City of Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens is running for Yavapai County Supervisor District 3. Recently, she discussed what compels her to seek public office with the county.
Q: What is one issue that you feel most defines your reason for seeking the position of supervisor?
A: Traffic, transportation, transit and trails are the four Ts. If we can’t get there from here, our quality of life is diminished. Everyone knows Interstates 17 and 40 are in disrepair. A bucking bronco might be an easier ride. Interstate 17 needs to be three lanes from Anthem to at least the Prescott turnoff. Highway User Revenue Funds have been swept from local governments for the past decade. That harms local governments and I vow to continue work to have those funds allocated back to local government.
Collaborative work among municipalities and the county on [State Route] 260 brought us $64 million to make a dangerous road into a four lane bifurcated highway, with construction planned to begin in late 2016. Families still grieve over injuries and the loss of life that have happened on Highway 260.
In the Village of Oak Creek, people talk to me all the time. Older adults and parents of children worry that they won’t reach the hospital in time for an emergency. Parents worry about their high school kids. Now their seventh- and eighth-graders will be transported by bus to [Sedona] Red Rock High School, many times through snarly traffic. They’re talking about the need for a backup road between the VOC and Sedona.
As your county supervisor I will be involved with all of these issues as support for incorporated areas, and action in unincorporated areas …. My record proves I naturally work across
jurisdictional lines in a collaborative process — getting things done.
Bicycle lanes are also important and generally found in cities and towns. Cottonwood received a bronze from the League of American Bicyclists and is working on a silver designation. Sedona has a silver designation, and there are excellent bike lanes on [State Route] 179 going through the Village. Cottonwood continues to make bike lanes a priority on all new streets, where citizens use them for riding to work and recreation.
Transit is an important quality of life service in communities. The city of Cottonwood has provided services through the Cottonwood Area Transit system for the past 25-plus years. We have collaborated with the Sedona City Council to create the Verde LYNX system that transports people to their jobs, and visitors may enjoy the area’s shopping and sightseeing opportunities, which brings economic development to communities.
Public transit provides many benefits. Nationwide, every dollar invested in public transportation generates about $4 in economic returns, as well as increased business sales.
Q: How do the “four Ts” reflect both your past tenure as mayor and the plans you have as a supervisor?
A: Right away when I became a Cottonwood City Council member, I questioned why maintaining community streets was not a priority. We were committed to paying our share of the Mingus Avenue Extension to Yavapai County, so we were doing our best within our budget. As mayor, I really stepped up the discussions, understanding that good streets were of great importance to our citizens.
Since that time, with a supportive City Council making this a priority in the budget, and the support and encouragement of our Cottonwood citizens, we have reconstructed a number of streets …. My record of prioritizing important city streets speaks for itself. We also resurface neighborhoods streets, doing a project every year, as the budget allows.
Q: What benefits do you feel you specifically bring to the table when it comes to the role of supervisor?
A: As a full-time mayor, I’m with the community in my daily walk of life. I attend events related to government, council meetings, boards, commissions, city-related seminars, as well as birthday parties, weddings, funerals, children’s activities and school events — things that are important to the people I serve. A true public servant provides strong leadership while giving to the community from the heart. A true leader is a gifted listener. A true leader teams up with community members to achieve completed tasks.
The job of mayor or county supervisor is not about power.
It’s not because my ancestors did something or that it’s a birthright to be elected to office, although I’m sure proud of my dad’s accomplishments and his public service. My great-grandfather was an attorney totally involved in community service. The office of county supervisor must be earned on the merits and experience of the candidate.
It’s about leadership. It’s about service. It’s about commitment to do things for others.
This is the first of a two-part series interviewing Yavapai County District 3 candidates. Next week will feature similar questions posed to candidate Randy Garrison.
