Photo by John Johnson/Gila Herald: Gov. Katie Hobbs visited Safford on Thursday to speak at a sponsors dinner for the Safford Spring Festival.

John Johnson

john.johnsonnews@gmail.com

SAFFORD – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs stopped in Safford on Thursday, meeting with local leaders in the afternoon before shaking hands with business owners at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Festival Sponsors Dinner at The Venue & The Vignette on Main.

Many business owners attended the Chamber of Commerce party, as did several elected officials. In addition to Secret Service-like security for Governor Hobbs, the Safford Police Department and Graham County Sheriff's Office provided additional security for the Governor during the event and his stay in the county.

“It's an honor to be with you all in Safford,” Hobbs said at the start of his speech. “I've had such a wonderful afternoon meeting with city officials and community leaders, and I can't think of a better way to end the day than here with you all.”

Before the ceremony began, Chamber Executive Director Vance Brice introduced Governor Hobbs to each table. During the introductions, attendees were treated to the beautiful singing of local talent Kamea Nelson, who left the crowd stunned with her sweet renditions of “Summertime” and “Natural Woman.”

After an introduction by Safford Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez, Hobbs spoke briefly about his plans to support rural areas, including programs for first-time homebuyers outside of Maricopa and Pima counties.

“I grew up in Arizona where middle-class families could buy a home,” Hobbs said, “and we're working every day to make that happen again.”

Hobbs, a former social worker who has served in the Arizona House, Senate and Secretary of State, spoke about the disproportionate emphasis placed on urban areas (Phoenix and Tucson) in state government to the detriment of rural areas.

“When I became governor, I promised myself I would be a governor for all of Arizona, and I'm very proud of what we've accomplished so far to move our entire state forward.”

Mr Hobbs praised the chamber's efforts to support homeless people living in Firth Park.

“But I know you're tired of having to fill in the gaps yourself, and I'm committed to making sure the state is the strongest partner possible for local counties.”

So the state allocated $113,000 to the Gila Valley Samaritan Home.

“And thanks to these funds, services at Samaritan Home are at an all-time high and Firth Park is now full of families and children.”

Governor Hobbs also mentioned a new small business loan program aimed at local independent contractors through the Department of Economic Opportunity. Qualifying businesses can receive loans of up to $50,000 to help with business operations.

“While this process is still in the early stages, I am pleased that this funding will soon be available to many businesses in Graham County,” said Governor Hobbs.

After her speech, Hobbs was unable to attend the barbecue dinner, but she did briefly answer questions from local reporters before being whisked away by security. When asked by the Gila Herald about the two priorities her office will address next year, Hobbs reiterated her commitment to affordable housing and spoke about the ongoing water crisis.