Julie Pace sits on council even though she lost her run for mayor in 2022. She lost by the highest percentage ever in a Paradise Valley mayoral election. Why does this matter now? Well, because Ms. Pace insists it does. She is right that it matters, but totally wrong about why.
In Ms. Pace’s latest propaganda email “newsletter,” she lecturing the public and colleagues that anyone running for mayor in the middle of their council term must resign, and that she wants to change town rules. Yet, she pioneered this repugnant tactic in her failed bid against Mayor Bien-Willner in 2022, and proceeded to do exactly the opposite of what she insists others do! She lost and stayed on council. No apology, no recognition of her hypocrisy.
This last election cycle she came in dead last place, finishing behind a newcomer despite her heavy campaigning and self-promotion. She would have lost but there were only three people running for three spots, thanks to a lawsuit by her friend forcing one of the candidates out of the race (also a first in PV). The own’s residents didn’t just speak, they have shouted they didn’t want Pace leading our community.
I have followed the council and I’m disgusted, but not surprised by her stunning hypocrisy and lack of morals. Ms. Pace continues to attack residents, resorts and council members. Pace has attacked and claimed ethical violation on the mayor and other council members, save the one who filed the lawsuit listed above. None of those things have merit, but are destructive and harm our town.
Our next mayor needs to have the strength of Mayor Bien-Willner in standing up to the consistent last-place bomb thrower. Let’s see how the two candidates act now.
This opinion was submitted under a pen name. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
