INTERVIEW WITH DEBBIE MORALES

DEBBIE MORALES

Envisioning the future of Sahuarita: A clean, enjoyable and safe place to live and learn

Debbie Morales has been on the Sahuarita Town Council since 2020 and says there still is work to be done for The Town of Sahuarita and the community as it continues to grow and prosper.

Q: What do you see as the major opportunities for the Town of Sahuarita in the future?

DM: "As we continue to grow and more commercial opportunities land in Sahuarita it pleases me that the workforce will be closer to home for some local residents."

Q: What has been your Favorite moment as a council member?

DM: "My favorite moments as a council member is when the constituents trust me, trust my opinion and have faith to reach out to me whether good or bad.:

Q: How long have you lived in Sahuarita?

DM: “I moved to Sahuarita in March of 2003 from Tucson,” she said.

Morales moved to Sahuarita from Tucson in 2003. Initially, Debbie worked as a 911 operator/dispatcher for the City of South Tucson Police, Fire and Meds, which also included the Town of Sahuarita Police Department. A year later, she began a career with the Town of Sahuarita in the Building Safety Department, working as a permit clerk.

Over the years, she has immersed herself in the community, and has been involved in multiple events and organizations; including spearheading the Walden Grove Grad Night for 7 years, the Food Truck Round Ups, involvement with her church, in Youth Group, Shopping Angel, El Rio Health and in various other Town events. In 2018, she was highlighted as one of “I-19 Most Influential People” by the Green Valley News and has received the Manager’s Choice Award for the Town of Sahuarita.

Q: How long have you been on Council?

DM: “I was sworn into the Council as an appointed position in August 2020 due to a previous Council member resigning and sworn in again in Nov 2020 as an elected position.”

Morales’ dedication and love for Sahuarita drove her to run for the Sahuarita Town Council. In discussing her priorities, Morales shared, “My top priority is to have open communication with everyone, not make any promises but work hard to accomplish whatever challenges are being met.”

Q: What have you enjoyed most about being a council member?

DM: “I have really enjoyed the learning process of serving on a council, being visible in the community I serve, participating and volunteering in community events. I was elected during Covid so it was important to be visible and resourceful to the constituent’s wants and needs. I also have enjoyed that I have the unique prospective of having also been an employee of the Town, therefore I have a better understanding of the Towns operations and the needs of its employees.”

Q: If reelected, what do you hope to accomplish this term?

DM: “As Sahuarita continues to grow I think it is important to keep Sahuarita a clean, enjoyable and safe place to live and learn.”

Morales recognizes the importance of smart and strategic growth within the Town. In her previous role at the Town in the Building Safety Department, Morales worked closely with local business owners, homebuilders, and developers to help move the Town forward.

Debbie said of running for Town Council, “I would hope to accomplish bringing this community together as one community, united to tackle common goals” She continued: “I am now retired and would love nothing more than to further serve my family, friends, neighbors, former co-workers, businesses and all residents of the Town of Sahuarita.