Twenty-six years ago, I was transferred here from Miami, Fla.; our 12th home, the first one without a property tax.

Phoenix was booming. Property values were rising and, after a month of looking in the Valley we found Fountain Hill and fell in love. It’s 23 minutes to the airport, few tract houses (little boxes), great color schemes, lots of money coming in from development, good schools, safe living environment, the birds, the wildlife, golf courses, views, the parks, great people and the fountain.

In 2008 the market crashes and construction stops – everything else is the same. The town has much less money for infrastructure and no monies for amenities. I do not want to lose the equity in my property, nor the wonderful place to live and the great friends we have made.

The answer for Fountain Hills is obvious – a steady and reliable income for the town is a property tax. Think about where you came from. You had a property tax. The town is maturing and now needs a reliable source of funding. Do the right thing and vote for a property tax. If you do not trust your council, vote them out. You have the responsibility; it makes good business sense and keeps Fountain Hills’ great amenities.