by Kell Palguta, Mayor, Prescott Valley
In the great community of Prescott Valley, residents are ready to take the next step from potential to execution when it comes to writing their own future. The time is right for Prescott Valley, which boasts the largest population in Yavapai County, to ensure local boundaries and partnerships are embraced as positives and not seen as obstacles.
The mantra for the region is: “Whatever is good for Prescott Valley is good for Prescott, and what is good for the Quad City communities is good for Prescott Valley.” We as a community should not be in competition with other communities but rather be united as a solid coalition with the sole goal of being the best the state of Arizona has to offer.
A Visitor’s Destination
Many will agree that Prescott Valley has great things to offer, including the area’s only 5,000-seat entertainment center recently re-named Findlay Toyota Center. As of Memorial Day, the newly transformed Arizona Downs will be the only place to find live horse racing in Northern Arizona. Many beautiful trails, including the challenging Glassford Hill Summit Trail, are visited by hikers and bicycle enthusiasts.
Visitors from many places travel to Prescott Valley, either as a destination or as a path to other area attractions and activities. I often hear from those visiting that they decided to venture off Highway 69, not realizing what the community had to offer. I hear from those same visitors that Prescott Valley has the friendliest and kindest people around and that it is a pure joy to go to the local shops and businesses and be greeted with a pleasant smile and cheerful hello.
It is this friendly attitude that makes people remember Prescott Valley, and it makes many want to move to our area to be a part of this friendly culture.
Times are Changing
I moved to Prescott Valley in 1996 and I still remember that I was able to drive on Glassford Hill Road from Highway 89A to Highway 69 and not see a single house or business. Since then, times have certainly changed, and depending who you ask, they may say it is a positive change and others may say it is a negative change. Change and moving forward is important in one’s life, marriage, business and even as a town.
Prescott Valley as a community is challenged to make each day better than the previous day, and in order to do that we, as residents, must make the commitment to be the best we possibly can. This starts with our attitudes toward each visitor as well as each other. There is no place for negativity, and you should expect nothing less from your community and your local leaders.
Looking Ahead
I am often asked why I wanted to be Mayor of Prescott Valley. My response is always the same. I tell people it is the same reason I became a police officer — to make a difference in my community. As Mayor I wake up every day with thoughts and ideas about ways to help direct and lead Prescott Valley into the future. I do not look at how I can make Prescott Valley and the area better for tomorrow or next week. Rather, I want Prescott Valley to be self-sustaining and prosperous for generations to come.
I don’t want Prescott Valley to be the best town in Northern Arizona. I want it to be the best town in the Southwest.
I welcome anyone with thoughts, ideas and opinions of how Prescott Valley can reach the next level and ascend to greatness to reach out and share those ideas with me. Follow me on Facebook at Mayor Kell Palguta or email me direct at Kpalguta@pvaz.net.
Mayor, Prescott Valley
