Made Chairman of the Board

 

On a motion by Ron S Campbell- Greenlee County Supervisor Dist 2, with a second from Chairman DavidGomez the Baord voted to make Richard Lunt, Greenlee County Supervisor District 3 the new Chairman of the Board.

Studying Closures on I-10

Today, we had a meeting on the issues caused when I-10 is closed and traffic is rerouted onto Hwy 70. ADOT, DPS, Town of Duncan, Towns of Safford and Thatcher, Greenlee CSO, Graham CSO, Greenlee and Graham Counties; along with Rep. Drew John. Many issues were brought to the table and discussed. I appreciate all for being there and being willing to listen and address our issues. We are all working hard to resolve the issues.

Honored by the Greenlee County Junior Rodeo Series

I was humbled to receive a jacket from the Greenlee County Junior Rodeo Series for my help throughout this 2017 season. It was great to be part of an organization that does so much for the youth of our county. Thanks to all who helped make this past season a success.

Water Management and Conservation

Thanks to Salt River Project, I had the opportunity to fly their dams on the Salt River. I learned what they are doing for water management and conservation. This is part of the legislative summit to get organized for next year 's legislative session. Water is and will always be an important issue for us and the state.

Arizona Department of Transportation

I had the opportunity to testify before the Arizona Department of Transportation State Board. I discussed the projects they have completed on highway 70 and 75. I thanked them for the help they are giving us on the Campbell Blue Bridge. I also explain to them that we are getting a lot more bicycle traffic and pointed out how important it is to keep the shoulders in good repair and clean, for the safety of the bicyclists and the motorists.

Forest Restoration

I gave the opening presentation for the Eastern Counties Organization's Legislative Field Trip on forest restoration. We are getting things done in the forest.

Tour of South Annex Building

We toured the Greenlee County South Annex today. It's coming together so well. It will serve the southern end of the county and will be a great asset to our community.

Travel Management Meeting

Went to the Bureau of Land Management open house on Travel Management for this Safford District, turned in some comments for Greenlee County. If you have any comments that you would like the BLM to address please get a comment form,fill it out and turn it into the BLM Safford office.

Working to Keep County Issues in Front of Those Who Can Help Us

It has been a very busy week. I have represented the county in many arenas.

I had the opportunity to talk with Senator Jeff Flake about issues important to the county. I also met with Hunter Moore of the governor's office on water issues. I attended the County Supervisors Association meeting where we talked about the upcoming legislative session. During the week I also met with the Eastern Counties Organization to talk about natural resource and the upcoming legislative field trip.

It takes a lot of work to keep Greelee County's issues in front of the people who make the decisions to help us.

Greenlee County Livestock Show

We had another great Fair, another great auction. I just enjoy working with the kids. Many, many thanks to all of those who helped. Isn't it great to be from Greenlee County? Don't our kids make us proud?

Meeting with our State Representatives and Corporation Commissionor

I spent the day with Andy Tobin, who is an Arizona Corporation Commissionor. I also met and talked with representatives, Drew John and Becky Nutt. I expressed to them concerns we have here in Greenlee County.

At noon, Andy Tobin and I met with the Loma Linda residents to hear their concerns about the current water system.

Governor Ducey's Visit to Greenlee County

After listening to the schools, the towns, the Cattlegrowers and Freeport, its interesting to notice that the county issues are similar to their issues. This should be true since the county represents them. Thank you, Governor Ducey for coming to Greenlee County. It was good to see old friends who are on Governor Ducey's staff.

Greenlee County Showmanship Showdown

We had a very successful event at the Greenlee County Fairground. Thanks to all those who made the Greenlee County Showmanship Showdown a success, especially the FFA and 4-H leaders. We had a large turnout. The prize buckles were gorgeous. Come see these kids in a few weeks at the fair.

Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan and Economic Development

Richard Lunt, Greenlee County Supervisor (Richard Lunt) did a great job representing Cattle Growers and overall economic development at the Special BOS meeting this morning. On the phone were Supervisors Ron Campbell and Chairman of the Board David Gomez. (seated next to Supervisor Lunt is Yvonne Pearson, Clerk of the Board.) Ron S Campbell- Greenlee County Supervisor Dist 2 and Sheriff Tim Sumner shared their viewpoints on the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan.

Trimming Feet for FFA and 4-H Youth

Helping kids with their 4-H, FFA and animal projects is one of my favorite things to do. Here I am helping this young man trim his 4-H steers. Doing this has allowed me to meet some of the best kids this valley has to offer, and I have met a lot of them. I have been doing this longer than I can remember.

Mexican Wolf Program

I was able to attend the Arizona/New Mexico meeting in which a presentation was provided on the Mexican Wolf Recovery plan. I would welcome any thoughts or feedback on your feelings about the Mexican Wolf recovery plan. This is a hot topic right now in the Southwest region of our country, and influences our natural resources, ranching and cattle, and the policies we implement as a state and county. Please let me know how you feel!

Announcing for the Greenlee County Junior Rodeo Association

It is an honor to be the announcer this summer at the Greenlee County Jr. Rodeo Association! These are awesome kids, and it's a real pleasure to be a part of this great organization!

Arizona 1A Football All-stare Game

Great day and wonderful opportunity to volunteer on concessions with my friends at the Duncan PTA for the Arizona 1A football all-star game. Thanks for the opportunity and the memories!

Meeting with Apache Sitgreaves Forest Supervisor

Great meeting with the Apache Sitgreaves Forest Supervisor Steven Best, as well as the Travel Management Coordinator, Wendy Jo, to discuss the travel management plan for our forests. As you know, the forests are vital to our county, region, and state, and I want to keep these discussions moving forward as we partner with many organizations to keep our forest healthy and productive.

Arizona Department of Transportation

It has been a busy week. I testified at ADOT Board of Directors Meeting on several issues, one being on the safety concerns when I-10 is shut down. I was also successful on getting some key concerns of Greenlee County on the Eastern County organization agenda and discussed.

Javelina Chase

Thanks to all that made the Javelina Chase a success. The Greenlee County Rodeo Royalty for their help. These ladies are everywhere helping to make events a success.

Salt Cedar Problem, Healthy Forests and River Restoration Projects

It has been a busy week of meetings with State leaders regarding the Salt Cedar problem as well as healthy forests, and river restoration projects. The State Forester, Jeff Whitney, came to Graham County and flew the river from our county to the New Mexico line, evaluating the Salt Cedar and its impacts on our river basins. We also visited about fire mitigation and the importance of forest management as we look to keep our forests healthy. There was a great meeting of over 34 county and state leaders, as well as industry, to discuss the 4FRI initiative. We were privileged to have staff from US Senators McCain and Flake, as well as Congressman O'Halleran come to discuss this important project as it relates to forest management. I wrapped up my meetings with a briefing on the Black River Restoration Project, of which 92 thousand acres in the Apache Sitgreaves Forest are included in the project. Many of these acres reside in Greenlee County, and we are trying to restore the watershed using different management tools such as mechanical thinning. It has been a great few weeks, with a lot of information shared and efforts to manage our natural resources for future generations to enjoy. As a Greenlee County Supervisor, I will continue to have a seat at the table during these conversations, and make sure our county's natural resources are managed effectively.

Closures on I-10

I met with officials from Arizona and New Mexico to work out solutions for our highway when I-10 is diverted through Duncan. We are working to make our highway safer for Greenlee County residents.

Lobbying at the Capitol

Busy week as I made my way to the AZ State Capitol for a series of meetings. Met with my friend Representative Drew John who is now representing us at the Capitol, and was a former County Supervisor in Graham County. Rep. John and I discussed issues important to county government that are moving through the legislature. We have been able to support bills that are important to our county, as well as oppose bills that will have a negative impact on our state and region. I was also able to meet with State Mine Inspector, Joe Hart, and I consistently remind him of the important role that mines play in Greenlee County. It was a great few days of meetings, and I am thankful for my relationships with state leaders. It is my goal to keep our county healthy and prosperous!!

Working Out Problems with I-10 Closures

The ADOT district engineer, Bill Harmon, was able to come to Duncan and talk to us about our concerns when traffic is diverted through the city from I-10. We talked about safety and how to manage these types of events when they occur. Sheriff Sumner was in attendance at the meeting, and he also helped to facilitate as 24-hour police coverage for the entire county. I want to thank the Sheriff for all his work in these efforts. We may live in rural Arizona, but we should be prepared for emergencies if they ever develop, and I applaud those men and women who work to protect us each and everyday. I am thankful to work with these folks and will do my best to keep our communities and county safe!

Lobbying our Leaders in Washington

A big thank you to our AZ elected leaders in Washington DC for taking time to meet with Supervisors from Eastern Arizona. We had some excellent discussions, and many ideas were shared with them that will help our county grow and prosper. I am grateful to have a seat at the table for these discussions as I have made it my mission to help Greenlee be a great place to live, work, and play.

Working with Senator John McCain

More D.C. meeting's today, and had a great visit with Senator John McCain. We furthered our discussion regarding the natural resources in our county, and the important role they play in our economic growth and prosperity. Our county delegation representing many of the eastern AZ counties provided insight to Senator McCain regarding the issues we face in rural Arizona. It is my goal, along with my fellow county supervisors, to make sure we have a voice with those who represent us in Washington and help them understand the needs and desires of our constituents as well as our county. Please share and support, and provide me with any thoughts or feedback that I can take to our leaders in Washington and Arizona.

More D.C. meeting's today, and had a great visit with Senator John McCain. We furthered our discussion regarding the natural resources in our county, and the important role they play in our economic growth and prosperity. Our county delegation representing many of the eastern AZ counties provided insight to Senator McCain regarding the issues we face in rural Arizona. It is my goal, along with my fellow county supervisors, to make sure we have a voice with those who represent us in Washington and help them understand the needs and desires of our constituents as well as our county. Please share and support, and provide me with any thoughts or feedback that I can take to our leaders in Washington and Arizona.

Working with Representative Paul Gosar's Office

I have been in Washington DC this week talking with leaders at our nations capitol about issues facing rural counties in Arizona. We need to create jobs, promote business and industry, and create economic growth for our region. Joshua Ronk from Representative Paul Gosar's office was just one of the great meetings we had to discuss the issues and concerns that I am fighting for.

Please share with me your thoughts and feedback so I can continue the fight to make Greenlee County a great place to live, work, and play!

Forest Issues Relating to Economic Development

Had a great time this past week working with County Supervisors representing the Eastern Arizona Counties. We discussed the importance of forest thinning as it relates to economic development and forest health. I have made it my goal to have a seat at the table when it comes to these discussions, so we can protect our forests and get our industry working once again. Please share with your friends on Facebook, and join me in this fight to keep our rural counties beautiful and get our logging industry back to work!

Coronado Resource Conservation and Development District's New President

This week I received the honor of being elected president of the Coronado Resource Conservation and Development District. The Coronado RC&D is local people making things happen. This organization is currently working in Greenlee County to control invasive weeds.

The Beginning of a New Year of Lobbying

The first few weeks of this year have been very busy. The Greenlee County Board of Supervisors has assigned me to work with the legislature. This week I attended a training for newly elected supervisors. I started building relationships with our Arizona Senators and Representatives, and started lobbying for or against bills that affect Greenlee County. Over 500 bills have already been presented.

Beginning a New Term on the Board of Supervisors

On January 3, 2017, I was sworn into the office of Greenlee County Supervisor by Kay Gale. This took place just before our first board meeting as a newly elected board. I look forward to working with this board and working for the citizens of Greenlee County.