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Golfers support golf pro

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:12 AM MST

Golfers packed the Safford City Council's meeting room Monday night, held picket signs and showed their solidarity and support for golf pro Burt Watkins.

The number of supporters, many of whom hold significant positions in the Valley or are winter visitors, was unprecedented for an agenda item at a Safford City Council meeting. Some of those who spoke included Tom Johnson, owner of Johnson Motors, and former Councilors Marge Schade and Fred Barquin.

Speaking on behalf of the Mt. Graham Men's Golf Association, Sandy Davis said the golfers attended to show the council the support they believe the city should have shown Watkins when it sent him notification regarding the expiration of his contract.

Members of local golf associations urge the Safford City Council to keep Burt Watkins as golf pro at the Mt. Graham Golf Course. Photo by Jon Johnson

Instead of negotiating with Watkins on a contract extension or amending his contract for an additional length of time, the city sent out 19 letters of interest to corporations and golf management companies to see if anyone else would be interested in doing his job.

A letter was also sent to Watkins from City Manager David Kincaid that informed him of the expiration of his contract and stated the city would be seeking proposals from other interested parties to provide those services.

According to Davis, the letter also stated, "You are more than welcome to submit if you have continued interest in providing the services."

So after 28 years of operating the golf course and its concessions, the city basically told Watkins they were looking at other options, but he could apply for the job if he wished, according to Davis.

"We're talking about a gentleman who has been providing services here for 28 years, and he's been doing one heck of a job," Davis said. "You wouldn't have the support you have in this room tonight if people – if the citizens – didn't believe that he was doing what he was supposed to be doing."

Out of all of the letters sent out, the city received responses from three individuals or groups, Watkins, Michael Wright of Gilbert and Meadow-brook Golf based in Florida.

Davis asked that if the city insisted on continuing the interview process with the three groups, it change its use of the Southwest Section PGA golfers to review the proposals and make recommendations.

Davis made the request to level the playing field since Wright is the president of the Southwest Section PGA. He also asked that the men's and women's golf associations be involved in the process.

Kincaid said the SWSPGA will review the submittals and give their opinion of each candidate based on the proposals. Due to the association's concerns, the information will also be given to the American Golf Association, which will provide the same service, according to Kincaid.

Information will also be sent to PGA National, which will offer ideas for questions during the interview process but will not review the proposals. Kincaid said he is also open to the golf associations offering questions they would like answered by the candidates. Kincaid and a select group of city staff, however, will handle the interview.

Once the interviews are done, Kincaid will bring back a recommendation to the City Council for approval.

He told the Courier on Monday he expects the process to take about 60 to 90 days.

Watkins' contract expires Nov. 30, however, and some members of the council voiced their concerns over the running of the course through the holiday and winter season. Vice Mayor Jason Kouts suggested Kincaid amend Watkins' contract to add three or four months.

While the city has maintained it was necessary by law to send out the request for qualifications because Watkins has an closed-ended contract, it apparently can amend his contract if it chooses to do so.

Fred Barquin said he has 30 years of experience administrating contracts and that the council could have amended Watkins' contract from closed to open-ended. If they had done that, the city never would have had to send out any RFQs.

"In the years that I served on (the) City Council, we did that," he said. "In fact you all did that tonight. You did that by giving him (Kincaid) instruction (and) direction to amend the existing contract, in all fairness, to move on and give him more time."

The council did not make a motion to extend Watkins' contract through the holiday season because it was not on its agenda, but gave Kincaid direction to bring it back for council approval at its next meeting.

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Comments

25 comment(s)

Safford Resident wrote on Nov 26, 2009 3:11 AM:

" Does the City of Thatcher help offset the deficit for the golf course? Do Thatcher residents pay a higher annual or daily fee to play the golf course? Hmmmm! "

goodluck wrote on Nov 23, 2009 5:55 AM:

" I would like to wish Burt the best of luck tonite at the council meeting. You have given many of us a lot of wonderful memories and great times during your years as our pro and our friend. I truly hope that the board will realize that you are an asset to this community and so many of us support you and would like you to remain as our pro. Good luck Burt and remember you have ALOT of local residents, winter visitors, family & friends behind you!!! "

reminder wrote on Nov 21, 2009 8:16 AM:

" Please continue supporting Mr. Watkins by attendinjg the council meeting on Monday Nov.23 at 7pm @ Safford Library on 8th & 8th. Even thou a couple of weeks have gone by does not mean that we had forgotten about the importance of KEEPING BURT as our golf pro. There is ALOT of people who want him to stay and STILL feels that he DOES deserve to keep his job with the City. Please come and show your support and help us win the battle. KEEP BURT, KEEP BURT, KEEP BURT, KEEP BURT, KEEP BURT!!!!! SUPPORT OUR PRO!!! "

wow exs support even wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:27 AM:

" When I read the comments from apparently Burts ex-wife, I was wow'd! Impressive to say the least, most ex's in general could care less about what happens after the DIVORCE. But guess not in this case, Burt must not be as SOME have described. The lady, Nelda probably knows Burt the best and according to her blog, she feels strongly against the city replacing him. As far as her business partnership with him goes, and the years of experience they shared, I get the impression that maybe she's right, replacing Burt might not be such a good idea afterall. "

nelda continued wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:17 AM:

" In addition, I would like to say that in the golf business when financial problems start to arise and staying in the RED lasts longer than your 18 holes that day. This is the time to re-evaluate your books and expenses, then cut back on areas that are too costly to continue paying for, anyone knows that. So, considering Burt is not responsible for those "BOOKS', why doesn't the city replace the individual who is? Or is this not possible because of the "slush-bucket" method and lack of proper handlings? 13yrs owning a course....not once in red...let Burt help you!! "

nelda wrote on Nov 19, 2009 7:56 AM:

" I was married for over 20yrs to this man and have 4 wonderful children with him too. Burt is a good father, hardworker, talented and dedicated person. Speaking from yrs of experience I can honestly tell you that it would be a huge loss to the golf course and to the community to replace Burt. Not only does he have high qualifications, experience, and knowledge of operating, maintaining, and overseeing golf courses as a whole, he is honest and trustworthy. My suggestion to the City would be, if you want to lower your deficit, turn it ALL over to Burt. "

johnb wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:03 PM:

" Let's hear from Burt. How does he feel? "

Lunchmate wrote on Nov 15, 2009 11:21 PM:

" U actually can identify every Safford resident...oh my you must kidding. With that talent you would think you could find a phone number of a Phx golf course. During your search of daily rates and yearly memberships, please do us a favor and find out what the rates are at "U-haul" , so Mr. Clonts and I can get back to lunch. "

cord wrote on Nov 15, 2009 11:03 PM:

" Fred, Sandy and Frank are ALL paying members of the Mt. Graham G.C. who spend thier hard earned money, volunteer thier time for Safford and Thatcher golf tournaments and pay thier memberships yearly. I don't think that they think about "thier address" when doing these things. I would tend to believe that the reason would lean more towards the fact of "they care". Honestly, if they thought the way you do, hope your not in Thatcher when your car breaks down....Im a Safford mechanic and I would without a doubt...rescue Fred, Sandy and Frank waaaaaay before you!!!! "

cord wrote on Nov 15, 2009 10:36 PM:

" Questions 4 u? Is the golf course in Daley Estates? Are all paying members only residents from Safford? Where does the Current City of Safford Golf Pro live by request of the City? Do the residents of Safford only spend thier money in Safford? No one shops in Thatcher if they live in Safford? So, I can't voice my opinion about business' in Thatcher if my address is in Safford?Should we just put up a stupid fence? What's wrong with you, don't you remember "Be kind to thy neighbor"? Guess a "cup of sugar" is out of the question......... "

fyi wrote on Nov 15, 2009 10:12 PM:

" for your info, is it burt that oversees mantaince of the course---no. that is where the expense isn't it. also, can you honestly say that if your address is in safford but you shop in thatcher and that business was being treated unfairly and you were against it. would you say "oh my god, i cant say or do anything to help because my address reads safford. believe it or not there are alot of thatcher residents that spend thier money at the golf course, i think they have a right to speak thier opinions too. THACHER RESIDENT WHO GOLFS! "

golf team mom wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:36 AM:

" During my son's HS yrs. as a golf team member, I can look back and see how much he enjoyed the sport. There were days that when eating dinner, he spoke highly of you. Although, I don't know you Burt I do know of things you did for my son and his fellow golfmates. I wanted to thank you for what you did for him and know that you DID make a difference in his life. I wish I would have taken the time to know and thank you back then, but better late than never right? THANK YOU BURT!!! "

Twaite wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:28 AM:

" I played on THS golf team years ago but can still remember all the advice and support that you gave to our team. Burt, you made it fun and exciting to play golf. I used to talk to you alot in the proshop about my game and you took the time (even being a kid) to explain or offer suggestions to me to correct my swing. I still play golf today and now take that advice you once gave to me, I share with my own children. Golf is a part of my life because of you, thank you Burt. "

I support Burt too wrote on Nov 15, 2009 7:19 AM:

" Thank you Burt for all the things you have done for all the golf teams in the valley. As a past member, I am grateful and glad to have an the oppurtunity. You help me out in ways that you don't even know about. Coming from a low-income family, it was sometimes hard for my parents to have extra money for lunch, sodas and golf supplies, but with your donations with those things it allowed me to have a chance to play golf on the team. So, thank you caring about me as I'm sure you did for many. "

Do supporters of Burt live in Safford wrote on Nov 14, 2009 10:10 PM:

" Fred Corona , who speaks for Burt does he live in Safford? Also Who is Sandy Davis, I can not find anyone by that name on the phone book . And Fred Barquin according to the phone book lives on Legacy Drive in Thatcher.
Enough said. "

new to the valley wrote on Nov 14, 2009 10:00 PM:

" I have to agree with give others a chance. He is not a pleasant person to deal with, I notice that every time I have had interactions when I go to play a round.

Besides last I checked the City flips the bill for $400,000 of the operating cost of the course. If in 28 years the business you are in charge of can't break even it's time for a change. "

Question wrote on Nov 14, 2009 9:57 PM:

" The signs abpve all look like the same p[erson made them. True? Who made them?
I don't recognize a single person in the picture, so my question is do they all live in Safford city limits and pay Safford City taxes?
My guess would be that some live in Daley Estates, Quail Ridge or else where in the valley
Lats time I was at the golf course for lunch I saw Mr. Clonts and his Greenlee county friends.
What is the cost of membership to the golf courses in the Phoenix area? "

Mike wrote on Nov 14, 2009 9:16 AM:

" I, ve known Burt Watkins for a long time.Also I am a part time golfer. I love to go to the golf course, especially with family& friends. I believe it would be a huge mistake for the City of Safford not to resign Mr. Burt Watkin to an opened end contract for his continual service to our community. Sincerly, Mike Dominguez "

ARE YOU KIDDING.... wrote on Nov 13, 2009 11:50 PM:

" "Give others a chance"...Why in the world would you want a Big company to come in and change things??? You want higher prices, less personal involvment, and not to mention SOMEONE WITH NO HISTORY here. Burt is NOT running customers away at all. In fact, over the past few years it has been the best as far as new players, more wedding and more pleased customers overall. Try coming out again, you will see differently. Burt is a HUGE part of why the Mt. Graham C.G. is what it is today. CHANGE IS NOT GOOD IN THIS CASE!!!! KEEP BURT "

Golfing For Money wrote on Nov 13, 2009 9:03 AM:

" I'm not a golfer and not involved in this controversy. I wouldn't know Mr. Watkins if I passed him on the street. However, I am a taxpayer of the city and as such I am a little concerned.

In this era of tight budgets, job layoffs and reduced services, how much does the City of Safford subsidize the golf course? Also, since this facility is used by citizens of all the valley communities, do they contribute in this subsidization or is Safford compelled to go it alone? "

A Friend wrote on Nov 13, 2009 7:22 AM:

" Thanks Burt!! "

wilson wrote on Nov 13, 2009 7:11 AM:

" Thanks Burt for all the great years. We hope to have you around for more to come. Good Luck my friend, we will be here for you ALL THE WAY!!! "

give others a chance wrote on Nov 12, 2009 5:07 PM:

" I think that the years of service Burt has done are great, but it seems that it has come to a point that he doesn't act like he wants to be there. I have heard many people tell stories of how negative his attitude is towards them and how very unaccommodating he is to them and unfortunately you cannot do business that way. You cannot blame the city for not wanting someone who drives away the customers in the kind of position that Burt has, plus how can you ever grow as a city if you always stay "

G. Martin wrote on Nov 12, 2009 8:04 AM:

" We support you Burt. Thanks for all you've done over the years. "

wondering wrote on Nov 12, 2009 2:04 AM:

" Just wondering if now that the city council members had an eye opening during this past council meeting if they are going to make the right decission by re-newing Burt Watkins contract??? Also, do you think that the Mayor now understands why some of the residents and ALL of the golf members want BURT to stay. I know I'm hoping that they will reconsider this un-nessacary replacement. Give him more years with us!!! LET BURT STAY!!!!! Thanks. "

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