Are false narratives eroding public trust in Prescott Valley? | By Jean Motta
The citizens of Prescott Valley are asked to believe that our needs and wants are being prioritized by our elected leaders. We are told that the Town puts citizens first while being focused on preserving natural resources, protecting and expanding open space and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
More and more residents are finding that hard to believe.
At recent Town Council meetings, numerous residents have stood before Council to express very valid concerns about the negative impacts that decisions made by Council will have on the community. Were the needs of those citizens “put first” in the decision-making process? Time and time again, citizens’ concerns are seemingly ignored as Town Officials vote against the expressed needs and wants of the citizens.
There is more to building a community than simply focusing on growth and generating tax revenue.
The Town’s updated water management plan includes a goal of returning to the aquifer every gallon of water that Prescott Valley takes out. According to the 2021 ADWR Annual Report, Prescott Valley took out of the aquifer 1.5 billion gallons more groundwater than it put back in. Every new house and commercial building can widen the gap between “gallon out – gallon in.” Approving zoning map changes to allow higher density development will not preserve our natural resources. Nor will it protect and expand open space. Unless designed according to the principles of net neutral development, every new house consumes groundwater.
Despite what they might have us believe, the objectives of our Town Officials are not at all aligned with the mission and objectives of the Prescott Valley Citizens Alliance (PVCA).
Prescott Valley Citizens Alliance (PVCA) was formed in order to amplify the concerns of the community that were not being met by local government. PVCA believes that growth should be determined by resources and not by demand. We advocate for land development standards that preserve the natural beauty of our environment. We seek fiscal accountability, truth, transparency and integrity at all levels of leadership.
Ask yourself these questions:
– Are Prescott Valley’s elected leaders responsive to the needs and concerns of the Town’s residents?
– Does the local government share the same vision for Prescott Valley as its citizens?
– Are the Town’s natural resources, wildlife habitats and open spaces being protected?
If you answer “no” to these questions, join the Prescott Valley Citizens Alliance and take part in the refined shaping of Prescott Valley’s future.
Jean Motta is the Communications Director for the Prescott Valley Citizens Alliance, a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit organization. PVCA invites all concerned citizens to join our volunteer organization and learn more about us at our website: PVCitizensAlliance.org
