After almost 13 years on the Flagstaff City Council, I chose not to seek reelection. My current term ends this month, and as such, this will be my last article as mayor for the Flagstaff Business News. My family, the Dorseys, have lived in Northern Arizona for four generations. My grandfather moved his family to Flagstaff from McNary in the 1920s so he could make three cents more an hour at a sawmill here. My daughter and I still live in the family home he built in 1942. I have had the … [Read more...] about Continuing to Work for Youth, Families, Community
mayor Coral Evans
Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead, Expressing Gratitude
Hello, Northern Arizona! Well, this is my second-to-last column for you as Flagstaff’s mayor. It has been a joy and an honor to serve my hometown, and I hope to continue to find ways to do so. When I was growing up, this community nurtured my brother and me. This community made sure we had what we needed, and that we had opportunities. Many of you know that I grew up in public housing, the daughter of a single parent on disability. It was this community that made sure I could play hockey and … [Read more...] about Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead, Expressing Gratitude
Sorting Through Claims and Facts During Election Season
Hello, Northern Arizona! Fall has arrived and with it, the most intense election cycle I have ever seen. It’s a lot right now in Arizona. There are piles of fliers in our mailboxes, radio ads, tv ads and political ads all over our screens (yes, some of those are mine). There are a lot of groups playing in Arizona this year as we take the spotlight to become one of the most heavily contested battleground states in the country. While I always think that Arizona deserves more attention on the … [Read more...] about Sorting Through Claims and Facts During Election Season
Remembering an American Hero Who Led by Example
Hello, Northern Arizona! This month, I’d like to share a story about an Arizona legend we will all miss, Senator John McCain. We all know the highlights of his incredible life, and the enduring legacy he has on Arizona and the nation. Senator McCain was a statesman who earned the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. On election night of 2016, after I was declared the winner in the mayoral election, I received a number of calls, but my favorite was from Senator McCain. I … [Read more...] about Remembering an American Hero Who Led by Example
Facing Uncertainty, Keeping People Safe
Hello, Northern Arizona! I hope this finds you doing well. It’s been a long couple of months and as the longest spring I can remember stretches into summer, we find ourselves facing more uncertainty. Arizona’s COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, it is spreading and we don’t know when the numbers will level off, let alone decline. This creates uncertainty for families, for business, and employees. Right now we’re not sure what the 2020 school year will look like, but we know that keeping kids … [Read more...] about Facing Uncertainty, Keeping People Safe
Working Together, Keeping Our Community Strong
Hello, Northern Arizona. It’s early June as I sit and write this and already it feels like summer has gone on forever. We have moved from stay-at-home orders through an ongoing pandemic to a curfew issued after days of riots. On the same day George Floyd was killed, another young black man, Dion Johnson, was shot by police in Phoenix. People are understandably upset and frustrated with a system that doesn’t seem to be changing. Violence in response to violence is not going to bring … [Read more...] about Working Together, Keeping Our Community Strong
Keeping Rural Economies Afloat
Hello, Northern Arizona. I hope you are all hanging in there okay. I know this is an incredibly uncertain and difficult situation. Like you, I have been personally and directly impacted by COVID-19. My business is currently in flux and I was laid off from one of my jobs, a small business. Most of us work for a small business. An actual small business has less than 150 or 100 employees; many Northern Arizona employers have less than 50 employees. It is incredibly frustrating to see relief … [Read more...] about Keeping Rural Economies Afloat
Getting Through This Uncertain Time Together
Hello, Northern Arizona. I know that this is an uncertain time. Schools are closed for the rest of the year and many of us are working from home. I want to stress that the best thing we can do is what we usually do, wash our hands, keep calm and don’t panic. If you feel sick, stay at home and rest. Check in on others who are struggling, and look out for one another. The way we weather this is together, so please take precautions to protect the most vulnerable among us. Doctors, nurses, … [Read more...] about Getting Through This Uncertain Time Together
Seeking Pragmatic Solutions
Hello, Northern Arizona! Spring is upon us and with it, the city and the state legislative session. I have been in municipal government for more than a decade now, and I can tell you I truly enjoy the work that goes into making the city function. I love making sure Flagstaff fixes potholes and makes our libraries accessible. I believe that proposals from governing bodies should be pragmatic solutions that seek to address the challenges before us. Something I have noticed in the last decade of … [Read more...] about Seeking Pragmatic Solutions
How a City Budget Reflects the Community’s Values
Hello, Northern Arizona! I hope your year and your decade are off to a great start! Here at the city we’re getting ready to work on our annual budget. It might be the most important thing we do as a council. Collectively, over days and weeks, we decide where to spend your tax dollars in order to keep Flagstaff running. Regardless of what happens on the national stage, a city has to operate, firefighters and police need to be available, roads need to be cleared, the landfill needs to be … [Read more...] about How a City Budget Reflects the Community’s Values
