Wolborsky: Candidates who stand out in this election

There are three candidates running for Fountain Hills Town Council who have proven themselves to be informed, polite, well spoken, concerned citizens. All have regularly attended the Fountain Hills Town Council meetings for the last year and more. They are Rick Watts, Gayle Earle and Mathew Corrigan.

Each has a website explaining their background, expertise and goals. All have spoken intelligently and civilly at town council meetings as members of the public. All stand for fiscal responsibility and have had successes based on that philosophy.

Rick Watts is vice chairman of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, and chairman of the primary working committee for the NPOA (Neighborhood Property Owners' Association of Fountain Hills). He’ll bring much-needed planning and zoning expertise to the council. 

Current councilman Gerry Friedel is the mayoral candidate who brings council and finance experience and chooses sensible spending. He’s dedicated to this town and can be seen at almost every event, no matter how small.

I’ve attended almost all of the Fountain Hills Town Council meetings for the last two years. It’s clear which council members are concerned about sensible spending and maintaining our existing infrastructure, and which are excited to vote for any project that looks shiny. Councilwoman Peggy McMahon and our current mayor, Ginny Dickey, are most often in the latter camp.

This is a small community. The results of government decisions are usually visible to the entire town, and often affect a good portion of the populace. Small towns can’t print money to create the illusion of an unlimited budget. If they spend money on one project, another has to be dropped or ignored. When they fail, they try to issue a bond.

Fountain Hills is a jewel in the desert and our taxes are manageable. Let’s keep it that way.

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