Yuma County Chamber of Commerce hosts candidate forum for Yuma City Council

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Primary is less than two months away and the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum for the Yuma City Council.

During the forum, the candidates for the Yuma City Council answered a total of 38 questions from the public to further explain their positions on issues within the community.

The executive director for the Yuma Chamber of Commerce, Kimberly Kahl explained why these forums are helpful to the community.

“The public was allowed actually last week to submit questions via a google form and then we have compiled those questions, got rid of any duplicates and they will be asked to the candidates at random,” said Kahl.

The candidates include incumbent Gary Knight and both William Craft and Edward Thomas who once served on the City Council.

Councilmember Gary Knight was asked about future renovations of the heart of Yuma's downtown.

“There’s a three-level parking garage just like the one over by the sheriff’s office and the courthouse. Even some apartments and you wouldn’t believe," said Knight.

The questions were given at random to council members and candidate Carol Smith was asked about the largest budget she has had to oversee.

“Approximately $51 million. We weren’t managing just to make money for the school district, we weren’t managing it to save a dollar. We were taking every dollar we had to spread across that district and serve those families and students in the best way we could," said Smith.

The candidates answered 38 questions from the public for an hour before concluding the forum.

The City of Yuma will hold a primary election and a general 2022 election if necessary for one mayoral seat, three city council seats and one presiding municipal judge seat.