Rhodes development in Golden Valley

It has been windy this passed week. Fairly normal for this time of year in the spring.

If you listen close enough to the wind though, you might hear some wild rumors. For instance have you heard the one about that new fangled development in Golden Valley, the Jim Rhodes project called Pravada??

Apparently the billionaire developer has had enough with local officials, elected and otherwise, and is threatening to close the doors on that project in Golden Valley. Even after he has but a reported 200 million dollars into it already to this point.

However on the other hand, you may have heard the rumor that Mr. Rhodes is one silly little official signature away from getting the full green light to begin the project in earnest.

See an interesting Internet discussion about rumors here

There is going to be some big news next week about all of this. I was at a meeting with a fellow Member who represents Mr. Rhodes and the Pravada project. After the meeting it is very clear that it is time to man the battle stations, announce code red, and change the DEFCON number in the bad direction.

It is no secret that the Mayor and other city officials don't like the Pravada project and are playing pure politics with Rhodes. It is also no secret that one of the Mohave County supervisors is doing all he can to see that Rhodes doesn't build in the county. The problem has shown itself clearly, no one is putting any pressure on these elected officials. That should change by next week.

I have asked for a meeting with Jim Rhodes next week as the Government Affairs Committee chairman. I would love to help the effort of Rhodes to develop more opportunity for affordable housing and the many jobs that would likely be created throughout the county from a large master planned community would help bring. As much as I'd like to help, I want to know the facts from Mr. Rhodes. If he wants community support he needs to make his case.

This is such a huge issue all of a sudden with the alleged threat of his closing the doors and walking away. If he really does close up shop, the local real estate market will likely take a huge dump major-big-time.

You may want to think about bothering the Mayor of Kingman starting on Monday. His email is lbyram@cityofkingman.gov and the city phone number is 928-753-5561 (ask for old Les).

Forget the conflict between pro-growth and anti-growth folks here for a second. The city and county governments say they are broke and cannot provide needed infrastructure... but the developers can... and have said they will... on their dime... on their property they already own. The developers have jumped through each hoop these governments have put before them, and yet these governments still try to pull the carpet from underneath those that are investing millions upon millions of dollars into the area.

The government simply cannot create the kind of health and wealth for the citizens of the area that private interests can. I'm speaking directly about better paying jobs. The entire southwest region of the United States is growing and expected to continue sizable growth patterns well into the future. Mohave County has the best blank canvas in my opinion to make the most beautiful masterpiece. Our current elected leaders only have the ability to draw stick figures and will waste our opportunities if we don't take a stand.

Next week will be interesting to say the least. I hope Mr. Rhodes takes us up on the offer to meet with him and get the straight facts to end the rumors and to start pointing the fingers at the true culprits that are delaying the improvement of the lives of the great residents of Mohave County and the city of Kingman.

Yep... I'm a bit frazzled, a bit on edge, nervous, and pissed off.