2024 CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE | janell kiehl

Describe your qualifications for a seat on the Prescott Valley Town Council:

I have a great deal of experience that pertains to a town council position that can be credited to my career in property management. Working as an HOA manager, I became an expert at working with boards and residents. It was imperative that I listened to concerns and then navigated solutions based on wants, needs, and the law. I drafted budgets and had to inspect and maintain assets, just like our town must do. I believe in fiscal responsibility and thorough planning, prioritizing safety and capital improvements based on need, maintenance and return on Investment. I have also served as a board member who works with the manager and has ultimate authority over the decisions made by the HOA board much like a Town Council member.

QUESTION 1:

As a Councilmember how will you include citizens in the decision making process and how will you ensure that the Town Council is responsive to the needs of current and future residents?

I have been meeting with citizens and listening to their desires, needs and concerns for a couple of years now. I welcome discussion on topics that affect our community and our region. I do respond to emails and calls, so if something is going on, please let me know. I will also consider holding town halls to help me stay informed on what is important to the citizens. Maybe a monthly event, What’s the word on the street, Tell Janell.

QUESTION 2:

Please explain why you believe, or why you do not believe, that the Town of Prescott Valley would benefit from the establishment of a charter government.

Charter Government allows Citizens to have a greater voice in local decisions which I think would be a huge benefit for Prescott Valley with the right leadership. I know many are concerned about voting to approve the Home Rule which keeps spending decisions local. I will be voting to approve the Home Rule and I hope you will too. Local is better. 

QUESTION 3:

Explain why you are, or why you are not, in favor of a Code of Conduct / Ethics Policy for elected and appointed officials.

I am in favor of a Code of Conduct / Ethics Policy for elected and appointed officials. I believe a code of conduct will promote trust, goodwill, and respect. I conduct myself in a professional manner and encourage those around me to do the same.

QUESTION 4:

The construction of the Sundog Connector Hwy will likely come before the Town Council. As an elected Council Member, what position would you take on this issue and why?

I do not believe that the Sundog Connector Hwy will be presented to the Town Council during my tenure. If it should be presented, I will have an open dialogue with all concerned parties and will make an independent and informed decision on behalf of all concerned parties. I do not want to see more development on Glassford Hill so unless I’m convinced of a real need for the Sundog Connector Highway, I do not believe the unfunded exorbitant expense is worth it. 

QUESTION 5:

As an elected Council Member what type of plans would you support for the development of Glassford Hill?

I support the IGA between the Town of Prescott Valley, Prescott, and Yavapai County. This agreement between the parties allows for passive recreation on Glassford Hill. The 2035 General Plan and previous plans, approved by the voters, clearly state that Glassford Hill should be an area of conservation and preservation, not a downhill bike amusement park built to promote sports tourism. I would advocate for partnering with the City of Prescott to develop shared trails. Prescott has a great deal of experience and expertise in developing all types of trails as well as an outstanding group of volunteers, the Over the Hill Gang. I would promote working with our partners and doing this right.

QUESTION 6:

What ideas do you have for strengthening and/or improving the town’s development design standards?

Again, I refer to the 2035 General plan which is described as a vision for the future. The Town has hired an attorney/consultant to assist with updating our current zoning codes. This is no easy task as new zoning must not strip current rights of landowners. I would like to see what priorities have been specified and when the final product is to be presented as we’re going on two years now. I would like to see projects with adequate parking and traffic flow. I want to see more open space requirements as I don’t believe 10% is sufficient. I appreciate native plantings that don’t require as much water. Prescott Valley was planned to have a Town and Country feel. Many people chose to live, work, and retire in Prescott Valley based on the small-town friendly feel described in the General Plan. Many enjoy the beautiful mountain views and our beloved Glassford Hill and the wildlife that share this land. I would like to see Prescott Valley develop according to the General Plan and adhere to the zoning codes and design standards. I would like to see a lot less rezoning and variances. Let’s stick with the plan when we can.

QUESTION 7:

What are your ideas for achieving regional cooperation in the areas of water management, growth and development?

We do need regional cooperation to manage and sustain our water needs and be aware of the impacts of growth on our watershed as well as our economy. Clean sufficient drinking water should be our number one priority. We continue to overdraft the aquifer and will not meet the goal of safe yield. I have not seen any new water sources proposed that are feasible. I would like to see some incentive programs geared to conservation. The developers should be responsible for paying for improvements to our systems to support continued growth.  Instead, I anticipate another bond to the taxpayers which I oppose. There have been 3-5 wells shut down in the past few years due to PFAS contamination. Our effluent water from the treatment plant is also contaminated so we are unable to recharge at this time. The Town contracts with Jacobs to provide professional support of our water system and they are in the process of determining how to remove the contaminants at an expense of several million dollars. We should have proposals by the end of 2024 which will provide an upfront cost and a maintenance and replacement cost.

QUESTION 8:

Have you, or will you, accept campaign contributions from major landowners, developers, builders/building supply companies or realtors?

I will not accept contributions from developers, builders or building supply companies. I do not want the citizens and businesses of Prescott Valley to ever think that I serve anyone other than them. I will not be vetting small donations from individuals that may work as realtors or contractors.

QUESTION 9:

Describe a policy or initiative that you feel so strongly about that you would stand up and defend it publicly.

I feel passionately about many things going on in our town and will continue to strive to gain knowledge from experts, seek public input, and make an independent decision based on my understanding of what is required and in the best interest of our community. I will vote with integrity.

QUESTION 10:

Please list any of your past civic / community involvement or volunteer work.

I have been involved with many organizations over the years such as Girl Scouts, PTA, and CASA legal representation for kids in foster care. I have encouraged and volunteered with my children to serve the community at Food Banks and Soup Kitchens. I think our family’s biggest contribution to our community was opening our home to children in crises and fostering kids until they found their permanent home. Sometimes it was reunification or placement with relatives. Unfortunately, that was not always possible, so we vowed to foster each child until the right adoptive home was found. One of the toughest things a child in foster care often endures is being bounced from one home to another. The children in our care did not bounce around from home to home.