Connie Cantelme talks to the Prescott City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, during the council’s interviews of the finalists for filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former City Councilwoman Jessica Hall. After interviewing three finalists, the council chose Cantelme to serve in Hall’s position until November 2023, with the second half of the term being decided by the voters the 2023 election. (Cindy Barks/Courier)
On Tuesday, August 23rd, the Prescott City Council voted 5-1 to appoint Connie Cantelme to fill the council seat vacated by former city councilmember Jessica Hall until the voters can decide on a candidate to serve the remaining two years of the term in the November 2023 City of Prescott election.
Cantelme will be officially sworn into the position on September 13th, 2022.
Newly appointed councilmember Connie Cantelme, when asked for her thoughts on Save the Dells as it related to her new position on the Prescott City Council, said she is 'looking forward to collaborating with Save The Dells' and 'is happy about the possibility of a beautiful regional park for our area.'
When she takes her position as a council member, we plan to meet with her to discuss the elements of our even greater mission, which reflect the wider public interest, including
1) advocating for a conservative, sustainable water management policy for Prescott and the region that protects the flow of the Verde River,
2) promoting truth, transparency, and integrity at all levels of government, and
3) seeking permanent protection, by conservation easements or other means, of all the natural open space land owned by the City of Prescott.
WHAT IS THE SUNDOG CONNECTOR?
The Sundog Connector is a road project proposed for the area between Prescott Lakes Parkway and Sundog Ranch Road, currently in the concept design phase after a 2013 study. The study is overseen by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Central Yavapai Metro Planning Organization (CYMPO), and plans to assess 1) whether the project should move forward, and 2) if so, which of the proposed route options should be pursued for the following more in-depth design and planning stages.
“The primary responsibility of the TAC is to conduct technical reviews and analysis regarding all work activity of the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) and the Work Program (WP), and any related issues as specified by CYMPO’s Executive Board, and to advise the Executive Board.”
Save the Dells is has been actively participating in the planning and feedback process as a stakeholder representing public interests in environmental quality, open space conservation, and thoughtful, high quality growth. Due to its significant potential impacts on essential parts of our mission (including growth, the regional park, and open space conservation) we will be monitoring the development of this conversation.
CITIZEN PERSPECTIVES
Save the Dells has heard from Sundog DISConnect, a citizen group concerned about the environment, planning, and development issues regarding the proposed construction of the Sundog Connector road.
CYMPO has announced the first Public Interactive Open House on September 7, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Espire Sports in Prescott Gateway Mall, 3400 Gateway Blvd. (formerly Sears)
CYMPO invites you to “drop in anytime and stay as long as you like and
Learn more about the project’s history and why it’s included in the regional plan
Explore the project’s purpose and need — share ideas on how to address these issues
Share your thoughts on design elements that could be included if the project is constructed to help us best reflect the community’s needs.”
A second public outreach event (scheduled for February 2023) will feature the design alternatives for public consideration and comment.
"Despite its small size, the Granite Dells is a world-class ecosystem, and we are so pleased that the network of protected lands is growing. We need wild places like this area, and each new day is one to celebrate. Join me for a look at how this special morning unfolded as witnessed from one spot in the Dells.”
"It’s far more common to get the dramatic light at sunset, but this is what greeted me to the west at sunrise this morning. You can see a veil of rain on the far left.”
-- Walt Anderson
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