Council candidates in the lead look to the future
As the initial results were revealed in the Yuma City Council race the candidates in the lead expressed what they are looking to do in the future.
"What I’m going to do is provide the same level of high-quality service that the voters have a right to expect,” explained Mike Shelton.
Businessman Chris Morris is looking at the city's finances.
“In regards to the budget, taking care of our police officers, there’s a long road ahead and I’m excited about getting started and working with the rest of the council to get things started,” said Chris Morris.
For Ema Lea Shoop it's about educating the community.
"It means I’ve got to get busy and work very hard to put things into perspective so the voters and the residents understand what city government is all about,” said Shoop.
Both Morris and Shoop are looking to dig into the budget and make sure the city’s money is spent wisely
“Before even actually being appointed, I’m going to sit down and look at the budget some more, brainstorm and try to bring as many new ideas as possible to the council,” said Morris.
While Shoop is looking to have a retreat in a public place.
“The first item on the agenda for that event would be to reconcile the budget, six months will be down and six months to go. We want to look at the six months that are down and put it into the perspective of what the expenditures are and the expectations for the following six months,” explained Ema Lea Shoop.
Incumbent Mike Shelton is focused on the youth in Yuma.
“A more proactive way to reduce the chances of a school shooting in Yuma," explained Shelton. "The concept is kind of having a comedy club for juveniles as a cathartic influence.”
Shelton also found himself under fire during the campaign after making a post about students he was substituting for but doesn’t think it affected his re-election.
“I will continue to work in partnership with our educational institutions to strengthen education here in Yuma and in Yuma County," said Shelton.
Edward Thomas, an incumbent is currently in fifth place. Thomas spent eight years serving the Yuma community working closely on the pay plans that are now in effect for first responders.
“We’re done. We’ve done our eight years. We’ve contributed to the solution. I’m 54 now. It’s time to just sit back and enjoy life,” said Thomas.
Final results have not yet been released.
