Meet the Yuma City Council Candidate: Ken Rosevear

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: Ken Rosevear Age: Over 21 Family: Married to Sara, 47 years, four grown children, 11 grandchildren Employment: Retired from Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, 16 years Political Experience: Ran for Arizona House of Representatives, 2006

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

I have held senior management and business ownership positions since 1972. I’ve worked for two Fortune 500 companies (a 3M distributor and a General Dynamics Missile Division), was vice president and general manager for an El Centro, Calif., auto dealership and 16 years as executive director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.

My many years of business management and ownership of a family business in El Centro, Calif., has given me the experience and understanding of making the tough decisions to survive and grow a business. I asked the right questions, listened to and made decisions that enhanced the bottom line, stayed within my budget, protected my employees and gave back generously to my community.

I’ve shouldered the responsibility of making a $40,000 payroll every other Friday, paid my taxes on time, listened to my employees and customers, and gave great customer service. I have successfully managed through good and bad economies.

My 16 years at the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce allowed me to represent over 600 Yuma businesses and organizations and worked issues that affected them. I spoke in favor of Yuma city issues that were good for local business and opposed those that had a negative effect.

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

First, fulfill the first item of the Yuma City Charter by providing necessary budgets for public safety (police and fire). Next, prepare, provide and maintain the fiduciary responsibilities of a city budget. Spend the tax payers money on NEEDED items and not from a wish list. Work within the budget, working to avoid tax increases. Receive input from citizens and react with meaningful solutions to challenges in a responsible, prudent, accountable and transparent manner, LISTEN TO THE PUBLIC ... Provide services that are required, by law, affordably, and keep us growing. Maintain programs that enhance the city’s quality of life. It is important for the council to give oversight and accountable direction to the city administrator; he’s responsible for setting our priorities, spending and forward planning.

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

Build and maintain a budget that provides necessary services and reflects prudent use of taxpayer monies. This will allow the focus to address, public safety, streets and roads, water and sewer, recreation, economic development and employee compensation. Avoid tax increases and advance economic development by attracting more industry by being competitive with fees, cutting the red tape now in place and be truly “business friendly.” Embrace a position where, “if we can’t afford it, we don’t buy it until we can afford it.” These procedures, if adhered to, will certainly improve our quality of life.

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

I will be looking for meaningful solutions to the challenges facing us. I bring years of successful management skills. I will ask the tough questions, use best practices and expect accountability.

I listen to input, operate in the open, work for consensus, and will not move on an issue without fully understating all of the information before I spend your money. I expect to give my full attention to the position and will always be available. I hope you will hold me accountable for my decisions.

I know this is more than one thing, but it’s important to be said.

I also hope you will vote for me. “We Can Do Better.”