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Prescott Mayor

Mayor and CouncilThe Mayor’s role in a city or town is similar to the Governor’s role in the state. As the municipality s Chief Executive Officer, the mayor manages the municipality’s administration and operations. In some cases, an appointed City Manager handles day-to-day operations and staff. The mayor runs Council meetings to establish policy with the Council. Typically, a Mayor does not have the power to veto ordinances passed by the Council.The Council enacts ordinances, sets policies, develops an annual Legislative Agenda for the City, and oversees the city budget and capital improvements program. It responds to constituents concerns at neighborhood meetings through written correspondence, telephone communication, and staff assistance. 4-year term.Why You Should Care:The Mayor and City or Town Council play a significant role in keeping our communities running efficiently and overseeing dozens of programs and facilities that directly impact our daily lives. They determine priorities and spending for indispensable services such as police and fire protection, housing, emergency medical services, municipal courts, trash collection, traffic control, public transportation, parks and recreation services, zoning regulation, and public works, including streets, sewers, and signage.For additional information:https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-mayorhttps://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-government-works/arizona-city-and-town-council-members

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  • Candidate picture

    Brandon Montoya
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Cathey Rusing
    (Non)

Biographical Information

In your opinion, what should be Prescott's top three priorities for the next 3 to 5 years, and how would you support those priorities?

What actions would you take to balance population growth and economic development with quality-of-life issues, such as water availability, traffic congestion, affordable workforce housing, adequate medical services, and quality daycare?

How would you demonstrate transparency in your role as an elected city official?

What leadership skills and experience would you bring to the council?

Campaign Email info@brandonmontoya.com
Public Policy Priorities Water Management, Transparency in government, and Economic Development
Qualifications and Experience I’ve lived in Prescott for over 30 years. I built a business here, I’m raising my family here, and I’ve spent the last four years serving on the City Council, working to make our community stronger and more sustainable. That means I bring not just deep roots, but real, hands-on experience with the issues that matter most to Prescott residents. As a councilmember, I’ve led on water policy, economic development, and increasing transparency at City Hall. I helped craft Prescott’s improved water management rules, supported responsible budgeting, and consistently advocated for community-driven planning.
Memberships & Affiliations Citizens for Water Advocacy Group (CWAG)
Community Service My commitment to Prescott goes beyond my role on City Council — it’s rooted in decades of community service. Over the years, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and gotten involved because I believe real leadership starts with giving back. I’ve served on the board of directors for the Prescott Farmers Market, helping strengthen our local food economy. I’ve led as President of the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club, working on service projects that benefit youth, seniors, and our entire region. I currently serve on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona, supporting programs that help kids reach their full potential. This kind of grassroots service has shaped how I lead. It’s taught me the value of listening, working alongside others, and solving problems from the ground up. Whether it’s mentoring young people, supporting local business, or pitching in at community events, I’ve always believed in being an active, hands-on part of this community.
Education I’m a proud graduate of Prescott High School and took courses at Yavapai College, where I began exploring the subjects that would later shape my career in financial planning and public service.
Prescott’s top priorities should be sustainable water management, transparent governance, and responsible economic development. We must protect our water by tying growth to real supply, investing in conservation, and planning regionally. Transparency builds trust — I’ll promote open decision-making, early public input, and clear communication. And to keep Prescott thriving, we need economic development that supports local businesses, attracts good jobs, and keeps taxes low. As Mayor, I’ll lead with facts, fairness, and a long-term vision to keep Prescott livable and strong for generations to come.
Balancing growth with quality of life starts by respecting our limits — especially water. I supported major reforms that tied development to water availability and closed loopholes. I’ll continue prioritizing sustainable growth and regional water planning. We must also address traffic by focusing on infill and working with regional partners to improve roads. Affordable workforce housing is essential — I support zoning updates and public private partnerships to create more attainable options. While the city doesn’t directly control healthcare or daycare, I’ll work to attract providers, support new facilities, and build partnerships that expand access. Growth must serve our people — not the other way around.
Transparency starts with honest, open communication and a commitment to public involvement. As an elected official, I’ve supported policies that ensure the public knows how decisions are made and where tax dollars are going. I’ll continue to push for early public input on major issues, clear explanations of complex topics, and accessible information through multiple platforms. I believe in listening before deciding, valuing citizen advisory committees, and keeping meetings open and accountable. Trust is earned through consistency, clarity, and a willingness to engage — and I intend to lead that way every day.
I bring steady, collaborative leadership rooted in real experience. I’ve served four years on the Prescott City Council, helping lead on water policy, budgeting, and long-term planning. I also own a local financial planning business, which gives me firsthand experience managing budgets, solving problems, and serving people with integrity. I’ve led community organizations like the Prescott Farmers Market and Rotary, and I understand the value of listening, building consensus, and staying focused on results. My approach is thoughtful, transparent, and always centered on what’s best for Prescott.
Campaign Email catheyrusing@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://catheyrusing.org
Public Policy Priorities 1.Managing our water wisely. 2.Well managed and well planned growth that doesn't outstrip our infrastructure. 3.Economic Development to bring well paying jobs to keep our community prosperous. 4.Public Safety (Police, Fire, EMS, and Dispatch) 5.Maintaining our natural beauty and open space, 6.Maintaining our quality of life and those things that make Prescott special
Qualifications and Experience Prescott City Council Member for 6 years. (2019-April1). Then had to resign to run per State Statutes. Mayor Pro Tem 1 year
Memberships & Affiliations CWAG (Citizens Water Advocacy Group) RWOP (Republican Women of Prescott) Precinct Committeeman for Republican Party of Yavapai County, Yavapai County Republican Women. Yavapai Republican Mens Forum
Endorsements Save the Dells, a grassroots PAC, and current Mayor of Prescott Phil Goode
Community Service Elected official for 6 years
Education RN, BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Arizona
Water is the number one priority. I helped craft and pass the 2022 Water Management Policy which has a water budget, no water to be provided to areas outside the city limits without annexation first, and no Water Improvement Districts will be formed with private parties, only with other Governmental entities. I Support forming a regional water management policy with neighboring communities. Prescott also has a robust water conservation program. Public Safety is next. We hadn't built a new fire station in 30 years. So we asked the voters to increase the sales tax to fund operating and capital improvements, which they did. We must keep our response times down. Economic Development is third. We need to bring a diverse portfolio of employment to Prescott if we are going to remain the economic driver of Yavapai County. We need to diversify our tax base away from being dependent on Tourism. A good start is to streamline our permitting department. It is currently very burdensome.
Water manages growth in our arid State. Therefore it is critical that we manage our water wisely, through conservation, recharging the aquifer, and supporting legislation at the State level. Economic success depends on a workforce that can afford to live in the City. We have been approving multifamily infill projects to increase the supply and create competition. Inablity to find a Doctor is a reality, and many people are going to Phoenix. Our hospital system is owned by a large out of state Corporation. We need to bring in more competition.
Continue with call to the public. More public input at Council meetings. Less executive sessions and more study sessions We just initiated Open Gov software to provide more transparency of finances. Have town halls quarterly. Have an open door policy
I have 6 years experience on Council. As Mayor, it is important to respect differing opinions and views, yet be able to reach consensus and move forward. Also, important to work closely with the City Manager to implement Council policies.