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Dewey-Humboldt Mayor 2 years

Mayor and City or Town Council Dewey-Humboldt Arizona, Mayoral and Town Council Candidate Debate, June 17, 2026In Arizona, most cities and towns operate under a council–manager form of government. The Mayor is the city or town’s chief elected official, providing leadership and policy direction. At the same time, a City or Town Manager, appointed by the Council, oversees daily operations and municipal staff. The Mayor typically presides over Council meetings, represents the municipality publicly, and serves as a voting member of the governing body. In most Arizona municipalities, the Mayor does not have independent veto authority; decisions are made collectively by the Council as defined by state law and local charters.The City or Town Council serves as the legislative and policymaking body. Council members adopt ordinances and resolutions, approve the annual budget and capital improvement plans, set local policy priorities, and oversee city operations. They also respond to constituent concerns through public meetings, correspondence, and coordination with city staff. Most Arizona cities and towns hold nonpartisan elections for Mayor and Council, and four-year terms are typical. Why You Should CareThe Mayor and City or Town Council make decisions that directly affect daily life in Arizona communities. They set priorities and allocate spending for essential local services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services; housing and homelessness programs; streets, transportation, water, sewer, and trash services; parks and recreation; zoning and development; and long-term infrastructure planning. These officials also represent their communities in regional planning efforts related to growth, transportation, water resources, and climate resilience. Voting in these local races gives residents a direct voice in how their city or town is governed and how public resources are used.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

    John Hughes
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Kendall Melline
    (Non)

Biographical Information

How would you support economic opportunities that align with your community’s needs, values, long-term water availability, and overall sustainability?

What are your top budget priorities, and how would you allocate resources among city services such as public safety, infrastructure, housing, and community programs?

What steps would you take to ensure transparency, ethical governance, and meaningful public participation in municipal decision-making?

How will you work with residents, regional partners, and other levels of government to address shared challenges facing your community?

What do you consider the most important issues facing this community, and what specific actions would you take to address them?

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Public Policy Priorities My priorities are protecting Dewey-Humboldt as Arizona's Country Town, preserving property rights, and ensuring residents have a strong voice in local government. I support responsible growth that respects our rural character and country way of life. I am committed to improving transparency, supporting progress on the Superfund cleanup, and addressing public safety concerns, including emergency access for Blue Hills. My goal is to protect Arizona's Country Town for future generations.
Qualifications and Experience I am a Dewey-Humboldt resident, small business owner, and lifelong equestrian trainer with experience managing budgets, solving problems, and working directly with people from all walks of life. I bring an independent perspective, strong determination, and a commitment to listening to the people of Dewey-Humboldt. My goal is to provide responsive leadership while protecting Arizona's Country Town. My background has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and finding practical solutions. I am committed to listening to residents, bringing fresh leadership to Town Hall, and fiercely protecting Arizona's Country Town for future generations.
Community Service As a longtime equestrian trainer and instructor, I have spent years mentoring youth, teaching horsemanship, and helping families connect through agriculture and rural traditions. I have worked closely with residents throughout our community, advocating for local issues and encouraging civic involvement. I believe in giving back by sharing my time, knowledge, and experience to help others succeed. Serving my community has always been important to me, and I am committed to continuing that service as Mayor while protecting the rural values and country way of life that make Dewey-Humboldt special.
I support economic opportunities that strengthen our local economy while preserving the rural character that makes D-H unique. Development should be compatible with our community values, water availability, and protect the quality of life that residents chose when they moved here. I support responsible growth that encourages small businesses, agriculture, equestrian activities, tourism, and similar businesses that contribute to our little towns economy without selling out "Arizona's Country Town".
I believe government should do the basics well and live within its means. My priorities are public safety, maintaining our town owned roads, and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. I support responsible budgeting, transparency, and efficient government. I strive to protect taxpayers while keeping D-H safe, well maintained, and preserving Arizona's Country Town for future generations.
Government works best when residents are informed, involved, and heard. As Mayor, I will support transparency, open communication, and full compliance with Arizona's OML. I also support tools that encourag broader public participation, such as written public comment "opportunities", so residents can share their thoughts even if they are unable or uncomfortable speaking at the podium. My goal is to ensure council meetings remain respectful, and focused on solving problems while giving every resident a voice.
Over the last three years I have intentionally built relationships with elected officials, community leaders, and policymakers at multiple levels of government. I understand that solving complex issues often requires cooperation and communication beyond town boundaries. As mayor I will use those relationships to advocate for D-H, strengthen partnerships, and help bring attention and resources to our community when needed. My focus will always be on delivering results for residents while protecting Arizona's Country Town.
The most important issues facing Dewey-Humboldt are protecting our rural way of life, continuing progress on superfund remediation, and improving public safety.

I will work to preserve Arizona's Country Town by supporting responsible growth, protecting property rights, and listening to residents.

My focus is simple. Protect our community, listen to residents, and keep Dewey-Humboldt a place we are proud to call home.