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| Kazakhstan Officials Visit Prescott |
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The City of Prescott rolled out the red carpet in November for a group of
Kazakhstan officials touring selected Arizona cities to get a first-hand look at
local government services and operations.
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The Kazakhstan delegation composed of "akims" - the appointed managers of various
small and medium-sized cities in the former Soviet-block nation - as well as two
national officials, three interpreters and representatives of the Tucson-based
Arizona-Kazakhstan Partnership Foundation, filled nearly every minute of their
two-day stay studying city government and savoring Prescott hospitality.
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"It is hard to grasp how much we were able to convey to these folks in such a short
period of time, but hopefully, we were able to leave some lasting impression on
them," said Carol Johnson, Prescott utilities manager. Johnson and other public
works and environmental services staff members provided comprehensive information
about the city's water and wastewater systems and rolled out a variety of trucks
and heavy equipment for the Kazaks to inspect.
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"They immersed themselves in local government operations. It was an intense two
days of tours, presentations and many questions asked and answered. And, we made
the most of the little time we had for fellowship," said Mayor Rowle Simmons,
noting that the Kazak officials relished Prescott's charm and hospitality. "They
told me they were overwhelmed by their welcome and the friendliness of our
citizens," he said.
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The Kazak delegation studied nearly every aspect of Prescott local government, from
the city's management style, to budgeting and the specifics of providing street
maintenance and police and fire services.
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"It was amazing how similar we are, despite the language barrier. We have so many
of the same issues," said Steve Norwood, Prescott city manager.
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After long days of tours and workshops, the Kazak officials devoted their evenings
to sampling Prescott's nightlife. Among other highlights during their stay in
Prescott, they got their first taste of Mexican food, visited Prescott Gateway
mall, toured the Elks Opera House and reveled on Whiskey Row.
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For many of the 40-something and older officials, the educational visit to the
United States made possible by the Arizona-Kazakhstan Partnership Foundation was
their trip away from home. For many, it was a welcome respite from government posts
that allow little leisure time.
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"Our Kazak counterparts work very hard and are very sincere about improving local
government services in their country and doing it in a democratic way," said
Simmons. "We are so pleased to have been selected for their study tour and plan to
continue helping them with information and resources. We wish them all the best and
look forward to their next visit," he said.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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