A) BIO: Tell us about your background, interests and community involvement.
Background-
Born and raised in Jerome, attended school in Clarkdale and Cottonwood, graduated from Mingus Union in 1989. Worked local jobs until I went to school for Drafting in 1991/1992. Since then I have been here in the Valley working in the Engineering and Information Technology industry.
Interests-
Things I enjoy include:
Family time, can never get enough of that.
Guitars and drums, My father is a luthier (builds and repairs stringed instruments) and I am working on apprenticing in that skill. I also play some simple hand drums here and there as well as construct my own wooden drums.
Volkswagen's, I have owned VW’s on and off since I was 14 or so. I have never quite kicked the habit. There is just something about them that makes driving one an interactive process rather than just cruising on autopilot.
Black Powder cannon shooting, for the local football team and cross country team.
Community Involvement-
I have been volunteering my time with the Mingus Marauder Football Team for many years. When you hear the loud rumble of the cannon on kickoffs and touchdowns… that is me. I have also been the starting gun for the Annual Mingus Cross Country Invitational Meet for several years. Aside from making lots of noise I offer technical/computer services and have been doing all the game filming and producing for the team. I am also honored to be allowed to become part of the pregame football ritual by composing/reading a pregame motivational speech each week for our one and only Big Red.
Through my position in the engineering field I have also been able to assist in the master planning of the River Front Park Sports Complex and its continued evolution.
I look forward to joining the council to increase my community involvement and hope to lend my life experience to improving the City we all call home.
Why are running for council or re-election. What are examples of your
community involvement that make you suitable for the position.
I have considered running for several years and finally decided that the time was right to proceed. Having lived here my whole life I think I bring a combination of an appreciation for the historic nature of the area combined with an understanding of the changes we have seen over the decades. Knowing that we can move into the future while still respecting and preserving our past is a crucial part of maintaining the place we have all chosen to live. Integrating the lifetime I have spent here with the knowledge of advancing technology and understanding that we are not living in a world that waits for us to catch up to it, is crucial to my success in becoming a council member and the overall success of our City.
Please list your full name, age, how long live in Cottonwood.
Jesse Dowling, 39, have lived in Cottonwood for 14 years and the Verde Valley for 39.
B) ISSUES: Please give us your position and how to administer these issues:
1. How should/can the city spur the economy and/or tighten its belt?
I think the City is on the right track with many ideas already. The revitalization of the Old Town area is a great example. Combining that with the new found and hard fought establishment of the Wine and Viticulture Industry seems to be having a positive effect. Continued efforts to utilize local resources and business is another concept that is crucial. Keep it local.
As far as belt tightening, I think the key will be for the City to work letting people know what is happening. Communication is crucial and you will hear me mention it many times. I believe the city needs to make it a point to be open with what it is doing to help get through the lean times. You can tighten your belt all you like but unless you tell the public they may never know. Be open and honest and be open to ideas from the community.
2. Is Cottonwood providing the right services, What should be changed, if
anything?
The City currently seems to offer all the services that the majority of people need. I don’t see any specific areas that are lacking in my day to day life but that does not mean that other citizens feel the same way, thus the need for the City Council. One change I would like to see is for the citizens to feel comfortable in reaching out to the City and the Council if there is a need to be addressed. Perhaps some sort of public forum with less formality than the current Council meetings.
3. Medical marijuana.
The voters have spoken, the democratic process has been followed and the results are in. I think that with proper planning and zoning we can implement the system in a way that should allow the people with legitimate need to obtain what works for them and eventually remove the negative stigma and fear that has been in place for so long. If this reduces the amount of illegal trafficking then it should be a win/win for all involved.
4. A Riverfront Park Wastewater system, other utility improvements?
If I recall correctly the original intended location of the current waste water treatment plan was to have been in Riverfront Park. Due to issues with the EPA and ADEQ it was not allowed and was then relocated up the hill. There should be some research into whether or not the environmental restrictions have changed and further consideration of alternate areas that are not so impacted with flooding or located so close to a park and sports facility that has become a real benefit to the surrounding community. I will be requesting a meeting with both the City Manager and the Utilities Director in order to get a better understanding of the issue directly from them.
Additional utility improvements are always hard to justify up front. Just like it seems as though they are no sooner finished rebuilding that stretch of I-17 into Phoenix before they are tearing it up and rebuilding it again. The battle to maintain a stable infrastructure and utility network is a never ending one. No sooner are you caught up then you are behind again. Trying to explain that to the citizens who have to put up with the construction and question the expense is a process that is just as important as the actual construction. Once again communication is key here, we must do our best to help the citizens understand what is happening and why, as well as maintain transparency in the bureaucratic process.
5. A new city hall, yes or no, why, where, when
Yes, as long as it is done with 100% local business’s. If you look around the Area you will see several examples of what our local Architects and Contractors can create.
Eventually...it will be foolish not to either construct or retrofit a new central hub for the City’s operations. To deny that is to deny the passage of time. The key here is the Why/Where/When. These are all quantifiable factors that actually make this a simple decision.
Why? The current buildings will become too small to house the increase in employees that will come with the growth that time brings. Even now there may be limitations in the current buildings as far as electrical capacity, networking compatibility or even security for example.
Where? If possible I would like to see City Hall stay close to the historic location in Old Town. Keeping it in that area just feels right. Of course there has to be consideration for factors such as size, available utilities and infrastructure etc.
When? Given the current economic conditions I am honestly torn. The fact that times are hard and growth as we once knew it is not projected to return in the near future (several years) would indicate that we should hold off. But the flipside of that coin is that construction costs, materials and financing are at an all time low. Not to mention that an infusion of work into the local economy would be a welcome lift to an otherwise down time. Both options have merit and deserve further discussion.
6. What else should Cottonwood consider in the future?
Water, land use with open space, eventual growth, infrastructure and sustainability.
7. Working regionally, how?
We need to do our best to use any methods or systems currently in place to maintain open lines of communication with our neighboring communities. We are all in this valley together and it stands to reason that we will be better off working in the same direction. At the same time we need to be sure we keep the needs of our individual communities and citizens well represented.
8. How about community outreach, listening to diverse citizens interests.
Are there ways to improve?
Communication is crucial and improvement is a necessity. I would like there to be more interaction between the Council and the citizens they represent. Part of that responsibility rests with the citizens though. Far too often I see letters to the Editor asking questions or voicing concerns in ways that seem counterproductive to actual progress and understanding. Just as the Council has a responsibility to represent their constituents, the constituents have the responsibility to do their part in the process.
I would like to see more discussion between the Council and citizens in a relaxed yet civil forum. Not everyone will agree on everything but we should always respect each others point of view and try to see both sides of the issue.
Born and raised in Jerome, attended school in Clarkdale and Cottonwood, graduated from Mingus Union in 1989. Worked local jobs until I went to school for Drafting in 1991/1992. Since then I have been here in the Valley working in the Engineering and Information Technology industry.
Interests-
Things I enjoy include:
Family time, can never get enough of that.
Guitars and drums, My father is a luthier (builds and repairs stringed instruments) and I am working on apprenticing in that skill. I also play some simple hand drums here and there as well as construct my own wooden drums.
Volkswagen's, I have owned VW’s on and off since I was 14 or so. I have never quite kicked the habit. There is just something about them that makes driving one an interactive process rather than just cruising on autopilot.
Black Powder cannon shooting, for the local football team and cross country team.
Community Involvement-
I have been volunteering my time with the Mingus Marauder Football Team for many years. When you hear the loud rumble of the cannon on kickoffs and touchdowns… that is me. I have also been the starting gun for the Annual Mingus Cross Country Invitational Meet for several years. Aside from making lots of noise I offer technical/computer services and have been doing all the game filming and producing for the team. I am also honored to be allowed to become part of the pregame football ritual by composing/reading a pregame motivational speech each week for our one and only Big Red.
Through my position in the engineering field I have also been able to assist in the master planning of the River Front Park Sports Complex and its continued evolution.
I look forward to joining the council to increase my community involvement and hope to lend my life experience to improving the City we all call home.
Why are running for council or re-election. What are examples of your
community involvement that make you suitable for the position.
I have considered running for several years and finally decided that the time was right to proceed. Having lived here my whole life I think I bring a combination of an appreciation for the historic nature of the area combined with an understanding of the changes we have seen over the decades. Knowing that we can move into the future while still respecting and preserving our past is a crucial part of maintaining the place we have all chosen to live. Integrating the lifetime I have spent here with the knowledge of advancing technology and understanding that we are not living in a world that waits for us to catch up to it, is crucial to my success in becoming a council member and the overall success of our City.
Please list your full name, age, how long live in Cottonwood.
Jesse Dowling, 39, have lived in Cottonwood for 14 years and the Verde Valley for 39.
B) ISSUES: Please give us your position and how to administer these issues:
1. How should/can the city spur the economy and/or tighten its belt?
I think the City is on the right track with many ideas already. The revitalization of the Old Town area is a great example. Combining that with the new found and hard fought establishment of the Wine and Viticulture Industry seems to be having a positive effect. Continued efforts to utilize local resources and business is another concept that is crucial. Keep it local.
As far as belt tightening, I think the key will be for the City to work letting people know what is happening. Communication is crucial and you will hear me mention it many times. I believe the city needs to make it a point to be open with what it is doing to help get through the lean times. You can tighten your belt all you like but unless you tell the public they may never know. Be open and honest and be open to ideas from the community.
2. Is Cottonwood providing the right services, What should be changed, if
anything?
The City currently seems to offer all the services that the majority of people need. I don’t see any specific areas that are lacking in my day to day life but that does not mean that other citizens feel the same way, thus the need for the City Council. One change I would like to see is for the citizens to feel comfortable in reaching out to the City and the Council if there is a need to be addressed. Perhaps some sort of public forum with less formality than the current Council meetings.
3. Medical marijuana.
The voters have spoken, the democratic process has been followed and the results are in. I think that with proper planning and zoning we can implement the system in a way that should allow the people with legitimate need to obtain what works for them and eventually remove the negative stigma and fear that has been in place for so long. If this reduces the amount of illegal trafficking then it should be a win/win for all involved.
4. A Riverfront Park Wastewater system, other utility improvements?
If I recall correctly the original intended location of the current waste water treatment plan was to have been in Riverfront Park. Due to issues with the EPA and ADEQ it was not allowed and was then relocated up the hill. There should be some research into whether or not the environmental restrictions have changed and further consideration of alternate areas that are not so impacted with flooding or located so close to a park and sports facility that has become a real benefit to the surrounding community. I will be requesting a meeting with both the City Manager and the Utilities Director in order to get a better understanding of the issue directly from them.
Additional utility improvements are always hard to justify up front. Just like it seems as though they are no sooner finished rebuilding that stretch of I-17 into Phoenix before they are tearing it up and rebuilding it again. The battle to maintain a stable infrastructure and utility network is a never ending one. No sooner are you caught up then you are behind again. Trying to explain that to the citizens who have to put up with the construction and question the expense is a process that is just as important as the actual construction. Once again communication is key here, we must do our best to help the citizens understand what is happening and why, as well as maintain transparency in the bureaucratic process.
5. A new city hall, yes or no, why, where, when
Yes, as long as it is done with 100% local business’s. If you look around the Area you will see several examples of what our local Architects and Contractors can create.
Eventually...it will be foolish not to either construct or retrofit a new central hub for the City’s operations. To deny that is to deny the passage of time. The key here is the Why/Where/When. These are all quantifiable factors that actually make this a simple decision.
Why? The current buildings will become too small to house the increase in employees that will come with the growth that time brings. Even now there may be limitations in the current buildings as far as electrical capacity, networking compatibility or even security for example.
Where? If possible I would like to see City Hall stay close to the historic location in Old Town. Keeping it in that area just feels right. Of course there has to be consideration for factors such as size, available utilities and infrastructure etc.
When? Given the current economic conditions I am honestly torn. The fact that times are hard and growth as we once knew it is not projected to return in the near future (several years) would indicate that we should hold off. But the flipside of that coin is that construction costs, materials and financing are at an all time low. Not to mention that an infusion of work into the local economy would be a welcome lift to an otherwise down time. Both options have merit and deserve further discussion.
6. What else should Cottonwood consider in the future?
Water, land use with open space, eventual growth, infrastructure and sustainability.
7. Working regionally, how?
We need to do our best to use any methods or systems currently in place to maintain open lines of communication with our neighboring communities. We are all in this valley together and it stands to reason that we will be better off working in the same direction. At the same time we need to be sure we keep the needs of our individual communities and citizens well represented.
8. How about community outreach, listening to diverse citizens interests.
Are there ways to improve?
Communication is crucial and improvement is a necessity. I would like there to be more interaction between the Council and the citizens they represent. Part of that responsibility rests with the citizens though. Far too often I see letters to the Editor asking questions or voicing concerns in ways that seem counterproductive to actual progress and understanding. Just as the Council has a responsibility to represent their constituents, the constituents have the responsibility to do their part in the process.
I would like to see more discussion between the Council and citizens in a relaxed yet civil forum. Not everyone will agree on everything but we should always respect each others point of view and try to see both sides of the issue.
