Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ragsdale Outlines Plans For Prescott

A political novice has tossed his hat into the arena in the mayor's race in Prescott.

Ricky Ragsdale, general manager of the Nevada County Picayune, is running against incumbent Howard Taylor.

Ragsdale said there are many reasons for his seeking the office. "I think I can do a better job," he said.

"Things are not being done here that should be, and things are being done that shouldn't be."

Running for mayor, he said, starts with the basic things that make progress what progress is. Progress, he said, is moving forward and is not limited to new businesses and industries.

Electric rates people can't afford, he said, and to tax people for two years for a closed hospital is not progress.

"The mayor is limited to the vote of the council," Ragsdale said. "I would like to see a reduction in the local utility rates as was promised but not done."

Improving the city park is another of Ragsdale's goals, as is finishing the James Johnson Sports Complex behind Prescott High School. He would also, if elected, work to build a public pool everyone in the area could use without a membership being required.

"These are things that would make Prescott a better place to live for those here and more attractive to those who may consider moving here," he said.

Another issue he would work to correct is the development and passage of an animal control ordinance. The U.S. Post Office has mailed letters to city residents saying if nothing is done about the 20 to 25 dogs causing problems, changes will be made.

These changes will be forced curb service instead of door delivery. "This is fine for young people," Ragsdale said, "but what about the elderly. They are endangered. If the Post Office is having a problem with dogs, how can the people living next door (to those with the dogs) survive."

The ordinance, he said, wouldn't be a leash law per se, but actual control of the animal.

"It's not attractive to have dogs roaming in packs, coupling on the street and getting in trash," Ragsdale said.

When discussing his qualifications, Ragsdale said as general manager of the Picayune, he has worked to expand the company. "I've worked with local retailers and have a desire to do things right. I know I will make mistakes, we all do.

"I use the conservative approach in business and it's grown. People can examine it to see how its run. I will carry this over to city management. There is no need to raise rates to increase city services."

Talking about issues, Ragsdale said there is no single important issue, but a series of issues people are interested in. "I have been listening and been called," he said. "People talk about the utility rates, animal control, the parks, police and sales tax. All of these play major roles.

Ragsdale graduated from Prescott High School in 1983. He and his wife, Teresa, who teaches at PHS, have one son, RC, a third grader at Prescott Elementary.

The family lives on third street and attend the East Side Church of Christ.

Ragsdale plays golf and is involved in several local activities, including working with the Prescott Community Freenet Association, helping get it started and the Internet available in Prescott. He also is involved with the Prescott Baseball Association, where he coaches a team sponsored by Dr. Charles Vermont.

"When I hear people talk about progress," he said, "I want them to make sure they know the type (of progress).

"If we examine the way we live here, not all are involved in progress. It's not collecting tax for a defunct hospital and not knowing when to stop collecting. It's not having higher utility rates and lobbying government so competition can be avoided.

"True progress," he continued, "is moving forward in a positive way. If elected, I will do what it takes to move this way. I will need the council's help. I will work to expand local industry and do what it takes to keep Potlatch and Firestone happy and here and be sure Prescott is a great place to attract new industries."