Republican Tammy Ontiveros has flipped the Coconino County District 3 Supervisor seat, holding a 908-vote lead over Democratic incumbent Adam Hess, 8,446 to 7,528 at the time of writing. .
Mr. Hess conceded the race during a Veterans Day speech Nov. 11 at the Sedona Historical Museum.
“I really want to put my name out there to be a Junior ROTC instructor at Coconino High School,” Hess said. “That’s my goal and my dream.”
Hess added that he is also considering becoming a wrestling coach and returning to work in the federal government.
“After a year as a supervisor, my resume is much stronger,” Hess said. “So, I’m looking for what I can get involved in…I’ve seen a lot of good results come out of Junior ROTC programs, and it’s not necessarily military. It’s really about mentorship. It’s just the kids who are looking for an alternative to regular school.”
Hess replaces Democrat Matt Ryan, who retired after 27 years on the board, including seven terms as chairman. Ryan won his last term in District 3 in 2020 against Byron Peterson by a margin of 9,188 votes to 7,352 votes. Mr. Hess was selected from five candidates to fill the vacancy.
Ontiveros declined to comment until the results of the vote are reviewed by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
Ontiveros will be the only Republican on the board and the only change in board membership. In District 1, Vice Chair Patrice Horstman defeated Larry Freeman Schug 9,488 to 4,378. Geronimo Vázquez ran unopposed in District 2, receiving 7,970 votes. In District 4, Commissioner Judy Begay received 8,656 votes to Walter Dempsey’s 6,123 votes. Ward 5 incumbent Lena Fowler was re-elected unopposed with 9,203 votes.
Mr. Ontiveros surpassed Mr. Hess in campaign fundraising, having raised a total of $68,020 and spent $61,600 as of Oct. 23, compared to Hess’ $2,176. She also spent $44,812 against Sean Golliher, who spent $4,134 in the Republican primary. In the primary election, Mr. Ontiveros received 2,026 votes and Mr. Golliher received 1,111 votes.
The only other contested county election was to replace retiring Recorder Patty Hansen, who was first elected in 2012, with Democrat Aubrey Sonderegger voting 38,887 to 26,176. He defeated Republican Bob Thorpe. Many Democrats ran unopposed. Deputy Sheriff Brett Aksland was elected county sheriff, replacing Jim Driscoll, with 48,750 votes. County Attorney Ammon Barker, Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Padgett and County Treasurer Sarah Benatar will all serve four more years.
Voters approved Proposition 482 by a margin of 46,071 to 17,134, making a permanent base adjustment that increases Coconino County’s spending limit by “$61.1 million, from $81 million to $142 million,” according to a county communications brochure. I raised my forehead.
