FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar had the honor of placing wreaths at Pearl Harbor on Sunday following the National Association of Counties’ (NACo) annual Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference (in Maui County, Hawai’i).
Benatar attended the 40th Anniversary of the USS Missouri’s Cold War Recommissioning where she met with veterans and active military personnel to celebrate their service and achievements. Alongside Jackson County Legislator’s Manuel Abarca IV and Venessa Huskey, she laid wreaths to honor both the USS Missouri and the USS Arizona.
“At the USS Arizona Memorial, I was reminded that service, sacrifice and stewardship are not just ideals, they are responsibilities we carry forward,” Benatar said. “On behalf of Coconino County and my county colleagues through NACo, it was a profound honor to place a wreath in tribute to those who gave everything and to reaffirm our commitment to never forget their legacy.”
Benatar is running for Second Vice President of NACo and her campaign focuses on the importance of empowering counties to lead on issues ranging from infrastructure and public health to fiscal sustainability and intergovernmental collaboration.
“My campaign is about restoring local power,” said Benatar. “Counties are the backbone of American governance. When counties decide, communities thrive. It’s time to return decision-making to the people who know their communities best.”
Since taking office in 2014 as the youngest County Treasurer in Arizona history, she has transformed Coconino County’s treasury operations with a focus on transparency, innovation and efficiency. Her leadership has earned her national accolades, including the 2023 National Government Controller of the Year by the Controllers Council.
Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Arizona Capitol Times Rising Star Award, the IRS Community Service Leadership Award and the Young Athena Award. She is also a fellow of the American Council of Young Political Leaders.