Reelected Cave Creek council focused on town goals
by Brian DiTullio

CAVE CREEK – A reelected town council and mayor say they are looking forward to continuing work toward the town’s current goals.

All six incumbent council members and Mayor Vincent Francia were retained by Cave Creek voters last week.

Francia said after the returns came in that he got “a good night’s sleep” and is looking forward to continuing with the town’s annexation process.

“There’s a lot of work to do,” he said. “The next big item will be the annexation itself,” referencing Cave Creek’s plans to annex three swaths of state trust land along the town’s

western boundary.                   

Councilman Dick Esser agrees there is lot on town council’s plate, but feels the council has an opportunity to accomplish “a lot” over the next two years.

“For me, it’s very exciting to be a part of that effort,” said Esser. “It’s going to be an interesting two years.”

Councilwoman Kimberly Brennan stated she is glad the entire council has been returned, “especially since we’re in the middle of so many things that are important to the long‑term identity of the town.” She cited trails and land preservation as examples.

Grace Meeth related that she’s thrilled to be back as a council member and also would like to see the annexation process through to its conclusion. “Of course, that’s assuming it can be finished in the next two years,” she said.

Councilman Gilbert Lopez thanked voters “for the trust they placed in me, and I’ll continue to work hard for them.” He said “the community spoke loud and clear about their goals and who they want to lead them toward those goals.”                 

Councilman Ernie Bunch concurred with that statement. “Apparently, we must be doing something right. We don’t always agree, but we usually come to good decisions, and I think the public appreciates that.”

Councilman Tom McGuire viewed the election as “historical,” due to the entire council being reelected, and said he wants to keep pushing for more horse trails and to get those trails tied together. “They’re so important to defining the character of Cave Creek,” stated McGuire.

Mayoral candidate Kimberly Versage, who spent the day after the election picking up her campaign signs, expressed gratitude for those who turned out to vote for her.

“I’m just glad we don’t have to go to a runoff,” said Versage, but added she’ll still be a familiar face at council meetings as the town’s water company acquisitions move forward.

“I don’t think the taxpayers of Cave Creek should have to be paying for Desert Hills and Sabrosa (water companies). We’re going to have to use our (Water Infrastructure Finance Authority) money to pay for these customers,” she said.              

Candidate Bob Moore also thanked those who supported him, noting, “While I lost the election, I have not lost my voice.”

Candidate Robert Miller pointed out that, even though he lost, about 40 percent of the voters expressed their displeasure with the current town council.

“They agreed with my message of fiscal prudence and strictly enforcing our existing ordinances,” he said, adding the current council doesn’t always adhere to their own policies. “You either obey the laws or change them. You can’t have it both ways.”

Mayor Francia noted this is the first time in the town’s history that an entire council has been returned in an election.

“That’s saying something, as this council has dealt with some very tough issues,” he said. “Some of them have been divisive.”