On August 7 and 8, I attended the Eighth Annual Rural Policy Forum in Globe to learn more about the experiences of other Arizona rural communities. The sold-out conference was presented by the Arizona Rural Development Council and Local First Arizona. Attendance was evenly divided among government representatives, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. There were 22 […]
Carolyn Shafer
Posted inOpinion
Coming Together as a Community Through Discussion
It is critical that we as individuals, our governing bodies, and our community organizations mindfully support existing businesses and invite new business activity that will create a stable and sustainable economy and provide livelihood to all who are willing to work. Let’s first consider some historical and economic information. The longest lasting local economic activity […]
Posted inOpinion
Unemployment — Why Should We Care?
To be unemployed is scary—especially when one is the head of household and has a child to feed. I have been that person, and I know only too well the frustrations and despair of being unemployed. Many of us, however, have never been in such a situation and know little, if anything, about today’s unemployment […]
Posted inLocal News
Town to Vote on SSVEC Renewal
The Town of Patagonia will hold an election on Tuesday, November 5, to approve or reject the granting of a franchise to Sulpher Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC), to maintain and operate an electric energy transmission and distribution system within the corporate limits of the town of Patagonia. SSVEC is currently providing Patagonia’s electric power, […]
Posted inOpinion
Truth in Advertising
“We Dig Jobs” is a new bumper sticker seen around town. Yet recently released reports state that while employment has improved in Santa Cruz County, there remains a high unemployment rate—so let’s talk about jobs Around 1960 the last mines closed. Jobs evaporated overnight. While ranching continued in eastern Santa Cruz County, the economy here […]