What makes you qualified to be on the council?
I would assure the city is financially sound and healthy. I have worked for over 25 years in preparing and meeting budgets goals.
I would use the goals, strategic plans and General Plan of Cottonwood as a roadmap to ensure the city’s mission and vision is followed via effective management and quality of services are sustained or exceeded. I have over 19 years as President/CEO of a non-profit business entity and consistently exceeded goals.
What makes Cottonwood great?
A unique history, great quality of life, a tourists’ paradise that we get to experience day to day and a well laid out foundation by those that came before us and continues today. Cottonwood is constantly improving with the leader- ship of good caring residents and businesses throughout.
What would be different if you were not on the council?
As a freshman member of council, I am able to view city government with open eyes and no pre-conceived ideas. Thus, lending a new perspective on what’s best for Cottonwood with an open mind and curious.
How will you help Cottonwood to recover from the coronavirus and resulting economic slump?
Marketing with a positive attitude is probably my strong suit. All previous employment has involved effective marketing to be successful. Cottonwood obviously needs to be marketed now in a new, effective and safe manner. I truly believe everyone on the city council is working to make this happen in a variety of very vocal and visual ways. Social media, smaller and different types of events, advertising and getting all of Cottonwood involved where possible with new and fresh ideas.
How do you hope to keep Cottonwood affordable to residents?
Constant review of new types of business opportunities and smart growth to meet the needs of all residents, including the homeless.
Candidate Essay:
The Wilden family moved to Phoenix in the early 1900’s and began farming in downtown Phoenix, Tolleson, Buckeye, Goodyear and Laveen. We eventually moved to Litchfield Park where I attended elementary school, as well as high school and then on to the University of Arizona where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration. I then moved to Sausalito, Calif. and worked for Bechtel Corp. in San Francisco. My intent was to get a job with the CIA, FBI or Treasury Department. I wasn’t tall enough at 5 feet 1 inch and went on to Austin to work for the Governor of Texas in charge of his lobbying activities.
Missing Arizona, I moved back to Phoenix and the surrounding area until I moved to Cottonwood in 2007 to take a job as President/CEO of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce.
First and foremost, a good policy is meant to be measurable with a positive outcome and solve our citizen’s problems effectively and efficiently within the law. Our Cottonwood General Plan 2025 serves as a wide brushstroke into and basis for public policy decisions that I am obligated to follow as a guide.
My personal attention and interests are:
- Quality of Life – Continue to institute and improve for our residents and businesses.
- Education – Provide quality and diversified educational opportunities for all ages.
- Housing – Support affordable housing for all income levels.
- Safety – Ensure any policy in place or discussed provides a safe environment for all. This includes health, traffic control and public safety of all kinds.
My professional career includes residential and commercial real estate in Phoenix for the Del Webb Corporation for 17 years, major account sales of high-end office equipment for Phoenix Pitney Bowes for 9 years, economic development for the cities of Glendale, Surprise and Wickenburg, and chamber of commerce management for over 18 years with the Glendale Chamber, Northwest Valley [now Greater Surprise Chamber] and finally as CEO/President of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce for two years until I retired.
After retirement, I was asked to provide lobbying activities for Chambers of Commerce in 19 communities throughout Arizona.
I would suggest you vote in all elections and especially in local elections. Your vote can have a significant influence on your life in Cottonwood, the local election and local candidates.
Why me? I am a resident, have experience as a small business owner and only want the best for Cottonwood. That’s my motivation. What is my incentive? My background afforded me the chance to live in diversified neighborhoods, diversified educational settings and diversified work environments. Therefore, I truly believe I am able to appreciate, support and communicate with all residents and the business community I represent. We are all still learning and I take every opportunity I can to listen and learn from my constituents and fellow council members so that I may make the best decisions for the city.
Elections have consequences. Vote for me, Debbie Wilden, and I believe they will be positive.
