’ to espouse ‘efficiencies of scale,’ (usually related to investment profit).  

Can a small once-rural community on the perimeter of the nation’s fifth -largest megalopolis be recognizable in 5, 10, 20 years. 

Maybe, but possibly only in a photograph.

The independence and autonomy of municipal planning is under siege with potential changes in state law recently ‘floated ‘at the Arizona Legislature.  The town’s resident out-migration may increasingly compete with in-migration.

All societal conveyances have “carrying capacities” -- boats, airplanes, restaurants, elevators.  What matrix should form a town’s carrying capacity?

With individual neighborhoods on the line, may even yours, Cave Creek residents better hope that they have open, discoverable and transparent local government.

Driskell: Water security is our key current and long-term issue.  It is not just a Cave Creek issue, but an Arizona and regional issue. We need to continue to foster cooperative relationships with other jurisdictions and policy makers to ensure that Cave Creek has adequate water resources for current use and modest future growth.  The supply side issues will take study and negotiation. The demand side issues of the water usage are more under our control as a town, so implementing good conservation measures and water usage rates that encourage efficient water management/reuse are important.

Freedman: A combination of water and growth.  Currently the town has enough water to provide to our current population of 5,400 residents as well current businesses that are provided water. Once the growth cycle kicks in and I have heard various estimates of the eventual buildout from 11,000 to 15,000 people (and new businesses) we are definitely not prepared to handle this.  If we are not proactive now our future will be an absolute mess when that time arrives.

Goldammer: To preserve the beauty and open spaces we have all come to love, we need to address the best way to acquire the Apache Wash and Rogers Wash lands from the State Land Trust. The Town signed an agreement over 20 years ago that needs to be acted on in a fiscally prudent way.  Let's bring this conversation to the table now.  Waiting to act on 4,000 acres is not to the benefit of the town. Unfortunately, some of that land comes with strings attached.  Having the hard conversations now will give us the most flexibility to create a plan that works.

McGuire: At present, town water supplies are our most critical issues. Because of climate changes, the Colorado River can no longer support all the water allocated to the seven Colorado River Basin states. And Cave Creek is now entirely dependent on Colorado River and Central Arizona Project (CAP) water.

If Arizona is required to use less Colorado River water, Cave Creek may be asked to reduce our use of water. Fortunately, most of our water has a relatively high priority among CAP water users. Furthermore, most of our water use is outside our homes, for irrigation and pools. Reducing outdoor use of water can make water available for more essential uses inside our homes.

The town owns wells, long out of use, that we may be able to supplement CAP water. I support evaluating those wells for additional supplies of town water. Well water may require additional procedures to meet strict quality standards. But it can extend our municipal water supplies.

I support completing the Phoenix interconnect project that will provide water service if our single pipeline from the CAP canal fails. And, for short periods, it already has. The interconnect will also facilitate maintenance to the present pipeline.

Nadesan: Ensuring that our water supply from CAP and other sources continues to be managed strategically. I would work with the staff and council members to explore various sources and investment in our water resources and infrastructure for the long-term.

Rhoades: We negotiated a 20-year Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the State Land Trust in 2008 for 6,400 acres on the west side of town between Carefree Highway and the Tonto National Forest.  The IGA gives us the right to open bidding to purchase over 4,000 of those acres, currently zoned as open space including parts of Rogers and Apache Washes.  Those washes are major feeds into the already dwindling Desert Hills aquifer.  After 2028, the state will auction all 6,400 acres of land within the boundaries of Cave Creek. Past Arizona history says we either buy the open space or it will be rezoned and developed. The zoning issue becomes moot if the town owns the land and appends it to the Spur Cross Ranch Recreation Area.  Any development will exacerbate the dwindling aquifer in Desert Hills, developing all 6,400 acres will be catastrophic.  Once our ongoing assessment to determine purchase price is complete, we should hold public meetings on purchase options and place a referendum on the 2026 ballot.  We need to plan now, not after that land is put on the auction block.

Royer: Since Cave Creek relies solely on Colorado River water from CAP for its surface water supplies, anticipating cuts to our allocation is the biggest threat facing our community. Going into 2025, our council and staff need to strategically review all options for astutely managing our water supply including revisiting the use of public wells for groundwater and supporting CAP in its water augmentation efforts. CAP needs the approval of “system use agreements” with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), whereby Salt River Project (SRP) water could be transferred into the CAP canal for diversion to other cities and towns, enabling access to additional water supplies from the Verde River. We support that effort and encourage BOR to act swiftly to approve the plan.

Inspiration: Who shapes the Cave Creek Town Council candidates' thinking?

Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from that person’s experience?

Augherton: Former Arizona House Rep. Polly Rosenbaum (D-Globe).

Arriving in Tucson, in 1924 by train, to begin service as an elementary school teacher, the only transport from the train station to Globe was by stagecoach on dirt roads. My jaw dropped open when I first heard this story as a Senate legislative intern in 1976.

She once remarked that when the coach pulled into the towns of Hayden and Miami, “It looked like the Gates of Hell with all of the smokestacks and belching fire and smoke.”

When her husband died, who was Speaker of the Arizona House, the members and her caucus encouraged her to leave for private life. She declined. 

She took his district seat and became Arizona’s first female legislator and served for 45 years representing Arizona from the Four Corners area and Navajo lands to as far south as Safford and the Apache lands.

Her Globe neighbor later became Arizona Governor – Rose Mofford, after the impeachment of Governor Evan Mecham.

She only climbed stairs, eschewed the elevator, and lived to be 104. 

Because she was born in the 19th century, AZMVD had to hand-create her driver’s license when she turned 100.

That is Arizona-tough.

Driskell: As an Arizona icon, I truly admire Sandra Day O'Connor.  She shared enormous intellect and energy with her family, state and country to our benefit. (And she knew how to work on a ranch horse.)  She was informed, pragmatic and decisive.  These seem like important qualities for public service. Additionally, one should maintain a sense of humor in public office.  I like Will Rogers' quote: "Even if you are going in the right direction, you will get run over if you just sit there."  To me, that means our local government always needs to keep working, making improvements, and making sure we are moving forward in our operations.

Freedman: Barry Goldwater, he had our best interests in mind, never his. He put his skin on the line in what he believed was just and fair all the way to his death in 1998. Although he lost the 1964 Presidential election, he set the table for “modern conservatism” that Reagan brought to fruition in 1980.

Goldammer: Gabrielle Giffords is a woman and public servant that has inspired me from the moment she took a bullet during an informal event with constituents.  She has fought hard to overcome her disabilities and injuries.  She continues to advocate and stays true to her convictions and her passions despite what she's gone through.  It's easy for anyone in public service to give up or feel defeated when verbally attacked.  But her steadfastness has kept her relevant and allowed her to rise above being a victim.  I strive to stay focused on my convictions.

McGuire: I admire the community leaders who came before us and have established Cave Creek as our vibrant, desert loving, western town. Those are the people who contributed to the incorporation of Cave Creek, saving us from being absorbed into Phoenix. They preserved the summit of Black Mountain. They established large lot zoning outside the town core and, with the help of the State of Arizona, Maricopa County and the Desert Foothills Land Trust, preserved the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area; 3 square miles of natural desert habitat and archaeological treasures. This includes the beautiful riparian area we know as the Jewel of the Creek. The leaders who came before me have inspired me to continue that legacy.

It will not be easy. Each year Phoenix development moves closer to our boundaries. We welcome those who visit us to enjoy our business and beautiful desert. But there needs to be limits on development. We can’t make regulations that decrease the value of property to their owners. But we can make intelligent choices about zoning and building codes that encourage development in line with the Cave Creek General Plan.

Nadesan: Teddy Roosevelt. His life as a soldier, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, and writer characterize and/or align with many aspects of Cave Creek’s past and present.

Rhoades: Jesus Christ. He is the perfect example for how we should treat others including those in authority.

Royer: I respect and admire my former colleague, recently retired (termed out) Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, who transformed Peoria from a sleepy bedroom community into a thriving metropolis. While our two municipalities have completely different cultures, Cathy and I learned essential lessons in governance and public policy by working together at CAP, which is led by a 15-member popularly elected Board of Directors. During our tenure, Cathy ran for public office, became a council member in Peoria and advanced to mayor for 8 years.  It is because of her vision, leadership, and compassion for her community that I chose to run for office when I retired. I owe my success to Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, who inspired me to lead and serve my community as proudly as she did for two decades.

Election integrity: Where do the Cave Creek Town Council candidates stand?

Do you think Arizona elections are fairly run? Do you trust the results? Will you abide by them? Why or why not? 

Augherton: Yes, I do think they are fairly run and if mail-in ballots are not trusted, then Arizona voters can return to the day of the paper ballot on election day, dropped into the box, and wait for the results at a slower pace.  

State and county elections staff work hard and are focused to protect the integrity of voter choice, and democracy is built on a seminal foundation of trust in this protocol.

If there is continuing voter concern or skepticism on American/Arizonan elections integrity, whatever efforts are needed to re-establish citizen trust, should be pursued.

Driskell: Arizona elections are just fine. I trust the results and I appreciate the efficient mail ballot options. I will accept and abide by the election results.  I am willing to hear discussion from individuals who have concerns or experiences with unfair voting procedures. We should encourage active resident participation and make voting simple and secure. I also appreciate poll workers who are crucial to a fair and equitable voting system. We need to support them and ensure their safety as they face unnecessary conflicts while doing their work.

Freedman: First off, I would like to state that the Cave Creek Council/Mayor election is a “non-partisan” election meaning it’s not about politics on a party level.  It’s about the town, its businesses and citizens.  It’s about how to keep things running smoothly and be proactive regarding the future.  For these reasons I feel it’s extremely “unfair” and insensitive for the Arizona Republic to ask such a loaded question that “labels” all those running (as Dem/Rep/Ind) when again it’s “non-partisan”. Quite frankly I will not give my personal views on the past regardless and going forward (that’s what I do, go forwards not backwards) I do have complete faith that this election will be run fairly and of course I will accept the results.

Goldammer: Arizona election process in Maricopa County went through an excruciating examination. My hat's off to those that put their party aside and put integrity first.  I will abide by the results. Our town is a small player in the bigger picture and our races are typically decided by less than a few dozen votes. The bigger issue is that we should all exercise our right to vote.

McGuire: I have observed and participated (mostly as a candidate) in elections in Cave Creek many times. They have been transparent and fair.

Citizens more often trust local governments than the state and federal government. We are the unpaid elected volunteers you know and meet on a daily basis. Furthermore, the non-partisan nature of local elections protects them from outside influence.

I can attest to fair elections. In 2009 an opponent and I had the exact same number of votes in the November Town Council election. A recount confirmed the tie vote. So, we settled the tie by engaging in what is defined by state statutes as “draw by lot.” In this case the election was decided by a widely reported draw of cards. It even made the front page of the New York Times! My opponent won the seat. It wasn’t so lucky for me, but it was a historic event for Cave Creek. I knew the process was fair and I congratulated my opponent. But I showed my dedication to Cave Creek by coming back and I have been chosen by the voters in Town Council elections since the card draw. Every vote counts!

Nadesan: As a citizen running for local office, I will accept the results unless the State Elections Office determines irregularities in the election.

Rhoades: An interesting question that really is a state and federal issue per the U.S. and Arizona constitutions. Trusting the results depends on whether there is provable widespread fraud. That said, what alternative is there other than abiding by the outcome?

Royer: Yes, Arizona elections are fairly run, and I will abide by the results.

Reach the reporter at kweaver@gannett.com

Reporter Sam Kmack covers Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Follow him on X@KmackSam or reach him atsam.kmack@arizonarepublic.com.