Talking with business leaders at the Chamber of Commerce dinner July 10, the four candidates for Town Council continued to emphasize economic development as a key challenge facing the town.

Candidates Lina Bellenir, Nick DePorter, Councilman Henry Leger and Alan Magazine were unanimously of the opinion that population growth is the key to growing the town’s economy.

Bellenir said the people are the economic base and the town needs to work to expand population. She said the council needs to support the planned Adero Canyon development and make sure it goes smoothly.

“We need to introduce ourselves to the Valley,” Magazine said. “I’ve met people who have lived in Scottsdale for years who have not heard of Fountain Hills, or think it is miles into the desert.

“We need to advertise Fountain Hills and go after small non-retail business.”

DePorter said community growth would address some concerns, but he believes there needs to be more resources in economic development.

“A coordinator who works 20 hours a week is not enough,” DePorter said.

Bellenir said if elected she is more than willing to offer her marketing experience in assisting Economic Development Coordinator Scott Cooper.

“This town needs to be neighbor friendly,” Leger said. “We should continue to leverage our small-town feel.

“We need to focus on what works and not be negative. That’s what attracts families. We are all ambassadors for Fountain Hills.”

“Business friendly” is a term that’s been used to describe Fountain Hills both positively and negatively.

The candidates were asked to define business friendly and asked whether the town is.

DePorter said a community should be able to fast track requests from business, even offer concierge level service.

“Take ownership to assist and make them feel important,” DePorter said. (The town is) pretty efficient with the permit process, but there is room for improvement.”

This is a question people have been asking for years, and there are different definitions, Leger said.

“Some people say they want government to stay out of their business operations, while others want subsidies,” he said.

“The town’s role is to provide a safe environment that will attract new residents and business.”

The town should welcome business with open arms, Bellenir said.

Magazine said he wants to hear the answer to the business friendly question from businesses.

“We need facts and information, get together with business groups and get real information,” he said.

The candidates were asked if business attraction is the goal, what specifically can individual council members accomplish.

Bellenir said she would employ her own marketing skills developed in bringing a unique small business to town years ago.

“We can work closely with staff and use the technology available to us,” she said. “Reach out to business, meet with them and bring in their ideas.”

There are numerous inquiries to staff each monthly asking for information about the town, according to Magazine.

“We don’t have anyone to show these people around town,” he said. “We are in competition to get these people, we need to get information to them.”

The council needs to make sure the funding is there to support economic development and tourism, Leger said.

All of the candidates emphasized a need for a full partnership between business and the town.

“There needs to be a culture shift,” DePorter said. “Buy local, live local. The business community needs to push this and let the citizens know it is in their best interests.”