Greenlee County Native

           I have been a resident of Greenlee County all my life.  I was born in Morenci a few minutes before my twin brother, Robert Lunt.  We attended Duncan schools with many of you - our friends.  I did leave for a few years to attend college and go on a mission for my church.  However, I kept my residency in Greenlee County.  I had the opportunity to live in other places, but I chose to live here in Greenlee County.  This is my home and where my heart is.
           A county supervisor faces different decisions at every meeting.  Part of my decision making process comes from knowing what other residents of Greenlee County want because I am one of you.

(This is a view of the Duncan valley.)

Key Player in Agreement to Restore Forests

          Richard Lunt was a key player in the historic Four Forest Restoration Initiative.  After catastrophic forest fires in Arizona, including Greenlee County, conservationist, scientists, industry representatives, community leaders and the U.S. Forest Service all agreed that the policies of the last 50 years of managing the forest were not working.  This agreement restored logging in the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab and Tonto National Forests.  As wildfires became more of a problem, the need for large scale action was necessary.  This agreement looked to sustain biodiversity, re-establish natural fire deterrents, reduce fire threats to communities, create a logging industry that strengthens local economics while conserving natural resources and to educate the public on the importance of these goals.
          This was a huge undertaking that involved many individuals.  Richard worked at the heart of this movement.  He met with National Chief Forester, Tom Titwell, and Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.  He helped convince them of the value of such an undertaking. 
          One of Richard's favorite saying is, "You will let the forest burn, but you won't let it earn." He  believes in multiple use of the forest including ranching, hunting, fishing and recreation.   Another favorite quote, "The land is best served, when the land is serving."

What Does a County Supervisor Do?

A common question I get is "What does a county supervisor do?"

1.  We set the budget for the county.

2. We set county policy.

3.  We lobby the state legislature for funds.

4.  We lobby the state legislature to set state policy.

Budget

In setting the budget, I have always voted to use your money carefully to provide county services.  The county provides:

1. Police protection

2.  Ambulance service

3. County road maintenance

4. County Health Department

5. County Fair and Rampage

6. Court house services

County Policy

My motto in setting county policy is "What are we doing today to get us where we want to be tomorrow?" Our policies need to solve today's problems, but not create problems in the future.  If it's a good policy, it will not only be good today, but it will be good for many years.

Lobbying for funds

The state allocates money to the counties to provide services. As a supervisor I use the relationships I have established to lobby the legislators to continue funding Greenlee County.  The last year I was in office I lobbied to save Greenlee County $1,500,000 in additional costs that the state was trying to force on to the county. 

Setting State Policies

County supervisors have an  influence on the setting of state policies.  It is our job to see that the needs of our rural county are not forgotten at the state level.  I have used my relationships and connections to lobby the legislature to pass bills that our rural county needs.  

 I hope this helps you understand what a county supervisor does and why it is important to have a supervisor who can manage money well and work well with the state legislature.

Greenlee County Cattle Growers 100th Anniversary

 My wife volunteered to make this quilt for the 100th anniversary of the Greenlee County Cattle Growers.  It was auctioned on February 15, 2014 at the centennial celebration at the Greenlee County Fair Grounds.  Colleen and I were both on the planning committee for the celebration.  As president of the Greenlee County Cowbelles, she  knew she was going to have to help with the celebration.  She decided that she would help a way that was fun for her, so she volunteered to make this quilt.  

 Ranchers from all over Greenlee county added their brands on this quilt.  There wasn't enough room on the front for our brand, so my wife put it on the back of the quilt.  This is our brand for the Seven L Cattle Company, a company we are partners in.   Lunt's Dairy's brand is on the front, a backwards B L.  We were partners in Lunt's Dairy for 25 years.

The quilt was purchased by Judge Monica Stauffer, the Greenlee County Superior Court Judge. 



Look what I started!

I would like to introduce you to my family.

My wife, Colleen Lunt, was raised here in Duncan.  We were high school sweethearts.  She has a bachelor's degree in Math Education and a master's degree in Educational Administration.  If you ask her, she will say her greatest accomplishment is her children.  You can see what a good job she has done.

My oldest son, Scott, on the left, was the medical provider at Dr. Lovett's office here in Duncan for two years.  He is now working as a provider at the federal prison in Safford.

Next from the left is my son, Travis.  He is going to college at Utah Valley University and is studying accounting.  Many of you may know him for his music.  He is an accomplished musician and composer. 

Will, the tall one in the back, works for the Arizona Highway Patrol.  He has the rank of sergeant and works in the central office in Phoenix.  He has been active in the 4-H program as a leader for the steer projects.

Next in the line is our son, Jarom.  He is a contractor in the Gila Valley and builds custom homes.  He has been very active in the Boy Scouts of America and Future Farmers of America youth programs there.  He is also active in many other civic organizations.  He is running for county supervisor of Graham County.

Sonya, our only daughter, is very busy raising a family in Morenci.  Her husband works for the Morenci School system.  She has a degree in Business Management and is raising a beautiful family of 4 children.

Last, but not least, is our son, Tony.  He is currently serving a mission for our church in Tokyo, Japan.  When he returns, he will be studying engineering at Eastern Arizona College.

I am very proud of my family.
I appreciate the love and support they give me.