Grubb, Morris answer Q&A for Cave Creek mayoral race

Cave Creek voters are deciding who will be the town’s mayor in the July 30 election, a race that will determine who leads the town on key policy issues ranging from development to water security over at least the next two years.

Incumbent Mayor Bob Morris is vying for a second two-year term as the town’s top elected official and his fourth term on the council. He’s facing off against challenger Jim Grubb, a former financial consultant and Phoenix staffer who previously served as a Cave Creek Town Council member in the 1990s.

The Arizona Republic asked both candidates about everything from their reason for running, to their plan for fiscal management, to what they believe is the biggest issue facing Cave Creek today.

Here’s what the two mayoral contenders had to say, in alphabetical order. Answers may have been slightly edited to fit prearranged lengths.

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Vision: Why are you running for Cave Creek mayor?

Why are you running for Cave Creek mayor? If elected, what will your first priority be?

Jim Grubb: I am running for Cave Creek mayor to address the issues of water future, preservation of our natural environment and lifestyle, to solve the traffic, pedestrian and parking problems of downtown, keep our small-town character, and work for neighborhood preservation and a dark skies future.

My first priority is securing Cave Creek’s water future. Currently, Cave Creek’s allocation of Colorado River Water is our only source of freshwater. Arizona cities and towns will, in the future, be mandated to take a reduction in their CAP allocation. The Bartlett Dam Project currently underway with SRP and the Bureau of Reclamation will increase the height of the dam by 100 feet. This would provide water for 345,000 homes per year and can be used to augment CAP water reductions. Cave Creek should join with the 22 cities and towns as a voting member of the Bartlett Dam Project.

Bob Morris: I am running for reelection as Mayor of Cave Creek to finish the job I started 11 years ago in addressing long term problems of finances, fire protection, water reliability, preservation of the Sonoran Desert and the town core. My campaign for reelection is based on concrete results, not generalizations and I will continue to use my broad experience in engineering, technology, executive and construction management for the betterment of all Cave Creek. My priorities are the existential problems of water, fire, and pedestrian safety. I will be addressing every issue with vigor, integrity, and proven leadership.

Taxing and spending: Where do the Cave Creek mayoral candidates stand?

New state policies will affect town budgets. If faced with a deficit, will you support raising taxes to maintain town services or cutting programs? Which specific services and/or taxes would you consider first and why?

Grubb: Cave Creek’s budget has inflated from $40 million in (fiscal year 2023) to $56.5 million in (fiscal year 2024) and the recently passed $57.4 million for (fiscal year 2025). Cave Creek’s future budgets need to be reduced for a sustainable future without tax increases. Cave Creek’s five-year Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program needs better long-term planning, monitoring and cost-effective management. More effective long-term debt management can reduce the amount of repayment required in a year. Cave Creek does not have a property tax and I do not support having a property tax in Cave Creek.

Morris: Cave Creek is well positioned financially, and we can achieve our needs without new taxes. I was instrumental in stopping proposals for a property tax to pay for fire protection. The Town made financial and efficiency changes to afford a 40% of General Fund increase in fire expenditures. I work and represent Cave Creek and work with our legislators and agencies to ensure Cave Creek’s interests receive consideration. I will oppose any property tax or increase in sales tax, especially since sound financial planning and efficient practice make one unnecessary. If challenges arise from state government and agencies, I will be there to defend the Town.

Perceptions: What would Cave Creek mayoral candidates change?

What is the best thing about Cave Creek that you would never change? Why? What is the first thing that needs changing and why?

Grubb: Cave Creek’s western heritage is supported by passion for open space and low-density residential development. Outdoor activities such as equestrian, hiking and biking are an important part of Cave Creek’s lifestyle. Dramatic views such as our Seven Sisters’ Mountain Sunset and preserved open spaces symbolize the quality of life we seek and desire to protect.

Increased tourist traffic and commercialization have brought our downtown problems of traffic safety, parking, pedestrian circulation, lighting effects on night skies and sounds that carry into the desert. The first step in solving these problems is to ask Cave Creek residents what they want their downtown to be. I will initiate Town Hall focus groups to listen and learn from residents. Results will be published on the town website.

I will work with the business community to establish a public-private partnership. With the business community partnership and with the opinions of our residents, a request for proposal can be drafted to hire an experienced downtown consulting group. The consulting groups’ findings will be presented to residents and the business community in public meetings for discussion and consideration. Together, we can make Cave Creek’s downtown a great place for residents, business owners, tourists and visitors.

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Morris: The best thing about Cave Creek is our western heritage and low-density, Sonoran Desert environment as demonstrated by our signature Spur Cross Conservation Area. Where else can you hike to active riparian areas in Town limits? We have dark skies with singing coyotes and hooting owls as night music. Our equestrian trail system has over thirty miles of trails. You can ride a horse to town, tie up to a hitching post and eat at one of our many restaurants or visit a coffee barista. Our annual rodeo attracts people from all over the world and sells out every year. Our art leagues, galleries, businesses, and Cave Creek Museum make Cave Creek unique.

The low density, hills and rural feel require special utility solutions I am uniquely qualified to provide. The main challenge is preserving what we have and avoiding urbanization.

The big picture: What is the biggest issue facing Cave Creek?

What is the biggest long-term issue facing Cave Creek? How would you work to address it over the course of your council term?

Grubb: The most important long-term issues for Cave Creek are open space, wildlife habitat, historical sites and dark skies preservation. An example of open space preservation for Cave Creek’s future is to preserve annexed state land. In 2007 to 2009, Cave Creek annexed 7,686 acres of undeveloped state land of which 4,032 acres were zoned for Open Space Conservation. Two members of council have worked with the State Land Department, the State Legislature and the Governor’s Office to find ways Cave Creek can conserve this land. A process is underway to determine its value, which is likely higher than Cave Creek can afford.  There are other means to work with State authorities to conserve this land. An example is federal government land conservation grants.

I will work with members of council, and with private and public organizations for our preservation future.

Morris: Water reliability and the potential cutback in Central Arizona Project water supplies is the biggest threat, but only because it is an unknown. Until the federal and 7 state regional negotiations conclude we are taking proactive steps. That will feature conservation and water supply increases. Conservation is the biggest and cheapest water source, but it will take a community wide effort which is underway. A massive water reliability project featuring a backup transportation and treating project in conjunction with Phoenix is under construction now. It is the cornerstone to preventing a widespread and prolonged loss of service.

Wildland fire is also a significant threat. Cave Creek addressed suppression of wildland fire through a massive increase fire response capability. That capability was tested with 2 brush fires this spring and passed the test in spectacular fashion.  Our continuing challenge is creating defendable properties and preventing the human negligence that is the spark for brush and wildland fires.

Inspiration: Who shapes the Cave Creek mayoral candidates' thinking?

Who in public life, past or present, do you admire most? Why? And what lesson do you draw from that person’s experience?

Grubb: The man I admire most in America’s presidential history is John F. Kennedy. He inspired the nation with such projects as landing on the moon and stayed strong and clear in crisis moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis with Russia. Leadership means I set my standards high in the pursuit of excellence and I stay calm when handling difficulties that need resolution.

Morris: The Greatest Generation, the entire US population during World War II, deserves that honor. They set the standard for sacrifice, hard work, planning, and teamwork. Tom Brokaw in his book said, “These men and women fought not for fame or recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.”  The lesson and my motto is “Do the right thing with integrity.”

Election integrity: Where do the Cave Creek mayoral candidates stand?

Do you think Arizona elections are fairly run? Do you trust the results? Will you abide by them? Why or why not? 

Grubb: I believe that Arizona elections are fairly run. I believe that the security safeguards that are applied to our election process are effective. I trust and will abide by the results of the election.

Morris: The real question in my view is that oversights and mistakes ruin the public’s trust in the integrity of elections. We must have elections that exhibit integrity, efficiency, accuracy, and fairness. It is the most basic requirement of any democracy.

Reporter Sam Kmack covers Tempe, Scottsdale and Chandler. Follow him on X @KmackSam or reach him at sam.kmack@arizonarepublic.com.