The deadline has passed for Town Council candidates to file petitions for their name to appear on the August 30, primary election ballot.

The seats up for election this year include mayor and three council members.

Mayor Linda Kavanagh is seeking another term and she will be unchallenged to enter her third term as the town’s mayor.

There are five candidates for the three council seats including two incumbents. Council members Dennis Brown and Cecil Yates are seeking re-election. Council-woman Cassie Hansen is not seeking a new term after serving eight years.

Challengers seeking one of the seats are former Councilman Mike Archambault, Timothy Rawlings and Art Tolis.

The Times has asked the candidates for some background information.

Archambault has been a resident of Fountain Hills for 44 years, arriving in 1972 to work for his father in the construction business. He graduated high school in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Otterbein College for one year.

He has been a local businessman operating M.L. Archambault Builders, Woodwhims Cabinetry and currently owns Handy Man Now.

Archambault

Archambault served on the Town Council for two terms from 2002 until 2010. He is currently on the Planning and Zoning Commission and serves as the chairman.

“I believe it is fair to say that we all want a healthy town that continues to grow and expand, Archambault said. “To that end, it is important to recognize that we the citizens are the Town of Fountain Hills. Every one of us has a voice and we should all be heard.

“When I served on the council … I listened to citizens’ concerns. They wanted civility, a safe and fiscally responsible town, and partnerships with local and outside groups to expand services and opportunities.

“Most of all, they wanted a sustained quality of life, including our small town atmosphere, views, financial stability and core services - the reasons I believe many of us live here for.”

Archambault and his wife, Charla have been married 41 years.

Brown

Dennis Brown was appointed to serve on the Town Council replacing the late Keith McMahan in 2009.

Brown has been a Fountain Hills resident since 1996. He is owner of Echelon Fine Homebuilders.

Brown has served the community on several boards and committees and was previously chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

“I have enjoyed watching Fountain Hills grow up and have recommended Fountain Hills to every person I know who is moving to Arizona,” Brown has said. “I see some problems and situations… I do not see any of the problems or situations as being issues that cannot be worked out to the satisfaction of everyone involved.”

Rawlings

Tim Rawlings is an Arizona native and has lived in Fountain Hills for six years.

Rawlings describes his professional background as “good old-fashioned blue collar retail management.”

He has been responsible for several departments and large project teams.

“I am also a self-taught philosopher in the study of ethics and metaphysics,” Rawlings said. “The reason I have sought out a seat on the town council is a desire to see the town develop with a truly free market, and limited government involvement.

“I would also like to help drive local government transparency, and involvement to the millennial generation. Being a millennial family, the Town of Fountain Hills is ripe with opportunity for growth and a prime community to raise a family.”

Rawlings and his domestic partner of 10 years, Jenica, have one son, age eight, and two dogs.

Tolis

Art Tolis is a native of Connecticut who came to Arizona in 2002, where he established the business, Saguaro Blossom Mortgage, in Fountain Hills.

Tolis received his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1993 and a master’s certificate from University of Washington/Pacific Coast Banking School in 2013.

He served on the Town Council of Berlin, Conn. where he was also deputy mayor. He also served on the planning commissions in New Britain, Conn., Berlin, Conn. and the Town of Fountain Hills.

He is a Four Peaks Rotary Club member and is currently President-elect. He has also served on several other boards and committees in Fountain Hills.

“I have loved this community since the first time arriving on vacation in 1997 - this is my home,” Tolis said. “My goal is to contribute my time and knowledge to further advance our community to be known as the best community to live and raise a family in Arizona.

“My vision for this community is to be known for the best recreational activities with our amazing park systems and amenities for families of all ages. Also to be known as a business friendly and supportive community that supports our local businesses to succeed without over regulation.”

Tolis and his wife, Heather have six children, and he is proud that they are all products of the Fountain Hills school system.

Yates

Cecil Yates is seeking a second four-year term on the council. He served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for five years prior to his election to the council. He was vice-chairman of the commission.

He has been a local resident since 2017.

Yates is executive director property management with Commercial Properties, Inc./CPI, Phoenix.

He has a bachelor’s in marketing and management from the University of Cincinnati, and an MBA in strategic management from Patten University, Oakland, Calif.

He has held management and director positions in Cleveland, Ohio and the Phoenix area since 1998.

Yates also has numerous civic and service experiences with churches, charities and youth activities.

Yates and his wife, Nancy have and married 20 years. They have two children, a son, 15, and daughter 18.