10/12/2026
A Message About Our Town's Finances and Home Rule
I have seen several comments suggesting that the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside is missing $1.5 million to $1.7 million and that this is a reason to vote against Home Rule. I want to take a moment to clarify what actually happened.
During the FY 2025–26 budget process, the Town was facing proposed expenditures that exceeded projected revenues by approximately $1.5 million to $1.7 million. Much of this involved employee compensation and staffing, along with other operating expenses. Had those expenditures continued without adjustments, the Town would have needed to use financial reserves to cover the difference.
That is NOT the same as $1.7 million being missing, lost, or unaccounted for.
I also want to be clear that I believe there were instances of poor financial management within our Town. I personally raised concerns and provided documentation to the Arizona Attorney General's Office. To my knowledge, that review did not establish that Town funds were used for personal gain, and I am not aware of any Town money that is missing or unaccounted for.
Do I believe decisions were made that amounted to poor financial management? Absolutely. Do I believe there should be accountability for those decisions? Absolutely. But have I seen evidence that $1.7 million in taxpayer money disappeared? No.
What I do know is that the Council identified the financial concerns and took corrective action. Compensation was adjusted, staffing and vacant positions were reevaluated, operating expenses were reduced, and other necessary changes were made. Those decisions resulted in a balanced budget and a positive projected financial position.
There is a significant difference between identifying and correcting a financial problem and discovering that taxpayer money is missing.
That brings me to Home Rule.
Home Rule does not raise taxes, create additional revenue, or give the Town unlimited authority to spend money. It allows the Town to establish its expenditure limitation through the annual public budget process, based on available revenues.
Without Home Rule, the Town would be subject to a state-imposed expenditure limitation that could significantly restrict our ability to provide services, maintain public facilities and parks such as Woodland Lake, invest in infrastructure, and respond to the changing needs of our community.
We could have money available in our accounts and still be legally restricted from spending it on things our residents need.
As your incoming mayor, I am asking you to vote YES on Proposition 456 and approve the continuation of Home Rule. It is imperative that the Town have the ability to responsibly spend the money it already brings in to provide the services our residents rely on.
In return, I give you my commitment that I will continue to closely scrutinize how your tax dollars are spent, demand accountability, and work to ensure expenditures are responsible, transparent, and in accordance with Town Code, state law, and established Town policies.
I understand that trust in our local government has been damaged, and I recognize that trust is not restored simply by making promises. It is earned through actions, transparency, accountability, and responsible decisions.
We can acknowledge past mistakes, demand better financial management, and still recognize the importance of maintaining the Town's ability to serve its residents. These things are not mutually exclusive.
My commitment is to continue working toward a Town government that earns your trust, respects your tax dollars, and puts the needs of our residents first.
