County Supervisor Andy Kunasek to retire after 19 years

After 19 years as a Maricopa County supervisor, Andy Kunasek is retiring at the end of his term later this year.

Kunasek, a Republican who helped shepherd one of the nation's largest counties through a recession, expansion of the county's trail system, as well as the years-long civil war within county government, notified his colleagues on Thursday.

The opening has already set off a scramble among elected officials and political insiders interested in running for the District 3 seat, which represents a swath of the north Valley. Shortly after Kunasek delivered his letter, Phoenix City Councilman Bill Gates said he intends to run for the position.

"Having answered the call to public service back in 1997, I am proud to be able to look back over the many accomplishments and appreciate just what a positive difference responsible government can make in people's lives," Kunasek's letter to colleagues said. "The time has come, however, to allow someone else to serve the residents of District 3, and I have decided not to seek re-election this fall, choosing instead to pursue some of my own personal goals and private ventures."

Kunasek was appointed to the Board of Supervisors in September 1997 and was elected in 1998. He has been re-elected each election cycle since.

A father of three, he owns interests in plant nursery and other agricultural-related enterprises, and is president of Mercado Management, a diversified land acquisition and real-estate management company.

In his letter, Kunasek thanked his mentors for teaching him about "true leadership" -- including former Gov. Jan Brewer, House Minority Leader Art Hamilton and former Supervisor Max Wilson

"Their mentoring helped me realize along the way that making informed decisions amid the many differing opinions involves making yourself accessible, listening closely, while being honest and principled in your actions," he said.

Supervisor Clint Hickman, who joined the board in 2013, praised Kunasek's service, calling him the board's "big brother."

"He's just honest and fun ... and I think it's a tremendous loss," said Hickman. "He was the voice of reason so many times, he cuts through the chatter. Some of us are predisposed to talk a little bit too much, and Andy is always the guy who can cut through the crap."

Meanwhile, Gates’ announcement that he’s running for the Board of Supervisors will have a domino effect at Phoenix City Hall. State law requires Gates, whose council district includes Sunnyslope, Moon Valley and parts of northeast Phoenix, to resign his council seat in order to run.

Gates said he plans to resign May 31. The City Council must then appoint someone to fill his seat until a special election is held to determine who will serve the remainder of his term through 2019.

Sunnyslope businessman Jim Mapstead formed a campaign committee to run for the District 3 council seat last week. Other potential contenders are Debra Stark, a former city employee and the county’s planning and development director, and real-estate agent Dan Carroll, who announced in a Facebook post Thursday that he intends to seek the appointment..

Republic reporter Dustin Gardiner contributed to this article.

Follow the reporter on Twitter @yvonnewingett and reach her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4712.