Drake Goes Head-to-Head for Dominance in County’s District 3 Voter Race

In the recent Democratic primary on July 30, former Jerome Mayor Nikki Check emerged victorious against incumbent Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Donna Michaels, winning with 72% of the vote compared to Michaels’ 28%.

Check’s next challenge comes from Republican Lola Drake, the president of the Mingus Union High School board, who advanced unopposed in the Republican primary. Drake has emphasized the distinction between herself and Check, who identifies as a “conservative, moderate Democrat.”

“I am the Republican in the race,” Drake stated, addressing perceptions of Check as a conservative alternative. Her campaign slogan, “Your only Republican choice,” aims to clarify this position.

Endorsements from former District 3 Supervisors Chip Davis and Randy Garrison lend credibility to Check’s candidacy. She aims to reflect a more inclusive approach to governance, contrasting it with Drake’s party allegiance. Check noted, “Republicans have a stronghold in Yavapai County, but individuals outside of partisan politics often feel overlooked.”

Drake responded, asserting her collaborative efforts in her current role, saying, “I am Republican, I am conservative, but I see other people’s points of view.” Both candidates disagree on water management policy, a key issue in the campaign. Check supports hiring a full-time employee focused on water management, an idea that Drake opposes.

Despite their differences, both candidates agree on the need for collaborative efforts with the city of Cottonwood to improve water supplies for unincorporated areas like Verde Santa Fe. “We must understand where potential leaks are occurring,” Check remarked, underlining the importance of research on water storage issues.

On infrastructure, both candidates are uncertain about possibly rebuilding Oak Creek crossings to alleviate traffic at the junction of State Routes 89A and 179 in Sedona. Drake expressed her preference for an alternative route away from residential zones, while Check emphasized the need for community consensus through a thorough administrative process.

Regarding the controversial proposal for Yavapai County to purchase the Big Park Community School campus, both candidates are against the idea. Drake labeled the closure a significant loss, suggesting that the Board of Supervisors does not support reviving the initiative. Check indicated her support for exploring creative community engagement regarding the school building.

Library funding has become a contentious issue as well. Check suggested maintaining the tax levy for the Yavapai County Free Library District given recent cuts to library services. Conversely, Drake argued for an increase in the tax levy to maintain service levels amid rising costs and population growth.

Both candidates support Proposition 479, which would allow Yavapai County to boost its expenditure limit by $7.9 million. They are also aligned on the pressing need for increased family housing. Check proposed revisiting modular housing regulations to accommodate advances in construction aesthetics, while Drake stressed the importance of well-paying jobs to attract families.

The upcoming Sedona Chamber of Commerce’s Community Pulse event on October 9 will be the only public engagement featuring both candidates. They are expected to provide statements on their platforms and answer audience questions about their initiatives.

Check highlighted the necessity for formal debates to inform voters adequately, criticizing Drake for not seizing debate opportunities. In response, Drake advocated for community outreach over debate formats, suggesting voters seek dialogue over confrontation.