Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Elected Officials in Yavapai County – Jana Valenzano

Photo: Chris Kukyno being sworn in

The Board of Supervisors Hearing Room bustled with a capacity crowd on Monday, December 16th, 2024. The newly elected Yavapai County Supervisors (Brooks Compton, Chris Kuknyo, and Nikki Check) were there, as well as the re-elected officials.

In District 1, Brooks Compton won in a four way race, against former Mayor Greg Mengarelli, Deb Pernice, and David McNabb. In District 4, Chris Kuknyo beat incumbent Supervisor Craig Brown. Nikki Check won against the incumbent Donna Michaels for District 3.

Photo: Brooks Compton taking his oath of office with his son Victor

All officials took their oaths of office, surrounded by supportive family members and friends. The officials are:

• Brooks Compton, Board of Supervisors – District 1
• James Gregory, Board of Supervisors – District 2
• Nikki Check, Board of Supervisors – District 3
• Chris Kuknyo, Board of Supervisors – District 4
• Mary Mallory, Board of Supervisors – District 5
• Bill Risen, Constable – Bagdad/Yarnell
• Judd Simmons, County Assessor
• Dennis McGrane, County Attorney
• Michelle Burchill, County Recorder
• David Rhodes, County Sherriff
• Steve King, County Superintendent
• Chip Davis, County Treasurer
• Krista M. Carman, Superior Court Judge – Division 4
• Henry Whitmer, Superior Court Judge – Division 5
• Michael R. Bluff, Superior Court Judge – Division 7
• Debra R. Phelan, Superior Court Judge – Division 8

Photo: Nikki Check taking the oath of office with her son Ryan

Nikki Check, representing District 3 was accompanied by her young son Ryan. When asked about her upcoming projects, she enthusiastically shared two key initiatives. First, she is embarking on a comprehensive 5-year Master Transportation Study, emphasizing her desire to make the process highly engaging and collaborative.

Additionally, she is focusing on the Zoning Ordinance update for Yavapai County  over the next three years. Check noted the significance of this update, pointing out that the last comprehensive overhaul occurred in 1968 – meaning there is considerable ground to cover and modernize. Her commitment to making this update meaningful underscores the importance of bringing the county’s zoning regulations into the 21st century.

Chris Kuknyo, representing District 4 on the Board of Supervisors, was also sworn in during the ceremony.

In discussing his plans for the upcoming two years, Mr. Kuknyo made an unusual commitment, promising to follow through on his campaign pledges. He emphasized a strategic approach to growth, planning to slightly slow down expansion to focus on critical infrastructure improvements.

Kuknyo highlighted significant gaps in key areas such as road maintenance and public safety. His primary goal is to enhance public engagement by increasing accessibility and transparency, particularly during public meetings and decision-making processes.

Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Kuknyo stated that he is eager to begin work and tackle the numerous challenges facing the community right from the start. His approach seems to prioritize catching up on essential infrastructure development while maintaining a transparent and responsive governance style.