Star Valley candidate profile Randy White

03/03/10

Randy White has been a resident of Star Valley for 19 years. He served as the vice-mayor on the inaugural Star Valley town council, and is now running for mayor.

He is a successful businessman, having been an owner-partner of the Phil White Ford car dealership for nearly two decades before selling the business two years ago. Prior to that White worked for the phone company for 24 years. In that capacity, he eventually became their manager for all of Northern Arizona.

“I’m not a politician, I don’t pretend to be one,” he said, before sitting down to answer questions about his concerns and his vision for the future of Star Valley.

Star Valley and Payson may soon enter into an agreement regarding water rights, could you comment on that?

It is very important for the future of Star Valley to enter into an agreement that is beneficial for both communities.

I’m confident that Payson Mayor Kenny Evans is a person that will sit down and work with us.

I would like to see an agreement in which Payson spreads out the use of the Tower Well over time. They have a legal right to use the well, but if they will agree to spread out the use, and not just pump during the summer months, it will reduce the affects on neighboring wells.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing SV today?

Our biggest challenge is to get a water agreement with Payson. Additionally, it is very important for the town to stay in budget. I am not in favor of taking down the photo radar cameras. I initially voted against them because we were told they were going to be revenue neutral, but they have turned out to be a big revenue generator. I am still disturbed about the image our town has gotten as a speed trap, but they have worked to slow people down.

What do you believe is the biggest asset that you bring to the council?

I would bring a personal honesty and work ethic to the job. I am a good negotiator, and can solve problems. My business experience shows that I know how to balance a budget. I think I understand what direction the people of Star Valley want to see our town to take.

How do you best think we can promote and encourage development in SV if in fact you think that is a good idea?

I think that development can work here if we do it the right way. It is important that the town retain its rural “bedroom community” feel. We need new businesses here, but they should be clean businesses. We should take advantage of the new college that might be coming to Payson; it could provide great employment opportunities as well the type of clean development we’re looking for. The town should also explore land trades with the U.S. Forest Service. We can’t sell that type of property, but the town could set up long-term leases.

Why in this tough environment do you want to be a councilperson?

I was on the ground floor when the town incorporated. The reason this town isn’t suffering financially like so many others is that we were prepared and set some money aside. I want to bring things back on course.

Do you have a plan for street repair and improvements?

Eventually all of the public roads will be paved in Star Valley. We receive funds from the state that can only be used for street repairs, culverts, small bridges and the like. It’s important that we take steps to make sure we are never flooded out.

Do you think Star Valley should change hydrology firms? Why or why not?

It would be my preference to stay with LFR if it makes economic sense to do so. We could avoid any question of a conflict of interest that way, but it is important that we’re careful not to overpay. We will need good advice in our negotiations with Payson to develop a water agreement that both towns can live with. We will need a firm that is familiar with our situation.

It has been mentioned by some that the majority of your council and committee members reside in the Knolls subdivision. Is that a concern for you?

I wouldn’t want to see the members of any type of council to all come from the same neighborhood, but I’m not sure if that is a problem for Star Valley at this point.

It is important to have a cross-section of talent on any team. Unfortunately, a working person is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting elected, which is why you see so many retired people serving on councils. But I like to see some variety, and that includes having men and women on a council.