Navajo County District 3 Supervisor Sylvia Allen, a popular former legislator, has resigned to run for the Arizona State Senate and the move has created a vacancy on the Navajo County Board of Supervisors. As a result, the County is now seeking potential candidates to serve the remainder of Allen’s term, which ends in 2016.
Allen will succeed Senator Chester Crandell, who past away last month as a result of a horseback riding accident.
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Allen accepted the nomination by the Republican Precinct Committeemen of Legislative District Six (LD6) to serve in the upcoming November general election as the Republican Party candidate for the LD6 Senate seat. That seat was previously held by Senator Chester Crandell, who died in August as a result of a horseback riding accident.
The Arizona State Constitution holds that no salaried incumbent public officers, except those in the final year of the term they are serving, may offer himself/herself for nomination to any other salaried local, State or federal office. Since Allen, who was elected to the Board in 2012, is only halfway through her four-year term, she has resigned her position on the Board of Supervisors to accept the Senate candidate nomination. The Navajo County Board of Supervisors accepted Allen’s resignation during its September 9, 2014 regular Board meeting.
“Supervisor Allen’s commitment to northeastern Arizona communities and people is admirable. She has spent many years in public service through her previous tenure in the State Senate, and during her time here on the Navajo County Board of Supervisors,” said Navajo County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jesse Thompson. “We value Sylvia’s many contributions during her time on the Board and wish her all the best in her endeavors with the Senate.”
Allen, known for her quick wit and fiery demeanor, which matches the color of her hair, has earned the trust of the residents of the rural county.
“We know there are exceptional people living in District 3 who could greatly serve their neighbors and provide effective leadership for their county,” said Jesse Thompson, Chairman of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors. “We hope some of those folks will step forward, so we can select the best qualified individual to join the Board of Supervisors and serve the remainder of Supervisor Allen’s term.”
To be eligible for consideration for the supervisor position, a candidate must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter, reside within District III boundaries, and be a registered Republican. District III communities include Holbrook, Snowflake, Taylor, Woodruff, Joseph City, Shumway, Silver Lake Estates and White Mountain Lakes. A map of the district may be found at http://www.navajocountyaz.gov/bos/.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 9 a.m. to review the applications received. At that time, the Board may either proceed with selecting a candidate or elect to adopt other procedures it deems advisable to proceed with filling the vacancy. The newly seated Supervisor will serve the remainder of Allen’s term through 2016.
Applications for the supervisor position must be received by Melissa Buckley, Clerk of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors by e-mail Melissa.Buckley@navajocountyaz.gov, fax (928) 524-4239 or in person by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2014, and must include a resume, letter of interest, a declaration that the individual submitting the application is legally qualified to be considered for an appointment to fill the vacancy, and indicate the applicant’s political party affiliation.