By Melissa Rosequist | Your Valley
Incumbent Jerry Bien-Willner’s mayoral seat is being challenged by Paradise Valley Town Councilmember Julie Pace for the highest seat at the dais.
Bien-Willner is seeking his third term for mayor, and this is the first time he’s been challenged. In Paradise Valley, mayors are elected to a two-year term, while council members are elected to four-year terms.
In the 2018 election, former Mayor Michael Collins did not seek reelection, and no other candidates sought the position. Again in 2020, Bien-Willner was the lone candidate seeking the mayor’s seat.
That changes in 2022, as Pace has thrown her hat into the ring for mayor.
If Pace wins, Town Clerk Duncan Miller explains what would occur with her then-open seat on council.
“If council member Pace were to be elected mayor in August, she could continue to serve as a council member until Jan. 12 when she would resign from council and take the oath of office for mayor. Since she is in the middle of a four-year term, the council would fill the vacancy by appointment for the remainder of the term,” Miller explained.
As the Aug. 2 primary election nears, the Independent is conducting a Q&A series with both mayoral candidates to give readers insight into their platforms and priorities.
