Matt’s Policy Preview

My Areas of Concern

Growth – 

I believe we can’t just close the door and prevent growth – growth is important for the long term needs and sustainability of the Town itself – but we need to be able to properly manage growth. I also feel many of the projects we are seeing brought forward are being rushed and approved at minimum standards.  When this happens it impacts everybody in Town and we need to do a better job.  What PV doesn’t have that other communities do, is urban wreckage, mainly vacant retail buildings, failed projects, etc. I have always been concerned with the development and growth of our area and will continue to be vigilant to the needs of our residents.

Infrastructure

I have concerns about infrastructure not keeping pace with the growth of the Town, which impacts all residents. We need stop signs and sidewalks; we need to continue installing fire hydrants in the older sections of town where none currently exist; we need better roadway connectivity from east-west, as well as more ingress-egress in town and within developments, to help facilitate both normal day-to-day activities and evacuations. The Town has long been reactive, and while there have been some improvements, the Town needs to continue to be more proactive in all infrastructure needs.

Water

Prescott Valley sits within the Prescott Active Management Area (AMA), meaning most of the water is essentially a state issue. Private wells (even within the AMA) are not monitored by the state, whereas the municipal wells that feed the Town are. I have been told by Town officials that the Town has enough water to sustain a population up to around 80,000.  However, I am also aware that some private wells just north of the Town limits have already gone dry.  

I am a data-driven decision-maker, but in this case, I feel it’s hard to know who to believe. The “experts” claim we are fine, that the aquifer under the Town is the size of three Lake Pleasants, however they also said that we have a pretty specific number of people we can support with that water – and the Town is not the only one with a straw in that pool. I have concerns about the sustainability of our water supply.

Growth is important for the long term needs and sustainability of the Town itself – but we need to be able to properly manage growth, and changes in the law are going to be necessary in order to do that. We also need to be looking at other solutions to mitigate water usage, such as rain barrels or residential cisterns. Other municipalities are giving rain barrels away for free to homeowners and businesses through public/private partnerships, and I feel this is something we can and should do here.  We live in the desert and we always have to be mindful of that.

Public Safety–

We have several safety issues; speeding, fatalities, etc…. We need a concerted effort to inform or remind the public.  Public safety starts with each of us. Public safety is one of the top priorities for me, and one of the main topics that should be considered when looking at development and infrastructure. We have several safety issues that impact our Town, and we need to make sure the Town is safe for all its residents. Can emergency services reach you quickly? Can you evacuate quickly, should the need arise? Ingress/egress is an ongoing issue that needs critical attention, as well as other things most residents don’t think to ask about when you move into your home, such as turning radius for emergency apparatus or whether apparatus can navigate your street if cars are parked on both sides. In addition, the Town has not adopted the Fire Code (NFPA), which would allow the Fire Marshal to have more enforcement capabilities, instead of having to go to the State Fire Marshal when an issue arises.

Economic statement:

Prescott Valley is the largest municipality and the second fastest growing municipality in Yavapai County. We have a great Town that draws people here – many residents moved from other areas because our Town and its charm are appealing in a lot of ways. Economic development is the lifeblood of any municipality. The wants and desires of the residents of the community can be directly connected to economic development, and economic development can (and should) help improve the quality of life in the community. It is a fine balance to promote economic growth and different forms of development while being good stewards of open space and conservation needs. My goal would be to promote economic development that gives the Town the most “bang for its buck” – numerous high quality jobs for residents, a worthwhile taxing revenue source that will benefit the Town’s ability to provide and expand services, and businesses whose footprints are of as minimal an impact as possible.

Change/The Future/Closing Statement

We are at a crossroads. I firmly believe this is a Town of opportunity – the slogan of the Prescott Valley Economic Development Foundation, when it was in existence, continues to resonate with me: “Prescott Valley, Where Opportunity Grows.” We have so much opportunity here for all residents, and I am optimistic about what the future holds. I have a vested interest in the long term sustainability of our Town. I fell in love with this area as a young child, moved here as a newlywed, and we have watched this Town grow. Our daughter was born here, and we want her to stay here – but, be able to forge her own opportunities in Prescott Valley, independent of her parents. I know there are a lot of other parents in Prescott Valley who feel the same way, but right now the future may look a little bleak for our children’s options in their Town. I will never have all of the answers, but I will listen to you, and I will learn from you – and together we will make a difference for the Town of Prescott Valley and ensure this truly is a place where opportunities can grow.