Mayor and council candidates profess their love of Fountain Hills for myriad reasons. I’ve been part of the many shared efforts that brought us to this high point since 1983. My family has been deeply committed to our hometown, creating a foundation that spans generations.
I’ve been serving as mayor for six years, practicing conservative budgeting, posting record-high property values, adding new and expanded businesses including an ER, offering ever-increasing activities and award-winning parks. Staff is professional and committed. We launched a fire department! We’re known nationwide as a very safe community after decades of service from MCSO.
It’s exciting to continue our progress through multiple masterplans and downtown strategies, sustaining commercial spaces with creative solutions, working with realtors, the Chamber, the Dark Sky Discovery Center and more. Capitalizing on mixed-use housing inventory, street improvements, our unique hospitality, outdoor recreation and entertainment options, plus bolstering our school district – the #1 employer – only adds to our successes locally and regionally.
We can preserve our safe and special quality of life, along with a thriving economy and amenities spanning all ages. These are not mutually exclusive. There is room for everyone to live in neighborhoods that suit them. This is where the “crossroad” I spoke of during the State of the Town comes in.
Referring to which path we might follow to respectfully unite our community in good faith, an additional choice emerged: Are we reconciled to possibly becoming a retirement community of largely part-time residents? Or instead, attract a multigenerational, engaged and growing population whose lifestyle is supported right here in town?
I am by nature optimistic, happy to welcome families … the same way we were embraced 40 years ago. I’m confident we can travel the “crossroad” together, keeping Fountain Hills a star-filled oasis in the Valley of the Sun. www.ginnydickeyformayor.com.
Ginny Dickey is running for mayor of Fountain Hills. The Times Independent offers candidates the opportunity to submit one letter during the election. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
