Frequently Asked Questions

Tombstone Community Meet & Greet! 
YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE. Tombstone, it is time to get involved and shape the future of our historic town! Copper-Sage Lane is hosting a Community Meet & Greet where you can connect directly with the candidates seeking to serve Tombstone.

A massive thank you to Margie Lane, the Co-Administrator of Concerned Citizens of Tombstone, for coordinating this entire event to ensure our community stays informed and unified! 

What to Expect
This event is designed to be focused, informative, fair, and respectful. An informed community builds a stronger Tombstone. 

 Be Informed. Get Involved. VOTE! 
Questions? Reach out to Margie at Mlane85638@gmail.com.

Absolutely NOT! For those who are paying close attention to my campaign, I have intentionally never even used the word "change." My focus is not on changing Tombstone; it is on protecting Tombstone and its historical status. The true focus of my campaign is built entirely on accountability, resident inclusion, and the careful preservation of our historic identity.
Let us look at the reality: big corporate chains like Walmart and McDonald's look for large, permanent populations to support them. While we get great tourist crowds during peak season, there is simply no way those massive corporate chains could be supported here year-round. Beyond the economics, they simply do not belong in our historic town. Furthermore, the properties on Allen Street are privately owned; a mayor cannot dictate to the owners to sell their properties and I would never want corporate sponsorship for Tombstone anyway. Disneyland is a manufactured theme park. Tombstone is real dirt, real wood, and real, independent history. You cannot corporately sponsor the authentic spirit of Tombstone.
There is a massive difference between commercializing a town and taking care of it. For me, progress means fixing our infrastructure, ensuring our community is sustainable for the next generation, and supporting our local business owners, because those are the exact tax dollars that the budget depends on to fund our residential needs.
Yes, these are questions I have received. Maybe, Goofy was the first to ask to change Tombstone into Disneyland. I didn’t even know he moved to Tombstone. 

Mike Munroe

Absolutely not. In fact, my favorite memory of Tombstone is the very first time my husband and I walked down Allen Street and bumped into Joe Munoz. At the time, Joe was hawking for Six Gun City. To this day, we still reminisce about how wonderfully polite and friendly he was. He made such an incredible impression on us that we decided to host our pre-wedding dinner with the show at Six Gun City four years later when we got married in the Gazebo and made Tombstone our home!

The local hawkers are a vital part of Tombstone’s living history and unique charm. They welcome visitors, share our town's culture, and support our local businesses. As mayor, I will always protect the people who make Allen Street feel so welcoming and unforgettable.

No, I am not putting a zipline down Allen Street.
While it is fun to imagine soaring over stagecoaches and people riding horses down Allen Street, my campaign is focused on practical, long-term solutions. My priority is maintaining the historic charm of our streets and fiercely protecting Tombstone's National Historic Landmark status. Allen Street is preserved strictly for pedestrians, horses, and carriages to give everyone a true, unaltered taste of the 1880s.

That being said, if you are looking for a high-flying thrill, you don't have to miss out! You can head right over to Outlaw Zipline, located at 702 E. Toughnut Street (at the corner of South 7th Street). They have all the gear ready for you over there. My goal as mayor is to celebrate our local attractions while keeping the historic heart of Tombstone completely authentic! 

As your Mayor, my job is to ensure the government works for you by putting our community's needs first. Currently, the biggest issue surrounding the pond project is the need for more knowledge and information for the community. For a project of this magnitude, like this proposed effluent pond near Medovich Field, the community has the right to see the blueprints, engineering plans, and public budgets.
When information does not come from City Hall, rumors fly and trust breaks down. I have asked twice for a presentation of the pond. If elected, I will pause further development on the site so we can look at this project with a clear, fact-based approach:
 Open the Books: The actual engineering plans, environmental reports, and verified funding streams must be laid out for the community to review. Taxpayers deserve to see the real long-term infrastructure and maintenance costs upfront, such as the exact engineering and budget required to pump wastewater 1.2 miles across town from the treatment plant.
 A Town Hall Consensus: We will bring all of this data directly to the community in an open, public forum. Public property does not mean the city makes decisions without input from the community. It means you, the citizens, are the ultimate shareholders of this town’s land and deserve a voice in how your land is used.
 Community Consent: I am promising transparency that means I will not move forward on major, neighborhood-altering infrastructure projects unless there is a clear, visible mandate of support from the residents who actually live here and a formal vote of the City Council.
My administration will be built on the fundamental belief of transparency, which means you have a right to hear the plans and give your consent before your community is changed. You will not have to go digging for the truth about your own town. 

Mike Carrafa

Nothing will get done because there are always two sides arguing the details and will never be a consensus . How will you overcome that?

Buzz Busby

Mike Carrafa most would rather die playing tug of war than agree on a direction. I include myself in that stubbornness. I'm just a big dumb animal at the end of the day.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Carrafa you are speaking a hard truth that most politicians are too afraid to admit. You are right: if a Town Hall is just a room full of people shouting opinions at each other, nothing will get done. It just turns into chaos.

But I have learned something important about how communities work: people do not always expect to get their way on every single detail, but they absolutely expect to be heard. When City Hall holds back the blueprints, engineering reports, and budgets, it forces everyone to fill in the blanks with guesswork. It forces decisions without input; people dig their heels in because they feel invisible. That is from where the fighting comes.

We overcome that by giving everyone a fair opportunity to see the unvarnished facts, ask their questions, and voice their concerns openly. As Mayor I will not force a magical agreement. I will put the unvarnished facts on the table, the exact infrastructure costs, the actual permits, and the verified funding for creation and future maintenance. This ensures the community is looking at reality, not rumors. From there, leadership means deciding based on that community input and taking a formal vote with the City Council. I expect, as I do, the City Council will represent the voices of their constituents or risk being voted out.

When the process is fair and the information is transparent, the community can respect the final decision made as a formal vote of the City Council, even if we do not always agree on every single point.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Buzz Busby I appreciate your honesty. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being stubborn when it comes to your town, your neighborhood, and your hard-earned tax dollars. I am stubborn about those things too. That is exactly why voters have the right to see the blueprints and the books upfront. If voters are going to stand their ground on how Tombstone changes, they, at least, deserve to have all the facts in their hands so they know exactly for what they are standing their ground.

Mike Luchsinger

pond only serves the few ! street repairs serve all !

Buzz Busby

Mike Luchsinger every time I've called and said "I have a problem right here" or "there's a bad pothole right here" its fixed in just a few days. I think if we say "fix all the potholes" its like saying resurface all the streets. Call and tell them where you want fixed. I have been impressed more than once.

Mike Luchsinger

Buzz Busby i talked to the boss about it and i am talking about chip sealing allen at west end .

Cindi Leist

Buzz Busby yes, we messaged about one bad pot hole we go over daily, and it was fixed in days.

Buzz Busby

Mike Luchsinger like resurface the whole thing? Oh boy... thats more than a few bags of hot patch and a flamethrower.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Luchsinger When a city has a clear Strategic Plan, we do not have to guess what projects matter most. It allows the community to collectively rank its needs, like prioritizing street repairs and water infrastructure that serve every single resident, and ensures our tax dollars are legally locked into fixing those priorities first. True transparency means budgeting by a plan made with the people, not for a select few.

Mike Luchsinger

Buzz Busby yes yes but it needs to be done in stages . but cfr needs it even worse some parts are nothing but patches .

Buzz Busby

Mike Luchsinger your council person might know what the plan is for CSR. I heard a rumor the work is already not far off. Things are happening but you gotta ask to find out for sure.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

I think the schedule for road work and brush cutting should be visible online to the public.

Buzz Busby

You're putting a lot of faith in us as humans. A person can be reasonable. A couple of people can agree. A town of people? It'll be like asking a herd of cattle which field they want to eat. If you try to build consensus, they'll starve themselves. It's a dang noble idea, though. Conceptually, community agreement sounds great. But the reality of life is, most of us will only choose things that benefit us personally. That's where the leadership has to kick in. "I know half of you don't like this, but this is best for all of us." Yeah, half will hate you and gripe. The good thing about humans is - the next shiny object that comes along causes total amnesia. "LOOK A SQUIRREL!!"

Dixie McNeely

Buzz Busby Leadership is not putting the cart before the horse. I like Lilli’s approach

Buzz Busby

Dixie McNeely but if the consensus says "we want wastewater improvements and a pond" will you be happy?

Dixie McNeely

Buzz Busby Why not? What’s your point? I haven’t seen a consensus, or anything from the city.

Buzz Busby

Dixie McNeely just asking. If the consensus after all the fuss over the pond is - more people want it than not, is it then a good idea or is a bad idea no matter what?

Dixie McNeely

Buzz Busby It is what it is. If it works out, I’ll get a fishing pole. 

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Buzz Busby you are hitting on the exact reason leadership is a heavy lift and I agree with you completely: a leader absolutely must have the backbone to make the hard calls, even when half the room gripes. But true leadership is not just about deciding and telling people to get over it. It is about doing the homework first to ensure the decision is rooted in unvarnished facts, not guesswork.

We went through a version of this recently with a group of neighbors who were understandably angry about new stick-built homes coming into their area. They were worried about their property values and their taxes going up. Before I sat down with them, I researched the original annexation papers at the county level, met with the County Assessor’s office, and got the exact facts on how their properties were being evaluated.

When I brought those facts back to that room, did everyone suddenly change their minds and decide they loved stick-built homes? No. Were they still frustrated by the situation? Absolutely. But because they were given the real data, had their questions answered, and knew their voices were heard, the confusion and anxiety stopped. They understood the reality of the situation and they could accept the path forward, because the process was completely transparent.

That is how you build a community consensus. It does not mean magically getting 100% of the people to agree on everything. It means having a leader who respects the citizens enough to bring them the hard facts, listen to their concerns, and then stand at the front of the room to make the final, necessary call for the good of the town.

Melissa Hart Ste Marie

So once all of the necessary (and proper) surveys, plans, and impact studies have been completed, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns, see the financials etc. And actually have a say so with property the tax payers own (City-owned property is legally owned by the municipal corporation (the city itself) and held on behalf of the public.) The way things should be done, what an incredible concept. Thank you Lilly

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Melissa Hart Ste Marie You said it perfectly, Melissa. It really should not be a radical concept! A municipal corporation only exists to serve the people who fund it. Because the taxpayers are the people who own that land, they have an absolute right to see the data, review the financials, and give their input before any major changes are made. Doing the homework first and keeping the public informed is not just the right way to run a town; it is the only way to build real trust. Thank you for the support and for cutting straight to the heart of what true transparency looks like!

John Humphries

At least the kids now have a safe place to play on the dirt mounds that they made for a pond. The public baseball field has been 100% closed off for the past year to our families by the city. Is your tax dollars hard at work or in someone’s pocket???

Lillian Gracz Hritz

John Humphries You are pointing out a very real, frustrating reality, and your frustration is completely justified. Our public spaces belong to the families of this town. Closing off a public softball field for a year, under the promise of a soccer field, just to leave families looking at dirt mounds is the exact opposite of how city government should serve its residents.

That is precisely why we need to pause, open the books, and get our priorities straight. Our tax dollars and our donated community resources should be working efficiently to finish the projects we start before we jump into massive new ones. As Mayor, my focus will be on finishing what has been left incomplete and restoring the spaces that serve all of our families, not leaving them locked out of the parks they pay for.

Cindi Leist

A Town Hall Consensus: We will bring all of this data directly to the community in an open, public forum. Public property does not mean the city makes decisions without input from the community. It means you, the citizens, are the ultimate shareholders of this town’s land and deserve a voice in how your land is used. That is copied and pasted. How will it be a public forum. Not everyone uses FB, and not everyone goes to meetings. Is it by mail?

E.V. Jeanne Pence

Cindi Leist how about posting a notice next to all the other City meeting announcements on the Post Office bulletin board?

Works for me.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Cindi Leist, you are entirely right and thank you for pointing out the logistics! Since our water bills go out as postcards. To make sure every citizen has access to the facts on a major project of this magnitude, my administration will consider using one or more of these options:

1. Email Alerts & Official Letters: For residents who receive their city bills via email, we will send an email with direct links to the project blueprints, budgets, and public meeting dates. For residents who receive the physical postcards, City Hall will send out a separate, dedicated official letter straight to their mailboxes so they have the exact same information in hand.

2. Accessible Physical Packets: Printed copies of the engineering plans, environmental studies, and budgets will be kept at City Hall, Schieffelin Hall, and the local library so any resident can walk in, review the documents, and read them at their own pace.

3. Written Feedback Options: If one cannot make it to a physical meeting due to work or scheduling, you will not be left out. You can use the drop-box at City Hall to drop off written questions or concerns to be reviewed by the City Council.

True transparency means City Hall doing the legwork to bring the information directly to your inbox or your mailbox, instead of making you go digging for the truth about your own town.

Bobby Morton

Thank you Lilly for your response to this question. Your approach would provide the leadership and transparency that has been completely lacking on this issue. With the proper information the townspeople could make an informed decision on whether we want this pond and even where it should be located with a simple vote, majority rules.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Bobby Morton, thank you so much for the support! You are exactly right! Transparency, the principle that government actions, decisions, and data must be open and accessible to the public, changes everything. When the community actually has the blueprints, the environmental reports, and the true budgets in front of them, we can stop guessing and start making informed decisions together. That is exactly why I am promising that a project of this magnitude will not move forward without a clear, visible mandate of support from the residents who live here, followed by a formal, public vote of the City Council. The townspeople absolutely deserve a real say in what happens in their own backyards. Thank you for standing with me for a more transparent Tombstone!

Doug Stidvent

How come Tombstone present mayor does not use protocol as you have brought forth to the folks of Tombstone?

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Doug Stidvent All I can do is tell you what I believe, and what I intend to bring to City Hall, if elected mayor. You would have to ask him your question directly.

Doug Stidvent

Lillian Gracz Hritz I tried to have a meeting with the Tombstone mayor and he refused and then told me I would not be welcomed at the council meeting so I have no respect for him. This happen a few years back.

Tammi-Jo Wilkins

Doug Stidvent what would you need a meeting with the mayor on? maybe he refused because he knows you dont live here? Just a thought.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Doug Stidvent, Tammi-Jo Wilkins, Buzz Busby, Whether someone is a full-time resident, a property owner, a community volunteer, a business owner, or a neighbor from a surrounding community who does business here, everyone deserves to be treated with basic respect by City Hall. Public City Council meetings are legally and fundamentally open to the public for a reason: it is the people's room. No one should ever be told they are not welcome to witness their local government in action or speak during the Call to the Public. Under my administration, the doors to City Hall and the Council chambers will remain open to all, the process will be transparent, and every person who walks through those doors will be treated with the professional courtesy and respect they deserve. That is the minimum standard of good government.

Melissa Hart Ste Marie

Tammi-Jo Wilkins we live here and we're refused told by staff "He doesn't take meetings" that was 2 years ago, haven't tried again as we got our answer.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Melissa Hart Ste Marie thank you for sharing your perspective and for engaging in this conversation. I cannot speak for the staff members or the administration regarding past experiences, but I can tell you exactly what I intend to bring to City Hall. Every resident, property owner, business owner and Guest in Tombstone deserves to know their city government is accessible to them. That is exactly why I am committed to being a visible, present leader who is available to listen to your concerns. As Mayor, my priority will be ensuring our community members have a straightforward, direct line of communication with leadership, that our processes are transparent, and that everyone is met with professional courtesy. Thank you for standing with me for a more responsive and accountable Tombstone!

Tammi-Jo Wilkins

Lillian Gracz Hritz I dont think he was told he's not welcome at City hall, i didnt read that in his comment, only council meeting all likely with a reason. We are only hearing the half of it here. I am honestly curious why he would want to meet with mayor. I have known Doug for years, I know some of the things he has shared in the past he would like to change in Tombstone, why I was confident to ask him openly. Great if you have the time to meet with every requester. How will you balance the multitude of meeting requests with getting the job done? Also an honest question..

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Tammi-Jo Wilkins I have never doubted the honesty of your questions. Balancing the day-to-day administrative duties of running a city with being accessible to the public is one of the biggest challenges of leadership, and it requires a structured, organized approach.

I don't intend to just sit behind a desk waiting for random knocks on the door, nor will I let meetings completely consume the workday. To get the actual job done while ensuring everyone is heard, I intend to implement a few specific management tools:

1. Dedicated Constituent Hours: Just like any efficient executive, I will set aside specific blocks of time during the week dedicated solely to meeting with residents, business owners and property owners. This ensures public access without interrupting focused administrative blocks.

2. Utilizing City Staff and Council Teams: Not every issue requires the Mayor immediately. Many neighborhood concerns can be efficiently routed to the appropriate department heads or Ward council members first. If a problem is not resolved there, it will get to my desk.

3. Formal Request Intake: We will use a simple, organized meeting request system where residents state their topic ahead of time. This allows me to have the relevant data, budgets, or department heads in the room with us, making the meeting brief, productive, and focused on solutions rather than just chatting.

An effective Mayor must be both a disciplined administrator and a present leader. It takes structure, but it is entirely doable. Thank you for asking such a practical question!

Amber Bristow

Melissa Hart Ste Marie That was two years ago. If there are still concerns or questions about it, Dusty is easily reachable and has always been willing to sit down and have respectful conversations with people. Rather than continuing to discuss it publicly, I would encourage anyone who wants answers or clarification to contact him directly and have that conversation. Call his actual phone number that’s plastered everywhere for everyone.

Melissa Hart Ste Marie

Amber Bristow thank you for your input. I did not discuss the problem publicly or blast it on facebook, I just commented what my experience was on this specific topic.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Amber Bristow, while you are more than welcome to engage with my campaign posts and ask me questions about what I intend to do for Tombstone. You are not welcome to respond to other citizens to tell them how or where they should voice their experiences. Lately, it feels like we have lost our identity as a community that looks out for one another and we have become deeply divided. Your policing of people who are simply voicing their personal experiences on my posts is what feeds that negativity and continues to divide our community.

Amber Bristow

Lillian Gracz Hritz I was not telling anyone how to voice their experiences. I was recommending that she contact Mayor Dusty directly.

It’s interesting that a simple suggestion is being taken and twisted into something it’s not. For a mayoral candidate, the way you’re speaking to me over this is unprofessional and unnecessary.

At this point, it feels like your campaign supporters can do no wrong in your eyes, while anything coming from the other side is immediately dismissed or attacked. That kind of attitude is exactly what is dividing the community right now.

I am not responsible for what your supporters say or how they act. However, the tone and negativity surrounding this campaign are becoming a problem.

It’s honestly frustrating that everyone else can comment, ask questions, or share opinions freely, but when someone like me—who is also part of this community—does the same, it suddenly becomes an issue.

I live in this town, and I’m simply trying to understand what you’re offering and bringing forward for the community. Instead, the response I received came across as dismissive and unnecessarily negative over a basic recommendation to contact Mayor Dusty.

Because of that interaction, I no longer feel the same interest in engaging further or supporting your platform. That’s disappointing, but noted.

Regardless, I wish you the best moving forward. 

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Amber Bristow, thank you for clarifying your intent. My response was not an attack, nor was it about dismissing you; it was simply about establishing a clear boundary that every resident who posts here should feel entirely free to share their public experiences without being redirected. As a candidate for Mayor, I agree that you have a right to ask tough questions and look at what I am bringing forward for Tombstone. Please understand I also feel a responsibility to protect those who come to my page to share their experience. I truly appreciate you wishing me the best, and I wish you the exact same moving forward.

John Nolan

I suggested anyone concerned with this so-called pond do some research. It is a very bad ecological idea for this region.

Amber Bristow

Question:

How do you address concerns from constituents who feel that Ward 4 responsibilities were not fully maintained while you shifted focus toward your mayoral campaign? Additionally, how would you assure residents that, if elected mayor, you will be able to effectively balance and fully carry out the responsibilities of the office?

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Amber Bristow, thank you for reaching out! While we have not had the opportunity to meet, I am certainly familiar with your family connection to the Mayor. Several people have actually forwarded me screenshots of you posting this exact same inquiry in other Facebook groups. It is incredibly difficult for a single person to track and answer every concern across multiple online forums. When I attempted that, Cindi Leist reminded me to keep my campaign communications to my page. For that I am extremely grateful. I am happy to address both of your questions directly with the facts. Please do not be offended by my responses, and please understand I have absolutely no intention of disparaging the Mayor. However, it is direct questions from you, Councilman John D Goodspeed, and Tammi-Jo Wilkins that require me to answer with the specific facts and records that I never intended on making public. I am happy to address both of your questions here directly with the facts.

To your first question regarding Ward 4: I am a one-person campaign team. While the campaign certainly takes up my personal free time, my mother has graciously stepped in to help cover my business operations, allowing my availability to the public to remain completely unaffected. I have never neglected my duties. To put that into perspective, I have successfully addressed and followed through on eight different property code and maintenance issues brought to me by constituents since my mayoral campaign began. The idea that I have shifted my focus away from my duties could not be further from the truth. In fact, every single constituent from Ward 4 who has approached me with a problem has been heard and I have followed through on each and every one of those issues, many of them multiple times. I have been notified that there are several individuals complaining in various Facebook groups about situations in Ward 4, but those specific issues were never brought to my attention directly. I cannot address or track concerns that are not reported to me or in groups to which I do not follow. I did address the concern raised recently on the Herald/Review Roundtable post by Mrs. Anna McMurtrie. I have included a screenshot of that interaction in this reply for you.

As the Mayor explicitly instructed me via multiple emails, I am not permitted, unlike the other Council Members, to pass ward complaints directly to him or department heads on behalf of constituents. Instead, I was directed to have my constituents fill out the formal city complaint form available online. Whenever a resident has come to me, I have guided them through that exact protocol, and I have regularly tracked those submissions. I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with you, or any other constituent, to review the copies of the communications I have submitted to the city on behalf of Ward 4, along with the responses I have received back. My door is always open for that transparency.

To your second question about balancing the responsibilities of the Mayor's office: The roles of Councilman and Mayor are entirely different structures under our code. As a Council member, I belong to a legislative body with zero administrative authority to direct crews or execute the budget. I just broke down these exact structural differences, along with specific examples, on another post where Coucnilman John D Goodspeedd and Tammi-Jo Wilkins asked similar questions. I highly encourage you to view that post 

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10234883155719987&set=a.10234032057283058 to read those specific details.

The Mayor’s office, however, is an executive role designed specifically to manage daily operations and ensure that constituent complaint forms turn into real-world results.

If you choose to vote for me for Mayor, I will not have to balance fighting through administrative roadblocks to get a street repaired, because removing those roadblocks and ensuring efficient city execution is the job description of the Mayor. I am running because I want the structural responsibility to make sure the work gets done, and I want that accountability to stop with me.

Thanks for engaging in the conversation!

Tammi-Jo Wilkins

Not sure why im tagged here. I prefer not to be. Apparently i need a disclaimer. As i have shared, I cannot/will not endorse ANY mayoral candidate. My professional position serves Tombstone and it is a conflict for me to do so. I hope my public questions are not perceived as such.

John D Goodspeed

Lillian Gracz Hritz Lillian responded promptly and appropriately to my questions and I do appreciate that. My questions have been posed from a citizen's perspective as she is a mayoral candidate. I like Lilly. We agree on many (most?) things.

A major item where Lilly and I may disagree:

I strongly support our existing territorial Ward System of governance.

I oppose At-Large voting for council as it could quickly lead to unintended concentrations of power.

Nationwide, many communities oppose At-Large voting because it makes it too easy for special interests (developers, lobbyists) to gain unbreakable dominance.

I know that Dusty supports our current Ward System of governance.

You state "I will not have to balance fighting through administrative roadblocks to get a street repaired, because removing those roadblocks and ensuring efficient city execution is the job description of the Mayor."

What are these "administrative roadblocks" you are referring to?

How will you remove these "roadblocks"?

How are you not constrained by budget just as Dusty is currently constrained?

At the end of the day, the budget is the budget, it's hard to get around.

How will you actually repair streets without a new reorganized budget?

Lillian Gracz Hritz

John D Goodspeed, thank you for the kind words, and I truly appreciate your perspective.

I want to clear up any misunderstanding right away: I am not personally advocating for an At-Large voting system. My concern has always been about ensuring fair and equal representation within our current system. Tombstone has not updated its ward boundaries in the 22 years I have lived here, and no one at City Hall could provide evidence of the last time the town was redistricted. When I first ran in 2022 on the idea of adjusting the boundaries, the city’s response was that it was simply too costly.

Under federal constitutional law and Arizona state guidelines, cities that utilize a district or ward system are expected to review and adjust their boundaries every 10 years following the U.S. Census. The entire purpose of this legal standard is to comply with the constitutional principle of "one person, one vote" by keeping district populations nearly equal.

After I was elected in 2024, when that topic came up again, I was simply sharing the various legal structural options that the City Attorney had outlined to me regarding redistricting. My intention was only to share the information provided by legal counsel and note how other towns in Arizona operate to stay compliant with state standards. I was not recommending we change our current system, and I completely agree with you on the value of our territorial Ward System. It ensures that every neighborhood in Tombstone has a direct, dedicated voice.

However, because our town has grown unevenly over the last two decades, Ward 4 now has more than twice the population of other wards. Under our current outdated map, those residents are still represented by only one vote on the City Council. That means a citizen living in Ward 4 effectively has half the voting power of a resident in a smaller ward. Adjusting the boundaries is not about throwing out the Ward System; it is about balancing it so that every single resident's vote carries the exact same weight, no matter what neighborhood they live in.

Ultimately, this should not be a decision made just by you, me, or the council. If the city's position is that updating the ward boundaries is too expensive for the taxpayers, then the citizens themselves should be given the choice on how to proceed. The public should have the right to decide whether they want to fund a redistricting process to balance the current wards, or if they prefer an alternative like At-Large representation to ensure equal voting power. The voters are the ones who should make that choice at the ballot box. 

Councilman Goodspeed, thank you for pushing for specifics. You are 100% right that the budget is the budget, and any candidate who promises to spend money that is not there is not being honest with the voters. I am not constrained any less by the city’s total revenue than anyone else and I never said I was.

When I talk about administrative roadblocks, I am speaking from direct experience as a council member under our current system. Right now, the roadblock is that I cannot simply call or walk into City Hall and ensure a constituent’s concerns are directly addressed, nor can I formally ask city operations department heads. As you may recall from the email correspondence from Mayor Escapule that I previously shared on Facebook, the current administration's structure creates a barrier between me and immediate city execution. That is why the people of Ward 4 are so upset that nothing has changed in Ward 4.

When I am elected Mayor, those specific roadblocks are gone. As the executive, when a citizen calls me with an issue, I will have the immediate authority to direct operations and cut through the red tape within budget constraints, just like others have explained happens when they call Mayor Escapule.

Furthermore, I intend to approach our budget planning with a community-driven process:

First, we need a citizen-driven Strategic Plan before our dollars are allocated. I intend to utilize a structured framework, like the one offered by Local First Arizona, to build this plan from the ground up:

• Community Outreach & Surveys: Holding tailored community sessions and town-wide surveys to discover what the citizens' actual priorities are for the next 1–5 years.

• Department Alignment: Once the community approves the strategic goals, city departments will be structured to set explicit objectives that support those exact community needs.

• Budget Accountability: As Mayor, I will work to ensure that our city budget is built specifically to fund and support those voter-approved goals.

Second, you asked how I would actually repair streets within our limits. The answer is aggressive, proactive preparation for federal and state resources would help us get the funds beyond those limits. Remember, our first meeting when the previous Mayor of Wilcox shared that she received $54M from the State and Federal Government, because he speaks with the representative at both directly in person.

For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation has offered the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program (https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A), which provided massive funding specifically for local road safety and infrastructure improvements. While the most recent funding cycle for that specific program just closed last month, the program funded $5 billion over 5 years, 2022-2026. It highlights exactly why a town must be positioned to apply and have the matching funds available. When we rely heavily on our Reserve dollars and our Boothill revenues to cover ongoing operational shortfalls, we do not have the flexible matching funds readily available to secure those major infrastructure grants when the windows are open.

To show you how these administrative boundaries limit us: within a week of being sworn into office in 2024, I personally met a representative from U.S. Senator Mark Kelly’s office. When he found out I represented Tombstone, he explicitly told me they have resources available for our roads to be repaired. Unfortunately, because I am a council member and not the Mayor, I have no authority under our current system to officially negotiate, follow up, or speak with his office to explore bringing those tax dollars home to Tombstone.

Those are the specific administrative roadblocks about which I am talking. When I am elected Mayor, those lines of communication will be wide open, we will protect our reserves, and we will finally be able to bring our own state and federal tax dollars back into the streets of Tombstone.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Tammi-Jo Wilkins it was not my intention to put you in an uncomfortable position or imply an endorsement. I was working to keep my campaign focused on my own platform rather than my opponent. However, you, Amber Bristow, and Councilman John D Goodspeed ask for specific, concrete examples of what I mean, I believe in providing direct, honest answers. I completely respect your neutrality and appreciate you clarifying your position.

John D Goodspeed

Let's all keep in mind that we operate under representative government, not an open democracy.

I am 100% in favor of holding our elected officials accountable, which we already do with our tight 2 year election cycles and sometimes even recall elections (a 1 year term, yikes!).

Most cities have 4 year terms.

I agree that getting public consensus on major projects from a utility, critical need, aesthetics and cost point of view is essential and helps keep the peace.

However, we should be careful what we wish for...

I am not sure inviting public comment on the actual nuts and bolts of projects would be productive.

I suspect many project "studies" would easily die during the two year election cycle.

For instance, we don't currently layout the engineering plans for the Sewage Treatment Plant, the Water Works, the Airport etc. (the nuts and bolts) asking for public comment on implementation details. What we do is create conceptual plans and propose budgets.

Once the utility, aesthetics and costs are agreed upon, then as a council we move forward.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

John D Goodspeed Councilman John D Goodspeed, I agree, we absolutely live in a representative government and I completely agree we should not be asking the public to draft engineering blueprints. That is why we elect leaders and give them the responsibilities to hire professionals.

But to be completely honest regarding the specific examples you brought up, the truth is that we do not even have those layouts or plans readily available for our own leadership, let alone the public. Remember the water and waste water systems tour we took? As a sitting council member, I had been asking for that tour for months. It was not until I officially stepped up to run for Mayor that the tour was finally granted and I voiced to the public that I still had not been taken on a tour of those facilities, that it was scheduled for us all. And what did we find on that tour? When I asked if there were any drawings or schematics to show us exactly what each of the machines we were looking at does during the process of the water traveling from the mountains to the wells, how it moves out to the city, or which well it hits first, we were told there no layout of our water system or our sewage lines to the treatment plant for anyone to see. All they have is what they see on the computers and a big map on the wall in Public Works. Having to run for Mayor just to get eyes on our city utilities is the exact definition of an administrative roadblock. The citizens will know how their tax dollars should know about how their city works. Glendale, AZ offers academies to their citizens to learn the inner workings of a variety of city services, including public safety, city court, libraries, public works, finance and budget, parks and recreation, public affairs, neighborhoods, water services, boards and commissions, and much more.

As for the airport, that is a completely different story. Aside from hearing planes fly over at night, the average resident has no idea what our airport is used for or why Tombstone even maintains it. And in all honesty, the Airport Commission meetings, which are already legally open to the public, are exactly where the citizens should be hearing the details, plans, and vision for that facility. Bringing the community into that conversation is not direct democracy; it is just utilizing the public commissions we already have in place.

A professional Strategic Plan, like the one offered by Local First Arizona, does not ask the public to micromanage engineering specs. It simply asks the citizens to tell us what their high-level priorities are for the next 1 to 5 years so we can create those missing master plans.

Furthermore, you mentioned the risk of projects dying during our short 2-year election cycles. A voter-approved Strategic Plan actually prevents that. Because the plan looks out over a 5-year horizon and has clear community buy-in, it provides a stable roadmap that outlasts any single election. It stops the city from completely shifting gears or abandoning long-term infrastructure goals every time a new council is sworn in.

 

 

To answer John D Goodspeed's question on one of my campaign pages.
If honored with the office of Mayor, I will ask the Council to convene a public work session to address these specific dead zones along Highway 80. Per Article IV, Section 1 of our Tombstone City Charter, the Council is explicitly authorized to protect property, peace, and good order within our city. Any action we take must be a transparent, collaborative effort based on a clear, three-step approach by asking the questions that put the future of our town back in the hands of the community and the council:
Step 1: Bring the Owner to the Table
Before we talk about laws or fines, our first step must be a good-faith negotiation. We need to understand the owner's roadblocks. What is the city looking to accomplish here? Simple, practical solutions that help everyone:
• Do we want to ask the owner to lease the parking lot back to the city, allowing us to maintain it, open it up for tourists, and relieve the parking crunch on our local shops?
• Do we want to discuss options for leasing or selling the Bella Union and Adobe Lodge to local operators who want to invest in them, or explore public-private partnerships to restore them? If the owner wants to keep the properties, do we want to help him find tenants to get the doors open and the lights back on?
Step 2: Enact Strict Historic Code Enforcement
If good-faith discussions fail, the city must protect its historic assets. Owning a piece of Tombstone's history comes with a duty of care. These are unique structures; if they are left unheated, uncooled, or unmaintained, they rot from the inside out.
• We will strictly enforce our Historic Preservation Ordinances. If a historic commercial building is empty, it must still be maintained to rigorous architectural and structural standards.
• We will instruct code enforcement to inspect these properties regularly. If there are violations, the daily fines will stack up. The city can no longer allow historic landmarks to suffer from demolition-by-neglect, which is what I had to do to the one I purchased at 520 E Allen St.
Step 3: Enforce the Vacant Building Ordinance (Chapter 22)
As Mike Carrafa reminded me, we already have Chapter 22 on the books (The Tombstone Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance). It explicitly breaks the town down into two distinct zones:
• Will we enforce Section 10-22-3-H for the Historic District, which triggers vacancy rules after a building sits unoccupied for 90 days?
• Will we enforce Section 10-22-3-G for the rest of town, which triggers vacancy rules after a building sits unoccupied for 365 days?
• Will we ensure the city requires these owners to register, submit a timeline to return the buildings to use, and pay the escalating annual registration fees mandated by Section 10-22-5?

Update: This post was revised to reference our actual, existing Chapter 22 ordinance instead of a proposed one. I remembered having seen it before, but could not find it again when first drafting this, and when you are a one-person campaign, time is limited. Thanks to a reminder from Mike Carrafa, we were able to highlight the exact code that already exists on our books.
The real question we need to be asking is why the current administration has chosen not to enforce this law for the last nineteen years while these landmarks sat vacant?
Only after we have exhausted these three steps: negotiation, historic code enforcement, vacancy fees, and only after full, open deliberation in a public city council work session would we, as a council, ever discuss public acquisition as a collective body.

Buzz Busby

Please god yes, do something about those. And the old Circle K. I mean, I totally understand its for sale, but it can't just stay boarded up for years waiting for the right buyer at the right price. The owner should be compelled to lease it out to someone that will at least maintain the place.

Mike Luchsinger

Buzz Busby good luck owner rubin does not need to sell and his prices are too high and alot of work to be done to hotel and bella , been rumors for years about quite a few people who were going to buy bella but there it sits . forcing him sell is unamerican , if people want it fixed up buy them . just need a billionaire to come to town and buy them .

Buzz Busby

Mike Luchsinger he should at least make them decent looking so the drive through town doesn't include several buildings that look like broke down meth houses. Un-American? Nah. There's a process for it that includes several steps and a long lead time. Its not just a 30 days and snatch it up thing. But how many years have they been derelict? Fix it, sell it, lease it, do something. Don't just sit on it and let it be an eyesore for decades.

Mike Luchsinger

Buzz Busby i agree with fixing up . bella union is not and eye sore . adobe hotel is and empty lot needs work never did like that gov can take your house or land that you supposedly own for fair market value . what about all the years of taxes you paid on property that gov owned and let you rent . how would you feel if they wanted your house ? i am sure it is a process . school is the worst looking and there are quite a few on fremont besides these . like across from apache gas a few more hell apache market doesn't look that great . then next it will be going around town and making people cleanup property move that rv to a storage or in back of house . trust me there are a lot of code violations around town at many residences .

Buzz Busby

Mike Luchsinger the ride through town is better than it was several years ago, but a few more cleaned up and operating businesses couldn't hurt.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Buzz and Mike, you both hit on the exact core of this issue, and this back-and-forth is precisely why we need a transparent, community-led conversation.

Mike, you are 100% right that forcing someone to sell their property just because we don't like the price or the timeline feels un-American. Private property rights are a bedrock principle, and we cannot have a local government that just snatches up land because an out-of-town investor wants to sit on it. That’s why I am completely against rushing into any kind of forced sale or public acquisition.

But Buzz, you hit the nail on the head, too. There is a massive legal and practical middle ground between doing nothing for decades and jumping straight to a forced takeover. Owning a piece of Tombstone’s history comes with a baseline 'Good Neighbor' responsibility.

As Buzz mentioned, it’s not about a '30 days and snatch' approach. It is about using the common-sense municipal tools we already have. Under Chapter 22 of our own city code, the Tombstone Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance passed back in 2007: any building in the historic district left vacant for more than 90 days is required to be registered, maintained, and subject to escalating fees if left to rot. Why was this never enforced?

We should not force anyone to sell, but we can and should ensure our current city code is actually being enforced so these buildings are secure, the roofs are not collapsing, and they are not becoming structural hazards to the active businesses right next door to them.

My goal is not to pull an aggressive government lever or wait around for a billionaire; it is simply to ensure our existing, fair, even-handed local ordinances are applied to everyone. Sitting on a frozen asset for 20 years should not drag down the hard-working business owners who are actually open and investing in Tombstone every single day.

James Randolph Sheed

Lillian, you are my friend and I appreciate your campaign efforts, so please don't take this personally, I am speaking this to the Eminent Domain (E-D) crowd in-general who are lobbying for this action.

I don't like anything about this. Pulling the levers of government to seize personal property is a hallmark of communism and should never be discussed as even a remote possibility by Tombstone Municipal government. How about "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's stuff?" Or, "mind your own business?" I bet that these same subjectively-eyesore properties have changed little in appearance since when the people who want them removed, moved here (i.e. ... why did you all move here if it's so ugly?) I've been here 26 years and those properties haven't changed much in my time here, and they've never once bothered me to do something about them. They are the kind of fading structures that I like to see and photograph when I visit other towns. If you can't handle a genuine old-west look about a place, what is it you want, Disneyland, Universal Studios? Saying that these structures are negatively effecting other businesses is entirely subjective. If they are such a threat to prosperity how is it that Tombstone continues to boom? If they are violating current law/code, then enforce that. But you better make sure it is being enforced evenly/fairly/equally for all residents/owners. If you make new law specifically aimed at solving this perceived problem, these properties should be grandfathered. There is no shortage of ACLU type lawyers waiting for a little city government to step on a new client's property rights, - - keep that in mind. How are you honoring Article IV Section 1's requirement to "protect property" when your ultimate action will be to take property? The sanctity of private property ownership is a pillar of the very spirit of what it is to be a life-liberty-happiness pursuing citizen of the United States. One of the top attractions for me to invest in property here in this town, raise a family here, and stay here for twenty-six years is the off-handedness of local government. I will never vote for a change from that and I will move on from here if that changes.

~ Darren Jessop

Lillian Gracz Hritz

James Randolph Sheed, thank you for writing this and please know I take absolutely none of it personally. I value our friendship, and more importantly, I deeply respect your 26 years of commitment to raising a family and investing in Tombstone. You have laid out the bedrock principles of private property rights perfectly, and frankly, I agree with what you are saying.

I want to put your mind entirely at ease: I am not part of any 'Eminent Domain crowd.' In fact, the entire reason I turned these points into questions for the Council is because I am completely against unilateral government overreach. I share your belief that the sanctity of private property is a pillar of our liberty.

You made a point in your comment that is actually the exact heart of my strategy. You wrote: 'If they are violating current law/code, then enforce that.' That is exactly what I am proposing. My plan is not about passing a wave of aggressive new laws to target people or ruin the genuine Old West look we all love.

As Mike Carrafa recently pointed out, in addition to what I initially referenced, we already have iChapter 22 on the books: the Tombstone Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, passed back in 2007. It is about simple, even-handed enforcement of the baseline historic maintenance codes we already have to prevent 'demolition by neglect.' The real question we need to be asking is why our city government has chosen to ignore and not enforce this law all these years while these landmarks sat vacant.

There is a vast difference between a beautifully weathered, historic building and a structure that is neglected to the point of becoming a safety hazard to its neighboring properties. Protecting property under Article IV, Section 1 means protecting all property, including the small businesses whose walls and structures share borders with these long-term vacant lots. Furthermore, these properties were not bankrupt when they were first left empty and neglected years ago; it was the city's responsibility to enforce our existing codes back then to prevent them from ever getting to this deteriorated stage.

Enforcing Chapter 22's vacancy guidelines is designed precisely to encourage out-of-town investors to be good neighbors, not to seize their land. Eminent domain is a nuclear option that I view as an absolute last resort, only to be discussed if a structure becomes a certified public danger and all else has failed. I love the independent spirit of Tombstone just as much as you do, and my goal as Mayor will always be to exhaust every free-market option, good-faith negotiation, and existing code before the town ever talks about pulling a government lever.

I appreciate you keeping this conversation grounded in the constitution, Darren. This is exactly why we need these open council work sessions: to make sure every voice is heard.

Tammi-Jo Wilkins

Interesting discussion. How do you plan to overcome the bankruptcy the owner of Bella Union has been in for many years? It looks like he knows what hes doing on multiple properties across Cochise County alone. Bankruptcy-does it freeze the asset for ability to sell or forfeit?

And speaking as a former investigator for AZ Registrar of Contractors (7 years) if you change code enforcements on Allen, you have to change International Building Codes locally too and can current business owners afford that?. Food for thought.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Tammi-Jo Wilkins These are precisely the tough, real-world questions we need

to be asking. I truly appreciate your perspective given your background with

the AZ Registrar of Contractors.

First, to address the bankruptcy question: you are entirely right that bankruptcy complicates things and can temporarily freeze assets across multiple properties. There are 7 buildings, as Buzz Busby pointed out, I forgot to include the old Circle K. While a bankruptcy stay might be involved in 3 of the buildings, it does not completely strip a municipality of its powers to protect public safety and prevent active blight. My goal wouldn't be to fight the bankruptcy court, but rather to have our city interface proactively with the bankruptcy trustee. We want to ensure Tombstone has a seat

at the table to protect our historic assets and explore ways to safely return those properties to productive community use.

Second, regarding code enforcement and the International Building Code (IBC): I want to be very clear, because I am not advocating changing local building codes in a way that forces new, expensive structural mandates onto our current, operating business owners. Our local shops are the lifeblood of Allen Street and Highway 80 and the last thing they need is more costly red tape. There is a major legal difference between full IBC compliance for new construction and enforcing basic municipal Historic Preservation Guidelines. Think of it as a 'Good Neighbor' policy. As Mike Carrafa shared, we have the TOMBSTONE NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION ORDINANCE. The owner still has a responsibility to the town to keep the roof on, the windows intact, and the structure safe. We are talking about basic structural integrity, roof maintenance, and keeping properties secure so they do not rot from the inside out and damage neighboring walls, not a remodel.

These are exactly the kinds of legal and practical nuances that we must iron out together. That is why I am calling for an open, public town council work session so experts like yourself, our local business owners, and the council can look at the facts and build a transparent strategy that protects Tombstone's economy without hurting our existing businesses.

Mike Luchsinger

Tammi-Jo Wilkins he is very intelligent and knows how to work the system .

Mike Luchsinger

i bet dusty would not want this 

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Luchsinger When I take office, my personal wants go on the back burner. My duty will be to ensure our town's codes are enforced fairly and evenly. If we as a community do not like the laws on our books, then we as a community need to come to the table and change them. But ignoring them is not an option.

Mike Luchsinger

what about building owned by inn history on fremont with stucco falling off and windows boarded up , are you going after him too ?

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Luchsinger Are you talking about the one that used to be purple? If so, I didn't know it was owned by the same owner. I wouldn't say I am going after anyone. I would say I would require the staff to enforce the codes. The owner of Inn History has done a magnificent job at remodeling the hotel. As a business owner who bought two dilapidated buildings on Allen St. I understand the expense and time it takes to

Mike Luchsinger

Lillian Gracz Hritz i was sure they bought that too and opened bed and breakfast inside .

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Luchsinger, you are correct. It is owned by Inn History Tombstone Motel. I am confident the owner will make improvements, when he has the time, money and labor to make them. He just purchase the Zip Line and put in a lot of work over there.

Mike Luchsinger

Lillian Gracz Hritz been like that for a few months

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Luchsinger I cannot do anything about it until I win the election. If you want something done sooner you will need to speak with current mayor.

Mike Carrafa

There is a vacant building ordinance in city code. CHAPTER 22

NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION

SECTION:

10-22-1: Short Title

10-22-2: General Purpose

10-22-3: Definitions

10-22-4: Vacant Building Registration

10-22-5: Vacant Building Fees

10-22-6: Exemptions

10-22-7: Inspections

10-22-8: Notifications

10-22-9: Penalties

10-22-1: SHORT TITLE:

This chapter may be referred to as the TOMBSTONE NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION ORDINANCE. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-2: GENERAL PURPOSE:

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents and visitors to the city of Tombstone, to preserve property values overall, and to provide special attention to the condition of the Schieffelin historic district. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-3: DEFINITIONS:

CODE VIOLATIONS: Violations of any code adopted and/or enforced by the city.

ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: The building inspector/zoning officer of the city.

VACANT BUILDING: A building or portion of a building which is:

A. Unoccupied and unsecured.

B. Unoccupied and secured by other than normal means.

C. Unoccupied and a dangerous structure.

D. Unoccupied and condemned.

E. Unoccupied and has multiple housing or building code violations.

F. Condemned and illegally occupied.

G. Unoccupied for a period of time more than three hundred sixty five (365) days.

H. Within the Schieffelin historic district and unoccupied for a period of time more than ninety (90) days. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-4: VACANT BUILDING REGISTRATION:

A. The owner shall register with the enforcement officer not later than thirty (30) days after any building in the city becomes vacant, as defined by section 10-22-3 of this chapter.

B. The registration shall be submitted on forms provided by the enforcement officer and shall include the following information supplied by the owner:

1. A description of the premises.

2. The names and addresses of the owner or owners.

3. The names and addresses of all known lien holders, and all other parties with an ownership interest in the building.

4. The period of time the building is expected to remain vacant; and a plan and timetable for returning the building to appropriate occupancy or use and/or for demolition of the building.

C. The owner shall submit a plan and timetable which must meet the approval of the enforcement officer. The enforcement officer shall require completion of the plan within a reasonable period of time, up to three hundred sixty five (365) days. Any repairs, improvements or alterations to the property must comply with any applicable housing or building codes.

D. All applicable laws and codes shall be complied with by the owner. The owner shall notify the enforcement officer of any changes in information supplied as part of the vacant building registration within thirty (30) days of the change. If the plan or timetable for the vacant building is revised in any way, the revision must meet the approval of the enforcement officer.

E. The owner and subsequent owners shall keep the building secured and safe and the building and grounds properly maintained until the rehabilitation or demolition has been completed. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-5: VACANT BUILDING FEES:

A. The owner of a vacant building shall pay an annual registration fee. The first year registration fee shall be two hundred dollars ($200.00). The second year registration fee shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00). The third and each subsequent year registration fee shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

B. The first annual fee shall be paid not later than thirty (30) days after the building becomes vacant.

C. The fee shall be paid in full prior to the issuance of any building permits, with the exception of a demolition permit.

D. All delinquent fees shall be paid by the owner prior to any transfers of ownership interest in any vacant property. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-6: EXEMPTIONS:

A. A building which has suffered fire damage shall be exempt from the registration requirement for a period of ninety (90) days after the date of the fire if the property owner submits a request for exemption in writing to the enforcement officer. This request shall include the following information supplied by the owner:

1. A description of the premises.

2. The names and addresses of the owner or owners.

3. A statement of intent to repair and reoccupy the building in an expedited manner. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-7: INSPECTIONS:

The enforcement officer shall inspect any premises in the city for the purpose of enforcing and assuring compliance with the provisions of this title. Upon the request of the enforcement officer, an owner shall provide access to all interior portions of an unoccupied building in order to permit a complete inspection. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-8: NOTIFICATIONS:

Once every three (3) months the enforcement officer shall send to the city council a list of all vacant buildings which have become known to the enforcement officer during the preceding three (3) months, as well as a list of all previously declared vacant buildings which are no longer subject to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

10-22-9: PENALTIES:

Any person who violated the provisions of this chapter or providing false information to the enforcement officer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00). Each subsequent notice of violation shall be considered an additional offense. (Ord. 2007-16, 5-8-2007)

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Carrafa Exactly! Thank you for sharing this. I only referenced Section 4. The city has responsibilities to our town that simply need to be enforced.

Cindi Leist

So, Mike posted a true thing. Everything in question, is in the Tombstone Historic District..I did extensive AI research. The only thing in this conversation, that is not, is the old Circle K building. What happens with that?

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Cindi Leist I think the building across from Apache Market is not in the historic district either. You are hitting on a crucial legal distinction, and keeping this completely accurate is everything. We cannot, and should not, apply strict historic district guidelines to properties that sit outside of it.

But if you look closely at how the Tombstone Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 22) is written, it actually handles the town as two distinct zones:

First, the General Purpose statement (10-22-2) explicitly covers the entire city limits to protect general public safety and overall property values, while adding a specific mandate to give 'special attention' to the Schieffelin Historic District.

Because of that dual focus, the ordinance sets two completely different timelines for when a building is legally considered vacant:

For the Historic District (Item H): The timeline is fast-tracked. Because of our history and the tight proximity of our shops, a building is triggered as vacant after 90 days.

For the Rest of Town (Item G): For properties outside the historic footprint, like the old Circle K and the building across from the Apache Market, the timeline is a baseline of 365 days (one full year).

Since the old Circle K and the building across from the Apache Market has sat boarded up for multiple years, it has passed that one-year threshold. Under Section 10-22-4, any vacant building in the city must be registered and safely maintained. The real issue here is accountability: the current administration has been at the helm for the last 12 consecutive years. This ordinance was first passed in 2007, yet they have chosen not to enforce it on these properties. While the code clearly respects that the rules and timelines are different for different zones, the basic responsibility to be a good neighbor applies across our entire town, and it is the job of the city administration to enforce it.

Mike Luchsinger

Cindi Leist always sid it would make a great satellite pharmacy / animals store with meds for pets and more .you could even have dog grooming and maybe a person who comes in and does vaccinations for pets and flu shots for people and more

Cindi Leist

Lillian Gracz Hritz Thank you for your detailed reply.

Donald Burleson

Visitors notice these eye sores.

Clay S. Greathouse

This is a interesting discussion, I have never seen this subject tackled, or even acknowledged, in such a civil and productive way. I have spoken several times to this Rubin character for clients I had interested in some of his properties, and boy does he own a lot, and he sounds like a real nice guy on the phone. I have also had explained the system he was working back in the day, and not sure I understood it, but sounded legally questionable at best. But glad to see this whole matter being discussed in such a civil manner, all the more reason to vote for Lilly as Mayor. Keep up the good work.

Michele Baxter

Tombstone is finally addressing the million dollar question thanks Lilly for options that we have to act upon. A good discussion, open and honest.

Steve McNeely

We have lived in Tombstone for over 15 years. This is the first time since I have been here that I’ve seen this subject discussed openly. We can thank Lilli for bringing this to light. She will work to solve problems like this that haven’t been addressed for years. This is why Lilli has my vote.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

This showed up on my feed and I shared it, but I am also sharing it in the conversation thread, since this topic received so much interest. Now this property is worse than most of ours, but this is how Tucson handled it when they had no choice: https://www.kvoa.com/.../article_adbee3f8-3eba-4fcc-a010...

Here is another suit to help with the another concern people are having in town. https://tucson.com/.../article_955fe2a4-a78a-47d1-8014...

John D Goodspeed

Lillian, I appreciate your response. Good food for thought. A starting point for discussions.

As a rule I am admittedly against the use of eminent domain for anything other than roads and schools. Even then I would insist on FMV + 25%

I am nearing the finish line of the Civic Craft program hosted by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns! The Civic Craft Leadership Program is a nonpartisan, year-long program for municipal elected officials in Arizona. With just one session left before graduation, I’ve been reflecting on all that this program has taught me over the past year to help me serve you more effectively.
Our training has been intensely practical. We analyzed city master plans, capital improvement budgets, and the data frameworks that drive local decisions. From studying economic trends with groups like Local First Arizona to digging into state statutes, this course reinforced something I hold incredibly close to my heart: policy is not neutral. The decisions made at town hall measurably shift the trends in our crime rates, our economic growth, and our neighborhood safety.
To make those decisions wisely, we read "Daring Leadership" and reviewed the building blocks of trust. In public service, leaders face constant noise and criticism. We learned that true resilience means letting go of ego, listening more than speaking, and building strong coalitions. For me, it also means protecting open civic engagement so every resident has a voice and processing feedback objectively so we can stay focused on what matters: the people we serve.
My "Why" in this campaign has always been clear: I ran for office because I saw a need for greater transparency, accountability, and follow-through in local leadership. Rather than sit on the sidelines, I chose to step up and serve, offering a voice for those who felt unheard, and proving that hands-on, honest service still matters.
I believe small towns thrive when residents feel heard, empowered, and informed. I’m committed to serving Tombstone’s past and promising tomorrow by ensuring that community voices are included in the decision-making process and by keeping the public updated on what their local government is doing and why.
Data, transparent planning, and listening to our residents are how we turn that vision into reality. I am ready to bring these strategic tools straight to town hall to work for you!

Dixie McNeely

Over the last 22 years, nearly 40% of my life, Tombstone has not just been where I live. It is where I chose to build my life.

Let us be honest: there is a reason people leave places like Chicago. I left the big city because I wanted the community, safety, and heart of a small town. And, let me make one thing very clear; I did not bring Chicago politics with me!

True leadership starts with listening and is proven through action. My track record of leadership started early in my career, where I served as a trainer and a leader to other educators. I have a history of delivering fiscal responsibility and leadership.

I have spent over two decades showing up for Tombstone volunteering with 6 local nonprofits and directly serving our community on both the School Board and the City Council before making the decision to run for Mayor.

I am asking you to vote for me for mayor; how can I earn your vote? 

Dixie McNeely

I like Lilli’s professional background and the way she gets involved with the community. She will make an excellent mayor.

Mike Munroe

She's an exceptional young woman. Her perception of things is extremely good. I wouldn't call her a politician. There are negative connotations to that. I think she is caring person who see what Tombstone is and what it can be. A national treasure. A destination spot for world travelers. And a home for families and older folks. I may end my days in Tombstone. And I'll have a smile on my face when I'm laid to rest. Enough of my babbling.

Peggy Watson

Vote For Lillian Hritz for Mayor

Amber Bristow

You emphasize your long-standing commitment to Tombstone, your leadership experience, and your belief in community-focused governance. Can you explain how your time serving on the City Council and School Board has directly prepared you to lead the entire city as mayor, and what specific results from those roles best demonstrate your readiness for this next step?

Also, Tombstone is more than just Allen Street. Are you willing to work with and represent all areas of the community, not just the central or most visible parts of town.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Amber Bristow Thank you for asking these direct and important questions, Amber. My time on the School Board taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, accountability, and resolving conflict.

After a brief time on the Board, Mike Hayhurst joined the Board. I noticed great tension between us after he joined. He came onto the board believing a lot of misinformations about me. Instead of avoiding the conflict, I asked him to meet one-on-one, cleared the air with facts, and we remained wonderful friends until his passing. When a past superintendent kept critical financial information from the Board, putting the district into debt. I addressed those challenges upfront and honestly with the facts to the entire staff. The staff member who led the charge listened to me and the facts I presented. He and are now friends as well. I then had to answer my constituents’ concerns when their taxes for the district jumped drastically, because we as board did not ask the questions when we reviewed the expenses and did not verify the revenue covering them. That exact experience is why I am now so meticulous when I review expense reports and municipal budgets today; I refuse to ever have to tell another taxpayer; I did not do by due diligence.

Building on those lessons, my service on the City Council has given me the precise, hands-on municipal experience required to lead the city as Mayor from day one. On the council, I have worked directly with our city budgets, navigated complex local policies, and collaborated with other city officials. While the School Board taught me the critical importance of financial oversight and crisis management, the City Council has given me a deep understanding of our day-to-day municipal operations and the mechanics of local government. This combined experience means I do not just understand the challenges our community faces, I understand the structural, budgetary, and legal tools required to solve them effectively for all our residents.

This directly connects back to the essence of my previous post regarding the distinct roles of a council member versus the mayor. As a councilman, my job has been to listen, deliberate, and vote on policy. However, I chose not to run for council again, because true leadership must be proven through execution. The mayor is the chief executive responsible for the daily administration of our city, the enforcement of our laws, and the direct oversight of our municipal budget. My time on the council has given me an intimate, inside view of where our city administration succeeds and where it falls short. I am running for Mayor because I am ready to step into that executive role, take full accountability for our city's operations, and ensure that the policies we pass are put into action for the benefit of every resident.

Regarding your question about our neighborhoods, Tombstone is absolutely more than just Allen Street and I am fully committed to representing every corner of this community. To put things into perspective, of the many constituent concerns I have addressed over the past year and a half, only three were directly related to Allen Street. Furthermore, two of those three concerns actually came from residents living in Ward 4. Even when the focus is on the center of town, it is often because residents from other wards bring those issues forward, and their views as citizens deserve to be addressed no matter where they live. I look forward to serving all of Tombstone with this exact level of diligence and open communication.

Mike Munroe

I have a friend in Sierra Vista who was born and raised in Chicago. He always says it's a good place to be from!

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Mike Munroe Bob and I share the same sentiment.

Securing our future means building on our strengths with real, measurable results.
According to our city’s latest budget, nearly 40% of Tombstone’s entire General Fund revenue comes directly from local and state-shared sales taxes. This critical revenue is exactly what keeps our city services strong, funds our Marshal’s Office, and maintains our beautiful local parks without placing an overwhelming tax burden on our residents.

Because tourism is the vital financial engine that funds our community. I sought to bring the "Road to 250" Arizona Traveling Museum to Tombstone, while serving on two subcommittees of the Arizona America250 Commission (Travel & Tourism, and History, Heritage, and Historic Preservation).

That proactive effort successfully secured the "Road to 250" Arizona Traveling Museum for our community, which we proudly featured during this past March's Wild West Days, hosted by the Tombstone Marine Corps League. That is what it looks like to turn participation into real results for our town.

Tombstone is our home, not a corporate, sanitized 'Disneyland' attraction. Together, we can expand our resources, support our local events, and keep our rugged, authentic identity completely intact.

Your Priorities, Our Future. 
Earning your trust, then your vote.

John D Goodspeed

What's your position on the use of Eminent Domain to confiscate private property?

Lillian Gracz Hritz

John D Goodspeed, you ask a really important question about balancing property rights with community needs, and it deserves more than a quick reply in a comment thread. Because this issue is complex and vital to Tombstone's future, I am going to put together a separate Q&A detailed post to walk through my exact stance and the transparent, council-driven process I propose. Stay tuned!

Chris Burns

John D Goodspeed as a representative of ward 2, what do the people you represent feel and will you vote their way and not your personal opinion?

Tammi-Jo Wilkins

Im am curious on the non profits you have been involved with. I know about the Marine Corp League and im beyond Grateful for Trucking for Tommy and your involvement- what else? The non profits make such a difference to our community. Im grateful for anyone's participation with the non profits.

Lillian Gracz Hritz

Tammi-Jo Wilkins Thank you so much for the kind words! The non-profits in Tombstone truly are the heartbeat of our community, and I have enjoyed supporting them in different ways. Throughout the two decades I have lived in Tombstone, I have supported our community alongside organizations like the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Tombstone Lions Club, Tombstone Forward, the Tombstone Small Animal Shelter, and the Marine Corps League's Wild West Days.

I have walked dogs, cleaned kennels, worked with committees for scholarships, organized and promoted fundraisers, developed a budget form to track spending, and set up and managed Facebook pages and websites for many of them. Through these efforts, I have learned how to coordinate large-scale community events and build the kind of collaborative public communication that is essential for a mayor. Best of all, this work allowed me to work side-by-side with neighbors, who I now proudly call friends. It takes all of us to make a difference!

Heather Rose

Tammi-Jo Wilkins Hand down she is very supportive of the non profits. I was always so thankful for her help and ideas.

Before I was sworn in, I heard concerns from residents about golf carts operating on Allen Street.
After taking office, I raised the issue and learned that enforcement fell under the Marshal’s Office, but it was not being addressed.
When additional concerns later came up regarding electric bicycles, I followed up again. That is when it was clearly addressed and operators were informed that golf carts are not permitted on Allen Street. I provided Johnny One Dog a copy of the actual code from the City Website to help him understand he was able to make deliveries in the early morning and at the end of the day.
To be clear: this was not my personal preference. I had no issue with businesses using golf carts to deliver lunches or even sarsaparillas. But when constituents bring forward concerns, it is my responsibility, as their representative, to look into it.
If there is a law on the books, it needs to be applied consistently and enforced fairly, whether I personally agree with it or not. There are times when laws need to be amended or changed to fit the changing times of any city. However, those changes should be determined by the citizens through their council and mayor.
Whether we agree with a law or not, it should be clearly communicated and fairly enforced. Rules matter, but enforcement matters just as much. That is the standard I will continue to uphold.

Leann Champlin

Leadership is about Results, not Red Tape

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference: clear parking lines, safe streets, and public spaces that feel organized and welcoming.

A resident recently raised a concern about faded parking lines near 6th and Allen that were creating confusion for drivers and visitors. When someone brings a concern forward, I don’t see paperwork, I see a neighbor who needs help.

A resident recently raised a concern about faded parking lines near 6th and Allen that were creating confusion for drivers and visitors. When markings aren’t visible, it creates uncertainty, impacts safety, and takes away from the appearance of a well cared for downtown.
This directly affects how both residents and tourists experience our historic district.

I brought the issue forward to Mayor Escapule, as I was directed, and followed up until it was addressed. My focus was to help resolve a practical issue that was affecting everyday use of the area.

This reflects how I believe local government should work:
• Listen carefully to concerns
• Work through the appropriate channels
• Follow up until there is resolution

Whether it is major infrastructure or simple street markings, details matter. They shape how people experience our town every day.

I am committed to helping keep Tombstone running smoothly, from the big projects to the everyday details that people rely on.
This is a simple maintenance item, but one that affects both our residents’ and visitors’ perception of how we maintain the historic district. Keeping those markings visible helps both residents and tourists navigate the area safely and keeps the downtown looking cared for.

Your Priorities, Our Future
Earning your trust—then your vote 

Steve McNeely

This is where the real work starts. Making sure the foundations of Tombstone actually work the way they should.

Infrastructure is not flashy, but it is what we rely on every single day, our roads, water, sewer, and public spaces. If these are not working, nothing else does. That is why this first conversation is focused on right here.

I have been hearing a lot of questions from residents about the quality of our water, the condition of our wells, and the equipment that keeps our water and sewer systems running. There are also real concerns about our roads, what can be repaired, what needs to be fully redone, and what those costs actually look like. I have also heard great ideas about improving our parks and expanding recreation opportunities for the community.

I also want to share an update: I heard from City Hall today, and I will be touring the wastewater and sewer systems on April 15th. I want to see firsthand how things operate so I can better understand the challenges and bring real information into this conversation.

We will also talk about funding. What grants may be available, what they can be used for, and what it actually takes to bring those resources into our community.

This will not be a speech. It will be a working conversation. I want to hear from you: What’s working? Where are we falling short? What needs to be prioritized?
Let us get into the details and start shaping real solutions together.

Udaya Sun

Serving the community means following through.

Two residents reached out about police-related incidents that occurred before I took office. These cases were left unresolved to the satisfaction of the victims. I reviewed the details, followed up consistently, and worked to make sure both situations received attention. In one case, that persistence led to a victim recovering damaged property, even though the situation did not result in prosecution. In the other, while the outcome did not meet the victim’s expectations, I made sure their concerns were heard and that they had support throughout a process where they felt unheard.

These situations were handled differently, but both required the same thing: someone willing to stay engaged and not let the issue fade away. Leadership is about accountability and persistence, not letting problems linger or go unanswered.

As your Mayor, I will not let concerns go unheard and residents will not be left waiting without communication or follow-up.

Your Priorities, Our Future
Earning your trust—then your vote 

Rattlin RRoper

Awesome follow through

Michele Baxter

You are consistently giving answers follow through is so appreciated.

Sometimes one concern leads to something bigger.

A resident requested a single dead-end sign on her street. As I examined the area, I realized three streets in total needed signs to improve clarity and safety. I brought this to city staff, advocated for the review, and the signage was updated.

This is what happens when you do not just check the box. You look deeper, see the bigger picture, and make neighborhoods safer.

Your Priorities, Our Future
Earning your trust—then your vote.

Buzz Busby

The July 21, 2026 Primary Election is approaching quickly and this one matters more than most people realize. For our community, this is the election where local leadership is decided. Not in the general. Here. In the primary.

Your town government is the closest level of leadership to your daily life. It is the decisions made here that affect your water, your roads, your trash service, public safety, and the overall direction of our community. This is not distant politics. This is your day-to-day quality of life.

Whether you plan to vote early or show up on Election Day, make sure you are registered and ready. If you care about how our town is run, this is the moment to step forward and be counted.

All vote centers across Cochise County will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and you can vote at ANY of the listed locations. Not just the one closest to you.

If you have questions about registering or voting, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to help.

I have had a lot of people asking how do they find out in which ward they can vote. Unlike most cities our size, ours is divided into Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, and Ward 4, and knowing your ward matters when it comes to representation and voting.

A big thank you to Cora at the City of Tombstone for color-coding this map to make the ward boundaries easier to see and understand. That visual clarity helps.

That said, the absolute best way to know for sure what ward you live in is to check your voter registration card. Your ward is printed directly on it. If you are unsure, take a moment to look it over. It is the most reliable source.

Once your voter registration is received and processed successfully, you should have received a voter id card in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. If you lost or misplaced your voter ID card, you can call Voter Registration at 520-432-8358 for a replacement.

Let us make sure everyone knows where they stand literally, by sharing this post. An informed community is a strong community. 

In my Saturday post, I promised to share specific tools and strategies I learned at the Civic Craft Leadership Program. I will begin with examples of Communication Strategic Plans from other towns across Arizona and beyond.

A Communication Strategic Plan takes a broad look at how local government uses its tools to stay connected with you. It sets clear guidelines for written updates, neighborhood interactions, emergency alerts, website design, media relations, and even marketing for economic development. It ensures city staff and elected officials are all on the same page when it comes to keeping you informed.

According to a post on FB, Tombstone’s last strategic plan was developed 26 years ago. Think about how much technology and communication have changed since the year 2000! To ensure our town stays vibrant and connected, we absolutely need an updated strategic plan for Tombstone that includes a comprehensive, modern communication strategy.

To see what is possible when a community prioritizes proactive communication, we can look at how other towns do it successfully:

SIERRA VISTA, ARIZONA (https://engage.sierravistaaz.gov/) uses an interactive online portal called "Engage Sierra Vista." When they plan initiatives, like their citywide Parks Master Plan, they post it directly online so residents can review it, take targeted surveys, and leave location-specific notes before decisions are made.

SURPRISE, ARIZONA (https://surpriseaz.gov/880/Service-Requests-My-Surprise-App) utilizes the "My Surprise" App, a mobile and desktop tool that places request tracking directly into the hands of residents. It makes it simple for the community to report non-emergency neighborhood maintenance issues (like potholes or broken signs) directly to staff, tracking the issue until it is resolved.

LAKE HAVASU CITY, ARIZONA highlights how a professional local government establishes a continuous, two-way dialogue with its residents using two distinct tools: Human-Driven Connection: The hired dedicated Community Engagement Officer coordinates proactive public initiatives (https://www.lhcaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7408/COMMUNITY-ENGAGEMENT-OFFICER?bidId=) and Data-Driven Listening: They utilize the National Community Survey (NCS) Report to gather scientifically valid feedback from residents to benchmark city performance against national standards. By relying on broad, unbiased data rather than just vocal social media comments, leaders can track real satisfaction trends and make decisions based on what the majority of residents actually value.

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (https://www.georgetowntexas.gov/.../transparency.php...) has a comprehensive media use policy that leaves no room for guesswork. It clearly outlines how the city uses its website, and newsletters, to keep residents fully informed about council decisions, public safety issues, neighborhood meetings, and economic development.

LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA (https://engage.cityoflancasterpa.gov/en/) developed their communication strategic plan after a resident survey showed that people simply did not know what was going on in their own city government. Their plan outlines the exact purpose, goals, target improvement, and the specific staff members responsible for every single piece of communication on municipal budgets, code enforcement, and operations to empower everyday citizens to become future community leaders.

Small towns thrive when residents feel heard, empowered, and informed. The citizens of Tombstone deserve this same level of modern, professional, and honest follow-through. As your Candidate for Mayor, I am committed to bringing these exact kinds of updated, transparent, and low-cost tools to City Hall so you never have to wonder what your local government is doing.

Before we question costs, remember: our city already utilizes Google Workspace. Many of these interactive resources and community check-ins can be replicated at little to no additional cost using the digital infrastructure we already have in place. Let us get the conversation started: Take a look at the examples. Which of these engagement features would you most like to see happen right here in Tombstone? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

 Buzz Busby

No. I am a staunch supporter of the Tombstone Marshal’s Office. Our 1881 City Charter specifically establishes the Marshal, meaning any permanent change would require a vote by you, the citizens. While contracting with the County might offer 15-20% budget savings, we would lose local control, our "Wild West" identity, and the immediate responsiveness with which our residents and businesses depend. Our local heritage and safety are worth the investment.

My approach is simple: I will always listen to your concerns, look at the data, and weigh it against the value of our local history. I am committed to doing what is best for the safety and the future of Tombstone, based on facts and community input.

Buzz Busby

No. Turning Point is not campaigning for me.

I understand people are paying close attention to this race, which I appreciate and I want to be clear this is my campaign, built on conversations with the people of Tombstone. That is why I am hosting the Your Voice, Your Town Community Conversations (see my Mayoral Campaign Folder for other posts).

My mayoral campaign is run by me with support from my husband and some local residents who choose to engage with me in person and react to and/or share my FB campaign posts.

A friend of mine, who works for Turning Point, did attend a public elections education meeting I hosted and was given the same opportunity as others to speak. That event was about educating the public on the election process, not campaigning.

There is no involvement from Turning Point in my campaign. I am committed to running an independent grassroots campaign grounded in transparency and direct accountability to the people of Tombstone.

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!

https://lillyforward4.com/contact.php 

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.

Tammi-Jo Wilkins

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.