During a recent Prescott Valley town council meeting, community members voiced their concerns and opinions on various local issues, highlighting the importance of public engagement and transparency in governance.
Karen Rawls, a long-time resident and volunteer, expressed her gratitude towards the town staff and emphasized the need for a fair voting timeline regarding the Lakeshore 650 development project. Rawls suggested that a vote be scheduled for May 2025, arguing that this would allow the new council to gauge public sentiment on growth and development in Prescott Valley. She raised concerns about the current rapid growth and its implications for local infrastructure and resources, advocating for a more measured approach to future developments.
Louise Weeks, another resident, addressed the council's adherence to open meeting laws, emphasizing the public's right to attend and participate in council activities. She expressed discomfort over recent exchanges between council members regarding the upcoming council retreat, which raised questions about transparency and public access to discussions.
Former council member Lucy Leyva brought attention to troubling behavior from a councilman-elect, who had publicly criticized the mayor and suggested potential conflicts of interest involving local contractors. Leyva urged the council to maintain professionalism and focus on constructive governance rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
The meeting underscored the community's desire for open dialogue and accountability within local government, as residents called for a collaborative approach to address pressing issues facing Prescott Valley.