Prescott residents are citing concerns over what they believe to be a progressive slant directing the city’s 2025 General Plan.
The latest draft of the general plan was rolled out for last month’s city council meeting. State law requires cities and counties to introduce growth-related plans every decade. These plans must include maps, diagrams, objectives, principles, standards, and plan proposals pertaining to land use, circulation and transportation, open space, growth areas, environmental planning, public services and benefits, and water resources.
Communities with populations over 50,000 persons must also include plans for conservation, recreation, extensive transit, public services, public buildings, housing, rehabilitation and redevelopment, public safety, bicycles, energy, and neighborhood preservation and revitalization.
The plan focuses on five “livability” goals: resiliency and sustainability (fire, environmental planning, water resources, climate, and energy); community connection (circulation or transportation, open space, wildlife corridors, and digital connectivity); great places and neighborhoods (land use and growth areas, historic preservation, recreation, dark skies, tree city USA, and bike and pedestrian paths); economic competitiveness and prosperity (economic development, tourism, growth and cost of development, housing, and the Prescott Regional Airport); and community quality (police, education assets, library, community center, healthcare assets, childcare and youth programs, and arts and culture).
Certain strategies of concern (out of over 300 proposed) outlined in the plan include developing and funding a transit system, changing wood burning stove and fireplace standards, redeveloping stormwater infrastructure to be “green” and more sustainable, changing new development ordinances, eliminating emissions in city-owned buildings, establishing electric vehicle infrastructure, redesigning local streets for lower speeds and multimodal use, and establishing a “Dark Sky” lighting code.
Some of these strategies hinged on the initial or continued reliance on local and federal funding.
A group of concerned, longtime citizens, “Prescott Pulse,” say the general plan would not only adopt California-esque policies, but jeopardize millions in housing, transit, airport, and water federal funding due to likely conflicts with the Trump administration’s prohibitions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Specifically, the group cited concerns over the inclusion of language expanding discrimination or harassment protections to sexual orientation and gender expression or identity.
The group also cited concerns over the plan’s extensive focus on enacting climate change policy, as well as the costs for proposed “Vision Zero” speed humps and cameras, lighting retrofits, bike lanes, tree mandates, and the additional property taxes connected with environmental reforms.
“We’ve watched as skewed narratives and incomplete information leave most residents unaware of what’s truly happening in our city council until decisions hit home and it’s too late to act,” said the group in a statement. “Today, our city stands at a crossroads. The divide between low-growth advocates and those who see the need for strategic expansion has never been clearer.”
Prescott Pulse also claims the proposed general plan goes beyond its intended scope of planning land use decisions (land, roads, water, and city growth) by introducing new property rights regulations and taxpayer burdens.
The general plan will appear on the November 4 ballot this year. The city council is scheduled to make a decision on the general plan during their meeting on May 27.
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According to a new report from Mixbook, the Christmas light displays of three Arizona cities have been voted among the most popular in the nation. The three cities enjoying the honor are Lake Havasu City, Prescott, and Glendale.
Christmas displays from New York, California, and Hawaii dominated the top ten in the survey, which covered 3,000 families nationwide. Arizona’s three cities ranked 53rd, 110th, and 119th respectively.
Lake Havasu City’s 29th Annual Festival of Lights will see over 500,000 lights set aglow the beautiful London Bridge over the Bridgewater Channel. The city’s website states that families can stroll the walkway beneath the British 19th-century stone-arched bridge, which dates to 1831 and spanned the Thames River for 136 years. Boaters can also enjoy the spectacle from on the water.
This isn't just another light display –– this is the 29th Annual Festival of Lights with over a half-million of these little beauties illuminating the Bridgwater Channel all season long! Join us for a holiday experience you won’t soon forget! #golakehavasu#letsdohavasupic.twitter.com/sJH2CVEuoj
With Prescott designated as Arizona’s Christmas City by Governor Rose Mofford in 1989, the territorial capital has become a nexus for Christmas celebrations both before and after the lighting ceremony. Events run all the way up to a fireworks spectacular on December 31st at 7 p.m. According to Mixbook, “The Courthouse Plaza, adorned with a million lights, becomes the heart of this nostalgic Christmas experience.”
Wishing you an enchanting holiday from Arizona's official Christmas City. 🎄✨
In the Valley of the Sun, Glendale Glitters is “an exquisite arrangement of lights, complimented by beautiful interactive features and picture-perfect holiday displays,” according to the city’s website. Although the kickoff and parade have come and gone, the beautiful lights will remain on display until January 1st from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The city encourages folks to enjoy some local holiday shopping and treats as they stroll through Downtown Glendale, taking in the magical lights and features.
We're having ourselves a merry little Christmas in Glendale! 🎄✨ What a sparkling start to #GlendaleGlitters! 🎅❤️🎉 Thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate. Come soak in the magic and make memories — the glow lasts until the New Year! 🎄💫 #GlendaleAZpic.twitter.com/2mwSXyjUUN
— Glendale, Arizona Economic Development (@GrowGlendale) December 16, 2024
A spokesman for Mixbook said in a statement, “As the holiday season approaches, these incredible light displays remind us of the magic that comes from bringing communities together. Whether it’s a neighborhood effort, a citywide festival, or a creative masterpiece, these displays capture the spirit of the season and give us all a reason to celebrate.”
A controversial Republican seeks to return to the Arizona State Legislature for the next two years.
State Senator Ken Bennett is running for reelection to his northern Arizona legislative seat, which is centered in the Republican stronghold of Yavapai County. Bennett returned to public service in January 2023, after taking a break from elected office after his tenure as Arizona Secretary of State from 2009-2014. Before his stint as the state’s top election’s official, Bennett served in the Arizona State Senate for eight years – four as the chamber’s president.
Bennett has a long history in the Prescott region. He is a fifth-generation Arizonan who started his life in Prescott and ran Bennett Oil as its CEO for more than 20 years. Prior to his service in the Arizona Legislature, Bennett was elected to the Prescott City Council.
During his time in the legislature this go-around, Bennett has angered some of his colleagues and constituents over his decisions to oppose certain Republican efforts. Bennett’s votes in the state senate earned him a draft censure from disgruntled precinct committeemen from Yavapai County. They alleged that Bennett was the only Republican in the Arizona State Senate to vote against SCR 1013, “which would have allowed the voters of Arizona to decide if boys are allowed in girl’s bathrooms and would have required teachers to obtain permission from a child’s parents before using that child’s preferred pronouns;” and the ‘Freedom to Move’ bill, “which would have let the voters of Arizona decide to create a Constitutional ban on taxes or fees for vehicle miles traveled and limitations on miles traveled.”
The draft censure noted that with those votes, “it is clear Ken Bennett is not representing the people of Yavapai County or the Yavapai County Republican Committee.”
Both measures would have been sent to Arizona voters for the November General Election if enough legislators had voted in favor.
On his website, Bennett responded to the charges levied against him by these local precinct committeemen. Addressing the claims about SCR1013, Bennett said, “This was unconstitutional because it combined two different issues into one ballot proposition. I voted in favor of the two separate bills in the Senate, but I wouldn’t violate the AZ Constitution that requires ballot measures be a single subject.” And combatting the attack against his ‘Freedom to Move’ vote, Bennett stated, “I supported two of the three parts of this proposal (Government shouldn’t monitor or limit the miles we drive) but it needed an amendment to allow government agencies to monitor their own fleets. The bill sponsor would not make this simple change. The other part of the proposal would let electric or other energy-sourced vehicles use our roads without helping to pay for road maintenance. Unfair.”
Senator Bennett also created controversy within his caucus when he helped to pause progress in passing a border security measure to be sent to state voters in November (HCR 2060). Bennett demanded changes to the bill to win his vote, that he appeared to obtain in a later amendment. He then joined his Republican colleagues in supporting the updated legislation, making it possible for Arizonans to help the state’s law enforcement better secure the border and communities in the federal government’s growing dereliction of duty – should they choose to approve of the ballot initiative this fall.
Bennett lists several awards and recognitions for his time of service on his website, including “Senator of the Year” from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Technology Council, and Arizona County School Superintendents; “Champion Award” from the Arizona League of Cities & Towns and Arizona Association of Economic Development; an “A” Rating from the National Rifle Association, and the Arizona Republican Assembly; and a 100% Pro-Life Record.
Danny Seiden, the President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, congratulated Bennett on winning his organization’s yearly award, writing, “For years, you have served Arizonans and been an outstanding voice for Arizona job creators. During time of divisiveness, you have continued to be a voice of reason and a champion of the business community. Your thoughtful approach at the state Senate this year has been recognized by many and your efforts to enact common sense policies is greatly appreciated. To strive for compromise on complex policies is a difficult task and we commend you for your ongoing leadership.”
The Republican State Senator currently serves as the Chairman of the Education Committee, the Vice Chair of the Elections Committee, and a member on the Appropriations Committee.
Arizona Legislative District 1 is a very safe Republican seat with a 27.8% vote spread between Republicans and Democrats in the last nine statewide elections, according to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. In those last nine elections, Republicans have won all contests within the district’s boundaries.
Bennett is opposed in the Republican primary by former legislator Mark Finchem and Steve Zipperman. The winner of this race will face off against Democrat Mike Fogel, who is running unopposed in the primary for his party’s nomination.
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A northern Arizona city is showing its support for the nation of Israel.
Earlier this month, the Prescott City Council passed a resolution to condemn Hamas and declare support for the Jewish State of Israel.
The motion to pass the resolution, taken during the City Council’s voting meeting on December 12, was unanimously adopted 7-0. After the result was announced, those in attendance, as well as some of the members behind the dais, broke into applause.
Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, who ushered the resolution through the meeting, said, “I’m quite proud of this council and our adoption of this resolution. As I said, I hope there are other cities and towns in this state that will follow our lead.”
In the resolution, Prescott leaders highlighted the state’s adoption of “the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism which includes anti-Zionism.”
The resolution gave seven action items for the city to follow in its support of Israel, which were as follows:
Reaffirm its support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and survival of the Jewish State of Israel;
Recognize Israel’s right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense to protect is citizens;
Express its support for Israel’s right to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas;
Convey its most heartfelt condolences to all Israeli victims as well as their families and communities;
Call upon Prescott law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest at such times;
Encourage all other Americans to likewise condemn Hamas as well as any official body that refuses to recognize Israel’s right to act decisively in self-dense to protect its citizens; and
Call upon the United States to provide all assistance as may be required to support Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations.
The Prescott City Council’s strong demonstration of support for Israel follows a similar action taken by the Arizona State Legislature on October 11, when Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma issued a Joint Legislative Proclamation to “denounce the horrific acts of war against Israel and support Israel’s right to defend itself” – among other calls to action for the Legislature.
Today a Joint Proclamation Supporting Israel has been signed by @votewarren & @RepBenToma and condemns the hateful attack on our ally. Let's turn the Capitol Dome light blue to show AZ's support for Israel.
A Prescott couple is suing the state of Louisiana for its sales tax overreach into their small business, Halstead Bead. The National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF), the Pelican Institute, and the Goldwater Institute will represent Brad and Hilary Scott in the case Halstead Bead v. Lewis, et al. The Scotts’ lawsuit asks that Louisiana provide a single point of contact for their tax collections, rather than requiring businesses to collect taxes for every one of Louisiana’s parishes.
The law permits states to enforce their tax laws and regulations on Arizona businesses — but it wasn’t always that way in the recent past. The national burden on small businesses came over three years ago with the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair. SCOTUS ruled that states could charge sales tax to out-of-state sellers, with or without a physical presence in their state. The ruling empowered over 11,000 jurisdictions nationwide at the cost of an additional burden to small businesses like Halstead Bead, a small crafts and jewelry supplier based in Prescott.
Halstead Bead owners, Brad and Hilary Scott, reported investing nearly 7,700 hours over the last three years to ensure compliance with the over 11,000 districts nationwide. That amounted to over $297,000 spent on sales tax compliance while only collecting $127,000; or, $2.28 spent for every dollar collected. However, the law doesn’t allow for mistakes with local tax requirements — even unwitting ones.
“I’d rather just send the blank check to the states and not do the collection,” said Brad. “It’s one thing to say, ‘You’re not complying correctly.’ It’s another to be effectively called a criminal for failure to comply with something that is so complex that you can’t do it reasonably.”
The Scotts bear their fair share of burdens in their 28-person company. Brad alone takes on many rolls: payroll, HR, benefits administration, finance, and accounting, to name a few.
“I don’t have this vast team of departments that answers to me. I don’t oversee anything— I’m neck-deep in it on a daily basis,” explained Brad.
In addition to the great financial burden, the Scotts reported other, intangible burdens shared by other small business owners like them: stress and fear. They explained that they’re reliable for all mistakes — even unwitting ones — as both the business and individual owners of the business.
“This is crushing liability. I don’t know how else to say it,” said Hilary. “We used to worry about Arizona, we used to worry about the United States. Now, I’m worried we’re going to run afoul of a law in some county in Louisiana or Colorado that I’ve never even heard of.”
While the Wayfair ruling has been profitable for some states who were reportedly “bleeding revenue” without the ability to tax out-of-state businesses, small businesses like Halstead Bead have been required to make substantial expenditures of time, finances, and resources. One small, family-owned business in Illinois reported spending over $100,000 and a year on a software to assist with compliance, and even then they reported that they will likely spend over $75,000 annually to fine-tune their compliance and training while they keep up with law and regulation changes.
Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, an Obama appointee, is presiding over the Scott’s case. Louisiana officials filed an extension on their response, anticipated December 23.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
