I am running for a Council Seat in the 2022 election. My goal is to connect all Council decisions to the 2021 General Plan. The citizens of Cave Creek have expressed their concerns about preserving the rural, dark skies, equestrian friendly, and low-density environment here in Cave Creek. I will act to preserve each of those elements.
I have worked to support the quality we have here in Cave Creek since 2009. Listening to the leaders speak of “managed growth” while watching developers gobble up the spaces with the barest of care for the Cave Creek lifestyle brings me into the contest. If open space, dark skies, and low density are gone, Cave Creek will only be a suburb of greater Phoenix. I will resist that.
I grew up on an island and in a historic town that was well established before Cave Creek. Citizens in that town loved its history and moved to have the area declared a National Historic Preserve.
I have served as the Chairman of the Cultural Heritage Board for a city of 250,000, and as a Board member of the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. I spent a year as a member of a Grand Jury.
In Cave Creek, I served on board of the Sonoran Arts League for two years. For the Town of Cave Creek, I have served as a member of the Board of Adjustment, as a member of the water rate study team, and as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. I get things done.
My most important 2020- 2021 accomplishment is to have established the Local Landmarks project right here in Cave Creek. Collaborating with folks who have lived in Cave Creek and with the planners in Town, we have established an ongoing process to acknowledge and honor our important and historic buildings through Council decree, and an informative plaque declaring these landmarks as our historic brand. Look for the bronze plaques!
It is my belief that our new General Plan, which I helped write, lays out a clear direction for how we care for the “Town behind the Mountain”. Decisions about how we face demands on our land must be measured against what the citizens said was important: low density, a strong trail system, and dark skies. Being an economically responsible and responsive government are themes not to be ignored.
I have been applauded for speaking out against wholesale development. I believe that places like Cave Creek only survive as livable gems when the citizens raise their voices to insist on preservation of the character we love. Join me in this campaign.
A vote for me is a vote to preserve the character and brand of Cave Creek. Our rural lifestyle is a delicate and precious blessing. Help me use Preservation as Progress right here in Cave Creek.
Paul Eelkema
Cave Creek
