I’d like to introduce Gerry Friedel an ask you consider voting for him to be out mayor.

In 2018, I ran for town council with Gerry. When we ran together, Gerry was motivated to understand our town’s financial statements (which as an Arizona Office of the Auditor General alumni) impressed me. Gerry applied the government accounting knowledge he learnt by fighting for the creation of a reserve fund which saves a portion of town revenues to renovate the Fountain without issuing a bond or raising taxes.

He voted for fair zoning ordinances related to sober living homes; a vote not only benefiting our community by restricting the number of sober living homes established in our neighborhoods, but also benefiting patients in recovery as it placed a cap on the number of patients served in these businesses.

For those of us who are allied of friends or family suffering from addiction and mental illness, we appreciate Gerry’s judicious consideration of such a complex issue, ultimately supporting legislation that balanced the safety of our neighborhoods and prioritizing the access and quality of care to those needing treatment.

He has consistently voted for road infrastructure improvements and supported local business by helping to rewrite the sign ordinance to allow business owners a chance to increase sales.

While our current mayor has served admirably, I believe politicians should not serve more than three terms. Gerry is experienced, knowledgeable of town issues and has a proven track record to think critically about serious matters. He is ready to be our next mayor and I hope you will join me in marking your “X” by his name.

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