His involvement in the community started as far back as the formation of the Diamond Star fire district in 1982. He served on the Diamond Star Fire Board for six years from 1998 to 2004. In 2004 he helped form the Diamond Star Water Coalition. In 2005 he was instrumental in the incorporation of the town of Star Valley, and in 2007 was appointed chairman of the Star Valley Water Task Force Committee. He also served on the Gila County planning and zoning commission. In 2008 he was selected to fill a vacancy on the Star Valley town council.
Married to wife Karen for 30 years, the couple have two sons, Matthew 27, and Michael 25.
His pertinent educational background includes a number of water related courses, seminars, and field trips since 2005. He owned and operated Star Automotive for 18 years, and has owned and operated the Sky Run Resort in Star Valley for the past 14 years.
Benjamin recently provided answers to the following questions to the Mogollon Connection.
Star Valley and Payson may soon enter into an agreement regarding water rights, could you comment on that?
I am cautiously optimistic that this time we can come to an agreement with the town of Payson. I have been a part of several attempts at reaching such an agreement in the past. I have met with former Payson mayors Barbara Brewer and Bob Edwards in an attempt to craft an IGA much like the one currently being proposed.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing Star Valley today?
It is undoubtedly to get this water issue behind us. Everyone wants to move on from this matter, including myself, but it has to be settled fairly or Star Valley faces a very limited future.
What do you believe is the biggest asset that you could bring to the Star Valley council?
The first is my absolute commitment to ensure that future residents of Star Valley are able to enjoy the same lifestyle that we currently have the benefit of today. I believe the knowledge I have gained over the last several years learning about water rights, and the fact that I have been a central figure in the attempt to protect that resource, gives me a distinct insight on the negotiations our town is now engaged in with the town of Payson.
How do you best think we can promote and encourage development in SV if in fact you think that is a good idea?
I do think it is a good idea if it is managed in the right way. Ideally I would like to see our downtown area remain attractive, containing mostly shops and restaurants. I believe that any industry, preferably light industry, should be developed by procuring land currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The town could own the land, and lease it to various businesses, but I’d like to maintain a rural atmosphere for Star Valley.
Do you have a plan for street repair or improvements?
The town currently receives revenues from the state that go in to what is called a HURF fund. The town is obligated to spend that money on street and other traffic infrastructure improvements. I would make sure that those funds were being spent in a manner that benefits the greatest number of Star Valley residents. There is still a lot of work to do in this town. I think that eventually there should be a loop around the town that is an alternative to Arizona Hwy. 260 that gives residents a different way of evacuating the town should a natural emergency make that necessary.
The Star Valley town council is currently considering changing hydrology firms. Do you support that effort? Why or why not?
I do not. LFR, the firm that has served this community since before incorporation, has done an excellent job in my opinion. I contracted with them in 2005 and worked closely with them for over three years. After all, LFR is the firm that was instrumental in setting up our well monitor program, certifying our wellhead elevations, our ground water contour maps, and spent countless hours sorting through area water reports and studies before completing our Sustainable Yield Study. If we are to sit down with Payson to discuss a water agreement, or if we have a water related problem there isn't any other firm in the state that is as well versed as LFR to direct our town leaders in making a decision that is best for all our residents. When the town initially sought a hydrology firm it took great pains to find one that had no conflict of interest with Payson. Now it would appear that the council is considering contracting with a firm that has been doing business with Payson for years. I’m not implying that they would do anything dishonest, I just think it makes sense to partner with a firm that doesn’t rely on the town of Payson for a significant source of revenue. It just seems like common sense to me.
It has been mentioned by some that the majority of your council and committee members reside in the Knolls subdivision. Is that a concern for you?
Yes, I have noticed that as well. I feel that we need more representation from all areas of the town. As a result of our incorporation we stopped Payson from drilling seven additional wells in our town. That would have resulted in far more residents being affected by Payson's pumping practice. Possibly if the Tower Well were located closer to the Knolls we would have a different view from those that want to change hydrology firms and ignore real data in an attempt to make peace. I am all for peace, but we need to make sure that we are protecting ourselves first!
No comments:
Post a Comment