Southwest Valley
Goodyear mayor reverses decision, declares candidacy
Goodyear Mayor Jim Cavanaugh reversed course Tuesday when he announced he will seek re-election next spring.
About two weeks ago, he told fellow City Council members he was stepping down at the end of his second term.
But Cavanaugh, who was elected mayor in 2003, called that announcement "premature." He said his supporters were disappointed to see him go and that he would run for office again to prevent a "void in experience."
"More than a few have been quite candid regarding the future implications of the decision not to run, in particular the concern that the city is facing a void in experience due not only to my personal decision but other councilmember situations as well," Cavanaugh said in a statement released Tuesday.
"This city, for reasons known to all Goodyear residents, needs experience at the helm now probably more than ever," he wrote.
Tuesday's announcement the same day Vice Mayor Rob Antoniak formed an exploratory committee for a possible mayoral bid.
The mayor's seat is one of four council spots up for grabs in the March primary.
Councilwoman Georgia Lord has said she will seek re-election, while Councilwoman Brenda Holland has said she won't. Councilman Frank Cavalier is undecided.
The new council will take office in June. The mayor and council members serve four-year seats.
Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic
Goodyear Mayor James Cavanaugh talks to the crowd during groundbreaking ceremonies for Goodyear Ballpark last year.
