By Philip Haldiman | The Arizona Republic
(Editor’s note: RLG attorney Adam Trenk was the leading vote getter in the Cave Creek election.)
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has ruled that Cave Creek Councilman Dick Esser will not be allowed to return to the runoff election on May 21.
Two weeks ago, three incumbents — Shelley Anderson, James Bruce and Esser — dropped out of the runoff shortly after they qualified for it in the primary election. That occurred after a strong showing by challengers in the race who would be squaring off against them for four remaining seats.
However, Esser decided to rescind his withdrawal after approval from the town, causing outrage from some candidates and Cave Creek residents and producing a legal challenge from resident Gerald Freeman.
Judge Lisa Daniel Flores stated in her ruling that there is no provision in state law for a candidate to be reinstated on the ballot after withdrawing.
Statement by Councilman-elect Adam Trenk: “Sorry to hear that Dick Esser withdrew from the race. He is a good councilman who has given our community years of service, and his presence on the council will be missed.”
