1) In Flagstaff, our indigenous community has been marginalized for centuries. Nationally, there are efforts to limit the teaching of the histories of marginalized populations in the U.S. How would you ensure that Flagstaff is an inclusive and welcoming community and do you have ideas for how to include historically marginalized groups in local policy decisions?
ALL history should be taught, even if it is uncomfortable. We learn from our success and errors, truth in history is very important. It allows us to accept responsibility for our actions and teach us how certain events shaped the world in which we live. Erasing history does not mean it didn’t happen, only that we refuse to acknowledge it. We should support community events that showcase our diverse history and traditions. Done well, these events can teach us the part these groups played in our history.
I would support a public comment stage for issues that impact any certain group. That being ANY policy that impacts any group including determined by ethnicity, gender or age.
2) Northern Arizona Healthcare is proposing to move Flagstaff’s hospital from the center of town to a new location near Fort Tuthill. Do you have any concerns about the impact of this move on the Flagstaff community? How will you approach NAH to ensure that all new construction is in line with the city’s carbon neutrality plan, including the utilization of clean energy sources? How will you ensure that the City is not burdened with expenses associated with the move, e.g., with the need for an additional bus line, emergency services, etc.?
The new campus for FMC will allow the hospital to provide better service to our community. The current facility has gone through countless modifications and is no longer efficient. Without buying and razing homes and businesses in the area north of downtown there is no room for expansion. The current inefficiencies of the campus would still exist. FMC has run out of room to meet the needs of our community. As the regional hospital in Northern Arizona, we deserve an up-to-date medical center. Sadly, we will lose the central location, however air traffic will be reduced. We will need to work out logistics of providing emergency medical locations close to the north side residents. Our area fire and EMS provide exceptional care and transport in an emergency. This expansion will add good-paying jobs and attract specialties to Flagstaff. What is good for the Flagstaff area is good for the City. I would hope there are discussions with the Council regarding their energy plan and energy sourcing. I feel that some changes as expanding the bus line might be beneficial to providing transportation for others in the area as well increasing the use of public transportation.
3) Which state laws do you see as impediments to the city’s ability to craft appropriate regulations? Which of these would you prioritize as a target for the City’s lobbyist?
First, I would like to hear what regulations we need to put in place. I am inclined to decrease regulations. In my experience, regulations tend to increase costs and with the current economic issues, we shouldn’t create further burdens on the tax payers. If specific laws appear to infringe on the rights of the City, I would seek counsel and work to correct the issue.
4) The uncertainty of climate change impacts on Flagstaff’s water supply, coupled with projected growth means that the City is looking for additional sources of water for Flagstaff’s residents. What is your opinion of the Red Gap Ranch pipeline project and proposals to increase our drinking water supply with treated wastewater (indirect or direct potable reuse)? What do you believe is the best way to protect our water resources from contamination by compounds of emerging concern? How can the Flagstaff City Council ensure that growth does not impact an adequate and safe water supply for our population now and into the future?
First, I am not convinced that the Red Gap Ranch project is the right thing to pursue at this time. I am certain the costs have significantly increased due to inflation. I believe there are other more cost-effective options available.
I am vehemently opposed to using treated wastewater in our drinking water.
We need to monitor what goes into our groundwater and take appropriate action to protect our water supply. Paying attention to unintended discharges and issues from flood debris.
Virtually all growth will impact our water supply. We need to identify water sources that will allow us to provide quality water for Flagstaff. We need to educate, encourage, and conserve, not just water but all finite resources. We need to continue water conservation programs like low use plumbing fixtures. We can provide incentives for companies who implement or are low use employers and attract those businesses to Flagstaff.
5) The needs of the residents of Flagstaff are changing and will continue to do so as climate change impacts are felt locally. We face the disastrous cycle of severe wildfires (e.g., the Tunnel, Pipeline, and Museum fires) followed by devastating flooding. How should the City respond strategically, proactively, and equitably to predicted local impacts on our neighborhoods?
Proactively, we MUST make the forest healthy again. The overgrown forest is an impediment to effective firefighting. As a retired firefighter I understand the need for a healthy forest. Healthy forests provide better habitat for wildlife, a safer place for people to enjoy and safety for surrounding communities. This, in turn, can significantly decrease the risk of post fire flooding.
The city needs to continue working on flood mitigation, protecting ALL areas of the city. We are a community that has to work together for all, we are so much more together than individually.
6) The City has begun the “Visioning” (Phase II) of the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045. This plan is mandated and is a policy guide focused on land use. The Regional Plan covers a range of topics with information on current conditions, the community’s vision for the future, and goals and policies to realize the future vision. What is your vision of the future of Flagstaff related to land use and development and what goals do you believe should be included in the Plan?
My vision includes attracting employers to Flagstaff to help improve the ability to afford housing. I would like developments of housing for the working class, Police, firefighters, teachers, laborers, small business owners. I want to see appropriate land development, maintaining our beautiful views and open spaces. I want to see our urban interface addressed to improve the safety of Flagstaff and the surrounding communities. There are a lot of opportunities to improve in our community that will benefit us all. We must look to the future and not be short-sighted. I would like the community to come together like our country did after 9/11 and work together for the common good.