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Coconino County District 1
Newsletter, Vol. 3
In This Issue
8 March 2021
- Hello from Supervisor Horstman
- Supervisor Horstman Visits the Grand Canyon Community
- Federal Advocacy Meetings
- Congratulations County Manager Peru
- Happy International Women’s Day
- COVID Information Line and Testing
- CDC Mask Guidance
- Contact Us
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
District 1 Residents,
Welcome to another edition of our newsletter! My name is Patrice Horstman, and I am honored to serve as your Coconino County Supervisor.
In my third month in office, I visited with community members in the Grand Canyon area. Grand Canyon is more than a tourist destination; it is sacred to several indigenous nations and a place that 3,000 people call home. Some find themselves struggling to make ends meet on low-paying jobs, and neighbors help neighbors to build a vibrant community that serves all. I visited the clothes closet, the food pantry, and the new county victim witness services. For more information or to make a much-needed donation, please email or visit:
president@grandcanyonschoolpta.org
As we approach a year since COVID-19 was designated a global pandemic, we reflect on the challenges this year has brought. We celebrated holidays and milestones without our loved ones, we missed community events, and we worked and learned remotely. I am in awe of the Coconino County team’s resilience, our community at large, and we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am proud that approximately 42,000 residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and approximately 19,000 residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All three FDA-approved vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson) are safe, effective, and will save lives. I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated when it is their turn. In addition to vaccines, we must continue using all the tools available to stop this pandemic’s spread. Please continue to socially distance, wash your hands often, and mask up.
Thank you for continuing to protect your families, neighbors, and Coconino County.
Be Well,
Patrice
Supervisor Horstman Visits the Grand
Canyon Community
Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable on the Visit:
“I had the privilege of hosting Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman at the Grand Canyon (GRCA). I previously told Supervisor Horstman about the efforts being undertaken to fight rural poverty in our area. She is keenly interested in this issue and has made this a priority for her first visit to the park in an official capacity.
Supervisor Horstman demonstrated a deep knowledge and commitment to these social justice issues. She also made very helpful observations about the operations of these programs and she identified connections with county government and the United Way that can assist our community social justice champions. I want to thank Supervisor Horstman for her interest in fighting rural poverty and for her commitment to work with us in this important social justice fight. She has only been in her position for two months but her commitment to these issues and her interest in GRCA are impressive.”
Supervisor Horstman on the Visit:
“I visited the Canyon Closet run by the GC School PTA, which operates a free clothing exchange program available to all GC community members and residents in Tusayan and Valle. The Canyon Closet team established a 501(c)(3) entity and applied for and received a Special Use Permit so they can operate legally in the park. The Canyon Closet works to ensure that our GC community’s children are well clothed, especially during the winter months. The Canyon Closet is located at the back of the Community Library.
The next stop was to the Food Pantry overseen by the hardest working retired man I’ve met, Michael Scott. The food pantry works with St. Mary’s Food Bank to provide invaluable service to combat food insecurity. Michael and his volunteers refurbished the former GC jail site near the mule barns to offer fresh foods and meats to those in need.
Lastly, I met with Maya Carlisle, GC’s new Victim Advocate (with Victim Witness Services of Coconino County), who briefed us on her work and program. Victim/Witness advocates work closely with GC law enforcement and EMS teams to meet the needs of victims of crimes at the canyon.
Special thanks to GCNP Superintendent Ed Keable and Chief Ranger Matthew Vandzura, NPS Jan Balsom, NPS Sarah Acomb for your assistance and caring.”
Federal Advocacy Meetings
The Coconino County Team is spending the month of March meeting with the Arizona Congressional Delegation members to discuss our federal priorities including advocating for more vaccines for our community, forest restoration, broadband access, and for the protection of public lands. For more information please click the four-way arrow box. Staying engaged with our elected officials at the federal level is vital to protecting the health, safety, and prosperity of Coconino County.
Congratulations County Manager Steve Peru
I am pleased to announce the Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Steve Peru as the next Coconino County Manager. The times brought an alignment of opportunity to hire an experienced former county manger with the County’s need to hit the ground running. Steve Peru is the right person for these challenging times.
“It’s an honor to be named County Manager. The years I spent as County Manager at Coconino County previously were some of the best of my professional career and it feels like I am coming home. I know we face immense challenges, but I am energized and ready to work with the Board and staff to meet these head-on,” said Steve Peru.
Happy International Women’s Day!
CDC Mask Guidance
COVID Information Line and Testing
Contact Us
