Lilly believes in local leadership that listens, plans, and acts—with transparency, integrity, and care. Her platform reflects a practical, community-focused approach to Tombstone's present needs and future promise.
I love this town. Every decision I make starts with one question: what does Tombstone need—and what does it deserve? From that foundation, here’s where I stand on the priorities that matter most to our community.
What’s Needed: Deep repairs to water pipelines, updated wastewater systems, and safe road improvements in older neighborhoods.
Why Now: Aging infrastructure risks public health and property damage—especially in historic areas.
Lilly’s Approach: Work with state and federal funding, council teams, and local contractors to listen, plan, and execute city-wide infrastructure upgrades.
For too long, essential city systems—especially water and wastewater—have been held together with temporary fixes. Leaks and pressure issues are not just an inconvenience; they pose risks to residents, local businesses, and our historic assets. I support a strategic infrastructure renewal plan that prioritizes health, safety, and efficiency. That means identifying failing lines, applying for rural infrastructure grants, and working closely with engineers and residents to phase improvements block by block. Our town deserves long-term fixes, not short-term patches.
What’s Needed: Improved high-speed internet in underserved neighborhoods, schools, healthcare offices, and public venues.
Why Now: Reliable connectivity is essential for education, business, telehealth, and tourism in our town.
Lilly’s Approach: Pursue grants (like BEAD and broadband equity programs), partner with vendors, and set performance goals based on community input.
Too many residents and businesses in Tombstone struggle with slow, unreliable internet. That holds us back—from telehealth and school participation to local commerce and tourism. I am working to position our city to access state and federal broadband grants, including the BEAD program. I also support partnerships with internet providers that expand access without raising costs. Every home and business in Tombstone should have the connectivity it needs to thrive in the 21st century.
What’s Needed: Enhanced fire protection, training, and equipment for our Volunteer Fire Department and first responders.
Why Now: With wildfire risk always present, readying our response capability saves lives and builds community confidence.
Lilly’s Approach: Secure grant funding for equipment, expand training programs offered via local fire services, and create a volunteer coordination network.
Our fire department is powered by committed volunteers—neighbors who serve without hesitation. What they need now is modern suppor. Equipment, training, and mutual-aid coordination must be brought up to date. I support increasing access to emergency response grants, pursuing partnerships with neighboring departments, and establishing local programs that train and certify more community responders. I also believe we should explore fire-safe event alternatives—like drone light shows—when weather conditions make fireworks a risk. Tombstone must be both safe and smart about how we prepare.
What’s Needed: New ways to welcome visitors—while preserving our character—with events, self-guided tours, and digital storytelling.
Why Now: Boosting tourism sustains small businesses and keeps history living for future generations.
Lilly’s Approach: Develop a rotating “Culture Pass,” explore drone light shows around the courthouse square, and partner with local historians and business owners.
As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Tombstone has a unique opportunity to lead Arizona in honoring our national story. I support heritage tourism projects like Passport250, the Culture Pass, and guided history trails. I also support adding digital kiosks, walking tours, and local storytellers to give visitors deeper engagement with our community. As we bring in new events—from reenactments to drone shows—we should do it in a way that supports local merchants, respects our past, and invites families to stay longer and come back often.
What’s Needed: More opportunities for small business growth, artisans, and entrepreneurs in Tombstone.
Why Now: A diverse local economy is more resilient—and can reduce reliance on just one industry.
Lilly’s Approach: Launch a city-wide small business grant or microloan program, host regular “Business Brainstorm” workshops, and advocate to county/state for market awareness efforts.
Tombstone is ready to support the next generation of small businesses, artisans, and service providers—but it requires intentional support. I propose a local microgrant fund, co-sponsored by the city and outside donors, to help new ventures get off the ground. I also support creating a business mentorship network that connects longtime operators with first-time owners. Finally, we should work with county and state partners to highlight Tombstone as a hub for creative entrepreneurship and Western heritage-based retail.
What’s Needed: Regular town halls, clearer council-to-community reporting, and accessible processes for civic involvement.
Why Now: People want to be heard—and know their input leads to tangible action.
Lilly’s Approach: Expand “Listening Sessions” in all neighborhoods, publish quarterly progress updates, and create a civic input tracker so residents can see how their suggestions are handled.
One of the most common frustrations I hear from residents is not being kept in the loop. That must change. I believe in regular, advertised town hall meetings, with time set aside for public feedback that is actually tracked and followed up. I also support publishing clear quarterly updates that show residents what progress is being made on infrastructure, budget items, and community projects. In local government, leadership is not about control. It is about trust earned through transparency and action. And that starts with better communication.