Three candidates are running for mayor in Sierra Vista, located in southern Arizona, and accusations are flying around regarding a controversial defunct contract with Vanquish Air, an aerospace and defense contractor. Those vying for the position are Republican Carolyn Flowers, currently serving as the vice mayor of Sierra Vista, Mark Rodriguez, who serves on the city council, and Brandon Martin.
Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jack Dona, a resident of Sierra Vista, who has been following the race closely, told Arizona Insiders he believes Flowers, considered the conservative in the race, is the best qualified to be mayor. He expressed concern that Rodriguez allegedly may have been involved in inappropriate contract negotiations in violation of City Policies and Procedures.
“Did Council member Mark Rodriguez hold meetings that were not on the city calendar, which were possibly illegal, without including Vice-Mayor Flowers or Mayor McCaa, in order to set up and continue a contract with Vanquish Air — even though the company was delinquent on its payments to the city?” he asked. “An employee was fired over all this. Was Rodriguez’s involvement and role in all of this fully investigated? Were open meeting laws violated? In my opinion, this appears to be a serious lack of accountability and the voters in Sierra Vista deserve to know the full involvement of the mayoral candidates on this issue. Vice-mayor Flowers appears to have acted quickly, honestly and with integrity once this issue came to her attention per a letter sent to her by her constituents.”
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