City council member Joe Haughey is running for mayor of Flagstaff against Kara Kelty and incumbent Sara Presler. The primary election takes place March 9. Matt Beaty / The Lumberjack

Flagstaff city councilmember Joe Haughey has led the life of a public servant. Before coming to Flagstaff, Haughey served as a U.S. Navy Seabee and also served the state of California for 11 years as a law enforcement officer. He has been a private business owner and is now balancing a career as a realtor while maintaining his seat on Flagstaff’s city council for nearly two terms (seven years). Haughey said he has worked on the city council for the safety and benefit of the people of his community. He has been a part of the Flagstaff community for more than 30 years. He, along with his wife Liz, currently have four children and 13 grandchildren — 11 of whom reside in Flagstaff.

In July 2009, Haughey announced his decision to run for mayor against incumbent Sara Presler and former councilmember Kara Kelty. He said he hopes to prevail in the March 9 primary, leaving only one opponent for the May 18 general election. The Lumberjack held an interview with Haughey to discuss his values and campaign plans.

The Lumberjack: Why are you running for Flagstaff mayor?

Joe Haughey: You can be on the outside and throw stones, or you can get on the inside and provide a solution and help with the community. Here in Flagstaff, we’re going to be faced with some huge challenges over the next couple of years. Providing basic services is going to be challenging, and I can bring the experience needed to help deal with these issues. Also, many of the things we are doing today aren’t actually for today, they are for the long term, such as preserving water resources, sustainability and preserving the unique character of our town. I want my children and grandchildren to be able grow up and maybe even raise their children here if they choose. Flagstaff is a great community, and I can provide the leadership, along with the help of many other great people, to keep it as such.

LJ: What are the main issues that you would like to address if elected as mayor?

JH: Well, there are short-term and long-term issues. Short-term issues would be working with the city manager and city council to provide basic services such as ensuring the safety of Flagstaff citizens, improving our unhealthy city budget and increasing job stability. Long-term issues would be conserving Flagstaff’s natural resources, and continuing to provide food, safety and medical attention those who are most vulnerable. It is vital that we protect both the environment and the character of Flagstaff.

LJ: What changes are you planning on making if you are elected mayor?

JH: A change to the city budget will be a large priority.

LJ: What are your campaign plans?

JH: I have a website. We have signs all around town. I have received endorsements from influential people in Flagstaff, and we have many events planned. I’ve been here for 30 years now and have been actively involved in the community, so I am pretty well-known within the town.

LJ: What has been your most proud accomplishment or evolvement in the past?

JH: I am proud of my voting record for the past seven years. I try to represent the large percent of Flagstaff citizens who do not have the time or opportunity to go to council meetings or e-mail the council about their concerns. I have voted to keep the cost of living down, I have brought forth new successful initiatives such as the Parks and Open Space Trails (P.O.S.T) program, and I have provided strong leadership to the Flagstaff community. I don’t cater to any specific interest groups that have agendas. I’m more concerned about what we can do to benefit all of Flagstaff.

LJ: You don’t claim to be a Democrat or Republican, so exactly what is your political ideology?

JH: Here in Flagstaff, we practice non-partisan politics as councilmembers and as the mayor. I think that people in the Flagstaff community are fed up with partisan politics. To me, when partisan politics come into play, you’re not serving your community; you’re serving your party. I believe in doing what’s best for the community without being restricted by political parties.

LJ: How do you feel Flagstaff has been run for the past two years under the leadership of Mayor Sara Presler?

JH: I’ve been disappointed. She has brought in more division amongst the council and has catered to special interest issues. We also have been redoing many things that we’ve already done. A successful mayor needs to work with the council to make decisions that benefit the community. I don’t feel that Sara Presler has done so. Thus, over the past couple of years, I have been very frustrated with how Flagstaff has been run.

LJ: How would you describe your experiences working with councilmember Kara Kelty?

JH: I approved her to come onto the council. She and I operate similarly but have had many disagreements. However, I feel that she may be using becoming mayor of Flagstaff as a stepping-stone to eventually get into a higher office.

LJ: Why do you believe that you are the most qualified candidate for mayor?

JH: I think I’m actually the most qualified candidate because I have extensive experience as a councilmember and as a public servant. I have also served on almost every board and commission and am a member of the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. And since I am a realtor, I have dealt [with] the issue of affordable housing on a daily basis for many years now. I know how it all works. I [will] have no other agenda after becoming Flagstaff mayor. I am not seeking a higher position. I am simply hoping to help and serve the Flagstaff community as best I can as its mayor. Not to mention I have a personal interest in ensuring the advancement of Flagstaff. Since I have four children and 11 grandchildren living in here, I want to ensure that they have a safe, prosperous community to live in.

LJ: What are your plans for if you lose the election?

JH: I’m free! I’ll be done because my seat as a councilmember has been vacated and will be filled by someone else. If I win, I’ll gladly work diligently for the benefit of [the] community. And if not, then I will just get to spend more time with my family and just enjoy our beautiful town.

Watch the SMC Mayoral Debate with Kara Kelty, Sara Presler and Joe Haughey.