By Matthew Holloway |

The Glendale City Council voted 4-3 Thursday to remove Democrat Councilmember Jose “Lupe” Conchas from office, ruling that his election to the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District Board rendered him ineligible to continue serving under the Glendale City Charter.

The vote followed a special meeting in which councilmembers, residents, and elected officials debated whether Conchas’ newly elected SRP position constituted a second compensated public office prohibited by city rules. The council ultimately approved Resolution R26-60 declaring the Cactus District seat vacant effective immediately.

According to the Glendale City Charter, councilmembers “shall hold no other public office for which they receive compensation” except for service as a notary public or member of the National Guard or military reserve. During the meeting, city officials stated that the council was acting under its charter authority to judge the qualifications of its own members. The resolution cited Conchas’ May 2026 swearing-in to the SRP board and Arizona statute allowing compensation of up to $60 per meeting day for SRP board members.

Mayor Jerry Weiers, Vice Mayor Ray Malnar, and Councilmembers Lauren Tolmachoff and Dianna Guzman voted in favor of the resolution, while Councilmembers Bart Turner and Leandro Baldenegro opposed it. According to AZ Family, the vote left the Cactus District seat vacant and triggered the city’s appointment process.

Glendale officials and supporters of the resolution argued the matter centered on compliance with the city charter rather than politics.

“This has nothing to do with retaliation or retribution or anything,” Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff said following the vote.

“My vote today is based on the law,” Councilmember Dianna Guzman added.

Mayor Jerry Weiers later issued a statement saying that Conchas’ election and swearing-in to the SRP District Board constituted service in “a public office that receives compensation” and that, pursuant to the city charter, the council determined he no longer met the qualifications necessary to serve on Glendale City Council.

Conchas rejected the council’s interpretation and argued that he had not accepted compensation for his SRP service. During the meeting and in subsequent interviews, he maintained that the removal effort was politically motivated and connected to his recent criticism of council stipends and vehicle allowances.

According to Axios Phoenix, Conchas said he had stopped accepting Glendale’s stipend and vehicle allowance and believed his removal was linked to his opposition to the policy, which is reportedly under review following an Arizona Attorney General complaint.

Public testimony at Thursday’s meeting reflected sharp disagreement over the council’s action.

According to an Arizona Daily Independent report citing an anonymous city staff source, Conchas allegedly made an offer during deliberations that some participants viewed as an attempt to influence the vote’s outcome. ADI reported that Conchas suggested he would focus exclusively on his district and forego a future mayoral campaign if allowed to remain on council. Conchas has not publicly responded to that allegation.

Several speakers, including state lawmakers and community activists, urged the council to reject the resolution, arguing that Conchas had been duly elected and that the move created the appearance of political retaliation. Others supported removal, arguing that the city charter’s language was clear and should be applied consistently regardless of political considerations.

State Rep. Quantá Crews (D-LD26) questioned whether the charter applied if Conchas declined compensation from SRP, while State Rep. Cesar Aguilar (D-LD26) argued that the common meaning of “receiving” compensation involved accepting payment rather than merely being eligible for it.

Crews commented, “The people have the power here,” telling council members, “I don’t feel comfortable with the people’s power being taken away from them.”

Other speakers, including Glendale residents and former elected officials, argued the council had a legal obligation to enforce the charter regardless of Conchas’ popularity or public service. Former State Sen. Anthony Kern told the council he supported the council’s action, saying, “It is because of the rule of law.” He added, “It is not against Mr. Conchas at all…it is because law has to be followed.”  

Conchas told AZ Family he plans to pursue legal action challenging the council’s decision and seek reinstatement to the seat.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.