NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday January 8, 2008

Statement from Chair Don Bivens on Rep. Lena Saradnik's resignation

“Lena is a vivacious leader, a dedicated public servant and a tireless worker for her district,” said Don Bivens, Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party. “Lena and her family are in our prayers for her swift and full recovery. We look forward to the day when Lena runs again for public office.”

During her time in the House, Rep. Saradnik pushed for decreasing class sizes for children in kindergarten through third grade, increasing the types of cancer screenings that health insurance companies must cover, and supporting investments in Arizona’s children.

The process for choosing a successor to Rep. Saradnik is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-1202. In accord with the statute, Bivens will send a letter this afternoon to the approximately 80 ballot-elected precinct committee members in Legislative District 26 calling for an election to replace Rep. Saradnik.

The District 26 precinct committee members will select three nominees to replace Rep. Saradnik at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 15. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m., with registration beginning at 6 p.m. The location will be determined.

The names of the three nominees will then be sent to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. The Board will appoint one of the three nominees to fill the remainder of Rep. Saradnik’s term.

Bivens encouraged the Supervisors to work thoroughly and expeditiously to choose a successor.