Natalio Sabal is the final candidate seeking the position of Mayor for the City of Douglas.

“Because of my long-term committment to the citizens of this community, I have announced my candidacy as the write-in mayoral candidate for the City of Douglas.”

“For most of my life I have been a public servant, whether as a Cochise College school member for 22 years and as a juvenile probation office for the children of this city.

“With this experience I have developed an insight to be able to lead Douglas to its next level of prosperity and well-being.”

Sabal, a 35-year resident, has served as on the Cochise College Governing Board,  Secretary and Chairman; served as President of Cochise College for one year; and served on the board for almost 22 years in these various capacities.

He has been involved as the  Rotary Club President and on the executive board of Cochise County Fair Association.

He has also served the city on the City of Douglas Personnel Board,  Board of Adjustment and Planning & Zoning Board.

He managed and Supervised Capin organization and Phelps Dodge Mercantile which were multi-million dollar organizations.

Sabal has been employed for more than 20 years with the Cochise County Juvenile Probation Department working with children, parents, teachers and school administrators.

Sabal attended and Graduated with a degree from Michigan State University.

He has two children; Daughter, Mercedes,  lives in Dallas and son, Seth lives in New York City.    

Why should I vote for you? I am the only candidate with well-rounded leadership background~ I have managed multi-million dollar businesses with multi-million dollar budgets. My tenure on the Cochise College Board provided me with a broad background on administration, leadership and governing board experience. I have extensive experience dealing with youth of all ages in our community.

What is a primary goal you want accomplished during your four-year term, and how will you achieve that goal? My primary goal will be to maintain a positive economy with support in the amplification of the port of entry, which will enhance almost every aspect of Douglas’ industries.

What primary goal should the council as a whole have over the next four years? The primary goal of the council will be continued harmony and positive direction for the benefit of our community for all issues big or small.

What unique characteristic do you bring to the Council? My unique characteristic that I bring is the aforementioned ability to bring people together and lead them in a positive direction. I am bilingual and know the importance of the economical impact of Sonora. I have the best qualities to facilitate positive interaction between the two communities economically and socially.

One area facing all communities is the Economy. What are your plans for the Douglas Economy? We are a destination city. I am hopeful the new port of entry will have a ripple effect on our Douglas community and economy. I anticipate an overflow of traffic from Nogales and further south of Sonora and a direct line to Agua Pneta, leading to warehousing of goods and services. The city economic development personnel must stay active in promoting our city.

Sabal said over the years he has been deeply moved by the character and fiber of this community. “As I’ve said before, we are a community of survivors.

“We survived the Phelps Dodge close out, and we survived the devastating peso devaluation. And yet we’re still here, doing the best with what we’ve have. Despite all the setbacks, it has produced fine men and women here, many of whom I consider good friends.

“I have also been moved by the compassion of Douglas residents. When one of us is struck by tragedy, we are immediately moved by empathy. Perhaps because we’re a community of extended families that reach out to one another in times of difficulty.

We are quick to host fundraisers for whomever is in need. These core values of compassion and decency in the Douglas community not only makes me proud to be a part of it, but also compels me to want to be your next mayor.

 With your help and participation we can make this community a better city, one that invests in young people as well as the contributions our senior citizens. Together we can find solutions to a cleaner city; together we can find ways to create decent paying jobs.

Currently, Douglas is on the crest of potential growth, especially with the proposed call center that may hire 300 to 500 people and with the Douglas Port of Entry expansion project. Both have the potential to bring amazing economic prosperity for the city.

With the new City Council, the new mayor, and, of course the citizens of Douglas all working together, the potential for growth and increasing the quality of life in this city are endless.

We are a community that is quickly moved by someone’s misfortune. We rally together and we host fundraisers or we donate of our time and from our own pockets.

If we were to mobilize for the prosperity of Douglas, like we do for the less fortunate, then I know that we can make this a great city, simple because of the exceptional people living here and the character that each and every one of the possesses.

If I am elected mayor on March 11, I will firmly commit to providing leadership, communication and all my energy to serve you the citizens of Douglas.