KATHLEEN ABAIE

Cave Creek deserves to be protected for many reasons; among them, our history and western culture, our vibey eclectic style, our modern day saloons and restaurants, the rodeo grounds, the talented artists that capture who we are, the many local business owners and commercial core that helps support us, all who live here and our quaint personality. We are like Old Arizona only a cooler hippie chic variant. Join me to ensure that Phoenix and Scottsdale respect our town borders.

We live in the desert. Water is critical for our survival. Roughly 90% of Cave Creek's water supply comes from the Colorado River thru the Central Arizona Project (CAP). The seven (7) states that are beneficiaries of the Colorado River water have not come to an agreement as to how to move forward equitably with the diminishing supply. This effects all in Cave Creek and Arizona as a whole. There are many educated and talented individuals fighting hard for Arizona's right to water. I will be right alongside looking for solutions. Although systems have been put in place for the mechanical functions, water sources and allocations have not been sufficiently secured. Reducing the water allocations or, heaven forbid, shutting the tap off totally effects us all and our real estate values would diminish dramatically. The effort cannot stop and we must continue to conserve and secure water for all here in Cave Creek.  

A common theme I have heard many times over the years living in Cave Creek from many people in the community, is that there is not transparency, that government has not been forthcoming in sharing information as to upcoming and current policy and decisions. Many have asked for more transparency. It has improved. There have been changes of late by the Town, to bring about awareness to the community. I promise to work alongside our Town Manager and the Staff to keep Cave Creek residents apprised and involved. Transparency equates to building trust. Trust has been a stumbling block over the years. If you have lived here long enough, you understand. I ask each resident to be involved as well. It takes all of us.

4,005 acres

Think about that for a minute. Let that settle in and ponder on what it would mean for our beautiful Town of Cave Creek to acquire the entire 4,005 acres of open space currently owned by the Arizona State Land Department. I fully support this purchase! We need to initiate the auction process and purchase the 4,005 acres as a whole acquisition, not individual parcels, of which there are 12. We are fortunate to live in the amazing and gorgeous Sonoran Desert. There is none like it in the world. It is a self sustaining ecosystem (when untouched by man), lush with wildlife and critters not found elsewhere, the majestic Saguaros, ocotillos and a multitude of varying cacti and vegetation. The current Town Council agreed unanimously to move forward to purchase all 4,005 acres and bring it into the fold of Cave Creek. 4,005 acres would exponentially compliment Cave Creek, Spur Cross Ranch and Cave Creek Recreational Area to the benefit of all of us. I promise to carry this purchase forward to acquire the 4,005 acres of open space.

Wow. The rodeo! What little boy or girl doesn't grow up loving the wild west and the rodeo. Thank you to the Cave Creek Rodeo Board and Staff, partners and prior generations that have come together to establish the Rodeo Grounds and the Cave Creek Memorial Arena. It is my intent to support the Rodeo and this beautiful venue for all to enjoy and the events that we bring in. It complements our western culture and introduces western traditions to populations outside of Cave Creek who may not have another opportunity to enjoy such festivities. Cave Creek Rodeo Days start off with our annual Cave Creek parade which spills into the rodeo grounds. The  PRCA rodeo professionals and athletes perform here multiple times in the year featuring bull riding, bronc riding, team roping, barrel racing and it goes on.  More events continue to be added. The younger generation cowboys also participate with events such as mutton busting for kids. The Cave Creek Rodeo Days will be celebrating 49 years in 2026.

Highly flammable sticknet weeds, lack of rain, high heat and human carelessness. The perfect storm for wildfires, which effects us all. I support the use of CodeRed to obtain emergency information and updates. Being Firewise is critical and it helps everyone, our own self and our neighbors. I support getting the word out, maintaining a 30 foot buffer on the perimeter of your home and accessory structures. Help your neighbors. I support working with Town officials, the Fire Marshal and the Maricopa Sheriff's Department to keep us safe and fire free. Please sign up for Code Red. Stay informed. Keep the weeds cleared and please remove the invasive, flammable weeds.  We should look for solutions to help those who are unable to physically remove this highly invasive plant. If you see smoke, please call 911.

Sales tax. No one likes to pay tax, but it is a necessary tool for our town's financial health. Cave Creek is fortunate that we do not have an additional property tax.  Our commercial corridor on Carefree Highway is vital to our town and benefits all the citizens of Cave Creek, whether you shop at all locations or just a few. Prior Town Councils made difficult but sound decisions in establishing Carefree Highway as the location of commerce for many of the nationally known businesses by not establishing the national chains into our Town Center. This coupled with our in-town local restaurants, coffee shops, tourist venues, artists and more, Cave Creek is able to showcase its western, artsy and eclectic heritage while moving forward in an ever changing and sometimes challenging financial environment. Our commercial and local commerce blend together. We should continue to support the benefits provided to the town and all of us that reside in Cave Creek. I welcome input from the community and business owners as to how you envision future growth.

Money, budgets, numbers. There are so many more interesting things to focus on, BUT the financial aspect for each and all of us is our town's financial health and sustainability. Understanding the details of what comes in and what goes out is critical. Yes, its boring. Being good stewards and keeping an eye on costs and revenue streams is important.  Good debt is healthy if it is productive and benefits the town and its citizens. Analyzing the data, asking questions, good guidance and projecting our future needs and growth for sound financial planning is part of the balance. Each line item in our reports are worthy of review and assessing the whys if we notice change.