Big Idea:

• Eric Moore is a businessman in Prescott, owner of Jay’s Bird Barn/Hallmark/AZ Field Optics
• He is one of five finalists for the Prescott City Council
• He has lived in Prescott for 30 years
• He has extensive business and civic experience
• Read more...

Five Finalists, including Eric Moore, are vying for the Council seat vacated by Councilwoman Billie Orr.

We will be providing you with the information from the candidate applications - one per day for the rest of the week. 

Although asked, none of the finalists have been convicted or under indictment of any felonies or class 1 misdemeanor offenses, so we did not include their answers on that section. If they added a resumé or note at the end, we have included that, too. 

The finalists will be interviewed publicly in a special Council meeting on February 16.

Employer: Self Employed - Jay’s Bird Barn/Hallmark/AZ Field Optics

Have you been a registered voter in the city of Prescott for at least one year?

Yes

How long have you resided in Prescott?

Thirty years

Briefly state your reasons and desire for wanting to serve on the City Council. Please include special interests, abilities, skills or contacts that could benefit the City Council: 

I love living in this community (30 years) and I want to serve and give back to the community in which I live. I have a wide range of interests, including a love of nature and an appreciation for our trails, lakes and recreational opportunities in Prescott. As a long time small business owner in Prescott and with my work experience with the Town of Chino Valley, I have developed business, leadership, communications and problem-solving skills. I have many contacts in the community that could benefit the City Council, and, if appointed, I will be able to hit the ground running.

What civic and/or professional organizations are you presently involved with?

As a business owner, I belong to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and I work closely with Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI). I also work with many local non-profits in our community, such as the Highlands Center for Natural History, Prescott Creeks and the Natural History Institute. I am in demand and give 30-40 speaking engagements yearly to community service organizations such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions clubs, homeowners associations, garden clubs, etc.

List your previous experience on a city/town council or advisory group/board/commission/committee in Prescott or elsewhere: 

Prior to opening my own business, I was the Community Services Manager for the Town of Chino Valley with direct responsibility for Parks, Recreation, Library and the Senior Center. As a department head, I reported directly to the Town Manager and attended all Town Council meetings. 

Describe your understanding of the function and purpose of the City Council:

I believe the function and purpose of the City Council is to provide leadership and make policy on the local level. In addition, the City Council needs to work in cooperation with our neighboring communities, the county and the state. Council members have the duty to listen to their constituents and to represent and govern by the voice of the people - to not have their own biases and personal agendas. My purpose as a city councilman is to support our infrastructure, our Fire and Police, ensure our water resources and work to maintain our quality of life. 

State your understanding of the City Budget and the Budget process: 

While serving the Town of Chino Valley I participated in the budgeting process several times and I am sure the budgeting process for the City of Prescott closely mirrors this. The process takes several months and goes through a series of reviews involving all of the department heads within city government. Eventually, the City Finance Director presents the budget to the Mayor and Council for their approval. The fiscal year runs rom July 1st through June 30th each year, so the budgeting process takes up a considerable amount of time in both the first nd second quarters of each year. I am a fiscal conservative and consider paying off the PSPRS debt is of highest priority.

What is your vision for the City of Prescott over the next 10 years?

As a business owner, I recognize the need for manageable, sustainable growth. My goal for the City of Prescott is to maintain the quality of life that we now enjoy. As a city, I feel we need to focus on issues affecting growth - infrastructure needs, the Prescott Airport, water mains, sewer lines, roads, public safety, protecting our water resources, open space, recreation and trails. Other priorities include the continuation of a vibrant downtown area and a robust, diversified economy. I envision maintaining the charm and quality of life in Prescott as we grow.