Thomas McGuire wants to maintain Cave Creek’s character by making the town a “Western renaissance community.”

“Perhaps that’s the greatest challenge facing us,” he said of Cave Creek’s booming expansion. “We cannot stop growth, but we can plan and manage it.”

He cites maintaining, supporting a wide variety of housing options, connected equestrian trails, and  open space.

“Traditions such as the Christmas Pageant, the Luminaria Run, Wild West Days, Hidden in the Hills, and our film festival will help to define Cave Creek as a western renaissance community.”

On the issues:

Biggest issues facing Cave Creek: “Our most important issues concern growth. Due to property rights and increasing land values, stopping growth is not an option. However, we manage growth in several ways. We must be sure that development/ impact fees cover the costs associated with growth. We can manage growth through smart zoning. That means establishing the zoning the community needs and then holding to smart zoning. The purchase of Cave Creek Water Company and building new waste water treatment facilities will service a growing population. Annexation will buffer our community from the nearest dense development. But it will also allow us to preserve about four square miles of our beloved desert.”

Why seeking another term: “It has been a pleasure to serve Cave Creek and I have truly enjoyed working with fellow council members and with staff. I have also enjoyed my communications with all citizens and I hope that I can continue to serve them with skill and honesty.”

Day labor: “It is a problem, but partially because we fight it rather than making the best of it. The major control rests with our national government that has let our immigration laws become at odds with the demands of our economy. At the local level we benefit from the availability of labor but illegal immigrants also put a strain on our law enforcement.

Our greatest asset is our excellent law enforcement personnel and their sensible approach to dealing with the illegal immigrants.”

Commercial core: “In general, I am pleased with the way our town core is developing. Most of the new buildings and businesses enhance us. I do not favor strict architectural regulations. But I am impressed with our planning staff in their ability to work with developers in shaping the visual aspects of the town core. Through time the economic engine that keeps our town government going will shift from the town core to the Carefree Highway corridor But while the economic engine will change, I think that the town core will always be the real heart and identity of our community.”

Annexation: “I strongly favor annexation ¼ I also hope that our citizens appreciate the skill and commitment of our town manager and staff in negotiating with the State Land Department and reacting to the concerns of citizens in the southwestern parts of town.”

Acquisition of Cave Creek Water Company: “I support our acquisition of the Cave Creek Water Company. While acquisition of the Desert hills Water Company in itself was questionable, as a part of our strategy to obtain the Cave Creek Water Company this was both essential and well executed. Our aquifer is limited. The Phoenix valley has a very deep aquifer. But the Carefree‑Cave Creek aquifer is far more limited. Maintaining that aquifer is a very important part of planning for the future. Arizona laws now allow property owners to drill so called ‘exempt wells’ on their properties. That right has served us well. But managing the aquifer may require us to monitor pumping and consider options such as recharge and limiting the growing use of groundwater. A more comprehensive study of our groundwater resources and needs will be an important objective in the next few years.”

Council pay: He supports  maintaining the $300‑per‑month stipend for town council members.

Lowe’s: “If it were up to me, I’d make that a residential area. But it’s not within the corporate limits of Cave Creek. Lowe’s will bring more traffic and a commercial atmosphere to that area. But we need to work with Carefree to minimize the negative impacts. Both communities will benefit from making this facility attractive and successful.”

Biggest issues facing Cave Creek: “Preserve and protect our rural life style, open space, horse and ranch operation, trails and parks. Also to preserve Cave Creek as a small town with a

citizenry willing to work together and who demonstrate pride in their town (the Code of the West).  I understand that growth is inevitable, however controlling growth in a manner that preserves our unique Cave Creek lifestyle is the obligation of all of us, but particularly of an elected official.”

Why seeking another term: “A two‑year term is simply not enough time to accomplish the goals and objectives as stated above. We have made significant progress, however, much still needs to be done. I want to help Cave Creek reach its goals.”

Day labor: “Some say the ‘day laborer’ problem is a federal and state responsibility.  However, we have been hearing that for years with little if any solution to the problem. It is my opinion that additional efforts need to be made on a local level to address this problem. I think Sheriff Joe is finally arresting them now. There was a period of time when I was sympathetic, empathetic to the plight of these folks, but 30 or 40 of them standing on the streets becomes a real problem.”

Commercial core: “Presently, the commercial core is the town’s major economic engine providing much of the needed capitol to run the town. We must take care to preserve this atmosphere. Our ordinances are a continuing work in progress. They should be designed to respect the rights of all who live and work here, yet provide an atmosphere conducive to the success of our merchants and business owners while respecting the rights of residents.”

Annexation: “Annexing 11 square miles to the west of town and preserving most of that as open space will help preserve the lifestyle we all enjoy in Cave Creek. Rezoning an area of Carefree Highway, currently within the boundaries of the town, to accomplish the annexation, will also provide an area for economic and commercial growth. This commercial growth will assist in providing the town with the funds necessary to maintain the needed public services for current and future residents of Cave Creek.”

Acquisition of Cave Creek Water Company: “This action is  tremendously important so we, as a town, can control our water future rather than being at the mercy of a ‘for‑profit’ company.  Since 1884, when the Esser family moved to Arizona, water was, is and will continue to be the most necessary ingredient to life and development. Without adequate water and good conservation methods, Arizona would still be back in the 1930s and ‘40s in terms of growth and population.”

Council pay: Esser does support the $300 monthly stipend for council members.

Lowe’s: “The Lowe’s store is planned on property in the town of Carefree. Carefree, however, did not notify us or invite us to participate in any of their development or planning sessions even though Lowe’s construction will impact Cave Creek residents as much or more than Carefree residents. The southeast corner, belonging to Cave Creek, will be developed with or without the coming of the Lowe’s store. Currently that southeast parcel is zoned commercial.”