Meet the Yuma City Council Candidate: Gregory W. Counts
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: Gregory W. Counts Age: 53 years old Family: Mother – Kay Hutchison; Father – Donald W. Counts (deceased); Wife – Eva Mendez-Counts; a blended family with seven children, Cassidey, Mackenzie, Justus, Julie, Celeste, Patricia and Isabella. Two grandchildren, Tessa and Rhiannon
Employment: Inter-con Security Inc. What is your background? What in your past experiences helps quality you for this seat?
Yuma is my hometown, a proud Kofa King. I attended AWC and NAU and later joined the U.S. Navy. I worked at YPG-ECIII company as a government contractor, and in 1994 I was hired by the Yuma Police Department. Throughout my law enforcement career I served as a patrol officer, bike patrol officer, school resource officer, detective, patrol sergeant and patrol lieutenant and on the Yuma SWAT team for 17 years. I retired from YPD in September 2015.
As a private citizen, I have experienced how local government impacts our community and the direction our city takes. As a responsible citizen, I have been involved in learning about elected officials and exercising my right to vote for those that best represent the interest of our community. As a former City of Yuma employee, I have insight to the impact that decisions made by council have within the city.
What do you feel is the most important duty of this office?
Upholding the integrity and responsibilities of the Yuma City Council. Keeping in mind that this office is here to serve the community’s constituents. Being accountable to the taxpayers’ money and being transparent in the business the city engages in. Having a healthy and positive relationship with the public in an open forum. Hearing the public’s opinion and using those opinions to decide what is best for the city and voting on city ordinances that serve the best interest of the city and of the constituents.
I operate with a goal-end in mind, and I believe we need to have an efficient and effective government that serves the needs of the community. There are many things that need to be done within the city, such as advocating for police and fire protection, support amenities we offer to our community, economic development and sustainability, and addressing fiscal challenges.
If elected, what is the one issue on which you would focus to improve Yuma’s quality of life? How?
Addressing unfunded liability issues, such as the PSPRS. The liability is making it very challenging for staff and council to develop a balanced and productive budget that addresses all areas within the city.
The liability is a small percentage of the overall budget, but it represents over $1 million. For example, this liability impacts the capacity to direct dollars and address significant concerns with police and fire protection. There are many challenges faced within these two departments that impact the safety and prosperity of our community. Without safety and prosperity, our quality of life weakens.
As a council member, I will focus efforts to work with city leadership and analyze current strategies or future strategies to curtail unfunded liabilities. I will also advocate to our State Legislature and place pressure upon the Legislature to actively address this issue that plagues our city.
What is one thing you want voters to know about you?
I will uphold my duty to serve the best interest of our community. I do not have any vested interest other than to make sure our community is safe, prosperous, and to promote economic development for financial sustainability. I have worked with a diverse group of men and women in many different capacities, and know the value of our community. I have always been trained to respond when there is a need. I hold our city to a high regard in protecting. I have always been in a position to lead, and be decisive under pressure and stress.
I subscribe to a servant-type leadership style, demonstrating my commitment to serving and protecting for over 21 years. I bring a valued perspective to the Yuma City Council, and only doing this because I want our home town to be something that everyone can be proud of. Count on Counts.