Opinions

Hilary Quinton | Fountain Hills

Town accomplishments under Mayor Dickey’s leadership over the last six years are remarkable; the list is very long. So, where has the town moved forward, and what are some of those successful steps taken?

Safety: We now have a municipal fire department and renegotiated a police contract with MCSO. We remain one of the safest communities in the state.

Quality of Life: Neighborhood improvements include addressing short-term rentals, group homes and home businesses.

Infrastructure: Our streets work continues, without additional funding. The Fountain was completely re-lit. Playgrounds have been improved and expanded along with the splash park. A new outdoor fitness course was added.

Economic Development: Our community has seen improvements in medical services, housing, business growth and it supports the investment in the International Dark Sky Discovery Center.

Planning: The town is prepared for the future, addressing parks, streets, the signature lake, a downtown strategy and more.

Communications: The town is keeping us informed with a citizen engagement plan, improved social and digital media resources and has a crisis communications plan.

Community Involvement: Our community enjoys great relationships with the school district, the Chamber and the Sanitary District through its Fountain Park restrooms program. We have fully staff commissions, including a new Arts and Historic Preservation Commission.

Partnerships: We’re an active partner with neighboring tribes, other local and regional governments, and participate in just about every regional or state organization that can assist the town in meeting its goals.

These things don’t happen by accident. It takes a leader who has a vision of what the town needs and the wisdom to see projects through to fruition. Mayor Dickey knows how to be a leader and is effectively moving our community forward. I hope you’ll vote to re-elect Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey on July 30.

Rich Gohl | Fountain Hills

For a person who claims he is pro-business and has financial acumen, Gerry Friedel certainly acts and votes differently.  

The Chamber of Commerce endorsed the Target revitalization project. So did our realtor community. Mr. Friedel said no, twice. He voted against approving the development and then supported a lawsuit brought by a political action committee by voting that the town abstain from defending itself and its staff against that lawsuit. All the while, businesses in this town, sometimes desperate for customers – especially in summer – could be the big losers, because those 300-plus new residential units will bring as many as 600 new consumers to town. So, which is it? Business friendly or not, Mr. Friedel?

As for financial acumen, the Town stands to earn sales tax on the approximately $60 million investment in the redevelopment of currently vacant retail buildings as well as on the money the new residents will spend at the currently underperforming Target center and elsewhere in town. The project may save the rest of the Target center in the process. Without some revitalization, Target may close and leave town, too. Target is a major employer and a major source of the town’s sales tax revenue. I guess he thinks that a failing, possibly empty Target center, is a better solution?

Mr. Friedel also demonstrated that he either didn’t understand the financial aspects of recent town council work sessions on the exhaustive Streets Commission report and annual town budget or he didn’t do his homework so that he was prepared for those meetings. Either way, Gerry Friedel is ill-prepared and the wrong choice for mayor of Fountain Hills.

Ginny Dickey is pro-business, supports responsible development, always does her homework and has consistently demonstrated sound, conservative fiscal responsibility with our town finances. 

Vote Ginny Dickey for Mayor.

Michael Scott | Fountain Hills

There’s been plenty of talk with code words here in Fountain Hills.

One that bothers me is the word “first.” Its origins are worrisome. Originally it was used by President Woodrow Wilson in 2016, referring to a U.S. isolationist policy that emphasized American exceptionalism and non-intervention.

In my mind, it goes further than that.

America First was a slogan of a foreign policy group called the “America First Committee,” a none-interventionist pressure group. That “committee” had a variety of U.S. supporters and the movement had spin-offs of anti-Semitism, and fascist rhetoric link it to Nazism. It was also used addressing slavery and white nationalism, with connections to immigration, nativism and xenophobia, all background fascist movements. The KKK used the phrase in the 1920s, too. Some even say American Christian nationalism is based on the belief about American superiority and a divine connection. And we won’t forget, more recently, that “America First” became Trump’s official foreign policy doctrine.

 Just another way of saying “first.”

So why should we care?

Our founding fathers wanted a secular government; they express this in the first few lines of the First Amendment.

Clearly, when I see terminology used in a Fountain Hills local election, I have to wonder what a candidate may be trying to say. Is it just coincidence, or is there something more implicit in the slogan? Is the person trying to say that “let’s take care of Fountain Hills and don’t worry about our neighbors or regional needs or goals,” leading us to believe that Fountain Hills will vacate its regional responsibilities? Or even worse, is the code word “first” trying to say what many of us are thinking it means, yet remains unsaid: Fountain Hills should be a white, senior, Christian municipality where no one else is welcome, and no one else’s opinions are valid?

You decide what you think “Fountain Hills First” really means.

Beth Culp | Fountain Hills
It has been two years since Fountain Hills was presented with and elected a slate of “conservative candidates” who would “Reclaim Our Town.” If you are among the minority who appear to thrive on negativity and chaos, that promise was fulfilled. For the majority, the past 18 months have been a disaster marked by hyper-partisan grandstanding and dysfunction.

Eighteen months later, Councilmember Skillicorn, the self-appointed spokesperson for the “New Conservative Majority” continues to list the same sorry list of “accomplishments”: the town lobbyist was “fired”; the invocation was reinstated; and the sign ordinance was “fixed.” Accomplishments? In the absence of a lobbyist the state legislature abolished a tax resulting in millions of dollars of revenue. The invocation was reinstated without guidelines, resulting in discord and confusion. The sign ordinance was abolished, reinstated and modified and is now, according to Skillicorn, both confusing and unconstitutional.

Town staff has been bullied and disparaged; the town manager quit; the retreat facilitator was terminated; the retreats were sabotaged; and the Four Peaks development, under consideration for years, resulted in litigation based on unfounded rumors of collusion with the developer.  

Unwarranted concern over nonexistent problems has resulted in discussions and debates over “sober living homes,” “detox facilities,” crime, homelessness, panhandling, masks and “Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.” Despite Mayor Dickey’s admirable efforts, attention has been repeatedly diverted from the issues that concern most of us: our streets, our businesses and a culture characterized by inclusiveness and generosity.

A new slate of “conservative candidates” has now been identified by ROT’s Crystal Cavanaugh: Gerry Friedel, Gayle Earle, Walter Corrigan and Rodney Watts. We are on notice that “conservative” has been used to identify candidates who are intent on continuing the culture war with the goal of establishing minority rule. Don’t be fooled again.

Rita Higgins | Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills needs a mayoral candidate with a broad background in governmental management, established relationships with neighboring communities and a deep understanding of the local issues affecting our town.

Ginny Dickey’s experience and capabilities translate to true grassroots leadership. Candidates Arpaio and Friedel do not demonstrate these important skills.

Former Sheriff Arpaio has cost Maricopa County taxpayers over $200 million in legal fees and settlements based on his flagrant disregard of federal, state and local laws. The Town of Fountain Hills can ill afford the cost if Arpaio’s past behavior continues as our mayor.

Councilmember Friedel does not display a grounded knowledge of our town’s budget or our road and school issues. Although he has served on the Town Council for several years, Friedel has not integrated some very basic facts that are crucial to our town’s future health and success.

We have owned homes in Fountain Hills for over 30 years, and we love the beauty and volunteer spirit this town represents. Ginny Dickey has earned our admiration for her thoughtful review of issues, her careful integration of Town Master Plans and surveys, and her collaborative respect and support for town staff. She is honest, professional and does her homework. 

Elect Mayor Ginny Dickey!

Rory Wilson | Fountain Hills

I’m excited to support Clayton Corey for the Fountain Hills Town Council in the upcoming election, as our community aims to maintain its small-town charm while making improvements to enhance our quality of life.

As a resident, college student and volunteer, it’s refreshing to see a candidate who recognizes that our strength lies in our diversity and will take the time to listen and understand constituents’ concerns and priorities.

Clayton’s extensive service in the community — from the Dark Sky Association to Sister Cities,

the Sanitary District board, Planning and Zoning Commission and more — exemplifies his commitment to positive growth and maintaining the uniqueness of Fountain Hills.

Our town needs more leaders willing to work together with the interest of residents in mind; leaders who will embrace different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives, in addition to being willing to collaborate and, most importantly, listen to those around them. Clayton Corey embodies this visionary leadership style, finding common ground and creating consensus when there is none.

Clayton’s open-mindedness, forward-thinking and love for our town reflects on his dedication to public service. Join me in voting for Clayton Corey this July!

Brenda Kalivianakis | Fountain Hills Town Council member

Most people enjoy the simple, friendly, neighborhood charm that comes with living in a small town. Part of the appeal is that small-town governments are deliberately non-partisan because the issues that come before them are generally not political in nature. Public safety, fire protection, roads/sidewalks, lights and signage, parks, schools, etc. are all nonpartisan. 

Unfortunately, bellicose politics is infecting our small-town government, and it’s very troubling. We all know how contentious politics has become. Watch the news, listen to talk radio or political ads; it’s ugly and in many cases, personal and vicious. It’s off-putting and makes us question the character of anyone who revels in it. 

Politics interferes with our ability to live life well. It doesn’t just make the world around us worse; it makes us worse. Politics can make us petty, short-sighted, tribal, selfish and divisive. It discourages reason and respect and a basic appreciation of the intelligence and dignity of others, especially those with differing views than our own. Politics encourages extreme reactions instead of reasonable discussion and rational thought. 

I am not naïve. I realize that on state, national and international stages, politics is a necessary evil. Politicians at those levels must debate topics that are both highly volatile and political in nature. That is a given. Fortunately, small towns are generally exempt from those naturally contentious issues. If you look at the list above, improving and maintaining infrastructure should not be fodder for political rancor unless bad actors make it so. It’s a deliberative process where our town’s leadership should reflect our citizens’ priorities.

We know that many hands make light work. If we respect each other, act reasonably and work together, we can achieve great things. We can accomplish ambitious projects and pursue positive, productive goals for our town’s future.

John Craft | Fountain Hills

As former chair for the Fountain Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission, I had the privilege of working with Mayor Dickey.

Under her leadership the town has enjoyed economic growth and enhanced quality of life standards including the opening of the Fountain Hills Community Medical Center, creation of a Fountain Hills Fire District, a new 10-year strategic plan that focuses on business growth and sustainability, a balanced town budget that includes a multi-year road improvement plan and our recertification as a Dark Sky community by the International Dark Sky Association.

Also, for the first time in more than two decades, a joint working collaboration between the town and the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce has been established to promote and support local businesses and services.

Mayor Dickey’s inclusive leadership model for fiscal responsibility and shared ownership of our most important assets – our community and its residents – has given us forward momentum.

Ginny Dickey is my candidate for re-election as mayor of Fountain Hills.

Howard Iskyan | Fountain Hills

Ginny Dickey has been a successful Mayor of Fountain Hills for six years. As Mayor, she has gained valuable experience by years of working with many organizations in Maricopa County as well as the surrounding communities. She has worked with legislative, judicial and environmental agencies on state and national levels.  

Our mayor has an impressive knowledge of Fountain Hills as a municipality. She understands the town’s organizations – civic as well as religious groups – our history, and the residents of Fountain Hills.  

Additionally, Mayor Dickey has been key in improving the town’s infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, planetarium), safety and the upbeat spirit of the community. 

Dickey listens to and quickly responds to the concerns of others. Her decision process is to obtain information, hear opinions, evaluate them, make a decision and implement it. As a math major, Ginny was educated in structured analysis of problems. She follows that philosophy to this day.  

A vote for Ginny Dickey is a vote for the continued improvement of Fountain Hills.

Faryl Palles | Fountain Hills

Peggy McMahon has three goals for our town: Helping our community remain safe, helping it remain welcoming and helping it become more and more dynamic.

Town Council elections are supposed to be nonpartisan. Choosing candidates by party affiliation does nothing to ensure they have the temperament and commitment to guide our town through tough times still envisioning a bright future. Voters must examine each candidate to determine who is best suited for the job of managing Fountain Hills. In the case of Peggy McMahon it’s easy; she has been doing the real work of a councilperson since 2021, listening to residents and responding to their concerns.

At every council meeting she gives an impressive summary of the meetings, conferences and events she has attended. If you watch the council meetings, you may have wondered why some council members have so many activities to report that they’re pushed for time, and others routinely have done nothing and have nothing to say for themselves. It’s obvious who on the council understands that Fountain Hills is not an island, but an interdependent town in the Valley.

Always a good listener, Peggy empathizes with the needs of others, as shown by her participation in the Fountain Hills Cares events. Throughout the years she has demonstrated the ability to react to problems and concerns with well-reasoned decisions.

Keep Peggy working hard for our town. She shows up, she does her homework, she probes issues and problems, she networks with other governmental organizations, she goes to workshops as well as takes tours offered by utilities or relevant agencies. Peggy McMahon puts shoe leather into the job, quietly and tirelessly. We are fortunate that she wants to run for re-election. Give her your vote this July and re-elect Councilmember Peggy McMahon.

Gene Slechta | Fountain Hills

Re-elect Peggy McMahon! Peggy is known throughout our community as a dedicated public servant. The fact is that Peggy is so much more.

Peggy knows that any successful local government requires teamwork. She works hard with other town elected officials to reach consensus in solving community issues. But Peggy also volunteers for, and works diligently on, more town and regional committees than just about anybody on the town council. She just does the work, not seeking publicity, and always focuses on addressing the town’s best interests.

In her first term, Peggy teamed with council members and town staff to move our fire department to in-house.  She worked with the council and business leaders in the beautification of our downtown. Peggy will team with others to continue to develop our downtown. But, she has been working with others to address the Shea corridor business issues as well. Saving Target and all the surrounding businesses is critical to our community’s financial health.

Peggy began her first term during one of the most difficult periods in American history, the COVID pandemic. Through those years, businesses faced financial ruin, the town lost huge amounts of revenue but is required by law to balance the budget.

We have come out of that healthier financially, more beautiful and more envied by other towns and cities. We have so much to be thankful for and community involvement and leadership were key. Peggy McMahon was a leader. She was a team player. We need Peggy McMahon on the Town Council. Re-elect Peggy McMahon!

Claudia Sullens Johnson | Fountain Hills

My husband and I have been residents of our lovely town of Fountain Hills for 26 years. During that time, I have seen many people representing different points of view that have served on our Town Council. Some, I have been in agreement with while others I have not. Most recently, there are some council members who seem to have agendas that don’t seem to have the best interests of most citizens of Fountain Hills at heart, let alone the future of our town.

So, I am publicly supporting Henry Male for council of Fountain Hills. I have known Henry well over 20 years and have served on boards and committees with him. You’ve possibly read about some of Henry’s history online and in the paper. I know him to be a very fair-minded person who reviews material presented and forms an opinion that he will openly share. No hidden agenda, he delivers what he says he will, in a collegial manner…respecting everyone.

Yes, he is an Independent and I will vote for Henry Male and I hope you will, too! He will be our independent voice on the Town Council.

Linda Fraser | Fountain Hills

You don’t have to know Mayor Ginny Dickey to appreciate her style. But I’m lucky, I know her.

You could be accustomed to her steady leadership style, her welcoming smile, or her analytical approach to town issues. But there’s even more there than meets the eye.

She’s driven to understand our needs, she welcomes discussion of important issues and she’s committed to our town’s success. 

I’ve watched her in both small and large group settings, working to understand the issues. She doesn’t shy away from making those tough decisions. Bottom line, she does her homework.

I can’t imagine a more qualified leader to represent us in our town and outside our boundaries, too.  I encourage you to vote for Ginny Dickey for mayor on July 30.

Don Scott | Fountain Hills

In a January interview (azfamily.com), former Sheriff Arpaio explained that he was running for mayor of Fountain Hills because he didn’t have any hobbies and wanted to contribute to his community by putting his “wisdom” to work. 

Should we consider electing a mayor who views the job as a hobby? Of course not. 

Do we have reason to believe that Arpaio’s “wisdom” compensates for his admitted lack of experience? Not based on his past and present history.

Was it wise to orchestrate the arrest and jailing of two journalists, resulting in a $3.75 million settlement of their false arrest claims? (Phoenix New Times)

Was it “wise” to order the continuation of unlawful immigration patrols for months after a federal judge ordered them to be stopped, resulting in litigation that, to date, has cost taxpayers more than $200 million? (Fox 10)

Was it “wise” to admit during a speech at the America First Political Action Conference that “maybe I did racially profile” and go on to boast he owned a machine gun he could use “to shoot people that come across the border?” (New Times/The Rational National)

Arpaio has been spared the consequences of his lack of judgment. He has not paid his own defense costs. He didn’t go to jail following his conviction for criminal contempt. He accepted Trump’s pardon and, in doing so, admitted his guilt.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been paid in fees, judgments and settlements because of this “wise” man’s decisions. Yet, Arpaio has said he would change nothing. He has said he would “do it all over again.” (Associated Press story published by NPR)

We cannot give him the opportunity to “do it all over again.” Fountain Hills cannot afford Joe Arpaio.

Jesse James | Fountain Hills

It was interesting to compare and contrast the backgrounds, experience, town involvement and goals of the 11 candidates featured in the April 2 edition of Fountain Hills Times Independent. That is the necessity of local journalism, but that’s not all.

I just couldn’t get past one picture, I assume supplied by the candidate. Why does anyone think that a mugshot-type pose from a candidate for office is a good thing, a la Donald Trump? I guess it makes sense if it’s Arpaio. He’s modeling himself after the guy who granted him a pardon.

Actually, finding a picture of Arpaio with anything except a frown or scowl is difficult to do, unless it’s of him selling underwear, vanity books and autographed photos at fairs, gun shows or wherever. And it’s a message. Take it for what it is. Is he seriously unhappy living here? Or is that his mood? Is that the person we want representing our town?

Will he smile at a ribbon cutting, a groundbreaking, a regional meeting, with Stellar Students, reading a proclamation, or on the council dais conducting the business of our town if he is not also hawking his wares? I don’t want to find out. 

Arpaio’s frown says everything except “I am Fountain Hills.”

Joseph Joyce | Fountain Hills

2024 is an election year in Fountain Hills. Choices must be made. Town Council meetings often highlight contrasts that voters should consider. The recent council study session to discuss the FY25 budget was a lesson in contrasts.

Mayor Dickey showed clear understanding of the proposed budget and had specific questions to ask about expenditures and revenues. One discussion clearly defined her preparation as compared to that of Councilman Friedel.

Consider street improvements on La Montana and Palisades. Mayor Dickey had questions about the costs based on staff recommendations which, in turn, were taken from a comprehensive consultant study (previously brought to council).

In contrast to the Mayor, Councilman Friedel seemed vague, and at one point asked if staff could provide some direction, maybe even do a study. Another study? But a study had previously been done, its findings available to council and included in the budget.

How could Councilman Friedel have missed that key point? He asked the Public Works director questions that seemed uninformed. Was this tactical because he didn’t like the project, or had he simply not done his homework?

The councilman further commented that traffic levels did not justify the project; proposed improvements were not safe; and that the town could not fund the work for six years. But these points appear baseless. The recommendation will create a shovel-ready project, ready to roll out when funding, including grant funding, becomes available.

Mayor Dickey vigorously asserted that the study was based upon key principles, including public safety. Likely ADA/safety grant funding could significantly enhance the project and reduce the town’s cost.

Bottom line: elected Town Council positions are both an honor and a duty. Each councilman accepts the duty of due diligence. Be prepared. Do your homework. Read reports. Know what you’re talking about.