12/11/2009 6:44:00 AM Karen Fann seeks legislative job
Karen Fann
By Joanna Dodder Nellans Courtesy of the Prescott Courier
Former Chino Valley Mayor Karen Fann has thrown her hat into the ring for the 2010 state Legislature race.
Fann recently moved back to Prescott, where she also previously served on the city council.
"I enjoy being part of coming up with solutions," Fann said of her decision to run. Numerous people also asked her to do it, she added.
One of the two Legislative District 1 incumbents, Republican Lucy Mason of Prescott, won't be able to run in the November 2010 election because of the term limits law after four terms. The other incumbent is Andy Tobin, R-Paulden.
Mason was considering a run for Arizona Corporation Commission next year, but said she decided against it so she could focus on her legislative job during the ongoing budget crisis.
"It is clear to me that trying to run for another office would shortchange the office I already hold, and I'm therefore unwilling to focus on anything other than representing District 1 through difficult state budget issues, and to complete my 2010 legislative agenda on water, energy and education," Mason said.
Mason said she is considering industry, university and governmental opportunities related to energy and water issues after leaving office, but she wouldn't be more specific.
Fann, 55, formed a campaign committee and now is gathering petition signatures.
She has a long history of public service, starting with her job as a county court clerk in the mid-1980s. She served on the Prescott City Council in 1992-95 and then the Chino Valley Town Council in 2002-09, with all but one of those years as mayor. During her elected service, she has served on several boards and committees dealing with water and transportation issues.
She was one of the few Prescott-area officials to join the Verde River Basin Partnership so she could work directly with Verde Valley officials on water problems.
"This whole area has got some major water issues," Fann said. As a legislator, she would focus her efforts on issues such as water, infrastructure and education. Property rights issues also are important, she said.
Fann has owned a guardrail and sign installation company for 25 years and has 40 employees. She also co-owned a ranch for nine years through 2006.
She originally moved to Prescott in 1958 and now lives here with husband Jim McKown.
Reader Comments
Posted: Sunday, December 13, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
So you need signatures do you, well fine! Where do I sign! As my former mayor, I would gladly help you along.You did an excellent job as mayor and deserve to be our District 1 representative. You have my vote.
Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009
Article comment by:
azlaydey
Geeeee! We are SOOOOOO surprised that she is running for office :)
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
Being a co-owner of the ranch is that how you were able to be Major?
