Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels abruptly resigned her position leaving a vacancy that must be filled prior to the 2020 General Election. Daniels made the announcement at the end of Tuesday evening’s Town Council meeting.
Daniels had not sought reelection to a second term as mayor.
During last week’s primary, voters forced a runoff election to be held on November 3 between Matt Nielsen and Brigette Peterson. Nielsen and Peterson received the most votes in a four-way race.
According to the Town’s website, “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.”
Daniels posted on the town’s website immediately after the meeting:
“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,” she said in the statement.
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