Prescott Valley Town Council Candidate bIO's
Mayoral Candidate - Kell Palguta (incumbent)
Mayor Kell Palguta is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and proud 30-year resident of Prescott Valley. Having built his life, career, and family in the community, he brings a deep understanding of the values, challenges, and opportunities that make Prescott Valley such a special place to call home.
Before serving as Mayor, Kell spent years protecting the community as a member of the Prescott Valley Police Department, where he built a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and service. After a distinguished career, he retired honorably from PVPD, carrying that same passion into his role as Mayor and continuing to prioritize public safety.
Mayor Kell is proudly endorsed by the Prescott Valley Police Officers Association, and IAFF Local 3066 United Yavapai Firefighters, reflecting the trust he has earned from those on the front lines.
Elected Mayor in 2018, Kell is proud to be a fiscally conservative leader who treats government like a business. Through disciplined budgeting and responsible decision-making, he helped grow the Town’s savings account from $1.5 million in 2018 to over $52.4 million today, demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars while planning for the future.
As Mayor, he has focused on delivering results, strengthening public safety, supporting families, expanding parks and open space, and driving responsible economic growth.
Kell also serves on the Boys & Girls Club Executive Board and has personally raised over $150,000 for local youth. Over the past 30 years, he has volunteered with Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Yavapai Food Bank, United Way, and Prescott Valley Little League.
Kell holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s Degree from New Mexico State University, along with certifications as a Phlebotomist, Polygraph Examiner, and Paramedic.
Kell is married and the proud father of three school-aged children.
Mayoral Candidate - Lawrence Neigel
Lawrence Neigel is a seasoned public servant and law enforcement executive who brings over 35 years of distinguished service and leadership to the race for Mayor. A graduate of the FBI National Academy for law enforcement executives, Lawrence dedicated over three decades to the San Bernardino Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from patrol and investigations to serving 17 years in high-level administrative command.
Beyond public safety, Lawrence is a dedicated advocate for education and community governance. He served five consecutive terms—totaling 21 years—on the Board of Education for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. During his tenure, he was instrumental in developing a state-certified school district police department, balancing his passion for student success with a commitment to campus safety.
Since relocating to Arizona, Lawrence has remained active in service as a founding member of the Arizona Rangers Granite Mountain Company. His extensive board experience—ranging from the March of Dimes to local property associations—reflects a man deeply invested in the quality of life of his neighbors.
Lawrence is running for Mayor to usher in a new era of transparency and "quality service" for the citizens of Prescott Valley. His platform is built on fiscal conservatism and a strict "no-favors" policy; he refuses campaign contributions from developers or special interest groups to ensure his only priority is the public interest.
If elected, Lawrence will focus on:
• Accountability: Eliminating "secrecy" in town business and holding regular open townhall meetings.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Reducing bureaucracy, streamlining permit processes, and eliminating frivolous spending to save taxpayer dollars.
• Community Vitality: Improving youth recreation facilities, enhancing police-citizen communications, and aggressively pursuing retail growth to strengthen the local economy.
With a background rooted in fairness and common sense, Lawrence Neigel is ready to serve as the "People’s Mayor," ensuring a bright and prosperous future for all Prescott Valley residents.
Town Council Candidate 4y - Charles Ables
Charles Ables is an Arizona native with a lifelong commitment to the values of discipline, service, and strategic planning. A 1976 graduate of Prescott High School, Charles dedicated over two decades to the United States Marine Corps, serving 14 years on active duty and nine years in the active reserve before retiring as a Sergeant Major. This high-level leadership experience transitioned into a successful 35-year career as an Engineer Tech and Quality Assurance professional at Sturm, Ruger, & Co., Inc., where he honed a meticulous eye for technical detail and operational efficiency.
A longtime resident of the region, Charles is no stranger to the inner workings of Prescott Valley. Between 1992 and 2003, he served the community extensively as a member of the 1994 General Planning Committee, the Board of Adjustment, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. His commitment to local governance was further solidified during his two terms as a Prescott Valley Town Councilmember from 1995 to 2003, giving him a deep historical perspective on the town’s growth and needs.
Charles’s platform is rooted in three core pillars:
• Sound Government: Upholding the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions while ensuring the Council remains a body that listens to and respects every citizen.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Managing finances wisely to maintain essential services—including law enforcement, fire safety, the library, and parks—while critically auditing the long-term costs of new projects.
• Sustainable Development: Balancing economic growth with environmental concerns to ensure Prescott Valley remains vibrant for future generations.
Family is the cornerstone of Charles’s life. He has been married to his wife, Sally, for 15 years and is a proud father of five children and a grandfather of six. With a track record of proven leadership and a heart for service, Charles Ables is ready to work for the people of Prescott Valley once again.
Town Council Candidate 4y - Kendall Schumacher (incumbent)
Born in a MASH unit at Ft. Huachuca, Kendall Schumacher is an Arizona native whose roots in the "Grand Canyon State" run deep. Raised by parents of the “Greatest Generation” — including a father who was a WWII POW — Kendall inherited a legacy of patriotism and service that defines her life today.
During her years in Heber/Overgaard, Kendall successfully owned and operated five businesses while raising her two children. Her commitment to public safety was forged in the heat of the 2002 Rodeo-Chediski Fire; after experiencing the evacuation firsthand, ingress/egress became most important during times of catastrophes. Working alongside State and Federal Officials during that crisis created bonds and a collaborative spirit she still carries into her work for our Town.
A resident and professional in Prescott Valley since 2013, Kendall has always stepped into leadership naturally. Her background spans from being an "Honorary Boy Scout" and a Lifetime Girl Scout member/Troop Leader, to serving as a founding member and Treasurer of the local Rotary Chapter, where she is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. As a business owner and active member of various Chambers of Commerce, Kendall understands that smart economic development is the lifeblood of a thriving community. She is committed to protecting the town’s future growth while ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard.
Currently seeking her third term on the Town Council, Kendall serves as the Town Liaison for both the PV Historical Society and the Prescott Valley Active Adult Center. A graduate of the local Citizens’ Academy, Police Academy, and the Federal DEA Academy, she has spent her tenure immersing herself in the mechanics of what makes Prescott Valley safe and successful.
A Lifetime Member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Kendall is honored to serve the "real heroes" of her community and asks for your vote to continue moving Prescott Valley forward.
Town Council Candidate 4y - Michael Greer (incumbent)
Six years ago, I made the life-changing decision to move from California to what I truly consider "America"—choosing Prescott Valley specifically for its small-town charm and rural identity. My mission as your candidate for Town Council is simple: to ensure that while we cannot stop growth, we manage it with a level of thoughtfulness and responsibility that preserves the "beautiful piece of heaven" we all call home.
I believe that the core of a thriving community is found in its family values and civic respect. While we live in a rapidly changing world, we have the power at the local level to protect our children and ensure they are raised in an environment that reflects our traditional heritage. For the past 20 years, I have traveled to conferences across the country to study how global governmental initiatives can inadvertently erode the unique lifestyles of small towns. I am dedicated to exposing these tactics and keeping programs that indoctrinate our youth—such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL)—out of Prescott Valley and the state of Arizona.
My commitment to the citizens of Prescott Valley includes:
• Thoughtful Development: Prioritizing growth that respects our rural roots rather than overwhelming them.
• Small Town Values: Protecting the lifestyle of all citizens, from our youth to our seniors, through transparency and civic education.
• Healthy Local Economy: Attracting appropriate businesses and encouraging healthy tourism that strengthens our revenue without sacrificing our community's character.
I have spent years speaking publicly to educate our neighbors on how outside influencing groups use funding to infiltrate local governance. I am ready to move beyond education and into action. I ask for your vote to help me secure a future for Prescott Valley that remains vibrant, free, and true to the values that brought us here.
Town Council Candidate 2y - Jason Thornton
Jason Thornton is a dedicated community advocate with a lifelong passion for service and a deep-rooted connection to the local culture. Now retired after a successful career spanning the retailing, construction, and automotive industries, Jason is ready to apply his diverse professional expertise and hands-on leadership to the Prescott Valley Town Council.
For over fifty years, Jason has been a mainstay in the automotive community. Beyond his personal interest in hot rods, he has spent decades organizing car shows and securing donations to create high-quality, enjoyable experiences that bring neighbors together. This spirit of community building is further reflected in his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, where he helped provide essential housing for families in need, and his active involvement in Neighborhood Watch programs to enhance home security and crime prevention.
Jason’s vision for Prescott Valley is centered on transparency, communication, and citizen satisfaction. He believes that a prosperous community requires an open and honest Town Council that prioritizes outreach and accessibility over bureaucracy.
If elected, Jason will advocate for:
• Open Governance: Ensuring council meetings remain transparent and protecting the “call to public” so every resident has a voice. He also supports regular “town hall” forums for direct dialogue.
• Utility Accountability: Holding the water department accountable for truthful answers regarding quality and conservation while preserving our natural resources and open spaces.
• Smart Growth: Supporting economic development for small businesses and retail without the influence of property developers or special interests.
With no ties to real estate development or corporate interests, Jason Thornton offers a fresh, independent perspective focused solely on the people. He is committed to bringing a new attitude and responsible leadership to ensure Prescott Valley remains a beautiful place to live, work, and grow.
Town Council Candidate 2y - Kymberli Lopez (incumbent)
Councilmember Kymberli Lopez has been a proud resident of Prescott Valley for 31 years, having moved to the area from Lynchburg, Virginia at the age of 18. Together with her late husband, (Sgt. Richard Lopez - whose end of watch was June 28, 2022) she raised her family and built a legacy of service.
Lopez’s lifelong commitment to Prescott Valley is reflected in decades of leadership and volunteerism. As President of Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo (in Prescott AZ), she champions the Quad City's Western traditions and community spirit. She serves as an active member of Friends of Parks and Recreation and the Prescott Valley Early Birds Lions, and has been recognized for her efforts to unite and uplift neighbors.
Her passion for youth and education shines through her many roles with Bradshaw Mountain High School: Cheer Boosters President, Assistant Cheer Coach, Connection Booster Historian, and Football Booster Mom. She also served as Executive Director of the Humboldt Unified School District’s FATES Foundation and as Chairwoman of the Capital “B” Bond Steering Committee, working tirelessly to expand opportunities for students across the district.
A tireless advocate for health and wellness, Lopez (along with Logan Roberts PV Ambassador) has organized and led numerous local blood drives. In 2024, they were honored with the prestigious Vitalant Impact Award in recognition of their dedication to hosting blood drives and increasing access to lifesaving donations for area hospitals and patients. Her leadership extends to serving as a past CASA for Kids board VP and board member, past president and current member of the Prescott Valley Chamber Ambassadors, and chairing Relay for Life fundraising events. Her devotion to community service earned her the title of Prescott Valley Citizen of the Year in 2008.
Appointed to the Town Council in June 2025, Councilmember Lopez draws on her deep local roots, experience in nonprofit leadership, Business ownership, and her family’s legacy of service. Guided by a passion for unity, compassion, and opportunity, she continues to work for Prescott Valley where every family feels at home.
Councilmember Lopez is honored to serve the community she loves and to help shape a future that reflects the values she and Sgt. Lopez shared.