I believe communication with residents should always be open and direct. If you have a question about my views or about the future of Tombstone, I encourage you to reach out. You can use the Contact Us page below!
I believe communication with residents should always be open and direct. If you have a question about my views or about the future of Tombstone, I encourage you to reach out. You can use the Contact Us page below!
No. I have never proposed privatizing Tombstone’s water system. Nor have I ever advocated for it.
What I have done is ask questions and seek information. I have requested multiple times to tour the city’s water and wastewater facilities so I can better understand how the system operates before forming opinions about long-term solutions.
The only information I currently know about the system publicly is what was shared during a city council budget discussion last year. During that meeting, Public Works Director Jussie Grassman explained that the system would require “a $20 million Band-Aid that would last 15 to 20 years.” Those were his words during the meeting and are part of the public record. I am also aware of a recent State of Emergency called by Mayor Escapule, because the pump serving Well 1 needed to be replaced.
I also met once with a company that provides services to municipal water systems simply to learn what services they provide and how other communities use them. That meeting was strictly informational.
Years ago, I explored a private development concept that included the idea of housing for local workers. During that early planning stage, a company name was filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission for a small cooperative water system tied to that development. The project never moved forward and nothing was ever built.
Water is one of the most important long-term issues facing Tombstone. Before making decisions about something that is important, the responsible approach is to gather facts, understand the system firsthand, and involve the community in the conversation.
No. Running a town requires experienced employees who understand how the system works. Removing everyone would create disruption and make it much harder for the city to function effectively. What I do believe is important is clear organization and accountability within city government.
I will definitely review positions to make sure:
• responsibilities are clearly defined
• employees have the tools they need to succeed
• performance expectations are clear
• compensation matches the duties being performed
This is not about punishment. It is about good management and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
The only position where my view is already part of the public record is the Marshal. I voted against the most recent reappointment. Beyond that, my goal would be to support good employees and ensure the city operates effectively and professionally.
City government is not about red or blue politics. It is about making sure the town is run responsibly and that taxpayer dollars are managed wisely. However, since I have been asked several times: Arizona is largely a two-party state, and I am registered Republican. However, I have never believed that local government should be driven by party labels. My priorities are practical and straightforward: maintaining infrastructure, managing our water system responsibly, supporting public safety, and strengthening Tombstone’s tourism-based economy.