Council Candidate: Kai Buchanan, Camp Verde resident of four years
Age: 50
Current or past profession: “Currently employed as a lean process engineer for a major medical/food packaging manufacturer. Also have a background as a production manager for companies including Milgard Manufacturing, ACE Hardware Distribution, and Group O [CAT Division].”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on council?
A: “Most importantly, I’m raising my family in Camp Verde and I’m deeply committed to ensuring that we have a vibrant community to live, work, stay and play. My career as a lean process engineer specializing in Lean Six Sigma manufacturing processes is a great skill set in high demand and used in many different industries. I am adept at making processes simpler and more transparent. Eliminating red tape, building teams, negotiating disputes and seeing projects through to successful completion are part of my daily experience.”
Q: How would you help advise the completion of the Camp Verde Sports Complex?
A: “First, I would push for more fiscal transparency with the project itself. The public has voiced concerns about the project and reasons for delays. We need to listen to that. Investigate the reasons for delays and the expenses associated with those. Prioritize existing/uncompleted projects and push for hard deadlines from our town and the contractors we use, while adhering to or exceeding the approved budget.”
Q: How do you plan to balance growth while maintaining Camp Verde’s rural and Western lifestyle?
A: “Adhere to the General Plan that is ratified by the voters of Camp Verde. Avoid rezoning areas for projects that don’t fit the General Plan. Enhance assistance for small businesses that want to provide services in downtown Camp Verde. Help these businesses that will help add character and grow economic development within the town. Push for real affordable housing so the people that work in the town can afford to live here as well. Approve rental units that fit within the General Plan. There are many new construction techniques to make housing affordable. I would like to see some of those available to town residents so more can have an opportunity to pursue home ownership.”
Q: What is your vision for economic development in Camp Verde? Especially along the State Route 260 corridor?
A: “I would like to see the Town of Camp Verde itself keep the charm and feel it has now. Encourage small businesses to set up in downtown. See more restaurant and business options. Maybe some more opportunities to showcase our local artists and craftsmen. We have some great artists in the area as well as trades like blacksmiths and carpenters. I would also like Camp Verde residents to have safe access to dispensaries instead of having to spend their tax dollars in other areas. I appreciate the industrial expansion we are seeing on the 260 corridor, especially west of I-17. The addition of companies like FrameTec are a welcome opportunity for our local workforce. I would welcome environmentally compatible expansion on the 260 corridor as the town and surrounding areas preserve and protect their rural character.”
Q: What kind of direction would you give to the incoming Town Manager?
A: “Insist on transparency and measurable progress with our commitments and projects. Regular project audits to make sure financial obligations are being met. Most importantly, lead town staff to make sure that all have a voice and all are treated equally and fairly.”
Camp Verde Town Council Election
Mayoral candidates (one four-year seat):
- Charles German, challenger
- Dee Jenkins, incumbent
Council candidates (three four-year seats)
- Terry Andrews, challenger
- Jackie Baker, incumbent
- Brian Bolton, challenger
- Kai Buchanan, challenger
- Robert Foreman, challenger
- Dan Inman, challenger
- Jerry “Geronimo” Martin, challenger
- Jessie Murdock, incumbent
- Thomas “T.C.” Noble, challenger
- Patricia Seybold, challenger
