Local nurse practitioner runs for mayor

YUMA. Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Local nurse practitioner and city council member, Karen Watts, is running for mayor.

Karen Watts has decided to step up and run for mayor after being on the city council for the past four years.

Karen Watts was born and raised in Yuma and in her time on the council, Watts says she has been a strong voice for the citizens of Yuma.

“I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and I’ve learned how the city works, it takes a while. This is my fifth year on the council and those first few years you’re just kind of learning the ropes,” said Watts.

If elected, she says her top priorities will be water, natural resources, heat mitigation strategies and public safety.

Watts says we need to take care of our local natural resources to preserve the Colorado River and agriculture community.

“We need a change in leadership. We need to focus more on climate action plans because that’s not been a focus on council since I’ve been there, and I think that’s something the city of yuma needs for our economy to grow and be sustainable. Things are changing, technology is changing, you know we’re living in a hotter dryer climate,” said Watts.

She is kicking off her campaign in just a few weeks.

“I plan a kickoff party for my campaign April 9th and that will be downtown at the Cafecito. We will have more details as we work everything out and it’s just basically a meet and greet and I wanna show the community that I’m interested and ready to work. I want to be that leader I think we need more women leadership roles,” said Watts.

Watts is running against the current mayor, Doug Nicholls, for the seat.

The Arizona Primary election is on August 2nd, keep tuning in as election season heats up.