Log in

District 2

Letters: Cline is solid selection in District 2

Posted

I don’t remember actually meeting Alyson (Aly) Cline. She is one of those people you feel like you have known your entire life. A sister, a best friend, a mentor. 

We were always running in opposite directions to our various volunteer meetings, but a smile and wave was heart-warming and made me feel like I could handle whatever the day had in store for me.

When I moved to Surprise, I knew no one. Finally, I saw something about a Cancer Relay for Life Event. I had long participated in these events where I came from, so I signed up. I was amazed at how well this one was organized. It was one of the best events I had ever attended, so amazing that I ended up sleeping on the ground with no pillow or sheet because I did not want to go home during the night and miss a single thing.

I saw Aly, who was the organizing committee member, often as she made her rounds, continually checking on everything and everyone and gained a lot of insight on how dedicated and committed she was to ensuring it was the best event ever. I eventually learned of the amazing business career she had had before she retired and, like me, made volunteering her new life.

Through the years I continued seeing her everywhere I went. She never slows down because she always knows there is something more she should be doing. I was able to retire but continued volunteering myself, and I would see her as we were running for our own meetings, always a wave and a smile from Aly would make my day. Sometimes we would yell across the way some short and friendly banter, and I swear on a cloudy day, she could make the sun shine.

Eventually, I had what I thought was some “free” time, so I attended a few meetings with her “Friends of the Surprise Libraries.” I got to see and be in awe of the remarkable businessperson she is. Amazingly successful through the years in raising thousands of dollars for the libraries with a great group of people who supported her whole-heartedly, she is a true business and community leader. 

I eventually moved to Sun City Grand and learned she lives here, too. We both volunteer here on Boards and Committees, and I supported her whole-heartedly in her earlier campaign only to watch with heavy heart as she had to step away due to an auto accident.

When the current city councilperson [Nancy Hayden] decided not to run, and Aly stepped in, I raced to be on her team. When I collected signatures for her to be on the ballot, as I have for others over 40 years, I usually had to beg people to sign. When I would show people I was “collecting signatures for Aly” my clipboards would be grabbed from my hands so people could sign with people lining up to sign.

Mr. Fountain notes on page 5 of the June 10 Surprise Independent that he is a “business consultant” and only mentions volunteering on his street signs but does not elaborate. I have only actually seen him twice in all the years I have lived and volunteered here in Surprise and that was when he tried to run for office before. 

For those of you readers who have volunteered, you know the dedication you have put in for no pay, long hours, odd times, ridiculous amounts of work, and the exhilaration you feel with your team when the event is over and successful.

Aly is a team player, an extremely successful, dedicated volunteer, and much-loved by everyone who knows her.

Please join her team and vote for her to become the next Surprise councilwoman.