Dear Fellow Citizens,

At this time of great uncertainty for our nation due to the coronavirus health crisis, and its extreme impact on our economic system, we all feel somewhat helpless wondering what part we can individually play to help the situation. Well, there is something we can all do not only to benefit ourselves but our families, friends, and neighbors, and it has to do with easing the economic strain caused by the coronavirus restrictions.

Let me explain. I read an editorial in the Friday, March 20th edition of the Wall Street Journal, entitled, “The Emergency 401(k) Button”. The editorial proposes a significant countermeasure to the stalled U.S. economy resulting from coronavirus restrictions. The countermeasure would involve Congress passing legislation allowing people to withdraw a certain sum, say $10,000, from their retirement accounts without facing the normal penalties or taxes. This is not unprecedented. Congress has given this authority in the past under different circumstances. It’s a way to tap liquidity that already exists so people can keep their own businesses afloat, help family members struggling with health care costs, job losses, bankruptcies, etc. According to the editorial, the Federal Reserve reports that 54% of non-retired adults have a defined-contribution plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). Also, 33% hold an individual retirement account. For Americans overall, this represents a huge pool of money, estimated by one survey at roughly $17 trillion. This is a far greater sum to be accessed for many Americans than the $1,000-$2,000 Congress is considering. And, it will not increase our national debt.

So how can you help? Congress must pass legislation to give Americans access to their own monies during this crisis. You can help by immediately, today, calling or emailing/texting your congressional representatives to request they pass urgent legislation allowing individuals to withdraw up to $10,000 from their retirement accounts, without penalty or taxes, to deal with the personal financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic. I’ve already sent my emails, and hope you will too, as we continue to pray for the health and well-being of our nation, its citizens, and all its leaders.

Harry Oberg
Former Prescott Mayor and
Brigadier General, Army National Guard (Ret)

It was a dark and stormy night.  However, on the evening of March 10, 2020, weather conditions on Whiskey Row in Prescott didn’t deter a large turnout at the Western Heritage Center to help launch Harry Oberg’s campaign for Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, District One.

With numerous displays of Old West historical memorabilia, abundant appetizers, an open wine and beer bar, the well-wishers were treated to several speakers including Ron Grossman, Barry Denton, Connie Cantelme, and Jim Robb.  They spoke of their relationship with Oberg and why he is the most qualified candidate to lead District One over the next four years.

As supervisor, Oberg’s goals are to bring more economic prosperity to the county, effectively conserve scarce resources–water, wildlife, forests and open space, and streamline county services so every dollar is maximized for taxpayers’ benefit.  He also believes solutions must be brought forward to address increasing traffic and the county’s serious transportation infrastructure needs.  As a Prescott native raised in a ranching family, he is dedicated to preserving and promoting Yavapai county’s western heritage.

A lifelong conservative Republican, Oberg served the City of Prescott as Mayor.  During his term, he and the City Council dealt with several major issues including conserving water resources, expansion of the Prescott airport, reduction of unlicensed sober living homes, open space acquisition, and the short fall in the pension fund for retired police and firefighters (PSPRS).

Oberg will draw upon his 33-year military career for leadership.  He is a highly decorated Army aerial combat veteran who, among his many citations, was awarded the Military Order of Purple Heart and 2 Bronze Stars.  He retired from military service in 2000 at the rank of Colonel in the US Army and as Brigadier General in the Army National Guard.

As a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, he strongly believes in defending 2^nd Amendment rights and opposes Red Flag Laws.

Oberg and his wife of 21 years, Jeanna, retired to Prescott in 2007.  They have a combined family of 4 children and 4 grandchildren.  He is a graduate of Prescott High School, Northern Arizona University, the U.S. Army War College and Salva Regina University.

For more information, contact harryforBOS1@gmail.com.

Harry was first in line at the Yavapai County Elections office on Fair Street this morning to officially file his campaign petitions and submit final filing paperwork. He thanks the many folks who signed his YC BOS 1 nomination petitions!

The below article was originally published in The Daily Courier on February 12, 2020 8:39 p.m.

“Harry Oberg is running for the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, District 1. He made the announcement at the Yavapai Republican Men’s Forum on Monday, Feb. 10.

“My family has a long history in this city and county, and we have a tradition of giving back to the community. I always knew I would continue to serve Yavapai County in some way,” Oberg said at the Men’s Forum.

Oberg, a Republican, highlighted his career as Prescott mayor (2015-17) and how that would help him serve as supervisor in Yavapai County. “I had the opportunity to work on many critical issues concerning the citizens of Prescott which have a direct correlation to our citizens and communities within District 1.”

He added his vision for District 1 — which includes: economic development, transportation infrastructure, water conservation, streamlining county services and preservation of our rural heritage.

“Yavapai County is at a juncture where it can build on the successes of the past. I believe through my previous experiences as Prescott mayor and my work at the Pentagon, I can help effectively manage our resources and ensure the safety of our citizens, while at the same time develop future policies which will preserve our rural feel, and support balanced growth,” Oberg said.

Oberg served two tours in Vietnam as an “aerial scout” Army helicopter pilot. His combat decorations include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, 34 Air Medals (one with Valor Device), and numerous Vietnam campaign and service awards.

Oberg pursued his Army career until retirement in 2000 at the rank of Colonel and Brigadier General in the National Guard. In the last nine years before he retired, Oberg was assigned to the Pentagon, where he was responsible for a $1.5 billion budget providing equipment and supplies to Army National Guard units deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq.”