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Flagstaff
Tea Party
Voter's Guide |
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In the Nov. 7 general election Coconino county voters in districts two
and three will be choosing who will represent them on the County Board
of Supervisors.
Also on Nov. 7, voters in state district two will pick two
representatives for the Arizona state House of Representatives, as well
as one for the state Senate.
On Sept. 7, Flagstaff Tea Party sent a questionnaire to those primary
election winners who will go on to face off in the Nov. 7 general
election. Their answers were due back Sept. 16.
The following candidates did not respond to our questionnaire:
Republican John Verkamp, running for state senator; Democrats Josh
Allen and James Sedillo, both running for state representative.
Candidates who did respond are listed in alphabetical order for each
race. No effort has been made to correct spelling mistakes or
grammatical problems in the responses from candidates. Responses have
not been edited. See
Margaret
Roush-Meier answers on a different page.
County Board of Supervisors
1.Tell us about yourself and what you feel qualifies you to serve on the
Coconino County Board of Supervisors?
County District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
I am a native and fourth generation resident of Flagstaff who grew up
in the Sunnyside neighborhood. I attended Flagstaff Public Schools and
am a graduate of NAU. I am the first Supervisor in District 2 to
complete a full term in more than a decade. I have brought stability,
representation, innovation and creativity to the job and have been a
strong voice for the residents of the district and the county
overall.
I am a grass-roots leader. I think outside of the box and am not
content with business as usual. I believe in being inclusive and
reaching consensus. One example of this commitment are the several
neighborhood and district-wide meetings I organized to increase citizen
participation in county decision-making.
I am dedicated to and involved in the community. My service on
boards/committees allows me to make the linkages necessary to form
partnerships and develop resources.
I have the experience, proven leadership, conscience, and caring spirit
necessary to be an effective Supervisor.
Tim Feavel, Republican
I’m an Arizona native and an Army veteran. My wife Ann and I have three
children who attend Flagstaff Public Schools. I have a degree in
Computer Electronics and Psychology, with over twenty-four years in the
public safety field.
I know what it is to work hard to reach goals and to give my time and
talent to help build a better community.
As President of Action, Inc. from 1990-1998, I wrote and developed the
Action Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training program, which has
become the leading Crisis Intervention program in Arizona and widely
used nationally and internationally. I have worked with Legislators and
groups by lobbying and speaking in support of State House and Senate
Bills dealing with Employee Protection Legislation, Foster Care and
Child Protection Legislation.
My views and ideas of County Supervisor may seem to be a little old
fashioned, but I feel that the job of a County Supervisor is that of a
public servant, working full time to serve the people of their District
and making sure their voice is heard.
County District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
My name is Jim Hoffman. I am an Arizona native. I have resided in
Williams since graduating from NAU in 1965.
I have served my community as a Planning and Zoning Commission member,
City Council member and as Mayor over the last 30 years. I am a past
chair man of the Northern Arizona Council of Governments.
I am running for the County Board of Supervisors because I feel my years
of public service have taught me that as an elected official I am a
servant of the people. I will listen to the wants and needs of my
constituents and work to make their wishes become reality. I will leave
no stone unturned in helping solve the complex county problems.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
I have volunteered for nonprofits, participated as a citizen on plans
supporting education and wise community planning leading up to becoming
a Supervisor. It is important to know and touch the peoples hearts and
minds to better understand what we need and what we think in order to
understand how we must move there. I am a consensus builder on a broad
scale and have worked to activate the minds of people that can help us
get there in their particular area that enfolds into the whole, or I
have researched & listened when I was the one of limited knowledge.
2. Describe two or three things you have done in the past year to
improve the quality of life within the County.
County District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
I developed and implemented several programs to improve the quality of
life for our youth and families. I wrote a grant and was awarded
$650,000 in funding for Operation Weed & Seed, a neighborhood
improvement effort in Sunnyside that reduces criminal activity, provides
educational enrichment programs, and neighborhood beautification.
I appointed a committee of residents to review and revise the Doney Park
Timberline Fernwood Area Plan, so residents have a voice in how they
want their area to look, grow, or change in the next 20 years. The
committee’s recommendations are adopted by the Board of Supervisors and
used as a guide for the future land-use and quality of life decisions.
I have allocated over $100,000 in District 2 funding for educational,
cultural/artistic, environmental, and economic development efforts.
Tim Feavel, Republican
I’ve had the privilege of attending literally dozens of community
meetings and extend my help by consulting, circulating information,
circulating petitions or lobbying County or State government on their
behalf.
I’ve done guest lectures and instruction within our schools and
community dealing with safety and security, crisis intervention,
violence prevention, as well as other topics dealing with the welfare of
our schools and community.
I’ve been involved in issues regarding Save the Peaks, School Finance,
CFV, CGMI and County Zoning.
I need your Vote! to do more.
County District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
The need to cooperate with cities, state, and federal agencies is very
important to me. Perhaps if the present board had been more inclusive of
the public’s views on Canyon Forest Village, we wouldn’t be subject to
the propaganda and lies now being put out by CFV.
I have worked hard to place Proposition 400 on the ballot. I don’t think
we need a county island of six thousand people on the South Rim of the
Grand Canyon.
The argument that the inholdings owned by CFV will be developed is also
a hollow argument. There is no water or zoning in place for these in
holdings that would allow development to occur. The economic reality is
– if they were viable for development they would have been developed in
the 1980’s or 90’s, when visitation was increasing.
The claim that CFV is part of the National Park transportation system is
totally false. The transportation system is a stand alone project which
the Park Service will construct and develop even if Proposition 400 is
voted down.
If we really care about the Grand Canyon, we shouldn’t support any more
development on or near the South rim.
The problem few people pay attention to is
this county’s lack of water. I have worked with ADWR with the idea of a pipeline from Page to other
parts of Northern Arizona. This is being discussed because the Navajo
Tribe is looking for other stakeholders to participate and help defray
the cost of this project. The City of Williams, along with other
supporters received a federal grant to study and inventory the
availability of water in this region. We expect this report to be out
soon.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
Supported & expanded Kachina Youth Program which targets latch key kids
& helps them earn money while doing projects that benefit their
community. This dropped our juvenile crime rate by 30% & the kids
appreciated it. Helped draw consensus to expand this into 5 other
communities.
Helped develop consensus and get board to believe in supporting parks
and open space, and had a trails coordinator hired in the county which
in the past were decaying & not supported. Helped work on long range
financial planning, & capital plan which is the essence of this
position. If we are not healthy here we cannot do elsewhere.
3. Describe two or three things that you would do if elected to improve
the quality of life within the county.
District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
I will continue to work hard to preserve and protect the values of
Flagstaff and the surrounding rural areas and ensure smart, planned
growth. I will commit county resources/staff to implement the Regional
Plan.
I will begin the second phase of the East Flagstaff Focused Future
Economic Development Strategic Plan, which is the implementation of
strategies to improve and rehabilitate 4th Street and the eastside.
I will work to increase funding for neighborhood and community-based
programs like Weed & Seed, grass roots efforts, and resident outreach
through the development of a resident council for every neighborhood in
District 2.
Tim Feavel, Republican
I want to focus on reducing waste in government, holding the line on
taxes, keeping criminals off the streets and ensuring that all children
have the opportunity to receive a first-rate education. Environmentally, I want to make sure that the unique beauty and the
clean, healthy environment of Flagstaff will be maintained for our
children and grandchildren. We must do all we can to make certain that
we do not suffer the fate Phoenix has through unplanned growth.
District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
I would be very committed to acquiring property for better parking
conditions for people who need to use the services in the County
buildings in downtown Flagstaff.
I think the programs to enroll and qualify children for health care
coverage is a top priority.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
I will seek ways to pay for and in essence complete the key ingredient
needed to implement the open spaces plan.
I will seek ways to improve our youth and elderly programs.
I will seek ways to counteract our repeat offenses on community through
programs that target jail populations helping to re-integrate some of
these folk successfully back into society and in the end help to build a
healthier community.
I will continue to work on the cutting edge of improving our land
planning, as I have shown in my first term.
4. What do you view as an effective economic development strategy for
the county?
District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
One, overall economic development strategy for the county is not appropriate because Coconino County is so vast geographically and so
diverse in its needs and resources. An effective countywide strategy
I would propose, is to assess what the citizens believe is appropriate
economic development for specific areas and work with the local
government (City, Town, Tribe), banks, non-profit organizations,
economic development organizations, and residents to develop and
implement a plan.
Tim Feavel, Republican
First and foremost to vote No! on Proposition 400 (CFV). It’s bad for
Flagstaff and it’s bad for the people of District 2 and the stable
communities within our County.
We must always be committed to the retention and support of our current
businesses.
Items of thought to help our economic development would be to provide
and support more vocational training programs as well as developing
partnerships with Coconino Community College and private sector
companies. A family snow play area, a multicultural conference center
highlighting Flagstaff’s many diverse cultures, an open sky planetarium
and space museum detailing Flagstaff s rich heritage with the Apollo
Space Programs. We need to encourage quality, high paying jobs with
companies that are not only environmentally friendly, but also community
friendly, that work with our community to help promote our schools and
youth. I feel quality, high paying jobs, affordable housing, and
renewing established neighborhoods go hand in hand.
District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
It has been said over and over that we need to attract more “W. L. Gore”
type companies to Northern Arizona. Low paying service jobs have always
been a problem for the region, but yet, service jobs still constitute
the largest number of jobs in the region. The County should continue to
work with GFEC in attracting new companies to our County.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
In free market, businesses are the primary players, & cities have the
best infrastructure to support them. The county plays a secondary
role. We should synchronize and diversify our education though our
institutions and community with our industry. We must develop land
plans that have building envelopes for larger firms that may bring
better jobs & help coordinate these relationships. We must work with
our communities to understand this need & ways of blending land planning
in compatible ways. Our communities get locked into traditional stigmas
associated with zoning which makes this more difficult. Meanwhile we
have an ecologically viable sustainable market in the forest, if cycled
in balance.
5. Do you support the Citizen’s Growth Management Initiative? Why or why
not?
District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
The Citizen’s Growth Management Initiative gives the County some of the
tools and authority we need to effectively manage growth. One example
is the ability to control land splits. At the same time, there are
components of the initiative that have not been fully worked out and may
be limiting. One example is the question of what happens when an area
plan in the county that is desired by the immediate area residents is
out-voted and turned down by county residents overall? How is that
reconciled?
With the adoption of the Regional Plan, Coconino County is one of the
most proactive counties in the state regarding planned growth. I would
prefer an initiative that was more tailored to our specific needs.
Tim Feavel, Republican
I support the Citizen’s Growth Management Initiative so much that I
helped collect signatures to get it placed on the November ballot. CGMI
sets developer impact fees so new growth pays for itself and is not a
burden on current Flagstaff and County residents. It protects our open
spaces for recreation, and it requires public input to develop
growth-management plans, as well as voter approval. It expands local
authority so we can consider things like the protection of our water
supplies. “It will put community development back in the hands of the
community.”
District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
CGMI is needed in many areas of our County and State. Controlled growth
management must come primarily because a sustainable water supply does
not exist . I don’t support the OGMI on all the points and methods to
manage growth. One point which comes to mind is the two-thirds majority
vote to change boundaries. Another is giving standing to people not
affected by decisions the right to litigate. The part I agree with is
giving to the people the power of the voting booth to help shape their
communities and control growth. To quote Mr. Pope of the Sierra Club,
“CGMI takes the power away from developers and politicians and vests it
to the people”.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
Yes. It will give the county the ability to coordinate land planing
where we have had limited ability before. It is modifying land planning
into an economy of scale.
When a population reaches 2500 or greater, basic infrastructure such as
septic, water, fire, parks and open spaces, schools, roads, etc. must be
planned for in a boundary that projects growth for 10 years. Density
happens where density has occurred, and reduction in service areas by
establishing service boundaries allows for increased economy and
reduction in costs. Beyond boundary zoning is retained. Open spaces
and ranges can be conserved.
6.
Do you support the new Regional Plan? Why or why not?
County District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
I have supported the Regional Plan since its conceptual stage. I
followed its progress and believe the committee worked hard to represent
the perspective of our citizenry. Cooperative planning, with the
identification of mutual goals and direction is needed to adequately
address growth and its related issues.
Tim Feavel, Republican
We need to keep Flagstaff special and that’s what the regional plan
should do – keep us special with our green belts and trees in spite of
the growth. In order to accomplish this, County government must work
cooperatively and effectively with City government in this planning, for
the good of the people. The Regional Plan gives us a head start on our
area plan for CGMI. The only changes I would suggest would be to remove
all of the “should’s” in the plan and replacing them with “shall’s” to
give it more enforceability.
County District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
Yes – many people worked very hard to put this regional plan together.
It is a great step already done if CGMI is passed or Growing Smarter, …
or, both.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
Yes. I had worked on Open Spaces & Greenways piece as a citizen before
becoming a Supervisor. As a supervisor I have been building the more
difficult pieces of implementation in the system already. This is much
more fragmented & requires much understanding, coordination and
modification of mind sets and funding, while understanding the
comprehensive aspects. Meanwhile, there are weaknesses in our limited
envelopes providing for the industrial side. Our community must also
come to understand how densities, residential, commercial and open
spaces can all successfully be blended. These will be the challenges of
implementing this plan.
7. When was the last time you rode a bicycle and what was your reason
for doing so? Tell us about your ride.
County District #2
Liz Archuleta, Democrat
I rode my bike this summer to the grocery store. It was a beautiful
day. The grocery store is about three blocks away and I only needed a
few items so I could carry them in a small backpack with no problem.
The only traffic I encountered was that on Cedar. I was able to get
through safely and be on my way.
Tim Feavel, Republican
The last time I rode a bicycle was yesterday. It was hot, it was tiring and it was stationary.
County District #3
Jim Hoffman, Republican
1991 – I had a mountain bike and rode it to get in shape for skiing. I
quit skiing and took up golf.
Matt Ryan, Democrat
I ride most of the time blending commuting (running, driving and biking)
with working out, and then with adventures out on roads and trails into
the forest. A bicycle is a neat tool to use to increase territory
covered while seeing the quiet aspects of nature and blending it with
our own natural tool... the human body. One can clean out both the body
and the mind, and I have been using it during the campaign, where the
pressures of this job (50 hour weeks) combined with the campaign, making
12-14 hour days, 7 day weeks, can be relieved by a quick jaunt out into
the woods.
Arizona State Legislature
1.Tell us about yourself and what you feel qualifies you to serve in the
Arizona State Legislature.
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
I grew up and raised my family in Northern Arizona, taught in our
schools for 25 years, and served my community. My experience includes
six years on the City Council, two terms as Vice-Mayor, service on
numerous boards, and a two-year term as President of Flagstaff Education
Association. Arizona ranks last in commitment to education and health
care. Rampant growth is consuming our open spaces. My experience in the
public schools, my community work, my leadership experience all prepare
me to tackle these issues. Our legislature has been ineffective. The
significance of my race is not limited to a single seat. It will change
the leadership of our Senate and thus the direction of our state.
State House
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
Pat and I have been married for thirty-one years. We have three adult
children.
I am the past Natural Resource Coordinator for the cities and towns of
the Verde Valley. My responsibilities included direct participation at
the Arizona State Legislature, dealing with issues involving land use,
water and other natural resources.
I am the current Chair of the Arizona Watershed Alliance and past Chair
of the Verde Watershed Association, the Middle and Upper Verde aquifer
protection study and the Yavapai County alternate route transportation
study.
I’ve been a planning consultant and project manager to financial
institutions on integration of technology into their trading operations.
I participated in designing and managing projects ranging from $10-250
million dollars. I was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade
(CBT) and government bond trader. I was elected to two three-year terms as a
director of the CBT and chaired or vice chaired 13 committees. These
included finance (with a $100 million budget), technology, telecommunications and long-range planning. I was also a Chicago police
officer and served as a sergeant in the special operations unit and
investigator in the homicide and gang crimes units.
2. Describe two or three things you have done in the past year to
improve the quality of life within the legislative district.
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
While serving on the Flagstaff City Council, I worked hard to revitalize
and protect our historic downtown, reduce sign clutter, begin regional
planning, and adopt a design review program for all new commercial and
multifamily developments in Flagstaff. These programs are at varying
stages of implementation. I also supported curbside recycling and
establishing an open space fund, and partnering with other entities to
provide affordable housing.
State House
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
I led a successful statewide effort to obtain state funding for aquifer
protection studies. We have combined these funds with local and federal
resources to leverage over $5 million for aquifer and riparian area
protection and sustainable water resource use.
I co-authored a report on golf course water and chemical use. This
report was incorporated into Arizona’s first rural county golf course
ordinance.
I have been active in regional planning and the incorporation of trails
into the planning process.
3. Describe two or three things you would do if elected to improve the
quality of life within the legislative district.
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
1. Adequately fund education, including the inflation factor.
2. Work to give cities and counties the tools they need to manage
growth, repealing laws that tie their hands.
3. Adequately fund health care including mental health care.
State House of Representatives
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
A strong educational system is the backbone to improved quality of
life. I support the governor's school funding initiative as an
important step towards improved decision-making and job improvement,
while still being able to have local control of our schools.
I will continue to work to improve our educational system. Better
educated citizens make better decisions on issues such as growth,
healthcare and the environment.
As I have in the past, I will continue to work towards a balance between
growth and sustainable use of our natural resources.
4.
How do you feel regarding local control versus state control on
issues important to residents of the district?
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
Generally I support local control and decision making, with the
exception of basic rights that are defined by the Constitution and the
courts. These must be guaranteed to all. For example, I believe a city
should be able to prohibit us from carrying guns in city parks. A city
is given discretion on whether to rezone a property. They should be able
to decide things such as sign size, location of commercial districts,
density, and design review standards. They cannot, however, take a
property without compensation, or pollute the environment.
State House of Representatives
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
I am a strong believer in less state micro-management and more local
citizen decision making. The current Growing Smarter legislation did not
have any regional planning ability. With the Flagstaff area 2020 plan
and the Verde Valley regional plan in mind, I wrote and fought for
inclusion of regional planning into the Growing Smarter legislation. I
was successful in this endeavor. Make no mistake: I feel the Growing
Smarter legislation still lacks many of the tools necessary for our
planning needs.
5.
Do you support the Citizen’s Growth Management Initiative? Why or Why
not?
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
Yes, the Citizens Growth Management Initiative requires communities to
think about where they want growth to take place and about the water
resources available to that growth. A developer is required to pay the
full cost of additional services, but it is the community that
determines how to calculate that cost. Under the CGMI, counties would
at long last, have control over wildcat subdivisions. In short, the
CGMI seems to me to give localities the tools they need to manage their
growth and the flexibility to define how they want that growth to take
place.
State House of Representatives
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
The goals and objectives of the Citizen’s Growth Management Inattentive
(CGMI) are what we should be working towards but from a planning
perspective I have problems with the CGMI in a few areas.
As stated above, I strongly believe that local control is important yet
the CGMI would allow someone from outside our area to bring suit against
a locally-designed plan. I believe this goes directly against local
control. Another issue is the super-majority votes required for certain
changes in the approved plan. Space does not allow me to go into the
issues associated with this requirement.
6.
The Grand Canyon Trust's 1997 study "Beyond the Boundaries" shows
that a little over half of the high population growth rate in the
greater Grand Canyon region is due to a high birth rate and that a
little less than half is due to in-migration. What is your opinion
regarding the rate of population growth and what, if anything, would you
do if elected to alter that rate?
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
Birthrates are generally high among the very poor and those with little
education. Improving access to education and improving the standard of
living in a region should lead to lower birth rates. Population growth,
however, is a global issue and needs to be dealt with globally.
State House of Representatives
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
Arizona’s population grew by more than 1.7 million during the 1990’s.
The growth rate could accelerate as the baby-boomer generation starts to
retire over the next decade.
I am a firm believer in proactive management not crisis control. I
believe that our legislative leadership has missed this point and that
there is a need for change. I will fight for legislative reform so we
will begin to plan effectively for the future needs of all our citizens
instead of emphasizing the protection of special interests.
7.
When was the last time you rode a bicycle?
State Senate
Rita Johnson, Democrat
Two-three weeks ago, for recreation, around Buffalo Park.
State House of Representatives
Tom O’Halleran, Republican
I last rode my bike just before announcing my candidacy for this
office. I rode for the same reasons I participate in horseback riding
and hiking: to be able to enjoy nature, relax and contemplate life.
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