Wiley Cline, John Hughes, Dee Jenkins, Thomas Thurman and Anthony James Utz have submitted letters interested in being appointed to the Yabapai County Board of Supervisors to take over former supervisor James Gregory. [R]announced his resignation on January 29th after accepting the role of Williams’ police chief.
The candidate must be at least 18 years old, a registered Republican and a resident of Yabapai County District 2, registered to vote in Yabapai County, which can be read and written in English.
“I first ran for the manager in 2020,” Klein wrote. Klein challenged Gregory in the 2024 Republican primary. “I ran again in the July 2024 primary, where I received 41.2% of the cast’s votes. If I was appointed primary in 2026, and hopefully a general, I would definitely be appointed.”
Cline added that he is the appointed pastor, five generations of Arizona native, a retired law enforcement officer with 12 years of service and a Cornville resident for 24 years.
“It was a privilege and honor to serve my constituents and work together to improve our community for eight years as a former councillor,” Hughes wrote. “For 47 years as a Yabapai County resident, I will be a valuable asset to the Board of Supervisors team, with hands-on experience and unique skills, of being familiar with ranch, agriculture, construction, communications and business.”
Jenkins is the current mayor of Camp Verde, and was re-electioned at 55.48% last year. Her interest letter stated that she meets the requirements for that position.
“My experience in this job is extensive along with our 16 years of service to Great County as a district 2 supervisor,” writes Thurman, who previously had a seat. “I already know most of the district 2 and county masses and elected officials. I know the road systems, community associations, etc. There’s incident command and FEMA training for DEMA, especially as wildfire season approaches.”
UTZ has been a resident of Cornville since 1987 and has been a licensed contractor for over 20 years.
“I bring over 47 years of business experience and business experience. During that time I have acquired valuable skills in leadership, problem solving and governance processes,” writes Utz. “I had the opportunity to work directly with local, state, federal and military agencies on various initiatives, giving me a clear understanding of how government works at different levels, and I volunteered at the Mason Lane Ditch Board for the past eight years, managing my business.
Residents can submit comments about the candidate clerkoftheboard.web@yavapaiaz. Government by the 5pm deadline on Friday, April 4th.
“Appointed individuals will serve the winner on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 until the general election takes office,” the Yabapai County website states. “An elected individual may take office within 90 days of the official election results. Candidates must run in the 2026 primary and general elections to serve their full term ending in December 2028.”
The Board of Supervisors will fill seats during the Wednesday April 16th meeting in Cottonwood
