Preservation means making smart decisions on growth. We live in a desert; water is always an issue. Yet as a Town, we haven’t invested in the necessary rights to water that allow for that planned growth. With the upcoming cuts to the Colorado River in 2026, Cave Creek faces an uncertain future. Instead of spending money acquiring water rights, we invested in redundant pipelines that may never carry water. We need to begin negotiating with Cities and Companies that do have water and we also need to join the Bartlett Dam Expansion Project
Preservation means retaining our rural lifestyle. There are some who say that’s impossible unless we halt all future growth. That’s pure HOGWASH! Our elected officials can accommodate growth that retains the unique character of Cave Creek by following our ordinances without making continued exceptions for the favored few. By not enforcing the ordinances on planning and zoning we have created a playing field where we routinely pit neighbor against neighbor. “Exceptions” and “variances” have become the norm. Instead of modifying our code to make sense we’ve created a situation where “who you know” has become more important than “benefit to the community.”
Preservation means making choices that limit negative impacts on residents and their property values. We get around public discussion by putting “one-liners” on the Consent Agenda that don’t allow for people to air their concerns. The Consent Agenda ploy doesn’t lay out issues in a straightforward manner so the affected residents can understand the impact on their properties. Ask the folks on Arroyo Road.
Cave Creek was founded by people who said what they meant and meant what they said. Vote 4 Preservation, your future depends on it.
Dusty Rhoades
Councilman, Cave Creek
Tom Augherton
Councilman, Cave Creek
