COCHISE VOTES 2024: Bisbee’s mayoral race pits two against incumbent Ken Budge, three council members run unopposed | Elections | #citycouncil

If there is not a clear winner, all three could be on the ballot in General Election on Nov. 5.

Councilmember incumbents Mel Sowid, Ward 2, and Juanetta Hill, Ward 3, are running unopposed. Ward 1 candidate is Shaylin Sanders.

Homeowner since 1995, full time Bisbee resident 20 years

Background/experience: Retired Captain Firefighter/Paramedic, associates degrees in Fire Science, Paramedic and Design/Draftsman.

Why did you decide to run?

Any previous experience in a public office? I want to see the completion of the projects we are involved in. I was elected as mayor in 2020 and continue to serve. I was also a Ward 1 councilmember from 2007 through 2014.

I also am chairman of the Upper San Pedro Partnership, Executive Board Member of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Vice Chairman of the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization. I have served as the Chairman of the Bisbee Design and Review Board, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Chairman of the Police and Fire Advisory Committee, and a member of the Board of Adjustment.

What are the city issues you wish to address? 

To complete the many projects and issues I have worked on as mayor for the last three years. I will continue my efforts to balance the budget, ensure transparency, keep building on more affordable housing, finish the new city hall, continue the many public works projects, manage the $21 million in grants we have received and applying for more all while continuing to improve quality of life issues for Bisbee residents.

Bisbee resident since 1962 with a short period of living in Germany, Nevada, Illinois and Sierra Vista Ariz.

I have served in the past as a board member for the Bisbee Coalition for the Homeless and the Bisbee Community Chorus. My Father, Clarence “Slim” Leikem was an established Bisbee businessman prior to his passing. His legacy includes the Mammoth Leikem Site in Greenbush Draw, discovered in 1964. My brother Everett was an underground miner in Bisbee and loved Bisbee.

Why did you decide to run?

I’m older and grayer and hopefully wiser. I would like to be Mayor of Bisbee because it is my home and I love and care about our community and the city’s welfare.

What are the city issues you wish to address?

Infrastructure, like-road conditions and sewer-and water pipes. I want to address the homeless camp situation located in Ward 3. Do more for affordable housing through co-operative agreements, possible allocation towards affordable housing and make zoning adjustments if needed. Do something about the appearance of graffiti, clean up trash and debris throughout Bisbee.

Graduated from Lamson Business College, Phoenix

Why did you decide to run? Any previous experience in a public office? 

The reason I chose to run was I felt I could bring some alternative perspectives to the table., maybe in a different way. What I lack in experience. I have the connections to people who know the things I might need some guidance, input or counsel on.

What are the city issues you wish to address? 

We have many issues here in Bisbee that need to be addressed. Our parking situation, affordable housing, the fallout from the fire in February, attracting some big investors as we have several unique and wonderful business for sale, attract more tourist to support our local businesses and hoping to help attract conventions into our town. Those are just a few of the things to start with.

I will donate my salary back to the city. 

I relocated to Bisbee three years ago when I was smitten by its charm and have never looked back! I quickly fell in love with the people, the colorful and eclectic culture and the rich history which is Bisbee. As an avid reader and writer, I recognized an opportunity to work as a free-lance writer for the Bisbee Observer where I had the pleasure of making new acquaintances and connections – and gaining meaningful insights into their passions and challenges.

In my last 20 years, I have acquired a robust background spanning the commercial real estate and service industries and am well-acquainted with the challenges and opportunities afforded in those sectors. In my prior life, I’ve earned an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and pursued higher education in Psychology. I am an animal lover and currently live with two cats who think that they own me as their indentured servant.

Why did you decide to run?

Any previous experience in a public office? I want to be a part of ensuring that people’s voices are heard and action is taken. While I do not profess to have experience serving in a public office, I am passionate about the challenges and struggles that beset our community and small businesses and want to do all that I can to make a meaningful differences and improvements to improve our quality of life and sense of well-being and security.

What are the city issues you wish to address?

Consistent with my political affiliation, there are several issues, especially pertaining to personal safety that require immediate attention. In light of recent unfortunate events, I’m speaking of the need to ensure that our first responder fire-fighters & EMTS who put their lives on the line for us receive a fair and living wage, that our fire hydrants are fully functional and that we can procure a ladder fire truck – especially as fire season is looming before us. Additionally, I’ve been concerned with the lackluster administrative management of essential services, such as alleviating the downtown parking issues, preserving our water rights and the proper maintenance of our community pool. We need a balanced and transparent budget that reflects a proper spending plan based upon the community’s priorities.

I moved to Bisbee from Lebanon in 1980 to further my education at Cochise College where I met my wife Meg Porter, a native of Bisbee. We were married in 1981. After Cochise College, we attended ASU. I worked for Circle K while attending Arizona State University where I moved up the management ladder to become a district manager for 70 plus locations. Then, we moved overseas where I worked for several international companies in upper management in the Middle East and west Africa. Moved back to Bisbee in 2016 when I opened my own business . The Bisbee Bodega.

Why did you decide to run?

Having had the opportunity to serve on the council over the past few years has given the incentive and belief that while running my business within the community provides me the access to communicate and engage with the community and hear their concerns on a regular basis. It has helped me gain insight to make sure that our tax dollars are being used wisely.

What are the city issues you wish to address? Making sure that the management and council are fiscally responsible and transparent with the community on a regular basis.

Ward 3 council seat, San Jose

I was born in the south, raised in Indiana, grew up in San Diego and have been living in Bisbee since 2015. Graduated from Indiana University South Bend specializing in social services, dance and have an interest in international and community development.

Professionally, I’ve owned a janitorial business, until I became my parents caregiver. I taught African Dance, managed a community center, worked with numerous youth programs and those experiencing mental health, drug addiction, homelessness and HIV.

Currently, I own Bisbee LifeCasting, an interactive art studio that’s youth focused and parent approved. Throughout my life experience, I’ve always been an active volunteer. Currently, I serve on the Senior Center Board, am an active participate in the revitalization of Camp Naco and became a member of Buffalo Soldiers. Now I serve on the city council.

Why did you decide to run? Any previous experience in public office? 

Overall, I am running for Ward III Council Member because I believe my life and business experience coupled with having previously served on the City Council would be an asset to the residents of Bisbee. It would also be an honor as well.

Participating on the City Council is like any other job in that there is a learning curve. Unlike self-employment, as a councilmember you advocate for the entire community. They are your friends, family, business associates and neighbors. As a councilmember, there is an understanding and an unwritten agreement that you are committed to the overall welfare of residents, addressing issues that impact their quality of life, and advocating for resources that impact their lives.

It also means being accountable, taking responsibility for and acknowledging what can’t be accomplished.

Prior to being appointed to the City Council I did not have any public office experience. Even so, I decided to run again. Navigating that “learning curve” has been invaluable in gaining the knowledge and understanding of how the city is managed, the pluses and minuses of why some decisions are made and learned knowledge that can be utilized in advocating for Bisbee residents.

What are the city issues you wish to address? 

I am committed to both ends of the age scale — advocating for our youth and our seniors who make up the majority of Bisbee’s residents. I am also committed to addressing housing both in quality and affordability. Addressing both ends of the spectrum has a direct impact upon our community economically both immediately and long term.