Council salaries are on the table for discussion right now. The proposal would increase councilmember salaries from $25,500 to $63,800 in just two years. Mayor pay would increase from $38,500 to $70,180 in the same timeframe. Personally, I believe an increase of this magnitude should not be decided by Flagstaff City Council. In any regular job, you have to go to your boss to ask for a raise. The people are the boss, and I believe that this should go to the voters for a decision. Thankfully, we … [Read more...] about Asking Voters to Decide
Paul Deasy
Swift Movement on Flood Mitigation Projects
Monsoon season officially ended on Sept. 30, and at this point, I feel we should make this a new city holiday. We faced such an unprecedented summer of wildfire and post-wildfire flooding, but the city is in full swing working on long-term mitigation strategies now that response efforts have dissipated. The new detention basins above Coconino Estates will be completed by the end of October. I am amazed at the speed at which we were able to secure funding, create the design and complete this … [Read more...] about Swift Movement on Flood Mitigation Projects
Considering Fires, Floods and Flagstaff’s Future
We have a couple of bonds that the city has placed on the ballot this November: Propositions 441 and 442. Prop 442 is a housing bond, but I really want to discuss our Prop 441, the Fire and Water Infrastructure Bond. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of this bond for Flagstaff’s future. It includes four sections, which include: purchasing five new wildland fire trucks for a little more than $2 million, helping to increase stormwater infrastructure in the Spruce Wash for $26 million, … [Read more...] about Considering Fires, Floods and Flagstaff’s Future
Building a Stronger Flagstaff
Flagstaff faced many challenges in 2021. Through it all, residents have come together to face them head on. When wildfires were raging close to town, our community raked needles from yards, cleared debris for our elderly and less-abled, and helped neighbors in threatened neighborhoods get ready to evacuate. When flooding hit, nearly 1,000 of us were out there filling and piling sandbags, clearing the mud from our neighbors’ homes and helping each other physically and emotionally. Through … [Read more...] about Building a Stronger Flagstaff
Weighing Options, Identifying Priorities
I wanted to touch on the general obligation bonds that potentially will be in the hands of the voters come November. A citizen bond committee was formed last November to weigh options and priorities for the upcoming ballot. Some of the areas of consideration for bonding have included public safety needs such as outdated radios we can no longer get parts to fix and old fire trucks that are needing replacement. Other considerations are around flood mitigation efforts, housing, wastewater … [Read more...] about Weighing Options, Identifying Priorities
Getting to Know Flagstaff’s Mayoral Candidates
On Nov. 8, local residents will elect the next Flagstaff mayor. If more than two candidates file nominating petitions, then a primary election will first take place on Aug. 2, to narrow down the list to two. To run, candidates must first file a Candidate Statement of Interest Form with the City of Flagstaff clerk, then turn in nomination papers and petitions with signatures by April 4. As of Feb. 1, three people have submitted the Statement of Interest Form: current Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy, … [Read more...] about Getting to Know Flagstaff’s Mayoral Candidates
Stormwater Projects Continue to Gain Support
I hope this New Year is going well for everyone! There are a lot of exciting things happening in our community to update you on. First and foremost, our stormwater infrastructure projects have received more financial support through our intergovernmental partnerships. On Jan. 19, we got word that Flagstaff will receive $2.7 million from the AZ Water Infrastructure Authority through the leadership of Congressman Greg Stanton. We are the only city in Arizona to have received two funded … [Read more...] about Stormwater Projects Continue to Gain Support
Looking Back on Accomplishments, Forward on Projects
I hope you all had an amazing 2021! It seems like yesterday our new Flagstaff City Council was sworn into office and I am very happy with what the city has accomplished over the last year. The city’s broadband investment has increased drastically, from $200,000 to $2.9 million in one year, and with new state fiber coming up I-17 to I-40, this new infrastructure will provide a huge catalyst to our economic future. The city has developed a master plan that will connect government facilities in … [Read more...] about Looking Back on Accomplishments, Forward on Projects
Big Projects Ahead for Improving Life in Flagstaff
A lot of big things are coming up before the Flagstaff City Council after having our summer recess. One major discussion coming up Sept. 7 is how we will be allocating the American Rescue Plan Act dollars from the federal government. Millions were given to the city, with certain guidelines on how it can be spent. Some of the proposals that we’ve suggested for the use of these funds could have a significant impact on our economy, infrastructure and social services. A priority is to improve our … [Read more...] about Big Projects Ahead for Improving Life in Flagstaff
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Through Summer’s Events
It has been a rather tumultuous couple of months for our mountain town, from the Rafael Fire that had many of our community members set to evacuate, to the Museum Fire floods, which caused more than $5 million in public infrastructure and private property damage. Through it all though, I have seen how we have come together in times of need. Neighbors helping neighbors to rake needles and other fire fuels away from yards in the midst of wildfire, and then right after that threat ended, filling … [Read more...] about Neighbors Helping Neighbors Through Summer’s Events