Derek Egeberg’s campaign for election
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – As the July 21 primary election approaches, Yuma City Council write-in candidate Derek Egeberg is asking voters for their support while outlining what he says are his top priorities for the city.
Egeberg said his campaign faced an early challenge after falling just short of the number of signatures needed to appear on the ballot.
“I need everybody’s vote to write me in because I am a write in candidate,” Egeberg said. “I was only 47 signatures short to get on the ballot and I need everybody’s help to spread the message. Write in Derek Egeberg. Vote for me for Yuma City Council July 21.”
A lifelong Yuma resident, Egeberg said his connection to the community is what motivated him to seek public office.
“I am very passionate for this City of Yuma,” he said. “I’ve grown up here since 1981. I went to high school here, raised my family here and built my career here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Egeberg said he decided to run after realizing he wanted to be part of the solution to issues facing the city.
“Probably about a year ago I’ve thought about politics before, but about a year ago I said, ‘Man, I wish someone would get in and fix this stuff,’ and it dawned on me that I’m wishing for somebody else to fix the problems when I should step up and do it myself,” he said.
If elected, Egeberg said he would focus on managing the city’s resources while planning for future growth. He identified energy, water and responsible development as key priorities.
He also said he wants to expand manufacturing opportunities in Yuma and encourage more people to pursue hands on careers through education and workforce training.
“Those are the three main things that I would love to talk about is education, manufacturing and really managing the resources we have right here in the City of Yuma,” Egeberg said.
Egeberg said he believes city leaders should make tactical and logical decisions based on what is best for the community rather than relying on emotion.
The Arizona primary election is scheduled for July 21, and early voting is now underway.