Candidate: Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer, Clarkdale resident of 27 years
Age: 69
Current or past profession: Current mayor of Clarkdale. “Organization management and political consultant for 20 years; managed my family’s manufacturing and construction business Alcorra Marble for 25 years, offering custom bath and kitchen products. Alcorra Marble closed its doors in 2022 after being in Clarkdale since 1979.”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on council?
A: “Currently serve as Clarkdale mayor. Have served on the town of Clarkdale’s Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and Design Review Board. Was an active member of the Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce while it operated. Now actively involved with the Clarkdale Downtown Business Alliance. Member of the League of Women Voters, holding many positions including local and state president in California and Arizona. I am a co-founder and past chairperson of the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization. And I am currently on the board of directors of the Clarkdale Foundation.”
Q: How should the town keep Clarkdale’s downtown historic yet encourage businesses to open and develop it economically?
A: “Clarkdale’s historic downtown is the heart of our town and represents our smelter town history and ‘small town charm.’ I was a part of the team of business owners that worked with the town staff in writing and securing the funding for the downtown street enhancements [lights, benches, wider sidewalks, etc.] done 20 years ago. The results of the project can be seen today — it is a great place to walk, to sit outside at a brewery or café, to play in the Town Park or to enjoy our wonderful downtown street parties.
“Today, my role as mayor is to support the ordinances and development guidelines for our historic buildings in the business district and promote the growth of businesses in the historic downtown. I talk with building owners on a regular basis to hear their concerns, offer ideas and encourage them to move forward with their business plans. I also encourage them to invest in maintaining and upgrading their historic buildings and support their efforts to have successful businesses. There are five buildings currently unoccupied with four being rehabilitated by their owners. Upon their completed renovations, I look forward to seeing a restored restaurant and a restored bar, an expanded museum, new commercial retail and café spaces and rental living spaces. Having a thriving downtown business district is critical to Clarkdale’s long-term success.”
Q: Why is the town’s trail master plan and improvements to local parks important for residents and visitors?
A: “Clarkdale contains several cultural, civic and recreational locations for residents and visitors to enjoy. Clarkdale has five parks and another being built, all filled with a variety of recreational amenities; two river access points for kayaking and fishing; a walkable historic district; a national monument; a scenic railroad; three museums; trails along the Verde River; and trails for hiking and mountain biking. Having great parks, trails and cultural sites is a big part of Clarkdale being a vibrant small town. In a 2020 community-wide survey, trails were the number-one amenity that residents wanted. And in our 2023 community satisfaction survey, residents were mostly satisfied with both the quality and quantity of parks. Residents want trails that connect neighborhoods to our parks, open spaces, businesses and schools. Visitors want to have a place to visit, filled with fun outdoor activities, awesome landscapes and engaging historical and cultural stories. Clarkdale has it all.”
Q: How should the town balance resident growth while remaining a small, historic town?
A: “Over the past 25 years, Clarkdale has doubled in population from 2,500 to 5,000,, or about 2.5% a year. At the height of our early smelter town history, the population of Clarkdale was 5,000. And in the 1970s, Clarkdale’s population was 750. Our growth has not been fast. Clarkdale was founded as a master-planned community where residents could work, live and play. I see our growth and development as complementary to Clarkdale’s history by providing opportunities for viable employment and housing for its residents. I value our welcoming sense of community, our heritage as a smelter town and our commitment to protect our natural environment, especially the Verde River. I believe our general plan, adopted in 2021, gives us a solid roadmap for sustainable residential, commercial and light industrial growth. It represents our commitment to build a town that is vibrant while respecting our roots as a town where people call Clarkdale ‘home.’”
Q: How should the town encourage Yavapai College to bring more programs back to the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale?
A: “Yavapai College, Verde Valley campus, is an important part of our town. I was a member of the community-based committee that decided the certificate programs offered at the Verde Valley Skilled Trades Center. As chairperson of the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization, I worked with an enthusiastic community group in organizing the Verde Valley Wine Consortium. One of the top projects was the creation of the enology and viticulture programs at Yavapai College. I am proud to have the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College in Clarkdale. Both centers offer great certificate and degree programs for individuals looking for solid, well-paying jobs in our valley.
“I, Vice Mayor Debbie Hunseder and Town Manager Susan Guthrie meet quarterly with the college leadership to talk about what is going on at the campus and identify potential new programs that could be offered at the campus. Housing for staff and students is a critical issue for keeping programs going on the campus. Also, the fast growth in online courses has impacted the need for many in-person courses. I support the college in building the needed staff and student housing for those wanting to attend in-person or online classes on this campus. I will continue to bring forth suggestions to the college leadership for expanding academic and certificate programs on the Verde Valley campus of Yavapai College.”
Editor’s Note: The print version of this Q&A was edited for space.
Clarkdale Town Council Election
Mayoral candidates (one four-year seat):
- Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer, incumbent
- Cynthia Malla, challenger
Council Candidates (two four-year seats)
- Amanda Arnold, challenger
- Marney Babbitt-Pierce, incumbent
- Debbie Hunseder, incumbent
- Nathan Porter, challenger
