Yuma mayoral candidate forum

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Good Morning Yuma Mayoral Candidate Forum this morning, featuring the two mayoral candidates, city council member, Karen Watts and incumbent, Mayor Doug Nicholls.

With the Arizona Primary Election less than two months away, candidates answered several questions from the public to explain their positions on issues in our community.

Mayor Doug Nicholls, who attended virtually, as he was under the weather, was asked how the city can attract more business.

“Whether it’s for public infrastructure, or additional funding, those are things that we can focus on working and finding out what the obstacles are by round tables. The other thing we need to look out for is supporting education, with the Yuma localversity project,” said Nicholls.

Watts was asked about how she would address parking issues, as Downtown Yuma continues to be re-developed.

“As we get more development and more business down there, people will get creative, businesses will get creative and they will provide more parking. We certainly don’t want parking to be an issue to keep people from coming to downtown,” said Watts.

Watts says she and Nicholls worked together during her time on the city council, but she says it’s time for new leader.

“I’ve known mayor Nicholls for years, probably longer than anybody on that council, our children went to the same school, we’ve worked together on different boards prior to the city council. He’s been our mayor for nine years and now it’s time for new leadership,” said Watts.

The City of Yuma will hold a primary election August 2 and a general election, if necessary, on November 8th, for one mayoral seat, three city council seats and one presiding municipal judge seat.