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Mayor Spotlight
Bob Burnside, Mayor of Camp Verde
My name is Bob Burnside and I'm fortunate to be the current mayor of the town of Camp Verde in Yavapai County. Camp Verde town limits cover 42
square miles, include 18 miles of the Verde River and about 11,000 residents. Some of our residents are members of the Yavapai Apache Nation
and proud owners and operators of Cliff Castle Casino, voted number 1 in Arizona for the 13th year. Fort Verde State Park is situated in our
town center and provides insight into the history of territorial Arizona. Montezuma Castle, a national monument, takes visitors back to the
days of the Sinagua, who were the original farmers along the banks of Beaver Creek and the Verde, a tradition that continues into the present day.
Camp Verde lies in a beautiful green valley that is seen when you head north out of Phoenix on I-17 and crest the hill coming down Copper Canyon.
A large part of our small town lies to the east or the right hand side of the interstate, and is the geographic center of the state. Our western
area along Highway 260 is home to Out of Africa, enjoyed by many visitors because of the interaction they can have with the animals. We have
wonderful access to the Verde River, Prescott and Coconino Forests and are about an hour away from Happy Jack, Clint's Well and the Mogollon Rim.
We have opportunities to enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, trail riding and we encourage our youth to participate in 4-H and Future Farmers of America
(FFA), that provides town ordinances that are animal and agriculture friendly. We also take part in activities with our neighbors that start in Camp
Verde as gateway to the Verde Valley. Many folks enjoy our Fort Verde Days in October, Pecan and Wine Festival in February and the Corn Fest coming
up in July.
We're often referred to as the "red-headed stepchild" of the Verde communities because over the years our attitude has been to make due, or do without.
To some folks we haven't attracted the businesses necessary to support government and the services it provides. Others prefer the live and let live
attitude of our town. However, the ongoing concern our council faces is a desire to attract jobs and businesses suited to our area that can provide
employment for our young people and services for our elderly so that everyone can remain in the valley they call home.
Politics was a new endeavor for me in 2009 when I was elected for the first time, having been a commercial plumber and pipefitter for most of my working
career. What I did learn is that a two-year term only teaches you the acronyms, but it doesn't enable you to do much for your town or residents, now
I'm in my second term. Publications provided by the League have been very informative for our council and staff and we use many of the services the
League offers. With all the diverse communities we have in Arizona, I can only imagine the effort it takes for the League staff to coordinate and
focus on issues of interest to all of us. I would encourage all citizens to become involved with their town's activities and government, and as
recommended recently to me, by our FFA, "Do not follow someone else's path, but make your own, and leave a trail."
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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