KINGMAN, Ariz. – Incumbent Mayor Ellery “Ken” Watkins is asking for your vote in the July 21 Primary Election and again on November 3 because he said he wants to keep the city moving forward.
“Originally, I was not going to run again,” Watkins said, “but, too many of my friends and acquaintances said why. They said, ‘the city is moving in the right direction, people like you and more importantly, trust you; please keep the momentum.’ I appreciate that trust and confidence and want to continue the direction the city is moving.”
The Standard asked if he foresees a balanced budget over the next five years without raising taxes.
“I foresee a balanced budget for the next four years, but years five and six could be questionable because of the current sales tax question.”
What about the Yellow bus route? Does he see it being saved permanently?
“The Yellow bus route has been saved for FY27, started July 1, 2026, and I am confident that our partners that have stepped forward will continue to see the value in the Yellow route and continue to support it,” Watkins stated.
He was asked what steps should be taken to conserve our existing water problems.
“Water is life!” Watkins replied. “I would imagine that if each of us evaluated our water usage, we could each find ways in our habits and lives that we can conserve water. Almost all the new water meters in the city are smart meters that can notify the water department of a leak in a household which in effect is another way to help conserve water. Also, as meters need repair, they are being replaced with smart meters. To conserve water, we all need to make an effort.”
If re-elected, how can you help advance the City of Kingman?
“In the next term, I want to see Kingman Crossing put back in the planning stages and come to fruition.”
For those who may not know, Kingman Crossing will be a major community and development hub off I-40 featuring a new residential subdivision with a commercial area of restaurants, retail stores and hotels/motels.
“Completion of Flying Fortress Parkway from Airway Avenue out to where it connects with Industrial Blvd. at the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park; the FAA Land Release finally completed; Kingman Fire Department (KFD) Station 5 on the east bench of the city being constructed; Sun Belt Park next to Station 5 being built, these are some of the things I want to be a part of,” Watkins said.
For the future of Kingman, he stated, “more manufacturing companies are coming to our Industrial Park area, with better paying jobs.” He also sees homes in which their employees can live and more restaurants and retail businesses.
His concerns for Kingman?
“I am concerned for all our citizens in the greater Kingman area, whether in the city limits or not, that we can all benefit from the growth we are seeing, striving to be kinder, respectful and considerate of each other.”
Why should residents vote for you?
“From the life I have lived, people can see that I am honest in my dealings with my fellow man, striving to treat him as I would want to be treated. Indeed, my favorite scripture goes something like this, ‘When you are in the service of your fellowman, you are in the service of your God,'” Watkins concluded.
Connie “Ceejay” Jones
