By Philip Haldiman
The Arizona Republic
A packed Cave Creek candidates forum erupted Wednesday night after Mayor Vincent Francia used his closing remarks to criticize a group of newcomers who
some believe are conspiring to run on a common platform.
“Your speech has been hateful and unkind tonight,” Francia said. “Where were you when I was trying to protect Spur Cross? You’re trying to protect the town? From what? My council has made some very tough decisions during the recession. Did you ever step up and do anything?”
The remarks ignited a fiery response from some residents in the audience, sparked by a shout from one attendant responding to Francia’s remarks, “That’s not fair!”
Moderator Dan Baxley, who also serves as the Cave Creek Planning Commission chair, calmed the crowd and ended the forum, but not until after the incumbents and newcomers found themselves separated by an even larger chasm.
The candidate forum featured 11 of the 12 council candidates, including six incumbents who hope to return to the open six seats. In addition, it also featured Francia, who is running unopposed for a third straight term.
The council candidates are:
Shelley Anderson, incumbent.
Ernie Bunch, incumbent.
James Bruce, incumbent.
Mike Durkin, electrical engineer.
Dick Esser, incumbent.
Steven LaMar, incumbent.
Thomas McGuire, incumbent.
Reginald Monachino, planning commission vice chair.
Charles Spitzer, technical support for Boston-based computer company.
Adam Trenk, lawyer with Rose Law Group, former town councilman.
Eileen Wright, retired.
Steve Snider, a semiretired business owner, is also running for council but did not participate in the forum.
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