Candidate: Amanda Arnold, lived in Clarkdale from 2005 to 2008, then left then Verde Valley, moving back to Cottonwood in 2017 and to Clarkdale in March 2021.
Age: 45
Current or past profession: “I have worked as a real estate agent, for the National Park Service with Grand Canyon, Flagstaff-area national monuments, Bryce, Colorado National Monument, Indiana Department of Natural Resources. I worked as a naturalist, park guide and in media services; as a freelance journalist, videographer and photographer, in newspaper ad sales. Master’s in communication.”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on council?
A: “I am a qualified real estate professional who recognizes the attributes in our neighborhoods that make Clarkdale one of the most sought-after places to live. Being in real estate, I have to be a good listener to understand exactly what both buyers and sellers want and expect. I am inquisitive and analytical and view all sides of an issue very carefully. I will act to do what is best for the residents of Clarkdale. I have also been a member of the Rotary Club of the Verde Valley since 2021, and I’m the current president. I was also the leader of the Save the Bandstand Group.”
Q: How should the town keep Clarkdale’s downtown historic yet encourage businesses to open and develop it economically?
A: “Maintaining the historical integrity of downtown buildings while also having low affordable rents like what exists now is an economic challenge. The solution is for the town of Clarkdale to work with historic building owners to obtain a variety of state and federal grants. This would also make it easier for building owners to thrive. Removing hurdles only helps the building owners and community. It would be beneficial to welcome more diversity in businesses and organizations other than alcohol establishments. Arizona doesn’t need another Whiskey Row.
“In regards to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, work sessions with the Historic Preservation Commission, town staff and building and business owners regarding current needs is a must.”
Q: Why is the town’s trail master plan and improvements to local parks important for residents and visitors?
A: “Because it inspires a healthy community and strong quality of life. It encourages residents to get outside and socialize with one another. The park improvements will also promote more events for Clarkdale. Because of the small-town nature of Clarkdale, park events do indeed nurture and promote the small-town feel that so many are here to enjoy.”
Q How should the town balance resident growth while remaining a small, historic town?
A: “Clarkdale seems to be on the path for fast growth, without listening to the citizens’ needs. The overwhelming turnout for the Highlands [now tabled] Planning and Zoning meeting showed that citizens want transparency and slower growth.”
Q: How should the town encourage Yavapai College to bring more programs back to the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale?
A: “A larger percentage of property taxes needs to be allocated to the Verde Valley campus in order to bring more programs back to the area. This is a must for our community to thrive and to keep the talent here. With the majority of the programs located in Prescott, higher education is out of reach for locals, therefore resulting in less education and a brain drain for the area. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour Mold in Graphics in Clarkdale. It would be wonderful to have more education opportunities locally to encourage more thriving businesses such as that.”
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
