A couple of months ago I wrote an editorial about how Fountain Hills was marketed as a “home town by nature” by the Chamber of Commerce. When I drive into Fountain Hills on Shea Boulevard, I still feel amazed and blessed because of the scenic, craggy mountains, the lush Verde River Valley, the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and our picturesque town nestled into the hills and river valley below.

My family has called Fountain Hills home for 23 years and we have volunteered with many others to help build our parks, build a United Methodist Church, coach youth sports, support the Boys & Girls Club, support our schools’ bond issues and, now, to help The Trailblazers build hiking and biking trails.

Today I want to detail the benefits these volunteers and town’s professional staff have brought to Fountain Hills. I know from the personal experience of being on the Parks and Recreation board for over five years and helping the Trailblazers build trails; that our town has saved over $5 million dollars in just these two recreation areas. One of the best investments our town has ever made was to hire a full-time volunteer coordinator. She has worked with over 900 talented residents who have served this town to save millions of dollars.

Because our town council voted unanimously on the property tax issue and because our town has taken many efficient steps to save money in the past and the present, I am now going to vote for the property tax increase. We are truly a “hometown by nature” in spirit, geography and definition. Talented, smart people have properly supported and managed our resources. If this continues, our identity is safe; past, present and future.