2024 CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE | Kenneth Freund

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

I have many years of experience dealing with people in calm and stressful situations as an HOA president, the head of two small businesses and as a volunteer wilderness EMT. I apply common sense, have a pragmatic view of situations and look for logical solutions. In my business and HOA experience, I also learned how to cut costs and maximize resources. I will do the same on the Town Council.

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 will meet with and listen to my constituents at venues such as public events and HOA meetings, social media, and email. In any situation, I will seek the best compromise to address your concerns and balance it with the concerns of others. Each of us has a voice, and I will do my utmost to hear what you have to say. I wish to maintain an "open door" policy, so you may apprise me of issues you view as a problem, and perhaps some you see as beneficial. I will be setting up a Facebook page soon, but in the meantime Citizens of Prescott Valley may contact me via freundfortowncouncil@yahoo.com.

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 has the potential to make a town or city's governing body more powerful and farther reaching. It has the ability to improve citizen rights and voice at a local level. However, it depends on how the charter is written and the stakeholders who establish it. I would be in favor of creating a charter in the future, but I have strong reservations about attempting this at the present time, given the amount of power special vested interests have in town politics. Hopefully after the election we can start to look into establishing a charter, which allows citizens to have a greater say in governance.

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.

A Code of Conduct and Ethics is necessary for government officials to prevent conflicts of interest, rude or inappropriate behavior, misuse of office, and soliciting or accepting rewards to influence decisions, or in return for favorable treatment.

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?

As a council member it would be my duty to listen to all stakeholders and carefully consider the pros and cons of each routing and the merits of the project overall. I have concerns that ripping out natural habitat and building another major highway will facilitate yet additional explosive growth and demand for water and infrastructure, burdening already limited resources.

QUESTION 5:

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

The ancient shield-type volcano that is today known as Glassford Hill is arguably the most prominent and interesting natural geological feature of Prescott Valley. I believe that it is our duty, as stewards of the land, to preserve this marvelous monument to the earth's creative forces for now and future generations. The best way to do this is to protect it as parkland.

QUESTION 6:

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

Prescott Valley has no distinctive and unifying architectural style or design, Rather, for the most part it is a hodge-podge of plain corrugated metal buildings. We should work toward developing an eye pleasing Southwestern and Frontier theme, emulating many of the features of the Sedona Land Development Code, including height restrictions. Buildings should blend into the landscape with colors that harmonize with the background.

QUESTION 7:

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

The Prescott Valley town council needs to work more closely with the governments of Prescott and Chino Valley and their respective water departments. We need to further educate our citizens on all matters relating to our precious water supply and threats to it. We also need to end the loophole that allows leased and rental properties to be exempt from having to prove a 100-year supply of water,

QUESTION 8:

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

I have never, nor will I in the future, accept campaign contributions from major landowners, developers, builders, building supply companies or realtors.

QUESTION 9:

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

One of my goals is to return Prescott Valley to a slower, sustainable pace of development. We cannot continue on this destructive path of building massive high-density developments jammed together on every inch of land to maximize profits, with no regard for natural resources, wildlife, water, traffic, overcrowding or consideration for the quality of life of the residents who are already here.

QUESTION 10:

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

I volunteered as a wilderness EMT for a major sheriff's search and rescue team. I assisted for many years, during which time I rescued many people and saved lives. I am also a recipient of the Medal of Valor for heroism in a live-saving rescue. If I am elected to Prescott Valley Town council, I will serve my community to the best of my ability.