by 
Don Jones, Mayor of Mammoth
Donald Jones has been ruled ineligible to run in in the Aug. 30 Democratic Primary for Pinal County Supervisor District 1 by Pima County Judge Jeffrey T. Bergin.
In a court ruling issued on June 28, Judge Bergin found that nominating petitions for Jones, who is currently mayor of Mammoth, contained only 39 qualified signatures. This is less than the 43 signatures necessary to be placed on the ballot.
Pinal County Supervisor Pete Rios
The challenge to Jones’ petitions was raised by current District 1 Supervisor Pete Rios, who will now run unopposed in the Democratic Primary for that position. The challenge was heard in Pima County Court as all Pinal County judges recused themselves from the case.
Jones has been unavailable for comment on the court ruling.
The Pinal County Board of Elections confirmed on July 1 that Jones has been removed from the Aug. 30 ballot.
Ted Sorensen remains the only candidate running in the Republican Primary for Pinal County Supervisor District 1 and will thus face Rios in November.
James J. Hodl is a career journalist who has worked for newspapers, magazines and trade journals. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism, Hodl began his career as a reporter with the Palatine (IL) Herald and the Morton Grove (IL) Review before becoming editor of the trade publication Appliance Service News. In recent years, Hodl has had articles published in Consumers Digest, Good Housekeeping, Home Remodeling, Kitchens & Baths and Salute; and has contributed to trade publications serving the home furnishings, restaurant and casino markets. A native of Chicago, Hodl relocated to San Tan Valley in 2013.
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