Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Governor Katie Hobbs visited Safford on Thursday and spoke at the Safford Spring Festival Sponsor dinner.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs made a stop in Safford on Thursday, and, after meeting with local leaders in the afternoon, glad-handed with business owners and others at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Festival Sponsor dinner at The Venue & The Vignette on Main.
Numerous business owners joined the Chamber for the soiree, and several elected officials were in attendance as well. In addition to Gov. Hobbs’ Secret Service-like security, the Safford Police Department and Graham County Sheriff’s Office provided additional security for the governor at the event and her time in the county.
“It is a pleasure to join you here in Safford,” Hobbs opened her speech. “I’ve had such a great afternoon here meeting with city officials and community leaders and I cannot think of a better way than to end my day here with all of you.”
Chamber Executive Director Vance Bryce introduced Gov. Hobbs to each table in the room prior to the beginning of the ceremonies. During the introduction, attendees were treated to the melodic singing of local talent Kamea Nelson, whose sweet songs of “Summertime” and “Natural Woman” left the crowd slack-jawed.
After an introduction by Safford Vice Mayor Arnold Lopez, Hobbs spoke briefly on plans to assist rural communities, including a program for first-time home buyers outside Maricopa and Pima counties.
“I grew up in an Arizona where a middle-class family could afford to buy a home,” Hobbs said. “And we’re working every day to make that a reality again.”
Hobbs, a former social worker who has served in the Arizona House of Representatives, Senate, and as Secretary of State, discussed the dynamic of the state’s urban areas (Phoenix and Tucson) receiving too much consideration in government to the detriment of rural areas.
“When I became governor I promised to be a governor for all of Arizona and I’m so proud of what we’ve done so far to move our entire state forward.”
Hobbs praised the Chamber’s efforts to assist the homeless who propagate Firth Park.
“But I know that you’re tired of having to fill in the gaps yourselves, and I’m committed to making sure the state is as strong a partner to rural counties as it can be.”
To wit, the state allocated $113,000 to the Gila Valley Samaritan Home.
“And with these funds, the Samaritan Home has seen services reach an all-time high and Firth Park is now filled with families and kids.”
Gov. Hobbs also remarked on her new micro-business loan program through the Office of Economic Opportunity aimed at mom-and-pop local owners. Eligible businesses can receive a loan of up to $50,000 to support their operation.
“We’re in the early phases of this process but I’m excited that this capital will soon be available for businesses like many here in Graham County,” Gov. Hobbs said.
After her speech, Hobbs couldn’t stay for the BBQ dinner but before being whisked away by security she granted an audience to the local press for some brief questions. When pressed by the Gila Herald on what two priorities we could see her office working on in the next year, Hobbs reiterated her efforts on affordable housing and spoke about ongoing water issues and that she would be
