I support Anna Thomasson for Mayor of Paradise Valley. She has served our community well as both a citizen and a town council member.
I’ve been disappointed by the misinformation and attacks in this campaign. Last week, I received a text from Mark Stanton’s campaign claiming he is the only candidate endorsed by our first responders. When I reached out to the Paradise Valley Police Department, they clarified, “The Paradise Valley Police Department has not endorsed any candidate in the mayoral race, including Vice Mayor Stanton.” I later discovered he is endorsed by the United Phoenix Firefighters Association, Local 493. This was a bit deceptive, in my opinion. This kind of misleading information is concerning for our voters.
Such behavior is unnecessary. We live in a remarkable town filled with talented individuals, yet some seem to build their own worth by undermining others. I expect more from our town council members; they should be honest and present accurate facts so we can make informed decisions.
It’s also hypocritical for Julie Pace, who ran for mayor without resigning from her council position, to expect others to do so. Her “Preserving Paradise Valley” newsletter often appears to be more about self-promotion than providing substantive information. This week’s edition falsely and dangerously claimed Ms. Thomasson withheld important legislative information and testified on a specific bill that she did not. The facts were easy to verify, but it looks like they don’t suit Ms. Pace’s narrative.
Politics is politics, but I expect our elected council members to adhere to the truth and not mislead us even in an election season. We deserve the best our town has to offer; Anna Thomasson is that candidate.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
