Candidate: Marney Babbitt-Pierce, Clarkdale resident of seven years. She grew up in Flagstaff and her maternal grandfather, Ralph Kuzell, grew up in what is now the Clarkdale Police Department.
Age: 38
Current or past profession: Board-certified health coach; Clarkdale town councilwoman since 2020.
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on council?
A: “I have served on Town Council since 2020. From 2017 to 2020 I served on the Clarkdale Parks and Recreation Commission. Yavapai County Early Childhood Collective Impact Collaborative Steering Committee, 2022 to present; NACOG Transportation Advisory Council, 2019 to present; Verde Valley Transportation Planning Organization, 2019 to present; Northern Arizona University Health Sciences Department Advisory Committee, 2021 to present; and Arizona Community Foundation Scholarship Reader, 2018 to present. Also in the Yavapai County Citizens Academy, inaugural Verde Valley class, 2019.”
Q: How should the town keep Clarkdale’s downtown historic yet encourage businesses to open and develop it economically?
A: “This is a complex situation with much to consider. There are a number of downtown property owners who are committed to a vibrant historic downtown and they have invested in their properties. It is my hope that other property owners will follow this lead or sell the properties to others who will be able to preserve the buildings and open thriving businesses. From the perspective of the town, there are limited things we can do when it comes to private property and because of the gift clause in the Arizona Constitution. We have sought a business consultant to assist us with recruiting national and local businesses. Future opportunities for the town include the upcoming historic preservation ordinance, connecting property owners with free and low-cost preservation resources, connecting potential tenants with property owners and continuing to host and support community events that bring people into downtown.”
Q: Why is the town’s trail master plan and improvements to local parks important for residents and visitors?
A: “I am proud of the Trail Master Plan because it was asked for by the public. When we surveyed residents, they mentioned that trails and parks were important to them and that we needed more. This plan comprehensively lays out what we need so that the town can plan and budget to make it a reality in the next 10 years. This trail system will allow for recreation, community connection and improved quality of life for residents. I am especially proud that the plan has accessibility as one of its main pillars ensuring much of the system will be accessible to all. With the plan in place we are already working on designing and completing the first three projects with grant funding.”
Q How should the town balance resident growth while remaining a small, historic town?
A: “Clarkdale will always be a small, historic town because of the people who choose to call Clarkdale home. It is important for us to channel that community spirit as we plan for modest growth into the future. Smart growth includes historic preservation, appropriate zoning, investing in our infrastructure and planning for the Clarkdale we want in 50 years. This balance takes all of us and I encourage the public to keep sharing their views with me, coming to meetings and serving on town boards and commissions.”
Q: How should the town encourage Yavapai College to bring more programs back to the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale?
A: “Higher education is changing rapidly and I admire that Yavapai College is working to keep up with the trends while providing so many needed resources for our community. In the town’s strategic plan we communicate frequently with the college and both organizations provide input to the other. My greatest concern with the college is the lack of transparency as it regards funding. The college is asking for additional funds from taxpayers without demonstrating the need or explaining their intended uses. Education at all levels is vital for the future of a vibrant community. Together we must push for strong pre-K to 14th-grade education for all leading to high-paying jobs in our community.”
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
