Retiring PV mayor feted in high style; Civic Center Circle to be renamed Skoog Boulevard

Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog’s poster-size photo is mounted on sticks. His granddaughter, Riina Skoog, holds one up as the party at the Prescott Valley Event Center Sunday night gets started. (Nanci Hutson/Courtesy)

Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog’s poster-size photo is mounted on sticks. His granddaughter, Riina Skoog, holds one up as the party at the Prescott Valley Event Center Sunday night gets started. (Nanci Hutson/Courtesy)

Everybody loves Mayor Harvey – and Harvey loves everybody, even curmudgeons and folks that once were fond of dirt roads.

In a spectacle worthy of a man hailed as one of Arizona’s finest community statesmen, the retiring Prescott Valley Mayor Harvey Skoog was feted Sunday night by just under 500 at the Prescott Valley Event Center. Skoog and his wife of 59 years, Edna, surrounded by many of their nine children, 61 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren and supporters of all ages, political backgrounds, business affiliation and neighborhood locales were commended by all for giving their all to build a community where they want to live, work and play.

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Prescott Valley Vice Mayor Lora Lee Nye holds up the new Skoog Boulevard street sign as Skoog and his wife, Edna, look on (far right). Former Prescott Valley Mayor Carmelite Staker, in the background, looks on. (Nanci Hutson/Courtesy)

The one-time accountant who came to Arizona by way of Minnesota was hailed for his 26 years of devoted, and selfless, commitment to growing a tiny town of a few thousand into the fastest growing family community in Yavapai County. In 1984, two years after Skoog moved with his family to the not-yet-flourishing community of Prescott Valley, Skoog was appointed to the Town Council where he then served for one year; he was then elected in 1987 and continued in that role until 1993 when he was first elected mayor. He served in that role until 1998 and then was elected again in 2004 and for all the terms through this year.

Skoog will retire in January; his successor is Mayor-Elect Kell Palguta.

In his travels, Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar, R-4th District, said he is always seeking to discover the “magic sauce” behind what breeds success, be it at a business or in a community. In Prescott Valley, Gosar said he found the “magic sauce” its name is Harvey Skoog.

To all those who applauded his tenure with multiple standing ovations, Skoog is a beloved and humble elected leader known for his gentlemanly demeanor, wise counsel, compassionate nature and conservative financial acumen. Those attributes are all credited with enabling the town to prosper despite inevitable economic ebbs and flows.

The superlatives about Skoog throughout the two-and-a-half hour evening were too many to count. Most attenders used words like “integrity,” “loyalty,” “kindness,” “persistence” and “gratitude” to describe how Skoog goes about his daily business. He is never shy about sharing credit, or offering an intentional “thank you” to a volunteer, a staff member or council colleague, they said.

“He never has a bad word to say about anyone,” said Ginger Johnson, a 25-year Prescott Valley resident who is executive director of the Greater Prescott Regional Economic Partnership.

Prescott Mayor Pro Tem Billie Orr said she loves that Skoog is a believer in regional partnerships, recognizing that prosperity does not stop at the border between their communities.

“I will miss his hugs,” said Orr, repeating a similar sentiment from men and women alike who appreciate his genuine affection for those he encounters in his on and off-duty life. “He’s a great man.”

Guest musician Brad Newman, the executive director for Yavapai Exceptional Industries (YEI), opened his stint with an undisputed query greeted with cheers.

“Is that some kind of good guy, or what?” Newman shouted.

Then he strummed his fingers across his guitar as he serenaded the mayor with a tune all about him the lyrics a testament to the affection he has earned from so many.

“You were the answer to our young town’s prayer, thanks Harvey for staying our mayor,” Newman voiced.

Longtime Prescott Valley Town Manager Larry Tarkowski was clear Skoog’s forward-thinking, solid leadership has proved the “foundation” of a promising future. Prescott Valley is now poised as the only town in Yavapai County that is “growing younger.”

“What a ride it has been,” Tarkowski said before highlighting a litany of accomplishments that Skoog played a role in either as a council member or in his tenure as mayor.

At the close of the night, Vice Mayor Lora Lee Nye called what she said was an “impromptu” council meeting. The intent: to share with the audience a decision they all agree is fitting to honor a man who has left such a brilliant legacy for others to follow and build upon for coming generations.

Town Hall now resides on Civic Center Circle off Glassford Hill Road. Soon it will be located on a renamed Skoog Boulevard – Skoog unveiled the street sign boasting the honor.

“This town has been his baby,” declared Skoog’s youngest daughter Nancy Johnson. “His dream has been fulfilled … Dad loves everyone.”

After a rousing “Happy Birthday” followed by a puff of confetti, Skoog accepted the microphone.

“How could a guy ask for more?” Skoog declared with a subdued nod and a smile. “This is much more than I expected. I’m way beyond surprised. What a blessing!”

Then he did what he always does. Offer thanks to those around him.

“It’s people like you who make this community great.”

Follow Nanci Hutson on Twitter @HutsonNanci. Reach her at 928-445-3333 ext. 2041.


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