Letter to the Editor | AZ Daily Sun | March 4, 2010

To the editor: In the face of such impending economic predictions for Flagstaff as found in the article titled “Burke: Flag still hasn’t hit bottom” (Feb. 26), we should be asking ourselves who would be the most experienced and best prepared mayoral candidate to handle this anticipated economic crisis?

Kara Kelty is that person. During her tenure on the City Council, Kelty was instrumental in procuring the necessary resources to establish the Northern Arizona Center for Emerging Technologies, which has created upwards of 80 well-paying jobs. Additionally, Kelty supports increased City of Flagstaff involvement in the Aspen Place at Sawmill, which has been transformed from a polluted brownfield to a tastefully done development. Kelty’s support for Aspen Place demonstrates her recognition that in the long-term, it will serve as an important tax-revenue generator and job creator.

Sara Presler, on the other hand, has said she will not support any more city involvement to assist the struggling Aspen Place. She would rather choose political expediency over finding viable and practical solutions to aid Flagstaff’s worsening economy.

Lastly, we need a candidate who can collaborate on these important economic issues with the rest of the City Council. Kelty has demonstrated this ability by gaining the endorsements of two sitting council members. Compare that to Sara Presler, who couldn’t garner the support needed for a second on her motion to rescind Meet and Confer, even by Councilmembers Haughey and Overton who opposed City Council adoption of Meet and Confer from the beginning.

The choice is clear, vote Kara Kelty.

JENNIFER HUNTER

Flagstaff