Greetings! My name is Kell Palguta, and I am the new Mayor of Prescott Valley. As the months go by, you’ll get to know a little bit about me and my ideas and vision for our town. I am a strong believer that if you know where someone comes from based on their past experiences, it will be easier to see where they want to go.
Prescott Valley town services have been experiencing some changes as of late. I grew up in a very small town in Maine where our local library was a remodeled one-room school house. Even though the size was small, the importance of such a service was still strong, and through the help of dedicated volunteers the library was open seven days a week. With the memory of visiting a library as a child still strong, one of my goals as mayor is to ensure that we, as a town, can provide the services to the public expected of the largest municipality in Yavapai County.
Our library recently opened on Sundays on a trial basis to gauge the needs and use of the public. It is currently open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. I am happy to report that, on average, approximately 250 citizens pass through the doors each Sunday.
Library Director Casey Van Haren was instrumental in making all this happen at no additional cost to Prescott Valley. Van Haren reported that it has been a great success, resulting in many citizens expressing appreciation for the option. Hopefully, the success will continue, and the decision to remain open on Sundays will become permanent.
Another of my goals for Prescott Valley is to promote and encourage our Town to put on events and festivals that will help highlight the community and draw visitors. One event, I’m proud to say, is going to help set the bar for other events. It is the Rough Rider 100 Motorcycle Race, a national championship-caliber event that draws approximately 100 men and women champion riders from the U.S. and Canada.
This race will draw thousands of spectators from throughout the Southwest. The motocross winner of the Rough Rider 100 will receive $5,000 in prize money as well as the coveted Buckey O’Neill trophy. This three-day event takes place Feb. 15, 16 and 17 and various businesses throughout Prescott Valley will benefit.
I would like to express my appreciation for all of the support and positive words of encouragement I have received since I was elected in August. Prescott Valley is in a position to build on the momentum from the past to excel into the future. Almost every day I hear from residents about their ideas and willingness to volunteer to bring more events, concerts, shows and festivals to the community.
I am confident that Prescott Valley will excel into the future — because the possibilities are endless!
Mayor, Prescott Valley