By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels surprisingly tendered her immediate resignation last night.
Daniels was already set to leave office in January after the election of a new mayor. Daniels was not seeking reelection.
She announced her immediate resignation at the Gilbert Town Council meeting yesterday. She also issued a statement (below) on her exit. Daniels did not outline a specific reason for last night’s resignation.
Matt Nielsen and Brigette Peterson are in a run-off election in November to succeed Daniels.
Daniel served as Gilbert Mayor since 2016. The town has seen significant population, jobs, and real estate development growth during tenure. Gilbert has also seen the growth of its Heritage District into a popular restaurant row.
Daniels has been viewed as a rising political star and as a potential Republican candidate for higher or statewide office
Here is Daniels’ statement on her resignation:
To the Town of Gilbert:
I have loved serving the Town of Gilbert for more than 11 years. I have worked alongside amazing people – staff and council members, regional and school leaders, business owners, volunteers, faith groups and friends and neighbors – all working to make our community a better place to live, work and play.Effective immediately following the adjournment of tonight’s council meeting, I am resigning from the office of Mayor of the Town of Gilbert. I’d like to thank my family and all those who have supported me – especially my four favorite Gilbert residents, Ethan, Drew, Ty and Kate Daniels. Thank you to those who put their trust me in me to lead. You have been patient and generous, and I will always be grateful for this remarkable experience.
In gratitude,
Jenn Daniels
Per Town code, the Town Council must fill the vacancy by appointment for the remainder of Mayor Daniels’ term. The Town Council can only consider people who are qualified electors and have been residents of the Town for at least one year. The process that will be utilized to select the replacement is at the discretion of the Town Council. The appointee will serve until the end of Mayor Daniels’ current term, which ends in January 2021.
