Candidate: Dee Jenkins, Camp Verde resident of 27 years
Age: 71
Current or past profession: Employed by WL Gore in their Delaware and Arizona locations from 1970 to 2001, then by manufacturing firm Quintus of Camp Verde for 22 years.
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on the council?
A: “Volunteered for numerous nonprofit organizations and community events such as 4H, NAHA, Camp Verde Christian School, Pecan and Wine Festival, Corn Fest, Fort Verde Days and Trunk or Treat. I am also a past member of the Workforce Development Board of NACOG and a current member of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development committee for the League of Cities and Towns in Arizona. Elected to Camp Verde Town Council 2016 for a four-year term, the last two years I served as Vice Mayor. Elected in 2020 for a two-year term as mayor of Camp Verde, re-elected in 2022 for another two-year term. To be reelected mayor will allow me to utilize over 50 years of management, leadership and financial experience in performing the duties of mayor. I have the understanding and ability to continue as mayor and to use my experience and operational knowledge as well as established contacts to better serve the town and to complete ongoing projects and work towards achieving current and future goals. I want to be a part of the process that successfully responds to the challenges and opportunities that we face as a growing community.”
Q: How would you help advise the completion of the Camp Verde Sports Complex?
A: “To focus on the necessities such as the concession/bathroom building, the central plaza walkway and ADA compliance from the parking lot to the sports fields. As funding becomes available, add sunshades, bleachers, walkways and improved parking lots with lighting. The nonprofit Camp Verde Recreation group, the “Old Guys” and many community volunteers have been great partners in donating time and equipment in completing projects. The P&R committee identified amenities such as pickleball, tennis courts, a splash pad and playgrounds through feedback from the public as priorities for the near future. The long-term goal is the completion of the second phase including four more ball fields, a playground, a pond, additional bathrooms and other structures. These projects, infrastructure and additional amenities need funding. All funding options must be pursued [donations, grants, and community support] for the vision of the Sports Complex to become a reality.”
Q: How do you plan to balance growth while maintaining Camp Verde’s rural and Western lifestyle?
A: “To have enough growth that encourages businesses to come to Camp Verde, providing much needed shopping options, expanded medical services, job opportunities and affordable housing, yet does not compromise our lifestyle, natural resources and small town values. Availability of affordable housing has been an issue for many years, more subdivisions like the under construction LIHTC project on Homestead is needed to have a significant impact on the workforce housing market. Additionally of concern are pending legislative bills that will negatively impact the town’s control over zoning and budget. Our character areas as described in the general plan and how we appropriate funds should be decided at the local level. The 2016 voter approved general plan is a roadmap to staff and Council in making planning and zoning decisions and following the general plan will ensure growth does not impact our ability to enjoy our rural, Western, family-friendly lifestyle.”
Q: What is your vision for economic development in Camp Verde, especially along the State Route 260 corridor?
A: “Much of the Highway 260 corridor has been designated an opportunity zone, providing tax benefits to developers. While in recent years there has been significant business growth in the area, expansion to the west has been limited due to lack of infrastructure. Once funding has been identified and construction completed, it is my vision for the town to actively recruit businesses that will provide services, goods and job opportunities to the community and provide significant sales tax revenues. Camp Verde does not have a food tax or property tax. Camp Verde relies on sales tax revenues to operate. It is extremely important as growth occurs to bring in businesses that will contribute to the tax base. It is even more important that future growth does not negatively impact our environment or existing neighborhoods.”
Q: What kind of direction would you give to the incoming town manager?
A: “Ms. Fisher comes to Camp Verde with extensive education and managerial experience. I suggest initially spending time with Acting Town Manager [Gayle] Mabery and staff, getting to know the operation and current projects. Review town plans such as the strategic plan and the general plan. Immerse herself in the community, attend events, visit local businesses and neighborhoods, talk to people. A successful town of Camp Verde manager will be responsive, transparent, knowledgeable, fair, decisive and lead by example. I am confident given sufficient time in the community and managing the town, Miranda [Fisher] will be an effective and respected leader.”
Camp Verde Town Council Election
Mayoral candidates (one four-year seat):
- Charles German, challenger
- Dee Jenkins, incumbent
Council candidates (three four-year seats)
- Terry Andrews, challenger
- Jackie Baker, incumbent
- Brian Bolton, challenger
- Kai Buchanan, challenger
- Robert Foreman, challenger
- Dan Inman, challenger
- Jerry “Geronimo” Martin, challenger
- Jessie Murdock, incumbent
- Thomas “T.C.” Noble, challenger
- Patricia Seybold, challenger
