Judge declares Glendale’s removal of Lupe Conchas ‘illegal and void’ as city restores council seat

A Maricopa County judge has ordered the city of Glendale to immediately reinstate Councilman Lupe Conchas.

The ruling found the City Council overstepped its authority when it removed him last month over his election to the Salt River Project (SRP) board.

“I am looking forward to continuing to serve,” Conchas said in a statement. “I have followed the law this entire process and the ruling today made that official.”

The city’s charter bars council members from holding another public office “for which they receive compensation,” with exceptions only for notaries public and members of the military.

Superior Court Judge Greg Como said in a ruling that the $60-per-day payment SRP directors receive for attending board meetings is a per diem reimbursement.

Como found the $60 pays for the actual expenses to physically attend SRP board meetings and therefore is reimbursement, not compensation.

That distinction, Como ruled, means Conchas can legally keep his Glendale council seat.

“The City Council exceeded its authority under the Glendale City Charter when it passed Resolution No. R26-60,” Como wrote.

Why did the council remove Lupe Conchas from his district seat?

The council voted 4-3 on May 28 to declare Conchas’ Cactus District seat vacant after he was elected and sworn in as an SRP board member earlier that month.

“My vote today is based on adherence to the law and to our city charter, and my responsibility is to uphold the city charter independently and without prejudice,” Councilwoman Dianna Guzman said about her vote to remove Conchas. “I feel the real victims here are the residents of Cactus District who I’m sure did not expect to lose their councilmember by his own doing.”

Conchas filed suit the next day, arguing the small daily payment did not amount to a salary.

Glendale had already started accepting applications from Cactus District residents to fill the seat, according to the Arizona Republic.

Conchas was elected to the council in July 2024 to serve a four-year term. The city restored his name to its website Tuesday shortly after noon.

“The City of Glendale has reviewed the Superior Court’s ruling and is taking the necessary steps to complete the reinstatement of Councilmember Lupe Conchas to his position representing the Cactus District,” said a Glendale spokesperson in a statement.

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