Bill Wendt is one of three candidates seeking the vacated Ward 1 seat.

He was born in Douglas in 1950 and went to public school here until 1965, when Wendt  left for military school. Following military service and employment in law enforcement and automotive technician, he returned to Douglas with his wife in 1990.

His parents settled in Douglas after World War II, in which Wendt’s  father, Jerry, served as a B-26 pilot and  mother, Marion, served as a flight nurse. They owned and operated the Palm Grove, a local supper club. His  father is now deceased and his  mother currently owns Wendy’s Hallmark.

Wife, Debra, is employed by a state agency as a trainer for the agency’s personnel. The couple has  an adult daughter, Kim and two grandchildren who live in Sierra Vista with their son-in-law, Nolan.

After attending Douglas schools, Wendt graduated  from the Army and Navy Academy, Carlsbad, California

He received a degree of Associate in Science, Administration of Justice, Grossmont College, El Cajon, California

He currently is involved with the Douglas Rifle & Pistol Club, Douglas, 20 year member; Douglas ARC, Douglas, 16 year member; NRA, Life Member; American Legion, Douglas, 16 year member; BPOE # 955, Douglas, 16 year member; Certified National Range Officer; Arizona Citizens Defense League, member; and Second Annual Douglas Leadership Academy, participant

He has served on the United States Border Patrol Advisory Committee, Past Chairman; United States Border Patrol, Tucson Sector-Citizens’ Academy, Graduate; Douglas Rifle & Pistol Club, multiple terms for Secretary, Vice President and President; Douglas Chamber of Commerce, Past President; and Cochise Private Industry Council, Past Member of Board of Directors

He is the manager of Wendy’s Hallmark store in Douglas  and  part owner of Allsafe Security in Douglas.   

He  served  in the United States Army from 1971 to 1973, 1st Infantry Division and included posting with fifth Army Marksmanship training unit with Special Assignments, and served with the Imperial Beach (CA) Police Department from 1978 to 1984 including assignment as departmental firearms instructor.

He previously was a candidate, City Council Ward 2, 2002

Why should I vote for you? I am a Veteran, a Douglas native having lived in our ward for 18 years and have successful business experience.  Dealing with the public on a daily basis keeps me abreast of the concerns of Douglas residents. I am acutely aware of the needs of Douglas, both as a city and for its citizens. As an owner or manager of two businesses in Douglas I place a high priority on budgetary discipline. I will be available to and work for the voters of my ward and for all Douglas residents.

What is a primary goal you want accomplished during your four-year term, and how will you achieve that goal? It is important to give the citizens of Douglas the opportunity to be informed and provide input regarding the future of Douglas.  To assist with the process, I would change the meeting time to 7:00 pm and remove the study sessions of the City Council meetings to maximize public participation.  Many of the city’s financial and other policy changes are made with little awareness by the public. The current timing of meetings and study sessions prevents most working and business people from attending.  Additionally, many elderly residents must rely on working relatives for transportation to get to meetings.

I hope to achieve this goal by demonstrating to the Mayor and other Council Members the need for this change.  I will, if necessary, call to the public to request this change.

Additionally, we would explore other avenues to inform the public.

What primary goal should the council as a whole have over the next four years? Our primary goal, in view of the worsening economy, should be to closely monitor our budget and expenses to ensure that we remain financially sound. We should explore any and all grant monies that may be utilized.

It is important to work with other councils as well as The League of Arizona’s Cities and Towns to explore best practices and determine if and where changes are necessary so our city can thrive.

What unique characteristic do you bring to the Council? My experience as a successful business owner will benefit the City of Douglas and the Council.  I have been in business in Douglas for 20 years, during which we have seen a worsening economy, including the devaluation of the Peso.  During this time our Hallmark store has been able to withstand the worsening economy and I have partnered to open an additional business. I have been successful in that endeavor as well.

One area facing all communities is the Economy. What are your plans for the Douglas Economy? I as a City Councilman would advocate that the Mayor and City Council and all necessary city staff review and streamline the required process for new businesses in Douglas so that the city of Douglas is welcoming for new businesses.  I would propose that we conduct a survey of recent new business applicants to evaluate our process and then make adjustments as necessary.