With 95% of Yavapai County precincts reporting, Christopher Dowell has defeated Cottonwood City Councilwoman Lisa DuVernary in a recall election to remove her from office.
“The voters have made their voices heard! Now it’s time to focus on the work ahead for our city,” Dowell stated late Tuesday, Nov. 5. “I extend my best wishes to my opponent in her future endeavors. With this newly elected council, we will work together to move our city forward. Thank you to everyone who supported me and trusts in my ability to represent our entire community.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past two years,” DuVernay stated early Wednesday, Nov. 6. “It’s been a long journey, and now I’m looking forward to some well-deserved rest and quality time with my family. Congratulations to my opponent—I am proud of our democratic process, and my love for our country remains steadfast.”
The general election ballot demanding the recall of DuVernay lists three reasons for her removal from office:
■ On Aug. 8, 2023, DuVernay showed pornographic video at a Cottonwood City Council meeting. There were children present.
■ DuVernay also appeared to threaten legal action against the city if the mayor did not instruct staff to draft a city ordinance that had already been voted down by the majority of the council.
■ On Oct. 3, 2023, when concerns were expressed about the appearance of nepotism if her husband sat on the Planning and Zoning Commission, DuVernay insisted she would abstain from voting on any issue on which it might appear inappropriate. She then voted her husband onto the commission.
