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Mayor Spotlight
Name, title & city/town
Diane Joens, Mayor
Cottonwood, Arizona
Year elected: Cottonwood City Council in 2003
Elected as Mayor: in 2007 and 2011 for four-year terms
Years served as Mayor: Five
Hometown: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Why did you decide to serve in local government?
City government has always piqued my interest. In the late 1980s I served on the Cottonwood Planning and Zoning Commission and later the Parks and
Recreation Commission. In 2003 a friend encouraged me to run for City Council, and the rest is history. I didn't - and still don't - have a personal agenda.
I do have a vision for now and the next 25 years, and Cottonwood has an excellent city council and staff that works together with a shared vision.
We collaborate as we strive to serve our citizenry in the best possible manner.
What are the biggest challenges facing your town today?
A quote from Governor Jan Brewer says much: "While I can agree that all levels of government must continue to find ways to cut costs, I am becoming
increasingly concerned that many bills introduced this session micromanage decisions best made at the local level. What happened to the conservative
belief that the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people?" Municipal governments are closest to the
people of Arizona. Residents count on Arizona cities and towns for services that provide a good quality of life for daily living. That includes police
and fire protection, water and wastewater services, parks and recreation opportunities, and many other services. There has been much interference in
this process in the past several legislative sessions-with a crushing theme of one-size-fits-all. This attitude is harmful to the citizens that local
governments serve. Each local government is as unique as an individual human being. That is why policies that impact local governments must be decided
by local elected officials and their citizens. Other challenges include protecting the Verde River for people and nature, ensuring our water future,
and participating in the fine art of providing high quality city services while "doing more with less" in the current economy.
What opportunities do you see for your community?
The panoramic beauty of Cottonwood and the Verde Valley is unsurpassed. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the many benefits of the scenic Verde River.
The vibrant greens of the riparian area blend with the hues of gold, red and limestone in the mesas, canyons and buttes surrounding Cottonwood. Cottonwood
is adjacent to two National Forests, the Coconino National Forest and Prescott National Forest. Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Verde River Greenway
are within the city limits. Recreational opportunities abound for all. Community members and visitors enjoy bicycling, hang gliding, hiking, river rafting
and equestrian activities. In May the League of American Bicyclists awarded the city of Cottonwood the bronze level as a bicycle friendly community. Wildlife
and bird watching opportunities are plentiful. I see opportunities for tourism in connection with the Verde River as well as our newly revitalized Old Town
Cottonwood. The city is a leader and collaborator with the new wine industry in the Verde Valley. Even during this challenging economy, Old Town Cottonwood
has been flourishing and attracting new and vibrant businesses and visitors. Living in the Verde Valley is paradise. I have loved this community since the
day I moved here in 1986.
What are you most proud of during your time in office?
I am very proud of how our city council and staff interact to promote and serve the residents of Cottonwood and the surrounding areas. Although Cottonwood
is a small town of almost 12,000 people, we provide services to the approximately 40,000 residents in the upper Verde Valley. We take that job very seriously.
Civility is the key to accomplishment and good policy, and I am proud that our citizens and elected officials also place civility high on the scale of interaction.
I'm proud of the Cottonwood Recreation Center that opened in May 2010. The Rec Center provides a place for multi-generations to gather and it contributes to
the overall health of our community. The parking lot is always full. We're promoting Cottonwood as a destination and we're very proud of our wine industry in
the Verde Valley. We've been working hard to build and upgrade streets. This is a high priority of our citizens.
Why is the League important to cities and towns in Arizona?
Speaking from a smaller community's point of view, the League is an especially important force in our interactions with state and federal legislators. Smaller
cities do not have the financial and people resources to create a daily presence at the Capitol. We count on the expertise of the League staff to keep us informed
about bills that will impact our residents. We rely on the League to be there every day-and often every night-when there is activity at the Legislature. The
League of Arizona Cities and Towns is key to the citizens of Arizona. It assists city and town leaders with a consistent and constant voice in legislation that
impacts our citizens directly. The League is excellent about listening to local elected officials and then acting on our behalf. The League serves our city
residents, just like we do. It's all about the people.
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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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