Now is the time to take advantage of our booming economy. Our institutions of higher learning and the Prescott Regional Airport can be springboards for economic development in addition to connecting our community to the world through significantly improved air travel.

Growth is underway in our communities and my goal is to balance that growth while maintaining our rural/western heritage and dark skies. Arizona’s increase in population will demand continued review of land and water management practices to limit sprawl and ensure our water needs do not exceed safe yield requirements. In addition to preserving the Granite Dells, we must make a concerted effort to protect our unique wildlife and its habitat.

The job of the BOS is to ensure we provide safe, adequate, and cost-efficient county services to our metropolitan and rural communities alike. With a $250M+ annual county budget, every effort must be made to ensure taxpayers get the full value for tax dollars paid to the county. Cost analyses of major budget items should be performed on a regular basis to ensure best-value decisions for taxpayers.

While weather and location are important, it is the Western culture and heritage of this county that brings so many people here to visit and live. Our wide-open spaces and rural atmosphere allow people to enjoy their freedom, pursue varied lifestyles, and benefit from ample amenities, which include clean air, wildlife viewing, national forests, and trail and wilderness opportunities. We must be vigilant and make wise decisions to preserve these gifts for future generations.