By Sean Holstege | The Republic
The man tapped to run Pinal County’s government after a national search has changed his mind and declined the offer, citing family issues.
Stewart Ed, general-services manager of El Paso, Texas, had been selected to replace Fritz Behring, who stepped down as county manager in July. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved Ed on Dec. 4 with a 3-2 vote.
But on Wednesday, following a $15,000 search, the board announced that Ed had withdrawn his candidacy.
In an interview, Ed said, “We made a family decision to stay in El Paso. My children were born and raised here.”
Supervisors on the fractured board expressed surprise at his decision.