Alicia “Lisa” O’Neill is running unopposed for Clarkdale Town Council.
What makes you qualified for a position on the town council?
I love Clarkdale! No matter what my profession has been during my 30+ years as a Clarkdale resident, I have always had this town’s interests in the front of my mind. I have worked in diverse areas including tourism, manufacturing, hospitality, and job training, which gives me a well-rounded appreciation for our wonderfully varied population. I can respect views that differ from my own. I do not have a pre-conceived agenda. My plan is to listen to people and to work hard.
What makes Clarkdale great?
The balance of an appreciation of our history and forward thinking that embraces new ideas and technology make Clarkdale a great community. Our charming park welcomes residents and visitors to wonderful events, or just for a stroll. Our restaurants and bars are top notch, and the entrepreneurs who own them work together for the good of the Town. Oh, and volunteer rule! Our Town works because so many people are so generous with their time and talents.
What would be different if you were not on the council?
Another qualified candidate would step forward.
How will you help Clarkdale to recover from the coronavirus and resulting economic slump?
Seeing new businesses close and existing ones suffer has been traumatic. However, many Clarkdale businesses have used the economic down time to improve their facilities and/or create new business plans. I will continue to invite the community at large to enjoy the great venues in Clarkdale and to spend money here.
How do you hope to keep Clarkdale affordable to residents?
I have been privileged to attend budget meetings in which Town staff works with the Council to design a lean but workable budget. I look forward to joining with this team in exploring grants and other alternative sources of revenue. I will work to attract new retail to Clarkdale while supporting existing business interests. Tax increases are to be avoided.
Candidate Essay:
My name is Alicia O’Neill. Most people know me as Lisa.
We purchased our home in Lower Clarkdale in 1987. At that time, I worked at Jerome Instrument Corporation, an amazing company that manufactured mercury analyzers which were sold all over the world. My husband, John, worked at the Cottonwood Library, of which he became director.
Most of my professional positions were in marketing and sales, which require travel. This made involvement in my community difficult, though I did serve on the Clarkdale Economic Development Committee in the 1980s. One of our accomplishments was the monument sign on the Broadway entrance to Clarkdale, for which I assisted in writing the grant.
My next job was Marketing and Sales Manager for USTank Management which later became The Verde Companies. Eventually, I was made Chief Operations Officer and managed activities from our offices based in Cottonwood and Tempe, Arizona, as well as Albuquerque, NM; Lubbock, TX and Las Vegas, NV.
I was ready to slow down, and I got a wonderful job at Jerome Gallery, selling art. It was great to reconnect with the local community.
I was tempted back to the corporate world and accepted a job at Genesis Corporation, an international company that sold promotional products, mostly to airlines. Unfortunately, the attacks of September 11, 2001 devastated our customer base.
My next employer was Verde Canyon Railroad. I loved welcoming the world to this great Clarkdale attraction! I had the opportunity to assist in creating many promotional tracts as well as “Rail” magazine, the Railroad’s in-house publication that presents historical, natural and cultural facts about Clarkdale. Special events and a partnership with Liberty Wildlife were highlights of my days at the Railroad. My employer also encouraged me to be part of the General Plan Committee and to work with the Clarkdale Chamber of Commerce, which won several grants that I helped write.
My last professional job was with NACOG. I assisted older adults in acquiring job skills in order to improve their employment potential. To qualify for the program, participants had to have a very low income. This job increased my awareness of the challenges that face our neighbors who are less fortunate.
Retirement presented me with new goals: to get a dog and to become more involved in my community.
The dog’s name is Cody. He is a senior heeler mix.
In addition to presenting myself as a candidate for Town Council, I was accepted on the board of Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum. Though our 2020 fundraising events have been mostly cancelled, I have assisted the Museum in obtaining funding from alternative sources.
I am continuing to volunteer for Clarkdale events.
My jobs have all required independent thinking and collaborative efforts. I believe that my varied professional career gives me a good background to work on Clarkdale Town Council. I have a history of working hard and working well with others.
This Town Council will face many challenges. I am eager to be a part of this team.
