■ Candidate: Heather Piper White was raised in Cottonwood and has lived in Cottonwood for a total of 17 years
■ Age: 37
■ Current or past profession: “Currently in senior leadership within the health care industry.”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on council?
A: “I have been successful in navigating through discussions with politicians in Washington, D.C., and resolving issues within a diverse group of decision makers. In addition, my work background with profit and loss statements, business analytics and contract writing and research will all be useful tools in my role as a city council member.
“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve seen firsthand both the mistakes and the accomplishments of folks that have made this valley what it is today over the past three decades.
“Even when I was pursuing my career goals on the East Coast, I was constantly coming home to visit and invest in my family. This valley is more than just a beautiful place to me, it’s home and my goal is to create sustainable growth to ensure that families here can stay in their home for decades to come.”
Q: How should the city bring more affordable housing into the area, and balance the growth of businesses and new residents?
A: “This is a loaded question that requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, research has to be done in order to determine how we, as a city, can start attracting sustainable businesses and families. One place to begin this research is the Milken Institute’s economic studies.
“There are a handful of small towns out there that have solved for sustainable growth and whose communities thrive without being inundated with tourism. It is pertinent that council members take the time to research exactly how those towns were successful.”
Q: What is your vision for economic development in Cottonwood?
A: “My vision for economic development is to ensure its sustainability by promoting jobs within the trades and jobs that are not heavily reliant on tourism and out-of-state investors. I do believe that tourism is necessary, but we should not be as reliant on it as we are today.”
Q: How should the city change events to reflect the city’s changing demographics?
A: “We should not be focusing our efforts on this right now. Every time we say ‘yes’ to something, we say ‘no’ to something else.
“By saying ‘yes’ to focusing on this issue, we say ‘no’ to giving additional time to crucial issues that our community needs us to solve immediately, including the grossly disproportionate ratio of average household income to average cost of living in Cottonwood.”
Q: How will you rebuild public trust and confidence in Cottonwood City Council?
A: “Trust is earned. The only way I can rebuild it is by exhibiting honesty and integrity and leading by example.”
Cottonwood City Council Election
Mayoral candidates (one four-year seat):
- Michael Mathews, challenger
- Ann Shaw, challenger
Council candidates (three four-year seats)
- Felicia Coates, challenger
- Holly Grigaitis, challenger* [*residency in city limits remains in question]
- Helaine Kurot, incumbent
- Bob Marks, challenger
- Lindsay Masten, challenger
- Joy Mosley, challenger
- Heather Piper White, challenger
- Bill Tinnin, challenger
Editor’s note:
The print version of this story in the June 26 edition contained an error that occurred during the copy editing process, incorrectly stating that Heather Piper White had lived in Clarkdale. She lives in Cottonwood. We apologize for the error.
