In the July 30 Democratic primary of this year, former Jerome Mayor Nikki Check defeated incumbent Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Donna Michaels 72% to 28%.

Check now faces Republican challenger Lori Drake, the current president of the Mingus Union High School Board of Trustees, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

“I’m a Republican in the race, and I’ve had a lot of comments like this to me. [Check] Drake explained his slogan, “The Only Choice for a Republican,” in reference to Check’s self-description as a “conservative, moderate Democrat.”

Former District 3 Supervisors Chip Davis and Randy Garrison, both Republicans, supported Check in the primary.

“I spend time with people in the community and discuss issues and issues in their community. I would like to do more outreach to communities and groups in unincorporated areas of Yavapai County,” Drake said. distinguish yourself from others.

Ms. Cech said her goal of representing a wide range of voters sets her apart from both Mr. Michaels and Mr. Drake.

“I think so. [Drake] She’s really loyal to her partisanship,” Cech said. “I think the Republican Party has a very strong stronghold in Yavapai County, but people who don’t identify with partisan politics tend to get left behind a little bit.”

“I guess you could look at it that way. I’ve done a good job working with everyone in my position,” Drake replied. “I’m a Republican and a conservative, but I understand other people’s points of view and I’ve definitely always strived for improvement.”

Cech pointed to their views on water policy as the most important difference. She supports the county hiring a new full-time employee specializing in water management, something Drake disagrees with.

Both candidates support the county in working with the City of Cottonwood, Verde Santa Fe and Amante districts to improve water supply. Although both are located outside the city limits, they have water contracts with the city.

“There’s some more data that needs to be understood about where potential leaks are occurring. What the county can do is help advise on the best way to assess water storage issues.” said Cech. “But it will probably be a partnership between Verde Santa Fe and the City of Cottonwood to find a real solution.”

Both candidates are vague about the prospect of the county reconfiguring one or more intersections in Oak Creek to bypass the junction of state routes 89A and 179 in Sedona.

“I don’t support going through residential areas, especially rural areas,” Drake said. “But I support a different route,” Drake said, adding that supporting a particular route would require additional information from the City of Sedona or the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Cech said an alternative route has not been determined but will support the management process in identifying potential routes.

“We want to know the details of the process,” Cech said. “In general, Sedona and the VOC are not the easiest places to build consensus on infrastructure. That process becomes more important because my idea alone is unlikely to be successful. Therefore, the process of gaining broad support is important to me.”

Both candidates said they oppose reopening Michaels’ failed proposal for Yavapai County to purchase the Big Park Community School campus in Oak Creek Village.

“The closure of Big Park School is a significant loss to the community, and we do not want to exacerbate the situation by fostering unrealistic expectations,” Drake said. “The Board of Supervisors does not appear to support this effort.”

“I definitely support the Village of Oak Creek in coming up with creative ways to keep the building functioning for the community,” Cech said. “I functionally support the idea that Donna proposed…but there wasn’t enough broad support to move it forward.”

Check added that he feels there is an opportunity for the county and Sedona Oak Creek School District to further discuss the possibility of space at the county library and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office substation.

In 2023, Michaels and the Board of Supervisors cut the city library’s budget by $475,000 over two years. Cech said she doesn’t think it’s necessary to raise the Yavapai County Free Library District’s levy because property values ​​will also increase, “but I support not lowering the levy.”

“City library services have recently been cut, and the levy has not changed in recent years, so the levy would need to increase to provide the same level of service,” Drake said. Ta. “High inflation rates and population growth are contributing factors to our ability to provide the same services to local communities.”

“We would like the county to reconsider the concept of modular housing in residential zones and make some exceptions for the technological advancements that have been made. [and] “The industry has advanced to create beautiful, long-lasting modular homes,” Cech said.

“We need to start looking at different ways to encourage family housing,” Drake said. “But on the other hand, families need jobs to live here. Most of the jobs we provide here are low-wage jobs, and families need jobs to buy homes and put down roots here. Therefore, you should start considering options such as: [industries] There are high-paying jobs here to augment our moderate incomes. ”

Both candidates support Yavapai County’s Proposition 479, which would allow the county to permanently increase its spending limit by $7.9 million.

The only public event currently scheduled to feature both candidates is the Sedona Chamber of Commerce’s Community Pulse event on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theater. becomes. Candidates make formal statements about their positions and answer questions from the audience. The City of Sedona and Chamber of Commerce staff will also make similar formal presentations during the event.

Cech said he believes that without a formal debate with Drake, voters won’t have enough information to make an informed choice.

“That’s part of my message is that I’m willing to be there for everyone, Democrats and Republicans, and I’m willing to accept and consider difficult questions,” Cech said. “It’s really disappointing that our opponents don’t take every opportunity to show people what’s different about us.”

“I’ve been trying to talk to as many people in the community as possible. That’s outreach,” Drake said. “You want to represent your community, and I understand that some people believe that discussion is the most important way to do that. I don’t know how to answer all the questions that voters have about what your stance is or what they’re trying to ask. I think they want to have a conversation. .”