Editor's note: The following story appears in the June 10 Town of Paradise Valley Independent. Post comments by hitting reply in the upper right-hand corner. Comments will be posted in an upcoming issue of the Town of Paradise Valley Independent.
Brian Cooney resigns from council
Replacement process to be discussed June 25
By Zach Colick
Independent Newspapers
Councilman Brian Cooney has stepped down from his post on the Town Council, citing scheduling conflicts relating to both business and family that forced him to choose between effectively serving the town or “jeopardize my ability to run my business and earn a living.”
Mr. Cooney, a Realtor who spends a majority of his time traveling between Phoenix and California, stated in an e-mail interview that he sat down with business colleagues earlier this year to plan out the remainder of 2009.
He realized numerous time commitments would force him to choose between his profession and serving the town.
The obvious choice was clear.
“The shift in the economy changes the way my business works and the amount of time I need to be away, mostly in California,” he stated in the e-mail. “It was important for me to remain on through the final plat approval for the Ritz-Carlton project, as well as the (town’s) budget meetings.”
Mr. Cooney, 43, also said he wants to be closer to his family; his father is not well and he will soon be an uncle for the first time. He chose to not elaborate into further details, citing confidentiality.
“I can’t go into too much detail for others’ privacy reasons, but I can say I’m glad to be needed and that I come from a close-knit family,” Mr. Cooney said. “It has been a struggle to ‘be there’ these last three years for important trips, support, helping out, et cetera.
The Town Council will accept Mr. Cooney’s resignation at its June 11 work/study session. Council members will then discuss June 25 the process to replace him, according to Town Manager Jim Bacon.
It is not known at this time whether the town will look to fill the spot immediately or leave it vacant until it is filled during the March 2010 election.
Mr. Cooney was elected in a run-off election in May 2006 and took office in June 2006, according to Town Clerk Duncan Miller. He had a little less than a year remaining on his four-year term. The new council takes office in June 2010.
Before running for council, Mr. Cooney was heavily involved with Paradise Valley Citizens Forum and also attended meetings of the town’s original water committee.
“I wish Brian the best of luck in the future. As a town council member, Brian was a calming voice on the council,” said Mayor Vernon Parker. “He always brought the discussions back to reality and made it easier for us to render decisions on various issues.”
Mr. Cooney said he has “truly enjoyed” the opportunity to serve the community as a public official during “such a significant time period.”
With many important and significant decisions taking plus during his three-plus-year tenure, he said he is leaving with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
“It’s been a rewarding and satisfying experience, and I’m very proud to have been involved,” said Mr. Cooney, noting he will miss listening to residents speaking out on various town-wide issues, as well as giving someone relief by helping them solve a problem. “You can’t appreciate what that experience is like until you are sitting there (on the dais).”
Councilwoman Mary Hamway said Mr. Cooney’s resignation was unexpected. While she understands the rationale behind his decision, Ms. Hamway said it was a sad day for the town considering all the former councilman has done for the town.
“When he was engaged in conversations, he really contributed and was a great asset,” she said, noting he was very supportive of resort development and always asked the right questions.
Councilwoman Hamway said it was Mr. Cooney who was instrumental in getting the Town Hall’s new metal roof approved.
Though the roof design cost more than others the town was considering, she said it turned out to be the best choice, noting town officials and the public believe it to both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
“That’s just one thing that stands out for me,” she said.
Councilwoman Jini Simpson, who is friendly and close with Mr. Cooney, said she had an inkling he might step down due to his constant traveling.
“Once somebody makes a decision, I feel like the best thing a friend can do is support their decision,” she said.
Councilwoman Simpson said she will remember Mr. Cooney as the person most instrumental in creating the town’s water committee.
While the water commitee’s focus is now broader in scope, she said the former councilman was interested in town officials speaking about conservation issues with residents and making sure the town had a voice in front of the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Last edited on Mon Jun 8th, 2009 10:53 pm by Zach Colick
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