Meet the Yuma City Council candidate: Leslie McClendon

Editor’s Note: The city of Yuma primary election will be held Aug. 29. Mayor Doug Nicholls and Presiding Municipal Court Judge James Coil are both running unopposed, and there are three open seats on the Yuma City Council. This story is one in an ongoing series called “Meet the Candidates.”

Name: Leslie Lynn McClendon Age: 54 years Family: Married 32 years to Bob McClendon Jr. Two sons, Bobby McClendon III and Justin McClendon. Two daughters, Amanda McClendon Granados and Tiarra McClendon, and 11 grandchildren. Employment: Group Sales Manager — Yuma Visitors Bureau Political Experience: Eight years serving as member of Yuma City Council from Jan. 1, 2008 — Dec. 31, 2015

What is your background? What in your past experiences helps qualify you for this seat?

After previously serving eight years as a member of the Yuma City Council, I worked closely with various sources throughout the community. I would evaluate community needs, program options and available resources for consideration of approval, modification or rejection.

What do you feel is the most important duty of this office?

Representing the constituents of Yuma as a trustworthy steward of public funds, ensuring stronger public safety agencies, and enhancing our Parks and Recreation. Also, working toward a stronger economic development, improving programs and protecting infrastructure investments.

If elected, what is the one issue on which you would focus to improve Yuma’s quality of life? How?

I don’t believe that there is only one issue of focus. I believe there are several issues that need to be addressed. Public safety retention of well-trained and professional men and women is a must. They are depended upon to keep our community safe and should be properly compensated. Economic growth, we need to focus on improving the city’s infrastructure so we are able to attract new business. Roads, utilities and buildings should also keep up with the needs of our community. “Quality of life” is important for our citizens, Parks and Recreation is an important part of that, we need to make sure we are able to keep our pools, parks and programs available for everyone to use.

What is one thing you want voters to know about you?

Having lived in Yuma all my life, raised four children, and now enjoying my grandchildren, and have also had the pleasure of serving previously on the Yuma City Council for eight years, I am ready to do my part in preparing for the future of our community. I want to see my grandchildren and others grow up in a community they are proud of, just the way that I feel every day. It’s about ensuring that our public safety departments are strong and healthy, continued progression of the Parks and Recreation Department and assist in the economic development of the city. Yuma has a lot of great assets and my goal is to make sure they are utilized efficiently. Oh by the way, I am proud to say “I am a Yuma High Criminal.” It’s time to “Focus on the Future” — please remember to vote Leslie McClendon for city council. LESLIE LYNN MCCLENDON