AZDS questions graphic for website

My Answers to the AZ Daily Sun Questions

I’ll add each week’s answers.

July 11, 2026

What actions should Flagstaff and northern Arizona take to prepare as best as it can for wildfires and flooding?

Continue what we’re doing. In 2012, Flagstaff voters approved a $10M bond to support the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP) to focus forest treatments on critical watersheds, reducing threats including diminished water quality and post-fire flooding. More than 14,000 acres have been restored with ecologically based, wildfire risk reduction thinning in FWPP priority areas. This investment has leveraged more than $40 million to get significant forest restoration treatment work planned and completed, with more in the works. The city partners with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Coconino County Flood Control District, and the Coconino National Forest on this effort, and the city council advocates for state and federal support year-round to enable us to continue this work. With additional resources of staff and funding, we can build on our success and get this work done even faster. The risk is real and Flagstaff is leading the way.

July 2, 2026

What did the city council do well over the last two years?

Public trust is essential and the City and Council have made communication a priority. Decisions must be thoughtfully arrived at and must include the public. We work to make processes transparent, understandable, and to ensure that public input is carefully considered. The decisions we’re faced with are often challenging and it’s impossible to have full agreement among all residents, but I work to consider as many perspectives as possible and to clearly communicate my reasoning. My weekly calendar is on the city’s website and it’s my priority is to be accessible to local residents, organizations, and institutions. Clear and timely communication takes work, and I promise to continue making this a priority. It’s my honor and privilege to serve as Flagstaff’s mayor and I’m grateful for your trust.

June 27, 2026

What’s the most important reason you’re running for office?

The most important reason is that I love this community—its people and its natural environment. It’s been my honor to serve our community in many capacities over the years and with each passing year, I find yet another reason to love it here. I’m running to continue thoughtful leadership informed by a broad range of community input, data, and successful ideas that are working elsewhere. The city has made real strides on many important projects and I’m proud to have been part of making this headway. Flagstaff needs continued bold and effective solutions as well as leadership and perseverance to see solutions implemented. I promise to keep my attention on ways to improve the lives of residents, to listen, and to continue developing solutions and strategies to address community priorities.

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