Meet the Yuma City Council Candidate: Kristina Rojas McNair

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: Kristina Rojas McNair Age: 32 Family: I have been married to my husband, Joel, for 14 years. We have four children: Isabella, 12, Andrew, 11, Charlotte, 4, and Juliana, 3. Employment: Office of Continuous Improvement Manager for Yuma Regional Medical Center. Political Experience: This is my first run for public office.

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

I have 14 years of experience in revenue cycle, which includes managing operating and capital budgets. This is an essential skill that is necessary for each councilmember as they are responsible for approving the city’s complex budgets. In addition, I am a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy. NLA is a 14-week class offered by the City of Yuma that educates participants on city departments, services, budgets, jurisdiction and City Charter.

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

The most important duty of a councilmember is to be the voice of their constituents. This means a councilmember must commit to not just attending Council meetings but must also spend time outside of meetings studying agenda items and then making themselves available to their constituents for feedback on issues.

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

The budget. City Council must work collaboratively to improve our current budget process. We have to re-prioritize items in the budget and properly fund our public safety officers. We must also do this without increasing property taxes. Having a safe and prosperous Yuma is what will improve our quality of life.

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

I am seeking your vote on Aug. 29 because I believe it is time for a change. We need to bring back fiscal responsibility, properly fund public safety and increase transparency in city government. I believe that I have the right skills and the passion necessary to work with fellow councilmembers, the mayor and the city administrator to accomplish this. I will work diligently to serve the residents of Yuma.