Simpson: Thomasson would be a mayor for the people

The recent candidate forum hosted by the Independent clarified the differences between the three mayoral candidates.

Mary Hamway outlined her concern about high turnover among staff, citing her role to bring institutional memory to the town, referencing new police officers “grappling” with their new positions. I disagree. We have an excellent police department who just recently successfully responded to the dinner-time burglaries, became an accredited agency and is led by many long-service employees.

Additionally, I applaud the improved financial condition of the town.

And finally, thanks largely to Councilmember Scott Moore, our building codes were recently changed to restrict foundation “pad” heights and require additional on-site water retention. We are already honoring our values.

Mark Stanton told us he was all about tourism and will use his experience to encourage and grow tourism since it is a major economic engine that fuels our town. As president and CEO of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, and former director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Mark knows tourism.

Anna Thomasson tells us her passion is community, which means the residents – you and me! She knows the biggest threat today comes from the legislature, which is why she has worked with the mayor, council and our lobbyist to defeat bills that affect our quality of life on a daily basis.

We need a mayor who fights for the town – our community. We need neighborhoods with safe streets and a quiet place where your property rights are respected. We need an open, active dialog with our state representatives and a town council responsive to your concerns.

The mayor of Paradise Valley must first be all about the residents. We live here, tourists just visit.      

Join me in voting for Anna Thomasson for mayor. You will be her first priority.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.